Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 Review

Review posted 8/28/2009
Olympus' Press Release
OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH SERIES CAMERAS DARE THE WORLD TO BRING IT ON!
Stability
Meets Durability: Shakeproof Dual Image Stabilization Added to
Shockproof, Waterproof and Freezeproof Design of STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and
STYLUS TOUGH-6000 Cameras
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 7, 2009
- There's really only one word to describe the new shockproof,
waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof cameras from
Olympus: Tough! Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on
earth, the Stylus Tough series builds on the impressive specifications
of the renowned Stylus SW Series by adding Dual Image Stabilization.
Now, when the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 arrive at the
windy mountain peak or dive into choppy waves, they stay steady and
ready to capture blur-free images in virtually any condition.
'Olympus designed the new Stylus Tough series to go places other point-and-shoot cameras wouldn't dare to go, and by adding Dual Image Stabilization we ensure that adventurers will come home with crisp, clear images of their travels,' said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. 'After all, when you make cameras that can be dropped, submerged and frozen you expect the terrain where you use them to get a little rocky along the way, and you want stability as well as durability.'
The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, designed for active and adventurous people, features an impressive 12 million pixels of image resolution for poster-sized prints and can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. The 10-megapixel STYLUS TOUGH-6000 is made for life's everyday adventures - especially those with kids. From the kitchen to a waterslide park and the bunny slopes, the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can take a drop from 5 feet, dive to 10 feet below the surface, and beat the freezing cold. Both Stylus Tough series cameras feature Tap Control to make it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves. It can also just be fun for those who enjoy new modern technology.
Winning the Battle of the Blur with Dual Image Stabilization
For
the first time, Dual Image Stabilization will be offered on Olympus'
cameras in the tough category. In the cold climates where the Olympus
STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 thrive, you may shiver, but the
cameras perform sure and steady even in shaking hands. Dual Image
Stabilization combines two technologies - mechanical Sensor-Shift Image
Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization - to provide one powerful
anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer
or the subject is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image
Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the internal image sensor
to compensate for camera movement, even in low-light conditions when
shutter speeds are slower. Additionally, Digital Image Stabilization
freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds
that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject.
Nothing Can Shock These Tough Cameras
Afraid
the mountain wind might sweep a camera out of your hands and dash it on
the rocks below? Never fear, the STYLUS TOUGH-6000, available in trendy
yellow, white or blue tones, can withstand a 5-foot drop thanks to the
Stylus Tough series' shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the
impact on the lens and circuitry. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, available in
stylish blue, black or silver, can withstand a 6.6-foot drop and
features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of
pressure.

Point-Dunk-and-Shoot Cameras
Stylus
Tough series cameras perform as well underwater as they do on land
because their lightweight, stainless steel and aluminum exteriors are
matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the
elements. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 can be fully submerged to capture
beautiful images down to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, and features a
built-in manometer, making it ideal for more serious underwater
adventurers who want to know the depth of where their images were
taken. The STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can be submerged up to 10 feet underwater.
The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes these cameras
perfect for taking photos while scuba diving, snorkeling or simply
having worry-free fun in the pool. Additionally, movies can be captured
on both cameras and colors are more vibrant using the underwater movie
mode on the STYLUS TOUGH-8000. The cameras also feature a
water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on
the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting
environment.
Freezeproof for Arctic Adventures
Whether
you're in the arctic tundra or building a snowman in your backyard, the
STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 cameras still perform when the
temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10
degrees Celsius). Stylus Tough series cameras continue to allow you to
take great images in freezing situations where most traditional cameras
would fail.
Olympus Recommended Button
The new 'OR'
button makes it easy to activate Olympus' unique features, including
In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot Preview. Simply
press the new OR button to easily access these commonly used features.
New Beauty Mode: Supermodels Watch out!
Taking
beautiful portraits in the pool or on the slopes is easy with the new
Beauty Mode. It enables you to soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or
blemishes on your subject's face - all in the camera and as you capture
the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using
the Beauty Fix mode. Choose 'Clear Skin' to smooth a person's
complexion, 'Dramatic Eye' to slightly emphasize the eyes, and 'Sparkle
Eye' to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You
can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your
brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.
Hit Them with Your Best Shot: Tap Control
The
Stylus Tough series cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on
their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their
internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on
the camera's body. To turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment
Technology, all that is required is a couple of taps on the camera's
sides and top. In adverse climates Tap Control ensures fast adjustment
of settings even if you are fighting frostbite wearing large gloves
that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.
Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Captures it All
The
STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 feature a 3.6x wide-angle
optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so
that even more of the subject makes it into each shot - perfect for
underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it
is further protected from harsh conditions.
Versatile Memory
All
Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media.
Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept
microSD memory cards to capture images. The new Stylus Tough cameras
offer the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory
cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot
cameras.

Advanced HyperCrystalTM III LCD
The
next generation of Olympus' LCD technology - HyperCrystal III -
displays twice as bright as previous versions so that you can see the
details more clearly, even in direct sunlight. The new technology is
offered on the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 in a 2.7-inch
LCD.
Can't Hide with Face Detection!
Portrait and
group shots make family reunions live beyond the short event, and with
Face Detection you'll capture even the shyest relatives. The STYLUS
TOUGH-8000 detects up to three faces and the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 detects
up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes
exposure to capture sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. Thanks
to the unrivaled durability of the Stylus Tough series cameras, you'll
capture amazing photos even if your next family reunion is at a
National Park, a water park or a ski slope!
Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
Skating
at night? You won't be the last one on the ice thanks to Intelligent
Auto Mode. It automatically identifies what you are shooting (i.e.
Portrait, Night + Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Sports) and adjusts
the camera's settings to capture the best quality results. First-time
users can jump into this quick and hassle-free feature that does the
thinking for them and produces incredible images.
Broaden Your Horizons with In-Camera Panorama
The
places you can take Stylus Tough series cameras - the Grand Canyon or
the volcanic sand beaches of Hawaii - are locations where you want to
capture as much of the scene as you can. In-Camera Panorama mode makes
it possible by capturing three images and stitching them together to
create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button
and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images
will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first
image - resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the
ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the OLYMPUS Master
Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.
Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting
outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme
contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the
human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light
and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not
been quite as sensitive. The Stylus Tough series addresses this
challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates
for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack
visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture
images with the same contrast as the naked eye.
Perfect Shot Preview
The
Stylus Tough series features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables
users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live,
multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview
enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when
adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they
want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of
different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation,
white balance and metering.
Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The
Stylus Tough series offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit,
in-camera editing features such as resizing, and saturation
adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With
the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at
once.
LED Illuminator
An LED Illuminator on the
Stylus Tough series cameras works like a mini-flashlight on the front
of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting - great
for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in
conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when
taking low-light portraits.

TruePic III Image Processor
Olympus'
enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos
using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior
picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and
faster processing speeds. TruePic III captures sharp images at high ISO
settings, minimizing image noise or grainy photos traditionally
associated with shooting with high ISO.
Smart Charging for Active Lifestyles
For
the first time, the new STYLUS TOUGH-8000 offers internal charging.
Using an AC adapter, the camera plugs directly into a power outlet and
charges the battery like a traditional mobile phone. It minimizes the
need to open the battery compartment door, and helps to maintain the
watertight gaskets that keep your camera tough.
Fashionable and Practical Accessories
Olympus
offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the
Stylus Tough series cameras. For users looking to capture their
underwater adventures deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), Olympus offers
the PT-045 underwater housing for the STYLUS TOUGH-8000, which enables
users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). A highly
visible floating wrist strap frees users' hands when swimming or
chasing the next big wave. Stylish silicone skins protect the camera
from scratches.
Additionally, new carabineer straps available in blue and black attach directly to the camera and can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are also perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. Olympus Stylus Tough series cameras continue to make smooth transitions from outdoor adventures to cocktail parties. Rinse the camera and place it in an Olympus premium case for added sophistication. The premium cases are available in a variety of colors, including red, black and brown leather as well as various patterns.
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
OLYMPUS
Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management.
An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick
and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and
searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your
images and videos to YouTube easier than ever. Additionally, with
one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched
up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware
upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the
optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows
and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.
Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints
using the optional ArcSoft Print Creations plug-in.
Availability
The
STYLUS TOUGH-8000 will be available in February 2009, and the STYLUS
TOUGH-6000 will be available in January 2009. They will include: a
wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-50B Li-Ion
rechargeable battery, F-1AC charger for the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and the
LI-50C charger for the STYUS TOUGH-6000, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter),
manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).
U.S. Pricing
- STYLUS TOUGH-8000 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
- STYLUS TOUGH-6000 Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.