paddling with a camera

Their conclusions:

Pros:

Sleek, slim design. Very tough and durable. Included software had nice editing features.

Cons:

xD memory format is less common, more expensive. Mediocre picture quality. 10 second limit on high quality videos.

Conclusion: The Stylus 790SW is an average digital camera wrapped in one of the most outstanding packages we've tested. The combination of style and durability in the casing is phenomenal, and we loved that no matter how much we beat it up, it took shots just as well as it did right out of the box. Unfortunately, right out of the box, it took pretty mediocre photographs. We were also extremely disappointed by the built-in limitations in the video mode. Ultimately, Olympus delivered on their promise of a tough-as-nails, yet pretty-as-flowers camera, but was off the mark delivering what we want a camera to do: take great pictures.

76% Very good

It is well known that the cameras from Olympus SW and Pentax Optio W lines do not deliver the highest image quality among available point-and -shoot cameras, especially, indoors and under poor light conditions. However, if you need a waterproof camera for paddling or for other outdoor activities you can shoot some decent pictures. It may take some practice and getting familiar with your camera.

Finally, Olympus upgraded the video mode to 30 fps in the Stylus 790SW, but the built-in 10 second limitation for 640x480 pixel video mode is a real bummer. It seems that Pentax Optio W10/W20/W30 still remains a better option if you are interested in shooting video from a kayak in addition to still pictures.

Update: ePHOTOzine review of Stylus 790SW with some test pictures.

Related posts:

• Waterproof Digital Cameras for Paddling and Water Sports - A Shopping Guide
• Waterproof Pentax Optio W30 and Olympus Stylus 770 SW on Video in TigerTV
• Review of Waterproof Olympus Stylus 720 SW Camera by a Whitewater Kayaker.
• Pentax Optio WP, WPi, W10 and W20 Wateproof Camera Comparison
• Waterproof Pentax Optio W20 or Olympus Stylus SW 720 Camera for Paddling?
• Waterproof Olympus Stylus 770 SW Camera - A Review in Steve's Digicams
• Popular Photography Underwater Camera Shootout: Pentax Optio W20 and Olympus Stylus SW 720