Olympus Stylus 770 SW
Olympus just announced the new Stylus 770 SW, the successor of the Olympus Stylus 725 SW - small, tough and waterproof. The most remarkable camera feature is the depth limit of 10m without a housing. Will the Olympus Stylus 770 SW become the new ultimate boat camera for easy shooting? But there's even more! Take a look at the camera's complete feature list, which should be very appealing to divers.
The camera has a on-screen pressure gauge, which will show you the current pressure and store this in the EXIF data as well!
Toughness and style: The Olympus µ [mju:] 770 SW
London, 25 January 2007 – A camera that’s made to photograph your life should be tough enough to survive it. That’s why the striking µ [mju:] 770 SW accepts no limits: it’s shockproof* against falls of up to 1.5m, waterproof to 10m depth, as well as being able to withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Believe it or not, this Olympus µ [mju:] is even crushproof – withstanding loads up to a staggering 100kg! Its trim metal body won’t buckle under the pressures of everyday life, like forgetting to remove it from a pocket before sitting down – not to mention keeping up with extreme sporting pursuits or anything else an active lifestyle can throw at it. Explore the endless possibilities of tough photography with the chic and extremely durable µ [mju:] 770 SW, available in three colours: Dark Blue, Titanium Grey, Mocca Brown.
Total freedom
The 7.1 Megapixel µ [mju:] 770 SW gives users a sense of freedom never before seen in a camera of this class. Its eye-catching, metal body is waterproof to 10m, shockproof* against falls from up to 1.5m, and freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius – all without the need for an extra case. This head-turner is even crushproof and it will withstand loads of 100kg. Its extraordinary toughness lets it go much further than conventional cameras and is sure to be appreciated by every active photographer. Whether trekking over tough terrain on a mountain bike or diving deep below the sea’s surface, pictures can be taken with complete freedom and ease. Further flexibility is given by the 3x zoom lens (38-114mm on a 35mm camera, 1:3.5-5.0), which employs a special inner-folded light path design, so that no parts protrude and risk getting bumped or broken. With the tough Olympus µ [mju:] 770 SW, the photographer is free to focus on the shot and not worry about the camera.
Do more with less light
Because BrightCapture Technology increases light sensitivity for shooting and dramatically boosts contrasts on the 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD, better photo results are achieved in low light situations. BrightCapture Technology is used in several scene modes (including Candle and Available Light) making it easier to frame and capture atmospheric shots with less need for the flash. And to protect against unwanted blur, high ISO levels (up to 1600) are available to allow the use of faster shutter speeds, while retaining the necessary image brightness. And a built-in one-touch light provides added support, making it possible to find subjects in dark situations – such as when exploring a hidden reef under water.
So solid, yet so simple
The µ [mju:] 770 SW isn’t only designed to withstand the bumps and thumps of everyday life, beautifully simple handling makes picture-taking a breeze in practically any situation. With scene modes for 25 various shooting conditions – including four underwater modes – it’s no problem to find the perfect setting on land or beneath the waves. The intuitive user interface is refreshingly easy to use and available in 25 different languages. And with internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot, there’s always room to expand storage for additional pictures or video. To go even deeper, the optional underwater case PT-035 will be available – allowing photographers to explore the fascinating world underwater up to 40m.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 770 SW goes anywhere you do. This elegant water, shock*, freeze and crush proof camera will hit the shelves in March 2007 at a price of Ł300.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 770 SW main features:
- Waterproof to 10m
- Shockproof* (equivalent to falls from 1.5m)
- Crush proof against loads of up to 100kg
- Freezeproof to -10°C
- 7.1 Megapixels
- Metal body in three colours: Dark Blue, Titanium Grey, Mocca Brown
- BrightCapture Technology for better low light photography – even for underwater scene modes
- 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD with 230,000 pixels
- 3x optical zoom 38-114mm (equiv. on a 35mm camera) 1:3.5-5.0, with optical folded light path and water repellent lens coating
- One-touch light
- 25 scene modes including 4 underwater modes
- On-screen water pressure gauge
- Movie function with sound
- Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
- 25 languages on board
- Supplied with Olympus Master Software and LI-42B plus charger
- Underwater case PT-035 (waterproof to 40m) will be available
I am very excited about this camera. We extensively tested the 720 SW underwater last Fall, and will take the 770 on a diving trip to Florida (Crystal River, Manatee Spring, Devil's Den, etc.) next week. 33 feet probably means itll be able to handle 50, and that's where we'll take it (hey, we flooded a Optio W10 (our fault) and it ended up working again). It's just a huge difference having something so tiny as opposed to a camera in a big clunky housing. I'll be writing a full review of the 770 after the dive trip.
You are brave - 50 feet 
Actually I had that happen a couple of times with an older Olympus housing rated to 95 feet or so and a couple of times found myself a bit deeper. Never had an issue, but of course I would not recommend it. 
But I am also excited about the camera for shallower dives also so I can toss it in my BC if I am bringing the video camera on the dive and feel like taking some stills also.
Looking forward to seeing how it does for you.
I did the preliminary pre-dive review of the Olympus 770 SW and unofficially published it at http://scubadiverinfo.com/3_cameras_olympus_770sw.html . I'll complete it with actual dive pics and underwater experience after I'll get back from the trip. I can tell you already that the LCD is a revelation with its near 180-degree viewing angle in all directions.
Well, I took the Olympus Stylus 770 SW on a dive trip to four locations. Snorkeling with Manatees at Crystal River, Florida, for which it was perfect. A long drift dive down Rainbow River, Florida where I missed a better strap and the camera got a few scratches on its shiny housing from being dragged and bumpred along the bottom. And then two cavern dives at Devil's Den and Catfish Sink, also Florida. Despite the 33 foot limit, the camera works perfectly well at 45. Below that, the water pressure pushes in some buttons with at times weird results. Yet, it took pictures at 67 feet, no problem. Being able to take such a small, unobtrusive camera on a dive is terrific. See full review at http://scubadiverinfo.com/3_cameras_olympus_770sw.html
