14 DAY TRIAL // Compact digital cameras equipped with touchscreen displays are not exactly something very new, but what happens when the amateur photographer is trying to shoot something in very difficult conditions (as for example, in winter, while wearing gloves)? Generally, the results are less than satisfactory, but that will certainly not be the case with the new digital camera from Olympus, the Stylus 1050 SW, and that's because this particular model can be controlled by touching it just about anywhere on its body.
This very special function, dubbed Tap Control, allows users to access various functions with just a tap on its top, back or sides. The function is made possible by the new camera's 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera's body. This could come in handy in those situations described above, especially since the camera itself is designed to work at temperatures of down to -10 degrees Celsius.
As mentioned earlier, the new 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1050 SW is one rugged and tough device. For example, it incorporates shock-absorbing technology that minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when the camera is dropped from heights of up to 5 feet. Moreover, it can be used underwater as well (down to a depth of around 3 meters), since the aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the various liquids it's submerged in.
However, the Stylus 1050 SW is a lot more than your average rugged camera. Thus, it incorporates the very popular Face Detection technology (with Face Detection AF and Face Detection AE), but also a smile detection function. Additionally, it features the Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail.
Another important component that participates in the process of obtaining high-quality photos is the TruePic III Image Processor, capable, according to the manufacturer, of capturing sharp and clear images even at high ISO settings. Moreover, as any serious camera, this one also features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), as well as an LED Illuminator installed on the front of the camera, which works like a mini-flashlight.
The Stylus 1050 SW also offers users a few very interesting in-camera editing features (red-eye fix, shadow adjustment edit) as well as the possibility of previewing on the HyperCrystal II LCD the way in which a certain photo will look like after it has been edited by the device's software (Perfect Shot Preview).
The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW will arrive in stores at some point in October (ready for the upcoming cold season) and will sell for a suggested retail price of 300 US dollars (chances are that you'll find it for a lot less within various stores, though).
We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is 
.
