Olympus Mju 770 SW

Performance and image quality
Performance was somewhat slow in our tests. The Mju 770SW took 2.1 seconds to start up and capture its first JPEG. Subsequent images took 2.4 seconds between shots with the flash turned off, jumping to 3.2 seconds between shots with the flash turned on.

Shutter lag fared slightly better, measuring 0.6 second in our high-contrast test, but falling to 2 seconds in our low-contrast test. Continuous shooting mode yielded 1.1fps when capturing VGA-sized JPEGs and 1.4fps when capturing 7.1-megapixel JPEGs.

Images from the Mju 770SW weren't perfect, but that's not surprising given this camera is built more for extreme durability than optical purity.

For example, our test images looked slightly soft overall and had more image artifacts than we're used to in a camera in this price range, though you can't jump into a swimming pool and shoot images underwater with those cameras. Colors were generally accurate, though they seemed a bit undersaturated in places.

Olympus keeps noise well under control through ISO 200. At ISO 400 noise due to sensitivity manifests itself as a light covering of off-color pixels (mostly bluish in nature), which robs a slight, but noticeable amount of sharpness from the image.

At ISO 800, that off-color covering becomes heavier, reduces sharpness even more, and severely decreases shadow detail. At ISO 1,600, all of those same problems become even worse. We suggest you stick to shooting below ISO 800 when possible, though higher ISOs may still yield acceptable 4x6-inch prints

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

What's Hot