Olympus Stylus . MP Digital Camera with x Optical Zoom - Olympus

Olympus Stylus 300 3.2 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
by Olympus
(94)

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The Olympus Stylus 300 is perhaps the best go-anywhere point-and-shoot digital camera, thanks to its all-metal, weatherproof exterior. Easy on the eyes and comfortable in the hand, the Stylus 300 can also withstand water splashes, driving rain, and windy snowstorms. And though it's not waterproof, you can add the optional PT-016 underwater case for diving photos down to 130 feet underwater.

Weatherproof design and an all-metal exterior allow you to use the Stylus 300 in conditions from driving rain to windy snowstorms.

While not as "Elph-in" as some other compact digital cameras, the Stylus 300 is easily pocketable for on-the-go photo fun, from sightseeing to impromptu get-togethers. It's also very quick to respond on start-up. Just slide open the clam-shell cover, and the Stylus 300 is ready to snap pics in about 3 seconds.

The Stylus 300 is made for automatic point-and-shoot possibilities, and the camera offers some basic scene modes (landscape, night, portrait, and self-portrait) and white balance settings (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and fluorescent). The menu system accessed through the 1.5-inch LCD continues the Olympus tradition of a well-mapped-out software system.

The Stylus 300 is just the right size--compact enough to carry anywhere, but not so small that it's hard to operate.

We were quite happy with the exterior, providing a lot of area from the right side of the camera to the lens, which helped to eliminate fingers getting in the way of the lens. Additionally, the shutter button at the top of the camera was nicely sizeable for our chunky fingers. We were a bit disappointed, though, with the size and slipperiness of the function buttons on the back of the Stylus--the all-metal exterior was just too smooth and the buttons weren't rubbery enough.

With the 3.2-megapixel resolution, you’ll be able to capture enough image detail to print decent 11 by 14 print enlargements. But the best thing about more pixels is the amount of stored pixel information, which enabled us to crop images on our PC without losing much clarity or sharpness. At the highest quality setting, you'll get 2,048 x 1,536 pixel images, but you can also step down to lower pixel ranges--from 1,600 x 1,200 to 640 x 480.

You can also record small QuickTime videos, though we found the movie mode to be fairly basic compared to some of the other new releases of 2003. Since there's no built-in microphone, your movies will be silent, and you can't utilize the zoom while filming. Choose between 320 x 240 for 16 seconds and 160 x 120 for 40 seconds.

If you're looking for pure point-and-shoot pleasure, the Stylus 300 is the camera for you. It's nicely automated and ready to snap pics in a flash. We were also quite happy with the battery life, though you might want to invest in an additional battery (model LI-12B) as well as a higher-capacity XD card for safety's sake. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros

• All-weather exterior means never having to worry about rain, sleet, or snow
• Great automatic point-and-shoot features
• Fast start-up time

Cons

• No manual controls
• Movie mode doesn't have sound, short video length

The Olympus Stylus300 Digital-Camera has every thing to get you into and get the most fun from digital imaging technology. Up to 10 frames stitchable panorama, when used with Olympus XD card 5 Scene Programs provide best results for various shooting situations Includes - Stylus 300 Digital Camera; 16MB xD-Picture Card; LI-10B Li-Ion Battery and Charger; RM-2 Self-timer Remote Control; Digital Camera Win/Mac USB Cable; Video Cable; Wrist Strap; Quick Start Guide; Printed Instruction Manual; Warranty Card; CD-ROM - CAMEDIA Master Software, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Camera Reference Manual 1.5 Color LCD Optical Viewfinder Weighs less than 6 ounces (without battery or media card)