Customer Reviews
Is useful despite drawbacks 
2008-07-24
I bought this camera to use while backpacking and canoeing. I was attracted to the waterproof and shockproof features, and it is indeed waterproof (I haven't dropped it yet, so I don't know about the shockproof part). The picture quality is good, but not outstanding, and the various shooting modes are very useful when I remember to use them. It has some serious drawbacks, though. The battery life is poor, so a week-long trip would require at least two extra fully charged batteries. The LCD display is barely visible in bright sunlight and there is no optical viewfinder as an alternative. Finally, like all cameras this size, it's easy to hold it crooked, shake it while taking the picture, or get a finger in front of the lens. I don't regret buying it and I'll use it a lot, but I wish it didn't have these drawbacks.
Great for underwater shots, lacking in optical zoom 2008-07-21
I was a little nervous to purchase this camera due to some reviewers who had obviously purchased faulty (leaky) cameras.
I am happy to say that this camera took fabulous underwater shots on my recent cruise to the Bahamas. The shots are clear and perfectly focused.
I knew going in that the optical zoom was not great, but I bought it specifically for the water resistance and am not disappointed.
Another plus is that you can use it straight out of the box - charge up the battery, purchase a card and start shooting. No need to read the manual first.
You do, however, need to submerge the camera in fresh water after taking underwater photos. As I was at the beach, I simply poured drinking water over the camera and set it in the shade to dry. I submerged it in fresh water later back on the ship.
Simple to use, great underwater shots, great in motion shots, good price.
Photo quality decent, underwater feature --> Amazing 2008-07-17
So the LCD screen got really scratched up the first time I used it (went tubing down a river so it's mostly my fault). It has shown to be very shock and water-proof. It is really tough to figure out how to take black and white shots.
Great camera for active college student 
2008-07-07
I bought this camera for my daughter. After she had gone through several other cameras that she had broken, I decided that she needed a camera that would hold up to her active lifestyle. This one was the only one that I found at a reasonable price that was shock resistant and waterproof. For anyone that loves the beach and loves to snow ski this is the perfect camera.
Neat camera 2008-07-07
Performs as advertized. Photo management program very nice as well. Size takes alittle getting use to, but picture quality is amazing.
Olympus Stylus 2008-07-06
The camera built for life's adventures. The Stylus 790 SW is packed with technology tailored for active people. The Shockproof, Waterproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof design means it's incredibly durable, but it's also sleek and stylish. The new Face Detection feature recognizes subjects' faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portraits. Whether you're playing volleyball at the beach, mountain biking or just hanging out at the pool, the Stylus 790 SW is a must-have vacation and party accessory.
Good stuff 2008-07-02
The camera is working great. The blue actually comes out to be more purple then it looks. It would be nice if the package came with a memory card, the XD is not as readily available as the SD. But overall we are excited to use the camera around the water and not have to worry about ruining the camera.
A Waterproof Digital Camera? 2008-06-27
I needed the waterproof feature for my daughter who is a white water river raft guide in Colorado. This camera fills this need very well. The camera is easy to use and the pictures are excellent, even during the rapids sections of the river due to the image stabilization feature. She is very pleased with this camera in every way.
BY far the best camera 2008-06-18
In the past two years, ive owned a canon powershot, and a kodak easyshare camera. This Olympus is definatly the most tolerant camera ive had. I bought it mainly for the underwater capability and its definitly exeeded my expectations. For me, photos taken underwater have come out extremely clear, and theyre really fun. I took it with me to florida, and most of the time i had it, it was underwater, and nothing has happened to damage it in any way. It continues to take clear, and impressive photos outside and under water, and i definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a small compact camera that is especially durable when it comes to almost anything.
WATERPROOF AND FOOLPROOF!!! 2008-06-17
I can't say enough about this camera. I purchased it for the waterproof capability, though I never thought I could take such GREAT shots. POSTCARD QUALITY. BELIEVE IT!
I used the SCN setting a lot for available light (I hate a flash) and other situations and that feature helped tremendously.
Even the video clips come out great!
Ken from NJ
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