Olympus 1050sw - Give your review

[Scott Bishop]

Would you recommend to your friend to buy the Olympus 1050sw? See our review

[S. Michael]

This camera proved to be waterproof.

 

Once water entered the battery compartment it stayed there subsequently leading to camera failure.

 

Bought this in USA. Rarely used it though it worked fine for normal photos and in the rain.

 

Took it to Bali, paddled out with the camera in back pocket. Duck dived a few 2-3 foot waves (no big deal)

 

Once sitting to the side of the lineup took it out and filmed some rides. After about 10 minutes camera failed.

 

Once at hotel confirmed water in battery compartment.

 

1 year guaranty had 7 days left and there is no olympus service on Bali. My next stop was Bangkok, so I emailed Olympus, Thailand as to verify date of failure and no olympus service on island.

 

No reply to email despite m request.

 

In Bangkok I took camera to them and left it along with a printed copy of the email I had sent them (BTW that they confirmed receiving)

After a few days they informed me the camera is past the 1 year warranty. Completely illogical and perhaps idiotic if not punitive.

 

I emailed the story to Olympus Japan who subsequently contacted Thailand olympus. Thailand reversed their highly intelligent initial decision and gave me what they claimed was a new 1050, though refused to give me the warranty card. I guess that reflects their confidence in the product. I am afraid to use this in the water.

 

It seems Japan Olympus is reasonable but could not really dictate to Thai service 100%. Another surfer had the same problem with this camera however europe olympus replaced it with the higher end camera as I assume they knew the 1050 has problems.

 

Very first paddle out, some low intensity duck dives, and ruined from water leakage.

 

Next camera will not be olympus.

 

 

[Scott Bishop]

That sucks about your Oly. I'm not a big Olympus fan myself but not because of that. I never did like how hard it was to change up settings especially when you're out in the surf with it.

My recommendation for you is the Sony tx5 and as a surfer you'll also want to get the Surf Camera case.

Sony sells a 5 year warranty for about 50 bucks that will fix or replace your camera even if water damaged.

The Surf Camera case will let you get to your camera and tuck it back way more quickly that putting in your pocket plus it's totally secure and never in your way. 

If you're low on the budget the Fuji xp10 is a good camera too.