Although the Olympus FE-300 hoped to lure consumers with snazzy features like smile-detection, high ISO functionality (up to ISO 6400), and a 12 megapixel sensor, the Photography Blog found the Olympus FE-300 a little lacking in actual practice. “Around £200 (less, with Internet deals) for a good looking, stylishly designed 12 megapixel zoom compact from a well-known brand looks like a great deal on paper – almost too good to be true. And so it proves in practice. Though the Olympus FE-300 is commendably easy to use – with that now familiar ‘guide’ function on the mode wheel offering novice users reference to what is, in effect, an in-camera manual that automatically makes function selections for you – and it’s reasonably swift in operation, if not a class leader, the resultant images are what lets it down. The real bugbear here is camera shake, an inherent problem with slender camera designs that the Olympus FE-300 fails to effectively address. Bumping up the ISO simply results in detail loss and images that are unusable anyway. If you want a camera for any more than pointing and shooting – and the FE-300 doesn’t offer much more functionality than just that – you’ll be disappointed. That’s unless you really are a first time digital camera user with nothing to compare its performance to. You get what you pay for and if having a good looking compact to win the envy of your mates is more important than the resulting images, then the FE-300 is for you. But for most of us picture quality is all that matters, which means that we can only award the distinctly average Olympus FE-300 a distinctly average score.”

Furthermore, Digital Camera Review writes that “The Olympus FE-300 provides a whopping 12 megapixels of resolution, but don’t let the thought that “more is better” enter your mind when deciding about whether to buy this camera. With this camera, all that 12 megapixels gets you is large files and the ability to do a ton of cropping. Now, if you are looking for a quality built, slim, entry level, easy to use camera, then consider this camera, but realize that you’ll get average image quality.”

CNET adds that “The Olympus FE-300 distinguishes itself as one of the lightest, least-expensive 12-megapixel cameras currently available. Unfortunately, its pictures pale in comparison to those from some higher-end, lower-resolution cameras.”

Olympus toughs it up with the waterproof, dust-proof, shock proof, freeze proof 780SW camera. The 780SW also buffs up the tech specs from the 770SW.  The Olympus Stylus 780SW 7.1 megapixel camera has face detection technology, a TruePic III Image Processor, 3x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD screen, and also comes in four pretty colours!  The 780SW is set to launch in September at a price of $300.

Olympus’s Stylus 780 has 5x optical zoom, a 7 megapixel sensor, a 2.5 inch display, 15 mb of internal memory, and a xD slot. Unfortunately, the 780 will cost you about $350 (which is a bit steep for the given features), and will be available for purchase in May.

The Olympus SP-550 UZ also has a 7.1 megapixel sensor, CCD-shift images stabilization, a 15 fps burst mode, a 2.5 inch LCD, super macro mode, Bright Capture technology for low light image captures, 23 different scene modes, and a xD memory card slot. From the press release, “Get up close and personal in a whole new way. With the world’s first wide 18x optical zoom, the Olympus SP-550 UZ accepts no limits, bringing photographers closer to distant subjects than ever before. Capture candid street scenes from a discreet distance, grab the detail of your favourite sport from way up in the stands – then even use the wide angle lens to take in the whole game – as this model’s focal length spans an amazing 28mm-504mm (in 35mm camera equivalent terms)! Enjoy double protection against camera shake with Dual Image Stabilization. Even at high magnifications or when capturing fast-moving objects, this technology ensures results are significantly sharper. Packing 7.1 Megapixels of detail-capturing power, the SP-550 UZ opens up a new realm of creative possibility.”

There’s no word yet on the launch date or the price of the SP550 UZ, yet. We’ll keep you posted!

As Cameras.co.uk states, “. It has a weatherproof outer shell that protects it from normal levels of rain. In addition to this the MJU 810 is one of the increasing number of digital cameras to offer image stabilisation. In this case digital rather than optical stabilisation that is available. Aside from these features the camera is an eight megapixel model with a three times optical zoom lens. In terms of features it is a regular point and shoot camera, but with its build quality and style it is a clear step up from a typical compact model.

On the whole the Olympus MJU 810 offers good picture quality. Weatherproof digital cameras are few and far between so this one is clearly an option if this appeals to you. With digital image stabilisation and help text to guide you through the menu system this camera has some worthwhile extra touches as well. ”

CNET also notes that, “The versatile, water-resistant 8-megapixel Olympus Mju 810 adapts to dim environments as readily as it braves damp ones. Thanks to a combination of high sensitivity (up to ISO 3,200), digital image stabilization, and Olympus’s Bright Capture pixel-pooling technology, the Mju 810 can take and display acceptable pictures in low light. Unfortunately, this camera doesn’t do as well in fair weather–its LCD tends to wash out in bright sunlight. If you don’t need quite as many bells and whistles, you can save a bit by opting for the Mju 810’s little brother, the Olympus Mju 700.”