Bar none, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 is one of the most durable compacts around. Able to survive drops of over six and a half feet and crushing weights of up to 220 lbs, it’s definitely the single most destruction-proof camera I’ve ever handled. To go with the sturdy metal build and powerful shock absorption, it can also swim in depths of up to 33 feet and operate in freezing 14-degree Fahrenheit temperature.
But, of course, it has to manage great shots too, right?
With a 12-megapixel sensor, 3.6X optical zoom, dual image stabilization and a good set of shooting options, the Stylus Tough 8000 has everything you can ask for from a camera in its class. From Intelligent Auto to Program Auto to scene modes specifically for outdoor activities, Olympus has prepared a complete device.
Image quality is good, but isn’t the best among point-and-shoots. Noise begins to creep in as early as ISO 200, which is pretty limiting. On low ISO settings, however, colors are gorgeous, with even exposure throughout. It works best with plenty of light, so make sure you employ a bright flash during nighttime use. Video capture at 30fps VGA resolution is decent for YouTube-type use.
One notable problem is the shutter lag (0.7 seconds on well-lit scenes), making this inadvisable if you’re planning to take plenty of action shots. For photographing nature and slow-moving activities, though, it should be fine.
If you need an extra-rugged compact shooter, I can’t imagine anything better than the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. The extended durability and good set of options make it an attractive choice, provided that you plan to use it in bright scenes without extremely fast action. You will need to look elsewhere, otherwise.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
