Archive: Compact Digital Cameras 2008-09 >

Olympus Mju 850 SW

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Caractéristiques
Sensor	CCD 8.5 MP, 1/2.35
Lens	3 x 38 mm - 114 mm / F3,5 - F5,0
Optical stabilisation	non
Internal/external memory	14 / xD Picture Card
Sensitivity (ISO range)	N.C.
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Video mode	640 x 480 - 320 x 240 pixels / 30 fps
Power source	Batterie Lithium-Ion
Dimensions/Weight	93,6 x 60,9 x 21,3 mm / 150 g
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Nilofar Hadjanadjiboudine
Test date: April 9, 2008

Go even deeper?

It is now possible. Sold as an option for around 260 Euros, Olympus offers the PT-041 casing which enables taking your digital camera as deep as 40 meters.
Conceived specially for its predecessor (Mju 790 SW), the PT-041 also is adapted to the Mju 850 SW.

Besides Pentax, Olympus is the only other manufacturer to offer cameras that are entirely waterproof (Olympus models are also shockproof!). Equipped with 8 million pixels, the µ 850 SW is a tough product that you won't hesitate to lend to your children. Will it produce better results than its 7 million pixel predecessor?

Olympus' promise: A tough camera

In terms of technical characteristics, the Mju 850 SW offers the same parameters as the 790 SW : internal memory (14 MB), equivalent focal range, etc. Also, the 850 SW resists falls of up to 1.5m (see video of the Mju 790 SW). Divers, however, may be a bit disappointed by the waterproof aspect of the Mju 850 SW (3m) compared to the 770 SW which lets you go as deep as 10 m. This limit can be overcome if you are prepared to shell out an additional 260 Euros for a casing which allows you to go as deep as 40 meters! This camera can resist temperatures as low as -10°C which is another reason not to capture those magic moments in the rain or snow.

Handling

In terms of design, the Mju 850 SW is still the same with an entirely classic body. The interface is as difficult to control with buttons that are a little too discreet. Otherwise, navigation is rather simple and classic with a menu which enables modifying all parameters like sensitivity and image quality. There is also a dial that lets you choose the different settings such as video, scene modes and even stabilization. The burst mode is satisfactory at more than 10 photos in a little less than 2 seconds or 5 i/s with a setting of 3 megapixels.

Image quality

Details are rather precise in the middle; however, sharpness starts to become an issue on the edges. Noise control is classic and very visible at 400 ISO while smoothing is quite significant even at 100 ISO. Contrary to the 790 SW, automatic white balance of the 850 SW leans a little towards yellow (rendering is a bit warm). Although the macro mode macro is very satisfactory (2 cm), it doesn't replace its predecessor's 1 cm. Finally, in terms of video quality, it's entirely acceptable.