Photo Review Reviews section

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3

9 Rating

Panasonic’s latest waterproof camera adds a GPS antenna, Full HD video and a LED light to improve video quality when shooting in low-light and under water. Panasonic’s DMC-FT3 represents the third generation of a line that began in with the FT1, which set the benchmark for rugged, waterproof cameras. The lens hasn’t changed since the first model; nor has the LCD monitor. After a brief flirtation with 14.1 megapixels on the FT2, Panasonic has returned to 12.1 megapixels for the FT3 but added some worthwhile improvements.

Panasonic DMC-FX100

8.5 Rating

An attractive-looking, well-built, slimline camera that delivers above-average performance for point-and-shoot photographers.We have long believed that eight megapixels is more than enough for a digicam, so we were interested to see whether fitting a 12-megapixel imager in Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FX100 digicam was a worthwhile exercise. Equipped with the same optically-stabilised Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD as the 8-megapixel FX33 model the FX100 has an identical control layout and many of the same features, although its arrow pad buttons are square instead of round.

Olympus SZ-20

8.5 Rating

A high-resolution compact digicam with a 12.5x optical zoom lens, Full HD video recording and some useful multi-frame capture modes.This year, Olympus has created a new ‘traveller’ category in its super zoom camera range with three models that are more compact than the SP-series models and more competitive with similarly-featured cameras from other manufacturers. Announced on 10 March, the SZ-20 sits bang in the middle of this range and is designed to suit both travellers and family photographers.

Olympus Mju (Tough Lite) 850 SW

8.5 Rating

A slimline waterproof, shockproof and snowproof digicam for family snapshooters.Olympus has increased the resolution at the entry level in its popular ‘Tough’ series of digicams with the 8-megapixel Mju 850 SW, which has a 3x optical zoom lens. This second-generation digicam confirms the success of the ‘Tough’ series and present some interesting new updates to previous models. It’s the same size, weight and design as the earlier Mju 790 SW model and is available in silver, black or an arresting lipstick pink.

Olympus Mju (Tough) 1030 SW

8.5 Rating

A high-resolution slimline digicam that is waterproof, ‘drop-proof’ and has a wide zoom lens.Available in black or silver, the Mju 1030 SW is the first in the ‘Tough’ series with a 10-megapixel image sensor. Waterproof to 10 metres, it is also capable of withstanding a drop of two metres and can tolerate temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius and pressures of up to 100 kilograms, making it the ‘toughest’ in the range. The new camera’s feature set has also evolved since the original 795 SW model, making it even more attractive to photographers who enjoy water sports, skiing and similar adventurous activities.

Olympus Mju 9000

8 Rating

A small, slim, high-resolution digicam for snapshooters who want a long zoom range.Claimed as the smallest 10x optical zoom digicam, the Olympus Mju 9000 has a slick pocketable plastic body accented in stylish chrome. Equipped with a 12-megapixel CCD sensor, this flagship of the Mju line-up is targeted at travellers who want a small, light, point-and-shoot digicam. Physically smaller than competitors like the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS, Panasonic TZ7 and Ricoh R10, the Mju 9000 is also less capable in many ways.

Olympus Mju 840

8 Rating

An affordably-priced slimline digicam for everyday picture-takers.Designed primarily for snapshooters, the Olympus Mju 840 is affordably priced and comes in black and silver with a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD. It features the traditional Mju slimline design and sports an 8-megapixel CCD imager and 5x optical zoom lens. The sensor itself is slightly larger than the 5.76 x 4.29 mm imagers on most current digicams (unfortunately we don’t have its exact dimensions).

Olympus Mju 770 SW

8 Rating

A shockproof, waterproof digicam that will suit adventurous snapshooters.In the new Mju 770 SW, Olympus has brought photographers its toughest model to date. Underwater rated to 10 metres, the 770 SW goes twice as deep as last year’s 725 SW model and adds a ‘Crushproof’ rating against loads of up to 100kg as well as being ‘Freezeproof’ to -10ø‚ °C. Like its predecessor, it can also withstand drops of up to 1.5 metres. Otherwise, many of the features of the new model are identical to the 725 SW.

Olympus Mju 820

8 Rating

A well-built slimline digicam with some useful features for snapshooters but rather small controls.Featuring the slim, ‘Splashproof’ metal body that characterises the Olympus Mju series of cameras, the new Mju 820 combines an 8-megapixel CCD imager with a 5x optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen. Available in black or silver, it is targeted at point-and-shoot photographers and includes a range of features that make picture-taking easy.

Olympus Mju 725 SW

8.5 Rating

A solidly-built shockproof, waterproof camera that will suit many active photographers.Sought-after successor to the Mju 720 SW, the Mju 725 SW is now even tougher, offering underwater shooting up to five metres. Shockproof and Waterproof, it also resists sand and dust, making it an ideal camera for active photographers. A new Underwater Snap mode has been added to the available Scene Program modes, along with “Nightproof” capabilities and an extended battery life.