Olympus has packed a lot of punch into its ultra-compact, beginner-level digital camera, the Stylus 830. And if you can find this model for quite a bit less than its $299 suggested price -- which you probably will be able to do -- you'll have a great value to go along with your impressive list of features.

With 8.0 megapixels of resolution, the Stylus 830 can create prints up to 16x20 inches, under proper exposures. The resolution should be large enough for most beginning and intermediate photographers. Image quality is outstanding, offering bright and sharp photos in outdoor settings. Even when shooting indoors or in low light, the Stylus 830 works extremely well. The flash is small, but works very well, properly exposing the subject of the photo.

With a 5X optical zoom lens, the Stylus 830 offers a wider range of magnification than most ultra-compact digital camera lenses (35-175mm equivalent on a 35mm film camera). With a long zoom lens, it's important that Olympus has included image stabilization (IS) technology with the Stylus 830, both optical IS and digital IS. The IS technology will help prevent camera shake and blurry photos.

Response times are good; you can shoot your first photo a little less than 2 seconds after pressing the power button. Shutter lag is tolerable most of the time, although you might see a slight shutter lag delay when you don't pre-focus in low-light conditions. Shot-to-shot delays range from a little more than 2 seconds (without the flash) to almost 4 seconds (with the flash). One of the continuous-shot modes is especially impressive, allowing for about 3.9 shots per second in a preset mode up to all shots.

The Stylus 830's 2.5-inch LCD is bright and sharp in all lighting conditions. It works extremely well as the camera's only viewfinder. In addition, the LCD offers a viewable angle of 160 degrees, which is handy for odd-angle photos and for showing others your pictures. It is a stylish model. The curved camera body is easy to hold and use. The lens retracts completely inside the body when the camera is not in use, leaving the Stylus 830 with a thickness of 0.94 inches. You can choose from five body colors with the Stylus 830: black, blue, green, orange or silver.

The only significant drawback we found with the Stylus 830 involves the layout of its controls. Some people will have problems holding this camera comfortably, because of the placement of the dials and buttons on the back of the camera; you might accidentally turn a dial or push a button when trying to hold and operate the camera. You will want to try this model before you buy it. Battery life can be a little less than average, too.

If you find the Stylus 830 to be a comfortable camera to use, though, you will find it offers a good mixture of features. There's a lot to like about the Stylus 830. This ultra-compact digital camera offers several above-average features at a good suggested price. The best news is you probably will be able to find the Stylus 830 at $50 or more below the suggested price, making it a great value.


Pros: Good value, great image quality, 5X optical zoom lens, image stabilization, stylish camera body, sharp and bright LCD
Cons: Layout of controls can be a problem for some people, battery life can be less than expected

Warranty
1 year, limited