Electronics Trends

poor picture quality
The quality of the pictures are not sharp compared to other digital cameras with similar pixel range. The waterproof feature compromised it a lot.

The goad and bad
I have owned this camera for about 18 months. I used it a few times in the Gulf of Mexico and about a year later, it leaked. I did send it back to Olympus and it was repaired. Worked fine. About two months went by and again it leaked through battery door. I sent it back again and it was repaired without any problms. I had not used it since then but did last weekend. I was in the Gulf, about 4 to 5 feet of water and within about 10 minutes.. you guessed it.. leaked again. I let it dry out and was able to get my pictures off of the camera. It powers on but will not take pitures. I did contact Olympus and even though it was our of warranty, they are replacing it with a new one. Even though I did have some problems, I just loved this camera. You can take it anywhere and not worry about sand or dirt. You just dip it in clean water and let dry. I was happy with the picture quality considering it was a waterproof camera. I am buying the underwater housing for the new one just as insurance so this one doesn't drown. I was also satisfied with the battery life. If you want a sturdy camera, which is what I would classify as water resistant, this is your camera. Due to the customer service from Olympus I am a customer for life. You just don't see that anymore......

leaked while snorkeling: camera ruined
I've had this camera for 1 1/2 years, and until recently it functioned well. Very lightweight, good for trips, bad weather, took reasonable pictures. But while I was just on an extended snorkeling and kayaking trip, the camera leaked water (battery compartment WAS closed) and is ruined now. Rust inside, and it won't turn on. I never went below 10 feet deep (the limit for my ability to free dive) and the camera is rated to 33 feet.

I've returned the camera to Olympus for a repair (flat fee of 3 no matter what they find wrong with it) and hope it lasts longer this time. But I'm very disappointed, overall, and can't recommend the camera for prolonged use in the water.

Stay away from extended salt water exposure
I purchased this camera for use outdoors and in the ocean. For the most part it held up, I dropped it a couple times, had it out in the rain, used it whole snorkeling. However, after using it less than 10 times snorkeling in the ocean (I would soak in fresh water following the instruction after snorkeling) the camera shut down. I realized water had entered the camera because the seals failed. I didn't dive more that 20 feet deep. I also noticed additional corrotion on various parts of the camera. So now I need to return it, but have zero faith the new camera will perform any differently. I may consider purchasing a waterproof cover for the camera when I dive in the ocean, not sure if they make one though. Another complaint is the slow picture speed. Other than that, it is rugged, and would suit someone who wants to throw a camera in the backpack on their next hike.

I warn against using this as a diving camera or surf camera.

Fun toy, not worth the money
I have owned this camera for 2 years. We bought it because we live a block from the beach, love to sail, snorkel and generally needed a good camera that could stand up to the elements.
After only a year, the body showed significant corrosion; mind you we've been very careful with washing it after a day at the beach, etc. Now, after two years the seals appear to be bad. It is difficult to open the doors to down load photos, and there is no way I would submerge it.
The photo quality was also mediocre, whether on land or under water. Taking photos while snorkeling was fun, but nearly impossible to capture fish unless it was extremely close to the surface. The water just filtered out too much light.
Bottom line, this toy isn't worth the money.