By Andrew Liszewski
Olympus announced a handful of new digital cameras today, but the 1050 SW caught my eye since I’ve often found myself either fumbling through my DSLR’s menu while wearing gloves, or simply freezing my figures off when I get too frustrated. Not only can the 1050 SW still function in temperatures down to -10 degrees celsius (really not that cold) but it also includes a new ‘Tap Control’ function which allows you to control the camera by tapping on the top, back or sides of the camera. It actually uses a 3D accelerometer to detect the direction of the force on the camera’s body, so for example if you wanted to turn on the flash, all you’d have to do is tap the camera’s side twice. Of course the camera is also shockproof, so if your taps get too forceful, or if you happen to drop it from a height of up to 5 feet, you can be rest assured that it will “take a licking and keep on clicking.” (Their words, not mine.)
As for the camera itself, you’re looking at a 1/2.33 inch 10.1 megapixel CCD with 3X optical zoom, ISO settings from 80 to 1600, a 2.7 inch LCD screen, digital image stabilization, a ‘Perfect Shot Preview’ which allows you to see various photographic effects before you take a shot as well as face & smile detection. The new Stylus 1050 SW should be available in October for $299.99 in your choice of blue, champagne, silver or black colors.
[ Olympus Stylus 1050 SW ] VIA [ Akihabara News ]