Olympus has announced three new digital cameras in their Stylus line.  The Olympus Stylus 710 and Stylus 810 provide the familiar weatherproof compact design of previous generations, at 7.1 megapixels and 8 megapixels respectively.  The Olympus Stylus 720 SW is a "S"hockproof and "W"aterproof, 7.1 megapixel addition to the line.  The Stylus 710 will be available in February for $349.99, the Stylus 720 SW will be available in March for $399.99 and the Stylus 810 will be available in March for $429.99.

Olympus Stylus 720 SW

The three cameras have quite a bit in common.  They all feature a 2.5 inch LCD and Olympus' Bright Capture Technology.  The Bright Capture technology enables low light shooting by increasing the LCD brightness and specific shooting modes that allow shooting at higher sensitivity (up to ISO 2500).

All three of the new cameras also feature Olympus' take on digital image stabilization that boosts sensitivity to allow faster shutter speeds (and therefore, less blur).  Also, all three cameras feature the TruePic Turbo imaging processor that allows quick operation (less than 1 second startup).

The Stylus 710 and Stylus 720 SW feature 28 shooting modes (4 underwater modes on the 720 SW), while the Stylus 810 features 24 shooting modes.  The 710 and 810 also include a built-in help guide.

The Stylus 720 SW is constructed with shock absorption and water tightness in mind.  The camera is designed to withstand drops up to 5 feet.  Then, if you want to take it underwater, it's rated to go up to 10 feet deep.  If you need to go deeper, Olympus has an underwater housing (PT-033) that lets you go down to 130 feet.

Olympus Stylus 710 Summary Specifications

• 7.1 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch LCD
• Bright Capture Technology
• 28 shooting modes
• Focus range: Normal mode: 23.6" -- infinity; Macro Mode Wide: 7.9" -- infinity; Macro Mode Tele: 19.7" -- infinity; Super Macro mode: 3.2" -- 23.6" (8cm -- 60cm)
• ISO options: Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (equivalent)
• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Memory slot: Accepts xD-Picture Card
• Weight: 3.6 ounces without battery or memory card
• Dimensions: 3.7" W x 2.2" H x 0.8" D

Olympus Stylus 720 SW Summary Specifications

• 7.1 megapixels
• Shockproof to withstand drops of 5 feet
• Waterproof to 10 feet
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch LCD
• Bright Capture Technology
• 28 shooting modes
• Focus range: Normal mode: 19.7" -- infinity; Macro Mode: W: 7.9" -- infinity; Super Macro mode: 2.8" -- 19.7"
• ISO options: Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Memory slot: Accepts xD-Picture Card
• Weight: 5.3 ounces without battery or memory card
• Dimensions: 3.6" W x 2.3" H x 0.78" D

Olympus Stylus 810 Summary Specifications

• 8 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch LCD
• Bright Capture Technology
• 24 shooting modes
• Focus range: Normal mode: 23.6" -- infinity; Macro Mode Wide: 11.8" -- infinity; Macro Mode Tele: 19.7" -- infinity; Super Macro mode: 3.9" -- 23.6"
• ISO options: Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200* (*Available in 2,048 x 1,536 or less resolution.)
• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Memory slot: Accepts xD-Picture Card
• Weight: 5.1 ounces without battery or memory card
• Dimensions: 3.8" W x 2.2" H x 0.9" D