Olympus Stylus 720 SW (Olympus µ [mju:] 720SW) Reviews

Olympus Stylus 720 SW (Olympus µ [mju:] 720SW) Reviews and Comparisons

DigiCamReview: Image quality was generally good, with good colour, contrast, and detail, although images were slightly soft, and saturation was slightly lower than I would have liked to see (this can be increased by using some of the scene modes), as a comparison the Olympus SP-320 had higher saturation on default settings. Images had generally low noise, at most ISO settings upto ISO200…

The cameras most appealing features are it’s ultra compact shock proof and water proof body – the first ultra compact digital camera to feature this. The camera is very compact and very pocketable. The camera is stylish with a solid silver body available in three colors…

The Olympus Mju / Stylus 720SW at around $235, is good value for money for an ultra compact 7 megapixel digital camera, add in the water, dust and shock proof features, and this digital camera becomes excellent value for money, especially considering that this camera will survive any accidental encounters with water and dust or from being dropped…

The Olympus Stylus / Mju 720SW has a LOT going for it, and would be especially suited to someone who wants to take their camera with them everywhere they go, especially if they’re prone to dropping things, getting things wet, getting things dusty. The shockproof and dustproof qualities, and the solid build of the digital camera is likely to make the digital camera last much longer than other digital cameras, this makes it excellent value for money compared to less solid digital cameras. Image quality was generally good, although slightly under-saturated for some people’s tastes, and images were slightly soft. Noise was quite well controlled. The camera is very easy to use and there were several features built into the camera to help get better results, such as the digital image stabilization mode and numerous scene modes.

ComputerAct!ve (dead link) reviews Olympus Mju 720 SW digital camera and concludes with overall rating of 4 out of 5 that with a rock-solid build, large LCD screen and easy-to-navigate features, the Olympus 720 SW looks likely to kick sand in competitors’ faces. The good points are built like a tank yet compact and lightweight, waterproof and shockproof plus good image quality, while bad point is small controls.

DigitalCameraReview concludes that Olympus Stylus 720 SW was designed to withstand total immersion in water, extended exposure to mist, rain, snow, sleet, rain forest style humidity, dust, and ocean spray, plus the hard knocks and occasional slips and falls associated with active lifestyles. It is small enough to drop in a shirt pocket, tough as nails, easy to use, and retains all the style of its classic Stylus film camera ancestors. I didn’t take the camera underwater, but I did take it out in the rain a couple of times with no ill effects.

Dedicated underwater cases for compact digital cameras generally run at least half the purchase price of the camera, so the 720 SW’s $400.00 (underwater ready) price tag is a real bargain for snorkelers, sailboarders, boaters, swimmers, water skiers, seashore lovers, and beachcombers. The 720 SW’s images are a bit soft overall, but when the camera’s underwater capabilities, dust/weather resistance, and general toughness are factored in – I believe its strengths outweigh its weakness by a substantial margin.