reviewed: Olympus Stylus 410 Digital

Camera tossing specific product review.
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Olympus Stylus 410 Digital by TaGurit(SS/NB) ><>
Links
specs on dpreview
examples on pbase.com

I use the Olympus Stylus 410.

Review on dpreview.com

Not the most up-to-date Olympus Stylus model - that one is the 800 I believe... but anyways here's my review. :)

General Impression

A great little digital point-n-shoot, with lots of features, a compact size, durability, 4mp with 3x optical (4x dig.) zoom and 10 different shooting modes (along with other options for different conditions.)

For Camera-Tossing it works because:

1) Very compact. Small size and lightweight, so it can fit in anyone's hand and is easy to toss as high as you want. Plus, you can get a great spin going on it, too. Really easy to catch due to it's size, shape, and weight. Plus, it fits in your pocket or purse, so it's extremely portable - you can take it and toss it anywhere! ;)

2) Durable construction. I've dropped it a couple times and it's still going strong. Although there are a couple cons with the body, which I'll address.

3) Lens is towards the left side... so when it spins, you get great blurs.

4) Night exposure setting. Using this (along with turning the flash off) really enhances the chance you'll come up with a great toss result. Depending on the available light, the shutter stays open up to 4 seconds. That can result in having to toss it up a few times during one exposure - but it does look pretty cool when you're done. Just be sure you don't have alot of ambient light when you're tossing it in this mode or you'll end up with just whiteness (in that scenario, you can just use one of the other settings, and keep the flash off - although it still may take a few tosses to get the right shot.)

5) Inexpensive as far as digital cams go (esp. now that it's somewhat "obsolete.") I got mine for $200 US (at Costco) but you should be able to find it cheaper now.

6) 1.5 inch LCD monitor. So you can see your results instantly on a nice size screen, and make adjustments as you deem necessary.

7) Weather-proof construction. Since it's "splash-proof" you can take it out in inclement weather, and still get some good shots - which works great for me, living in the Pacific Northwest ... where we have plenty of precipitation. ;)

It could use improvements in the following areas:

1) Battery door. It's on the bottom of the cam, and slides open really easily. The battery is spring-loaded, so I've had it pop open and the battery pop out a couple times inadvertently, when I've caught the camera on it's way down.

2) Sliding lens-cover. Usually I like this feature - but it kinda sucks for camera-tossing. If you move the cover over a little, the lens retracts - gets really annoying when it happens over and over when you're catching the camera. And if you somehow push it over too hard, you could damage the camera.

Summary:

I really love my camera. On the whole, it's a great fun portable little camera, easy to toss, spin, and catch, and I've been really pleased with my results. Plus, it's great for all kinds of other photos too. :)

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