Beware of this camera

[mikecat adjuster]

As many of you who follow my videos know, my Olympus Stylus 850 was inoperable for most of the summer. I sent it back four times and upon each return, the camera broke again, almost immdiately.

I was finally issued an upgrade and the camera worked fine. It as a Stylus Tough 8000 and the underwater photography speaks for itself. I was enjoying the camera just as I had the 850 when it worked. But just as I was gaining confidence that my 8000 would continue operating, the screen went black on an outing into the gulf, just as had happned with my 850.

When I got home I googled the camera and came to some reviews on Amazon.com. Wow! If anyone is considering this camera for undrwater use, check out the reviews. Those who review it highly seem to share something in common, they didn't buy the camera for use underwater.

Those that did buy the camera for its stated use, underwater use, seem to agree that the camera will not sustain its underwater capabilities. It is a definate consensus. I am normally very studied before a purchase but apparently I missed this obvious issue. It is rather unfortunate.

It reminds me of when I first heard of auto makers who knowingly sold cars they knew, let's say had seat belts that they knew would kill people. But they figure the total number of deaths and try to determine what to do based on the bottom line. And if lawsuit payments fall below what it would cost to recall or make changes, they leave it as is.

I assume Olympus has done this also. I guess they look at the sale of the camera and yes, for those that use it underwater, the camera will fail. But they will fix it and somehow it will be worth it to them. But you can see for yourself on amazon reviews the consensus about the camera. Unfortunately for me, I know that when I get it back, if I use it for the purposes I bought it, underwater photography, it WILL break again.

I'm not sure what to do. Buying an enclosure for it is expensive and negates the reason for spending more for an underwater camera to begin with.

Anyway. if you intend on buying a camera for underwater use, read the reviews carefully, and in my opinion, DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA.

 

[Gidget]

What a drag this happened! I LOVE your videos!! I was wondering what you used because it looked so professional.

Hope you get something next time that will be steady.

G

 

[Sandcastle]

I'm sorry to hear this.

I bought a small Olympus camera several years ago for my wife. It was the worst camera that we ever owned. The pictures were dark and had a deep blue tint. We finally trashed it and bought a Canon (it's great).

 

[Lynnie]

Being a diver, I know many people use a regular camera (or water resistant) with a waterproof case. It's the old fashioned way, but it works~~~~~~~

Good luck!!!

 

[Grayton Girl]

Wow! I almost bought one of these today but decided to wait. Thank you for posting as I wanted it to do underwater photos.

Of course, we have a Flip Video camera, which we really love. We purchased, as an accessory, a very inexpensive waterproof casing for it (I think maybe $49). We used it when we swam with the whale sharks and as you may have seen, my son did an amazing video using the footage.

Of course, my son is not satisfied with the quality of his video and really wants an HD Flip Video. So that may be on our Christmas list....

I was wanting a small, tough, and durable waterproof camera that we could also use underwater if we wanted. I thought the Olympus one would do the trick.

Alas....

 

[mikecat adjuster]

Wow! I almost bought one of these today but decided to wait. Thank you for posting as I wanted it to do underwater photos.

Of course, we have a Flip Video camera, which we really love. We purchased, as an accessory, a very inexpensive waterproof casing for it (I think maybe $49). We used it when we swam with the whale sharks and as you may have seen, my son did an amazing video using the footage.

Of course, my son is not satisfied with the quality of his video and really wants an HD Flip Video. So that may be on our Christmas list....

I was wanting a small, tough, and durable waterproof camera that we could also use underwater if we wanted. I thought the Olympus one would do the trick.

Alas....

Yep, you can go look on amazon, which I think I remember doing prior to its purchase. But the overall rating is good. It's just when you look at the ratings of one star that you see it is those people who used it for underwater photography.

I have a zip lock bag on steriods. One of those plastic enclosures that I used for a previous camera that worked a few times before it sprung a leak past the seal. So I decided to buy a real underwater camera.

I think I'll either clean it up good and use it with my Olympus when it gets returned, or see about getting the cheapest enclusure I can get that fits the camera and is reliable.

I'm sorry to deliver bad news but think I saved you from what I've gone through. But because I'd hate to down a product, person or anything unduly, I recommend checking on amazon to see if you arrive at the same conclusion. Look at all the low ratings and see.

Speaking of the video you guys shot though, it was great. I thought the clarity was superb. Tell sis hey.