Home > Consumer Reviews > Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 12 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

Ok, I just got my new Olympus Stylus 8000. I already have the Stylus 770SW which I always have with me, rain or shine, and it works great. But, I thought it was time for an "upgrade" so, I now have the Stylus 8000. I have "no" "regrets". It is definitely a step up. The LCD is "brighter" and the "color logic" is better than ever. It makes "panoramas" right in the camera, and does a pretty good job if you do what you're supposed to do as you "pan". No, not just a "pretty good" job, an "excellent" job.
One of the new features of this model is something called "Tap Control". When I read the specs on that before I got the camera, I said, "I Don't Need No Stinkin'"Tap" Control"! Why would I want to "hit" my camera in order to make it do things? Boy, was I "Wrong". I love the "Tap Control". It's great. It's just that, a "tap". But, a "definite" tap. It doesn't just start changing settings for no reason, you have to "tap" it. The things that you used to have to "toggle" back and forth to access, you now just "tap" the camera sides or top or back. You know, the things you change on a regular basis like "flash" settings, "macro" settings, "picture review", all those can be controlled with "taps". If you don't want to "tap", you can turn that option off. However, I'll bet, once you start using "tap control" you will never go back to the "toggle". The "tap" is too easy, and too accurate. No more "fumbling" with the toggle. The overall feel of the Camera is just fine, and, as I'm sure you already know, it's "bullet proof". I have dropped my 770 on "concrete" from "eye height" and I had to "hunt" to find the "micro scratch" on it's corner. Water is a "non-issue".
When I told my cats that I was getting another camera, they said "Jerry", "You already have like "five" cameras. Why do you need another one"? I told them, "It's an "upgrade". "Besides, the next time the "dog pack" comes through, I will have this camera ready to "document" the "fear" in your eyes". They said, "Jerry, We ain't afraid of no stinkin' "dog pack". "Now, fill up our food bowls".
Cats, they don't worry about anything.
Yes, the Olympus Stylus 8000 with "Tap Control". You'll love it.

Bought the camera specifically to take pictures while snorkeling and sailing in the Virgin Islands recently. It worked pretty much as advertised.

The camera is waterproof to 33 ft. A "CAUTION DEPTH" warning appeared on the screen at about 25 ft. as I was free diving on the wreck of the Rhone. You can turn on the manometer and record the depth at which each photo is taken.

I swam and snorkeled with it every day for over a week and never had any issues with the water. It takes great snapshot quality photos. I can't scuba with it, but it goes about as deep as I want to free dive. I highly recommend adding the floating strap to keep it from sinking to the bottom in deep water. The strap keeps the 8000 afloat in both salt and fresh water.

I was a little disappointed with the panorama mode. The Olympus software is limited in the number of shots it can stitch together on the camera and it often joined them in the wrong places. Not a major issue for me since I can create the panoramas on my computer if I want to. But I wouldn't give the camera 5 stars here.

The camera seems to be sturdily built and has survived being dropped on concrete multiple times from heights of 4 to 5 feet.

I wasn't looking for a professional quality camera. Just a pocket sized one that could take good vacation pix and videos on the surface and underwater. The shots are decent. And the 12MP resolution gives me enough detail to crop and adjust as needed.

Cropping may be needed since it is easy to get part of your finger in front of the lens due to its position in the upper corner. Once you learn how to hold the camera this isn't an issue. But you will probably take a few shots (or your friends will) that need finger surgery.

Overall a good, rugged, general purpose camera. It is now my favorite go-anywhere camera.

I bought the Stylus 8000, underwater housing, olympus UFL1 strobe and strobe adapter. I took the camera to Guanaja, Honduras during a dive trip. The photos are incredible! 12M really helps out and the u/w settings are tremendous!

I have now owned TWO Olympus cameras. Recently the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000. First one worked really well for about a year, then on a trip it indicated that there was moisture in the camera. Checked all the components that opened and shut, everything was secure. But the camera quit working. Lost memories from that vacation. Purchased a second Olympus thinking I wasn't careful enough. Even purchased the skin to protect it even more. Took it to Tahiti and it worked great for both pictures and video. Pictures are clear and the modes are workable to get fast fish and sharks. Video worked great and comes across the television good. Second trip I took it on was to Hawaii, first day, it kept acting like it was shorting out. Recharged batteries making sure they were full and still kept shorting out. No more pictures from that trip. Came home and purchased a new battery thinking maybe the batteries had gone bad. Camera doesn't work, won't even power up. Two lemons . . . I don't think so.

Being in the military deployed several times in some really crappy places, I have gone though the cameras. Next to my rifle, this little camera has been one of the most used tools in my combat load. I can't wait to see how it works underwater on much needed R&R.

The Black version I have but would be happy with either one. The images are sharp and fast to focus compared to other Point N Shoots. The little sound speaker is weak by itself but hooked up to the tube it works fine. So far no problem with accidental battery door openings like I had with an earlier Olympus version. This camera has a nice sturdy feel and lots of settings and yes the tap function works well with nomex gloves.

The only thing that sometimes bothers me is that the lenz is in the upper left corner as you are shooting -- it's easy to get your finger in the picture if you dont hold it as indicated in the instructions. Normal center lenzes I haven't had that problem but this is minor issue cause now it's like I am aware of it.

12mp is huge for a field camera so I tend to use it more on the 5mp setting with the 2 gig xd card and the little neoprene case. It also comes with the xd adapter for the micro sd so that goes straight from the camera to phone slot for micro sd and using the SD adapter goes straight in the laptop port. No need to carry extra cables.

For the money, if you want a great camera in tough places, this is your best choice.