Olympus Stylus 830 Digital Camera

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Consumer Review

Sending it back - images not razor sharp.

by billct97, Nov 23, 2007

Pros: Size, weight, menus are excellent.

Cons: Images not razor sharp.

The Bottom Line: Everything about this camera looks and operates like a dream. My big problem is the images seem less than razor sharp. Camera is going back.

Overall Rating:

Author's Review

I feel that this camera has a very soft focus. Compared to my 2 year old Sony DSC-W7 I find the Sony has razor sharp images, especially when you zoom in on the PC. The photos I have taken with the 830 have a bit weaker color and most annoyingly the entire photo seems to have less than sharp details. Too bad because I bought this model because of the double image stabilization system which I expected would provide amazing clarity and I'm just not getting it. Maybe my model is an early one and defective. Maybe my Sony is just a better camera ? I really like EVERYTHING else about this camera. The size and weight are excellent. The menus and hyper-crystal display a joy to use. But, if it won't take a better picture than my 2 year old Sony, it isn't worth $300 (plus memory and extra battery). One thing to know, is ordered from J&R (great people) it came with a free leather pouch and carry strap.

I only tested this camera with indoor lighting, using the flash, over the Thanksgiving holiday. I'd bet outdoor lighting it will be very good. But I take plenty of indoor photos and the "soft focus" of this model is unacceptable for indoor use. BTW, I used the HQ setting which is the default setting versus the SHQ setting which appears to just be the difference between whether it compresses the output file. Maybe this is my problem. I won't know as it is packed and ready to go back. (update - I opened the package before sending it back and tried SHQ - there was no improvement).

Also, didn't get a chance to really test battery life - but epinions requires I rate that. Have seen that this battery and Olympus cameras have a weak rating for battery life.

Last, the optional Olympus black soft leather case with extra battery is a good deal. However I found the inside of the case had a front and back side separator. It made the pouch entirely useless as you can't put the camera in without it getting stuck.

I'm very curious to see what others feel about this model and will check back from time to time.