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Olympus Stylus 1030 SW $350; www.olympusamerica.com
The Specs: This 3.7"-by-2.4"-by-0.84", 6.3-ounce, 10-megapixel digital camera with 3.6x optical zoom, 5x digital zoom, and 2.7" LCD display captures still images in JPEG format as well as video in AVI Motion JPEG.
The Highs: Olympus touts the 1030 SW as being shockproof, able to survive a fall of up to 6.6', waterproof to 33', freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and able to withstand 220 pounds of crushing force. It has a durable metal body along with waterproof seals and gaskets. It's a survivor for sure. We took it below the waves and dropped it on a hard concrete pool deck. Above or below the water, it takes pictures and video like any other premium digital camera. A total of 29 shooting modes cover everything from nighttime portraits to action shots to underwater movies. Pictures upload seamlessly to either Mac or PC via a USB connection. The lithium-ion battery allowed the camera to capture more than 250 images before needing to be recharged.
The Lows: It forgoes a viewfinder for an LCD screen, which can be difficult to see in bright sunlight or underwater. The lens also occasionally suffered from water spots if we didn't remember to wipe it.
The Verdict: A high-end digital camera made even better by a rugged exterior and its ability to shoot high-quality underwater photos.
