olympus

digital camera

A Water-, Freeze-, and Shock-Proof Camera From Olympus

Check out this sleek new camera Olympus announced at last week's CES.

Check out this sleek new camera Olympus announced at last week's CES. The Stylus Tough-3000 comes stocked with 12MP and also records video in HD, but the most impressive thing about the Tough-3000 is its ability to take awesome photos and video just about anywhere, including underwater and in really cold temperatures. Thankfully, it's a lot better looking than last year's model, which seems a little clunky in comparison.

Other impressive tech specs include dual image stabilization and fast shutter speed to capture moving images. There's also a setting to automatically identify what you're shooting — a portrait, landscape, nighttime scene, etc. — and adjusts the camera's settings accordingly. There's 1GB of built-in storage, and an in-camera panorama feature, which will stitch together three photos to create a panoramic image.

Given my remarkable ability to drop (and sometimes drop then kick) my gadgets, I like its tough exterior. And it's perfect for active vacations on the slopes or in the ocean. The camera is expected to hit stores in February and retail for around $230.

photography

Olympus Tough 8000 Dares You to Abuse It

Although I was smitten by the bright and rugged Olympus Stylus 790 SW I was still afraid that I would drop it on a recent skiing trip, and shatter it to pieces.

Although I was smitten by the bright and rugged Olympus Stylus 790 SW I was still afraid that I would drop it on a recent skiing trip, and shatter it to pieces. That or end up cracking the screen while hiking in the sierras. Either way, I was still gingerly handling this baby like it was made of glass.

Certainly, I'm sure I'd feel that way about any gadget, but the newest edition to the Olympus family wants you to know it can take a beating.

The 12 megapixel Olympus Tough 8000 has a name that says it all — tough. Waterproof up to 33 feet (hello scuba diving!), freezeproof up to 14 degrees, and crushproof up to 220 pounds, this is the true take-anywhere-cause-it-still-fits-in-your-pocket digital camera. Plus, you can drop this baby all day long, and it won't break, since it has a 6.6 foot drop threshold. If you want a camera that is going to stand the test of time, this is the one. Don't get me wrong, it's an investment at $400 dollars, but it's sure to be worth it.

Love It or Leave It

Olympus Retro Micro Four Thirds Camera: Love It or Leave It?

Yesterday, Olympus showed off its concept for the new Micro Four Thirds camera, and to channel Borat: Wowaweewah!

Yesterday, Olympus showed off its concept for the new Micro Four Thirds camera, and to channel Borat: Wowaweewah! It has never been a secret how much I love vintage geek, but this is a brand-spankin' new camera (and not even Steampunked!)! The intersection is brilliant, beautiful, and appreciated.

No pricing, specs, or availability were announced yet, so I am eagerly awaiting that stuff, but in the meantime, tell me what you think of it — is it a hot throwback or is it too reminiscent of those old Woodie station wagons?

summer

Olympus Waterproof Cam Permits Wet 'n Wild Photo Fun

I've already touched on a few waterproof cameras in my waterproof gadgets slideshow, but here's a newbie that should have made the list!

I've already touched on a few waterproof cameras in my waterproof gadgets slideshow, but here's a newbie that should have made the list! The bright and bold Olympus Stylus Waterproof Digital Cam, (they advertise it as being orange, but it's totally yellow), offers 7.1-megapixels, a beautiful 2.5-inch LCD screen for viewing your pics and waterproof capabilities down to 10 feet. And the price tag? $257 — the perfect Summer gadget!