Olympus Stylus Tough

I purchased a new camera about 10 days ago and have been checking it out. I purchased an Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. I specifically chose the 8000 because it is water proof. When I look at the basic stats 12 mp 3 x zoom and built in flash it is an ordianary point and shoot. The fact that it can be submerged up to 35 feet makes it a good snorkeling camera. Since I like to snorkel when I am in the place to do so and have been looking for a rugged camera to carry (yet light) when I am biking it seemed like the perfect purchase. I shopped around and it ranged from 299 to 400 on the web and locally. ON Best buy on line they had the camera at $303 but in the store it was marked $379. I convinced them to match the on line price (really I think it is their policy but you have to be informed and ask). I like most of u can use an extra $76.

I have taken the camera snorkeling 3 times. It took me some time to understand the technology for the underwater portion and which settings work best. I found it to be less than intuitive, but generally a good picture. There are 3 underwater settings. Close up, called snap shot, Underwater 1 (you can use the zoom) underwater2 you can’t use the zoom, and the focal lengths are different. The view screen is helpful underwater as there is no range finder. Above water it requires me to have my reading glasses to effectively frame the shot. I suspect this camera will travel with me a lot on my bike and in wet and dry situations. The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. Crush resistant( up to 250lbs) and generally a tough camera.

I found the strap that came with the camera was not as secure as I liked, for underwater use as it did not securely strap to my wrist and the camera certainly will not float. First I used a rubber band to tighten the band on my wrist and at later at the dive shop found a rubber wrist band that had a clip to adjust the tightness around my wrist. This is a little thing Olympus should have thought of. But just a warning get a good wrist band if you plan to dive or snorkel with this camera, it would be expensive to drop it in 30 or 40 feet of water and not be able to get to it.

Here are some Pictures (not touched up) I took both under water and above water.

pretty clear shot in clear water about 7 feet

deep.

this is about 15 feet of water.from the water to the shore, self shot...

Pretty interesting camera. I plan on taking this on on my bike rides since the Olympus 8000 is compact and rugged. And can get wet if we get in the rain. Overall a fun tough camera.

New Photos.....

A sunset from the high country as the sun is lowering you can see Molokini crater in the foreground. A warm shot for you.

New Photos Check them out

The Swimming Hole.... on Water Color

Taken in Hawaii on the north side of Maui in 2010. People swimming looking and taking pictures a lot of activity and just fun. A cool scene for any wall.

Bag your camera

The other day I noticed decent point and shoot with a cracked screen. I had to help my wife get her camera out of her purse. If you are going to spend 100 or more on a camera be sure to take the time to get a new camera bag. The bag is not just about carrying the camera it is to protect the camera. It keeps it cooler in the car ( if it is out of direct sunlight) and protects it from the bumps and dings you get with it bouncing around in your purse or pocket. Most digital cameras will give years of great service. IF you take care of them. Don't let them get too hot or too cold. Keep them away from dust, pocket trash or other items that can scratch or damage the camera. Keep them dry. A good camera bag is the best way to do this.

I have been resarching various DSLR bags for my nikon. As the current bag, that has performed well no longer holds my all my stuff. I have found several possiblities and in the process have identified a few companies that seem to have the edge over the competition. Lowepro is a good bag with several good options they make bags for all levels of cameras, and they are competitevely priced. Best buy, and Columbia Photo have a good selection of these bags.

Kata has great ratings. IT is the bag I chose because it has options of a back pack, or either a left or right shoulder sling bag. It will also hold all my stuff. I can't wait to get it. Kata has great ratings. I will let you know more. Unfortunatley they are not available in the Columbia area.

My current bag is Tamrac bag. I have had it for 3 years and it has performed flawlessly. It is still in great shape. In fact I will be selling my current bag when my new one gets in. Columbia Photo carries Tamrac bags.... Check them out.

The real story is that if you go to all the trouble to find a great camera that meets your needs take a few more minutes and a few more dollars to get a great bag to keep it protected. Just because your point and shoot will fit into your pocket doesn't mean you will get the logest service from it by doing so.... Bag your camera now..

Stein em Rhein

May have mispelled the name of the town... I took this last year on a bike ride in Europe, have been looking at the picture for some time and now it is a new addition to my portfolio. This community is over 600 years old...

Photo Excursion

Saturday October 24 beginning at 8:30 am and ending at 3:30 pm I am offering a day of taking pictures in and around Columbia, I will
Help you learn to use Your camera to get great pictures,
Help you learn to look for the type of pictures you want to do whether it be family shots or art shots.
We will be in Down Town Columbia, and on the Katy trail.....
The focus is to help YOU take better pictures,
The Costs is $85 for the day... IF we have 5 or more sign up we will vote on the best picture for the day and that person will get a $100 cash prize. Sign up today the group size is limited to 10 people. Email me and I will send you a registration form.... stanley.jack@gmail.com

Sensual Plants

In August I was checking on the work completed by a contractor at a Condo I manage for a family that lives out of town. The neighbor had this very interesting small planter in the front of her condo. The day was overcast day and a fun shot. I took three shots total. I can't totally explain the sensual part, but as I took the picture it had a sensual sensation. So the name "Sensual Plants". I will have only 125 prints avialable, wonder who will be the first to purchase one. Let me know.

Jack Stanley