Understandably a DSLR ain’t your bag.  While they offer a myriad of options, controls and features, they often prove too daunting for the average photo enthusiast to tolerate.  Olympus’ newest digital camera, the SZ-31MR iHS, eschews just that.

In the image capture department the SZ-31MR appears to be somewhat of a power  house, capable of capturing 16 megapixel photos and full HD video simultaneously (or separately).  Zooming in on far objects most certainly won’t be a hurdle, as it boasts a 24x optical zoom, that Olympus says “double zoom magnification without sacrificing image quality” thanks to the “the camera’s 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors,” which mind you were originally developed for DSLR cameras. Up to 10 frames per second can be captured, which should come out blur free thanks to not only the SZ-31MR’s fast response time but dual image stabilization and high-speed autofocus.  Olympus has also included something called Multi Motion Movie IS for shake free video capture.  All of the above options can be controlled with the camera’s 3-inch touchscreen with a 920k dot resolution.  Last, but not least there is a mini-HDMI port for piping home movies and photos in full HD to your big screen when you “return from your adventure.”

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS digital camera will in Black of Silver this April for $399.99.

Olympus has taken some cues from retro camera styling for its new OM-D E-M5 that sort of replicate the designs elements from the ’70s-era OM System. As the new, revolutionary mirrorless camera for Olympus, the OM-D E-M5 features an exceptionally light and compact body, measuring 4.8 inches wide and 1.8 inches deep. But the 16-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor is the heart of the new camera and comes with the ability for five-axis image stabilization, which allows the sensor to shift a variety of ways to compensate for camera movement that acts as a built-in Steadycam. Its autofocus system is also pretty impressive and what the company calls the “world’s fastest autofocus” of any camera. It’s also packed with an ISO range of 200-25,600, and support for 1080p video.

The OM-D E-M5′s new electronic viewfinder (EVF), with 120 fps refresh rate, features a high-resolution 1.44-million dot LCD, 100% field-of-view coverage, and 1.15x maximum magnification so users can totally immerse themselves in their subject and actively control image creation. It also allows you to see the effect of Highlight & Shadow Control, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Aspect Ratio, and a host of other settings and advanced digital image processing functions from the actual 3-inch viewfinder. The tilting OLED touchscreen is also supposed to respond instantly to your touch with fast operation, which makes it easy to maneuver to focus on subjects, play back images, and adjust settings such as exposure and white balance. IT’s also the first Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus to have support for a battery grip. This relocates both control dials and the shutter release for shooting in portrait orientation.

The camera comes in two color options, either black or silver and will sell for $999.99 starting in April. You can also buy the E-M5 as part of a 12-50mm or 14-42mm kit, with pricing set at $1,300 and $1,100, respectively. Olympus has also announced new accessories for it, including HLD-6 Power Battery Grip, the FL-600R electronic flash, and the MMF-3 mount adapter, which will allow you to use Four Thirds lenses with the E-M5.

Looking for some great quality photos for the family or the great outdoors? If you’re not into spending an insane amount of money for one solution that this new discount offer from Buydig should peak your interest. For a limited time they have some special savings on this high quality Olympus PEN E-PL2 SLR camera, and this includes a 14-42mm lens kit right out of the box. This camera can take 12.3-Megapixel photos with ease and its TruePic V image processor makes each and every shot crystal clear and precise. It’s In-Body Image stabilization mode provides 3 levels of stabilization, from the body itself and the shutter as well so you can get the best shots in even speedy situations. Couple that with 720p HD videos that you have full control over to direct and you can quickly create the best scene and make even mundane situations appear beautifully.

Holy deals from Buydig!  You can pick up this camera for $429. Just use coupon seasonsdigging20 at checkout and you’ll get the discount.

Buydig has some extra savings you can net on this brand new Olympus TOUGH Compact camera. Thanks to an extra coupon which can be thrown into the mix you can grab this one for $194 with free shipping. This camera provides you with some impressive capabilities, including of course its 14-Megapixel Sensor and competent 5x Optical Zoom lens. But what’s most important is that you can take this baby pretty much anywhere. This is because it’s not only shockproof, but also dustproof, freezeproof and even waterproof at up to 5 meters. And that’s not just water resistance, you can actually go under and take some nice photos of the deep before surfacing again. Don’t forget the dual image stabilization which keeps things looking crystal clear at the same time, and if you want more than stills this camera can also take 720p High Definition videos with the push of a button.

Use coupon (WinterBDBux5) and you get this camera for an additional $5 off, lowering the price to $194 with free delivery

Olympus has released three new compact cameras to its arsenal of products, the VG-160, VR-340 and Tough TG-320, and all offer point-and-shoot capabilities as well as 720p HD video recording.

The VR-340 model features a3 -inch LCD preview display its backside, a 16-megapixel sensor and a 10x super wide optical zoom lens. There’s also nine Magic Art Filters and one-touch video recording.

The Olympus VG-160 packs a 5x optical zoom and a wide-angle lens, 14-megapixel sensor, HD video, Magic Art Filters and 3-inch LCD screen. Beginners will appreciate the intelligent iAuto mode, while AG Tracking, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Face Detection all enhance the quality of your photos.

Finally, Olympus’ Tough TG-320 is meant for those who plan to use the camera for heavy outdoor use since it features a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof casing. Features include a 14-megapixel sensor, 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom lens, 3D photo mode (it works underwater) and an HDMI port so that you can easily connect it to your TV.

A camera with the word “Tough” in the name really has two ways it should be judged. First, as a camera — its image quality, features, and how it stacks up against other similarly priced point-and-shoots. Second, as a gadget designed to take as much punishment as possible. Only by looking at both aspects, and weighing them depending on how you plan to use the camera, can you get a full picture (if you’ll excuse the pun) of what the Olympus Tough TG-610 can do.

Images and Video

On the first score the Olympus score was… meh. In good light, images looked fine, but what camera doesn’t perform well when lighting conditions are favorable? The true test is when you’ve got low light, moving subjects, and a toddler tugging at your pants while trying to take a shot.

When challenged, the Olympus produced images that were … well, the only word I can think of is “smudgy.” Not quite grainy (like you get with high ISO), not quite blurry (like you get with low shutter speed), but what were supposed to be 14-megapixel photos were more like 14-megapixel impressionist renderings of them.

Red eye was treacherous. When I used the built-in flash, the camera managed to paint subjects’ eyes red about 75 percent of the time. There’s an in-camera red-eye correction, though it’s pretty unintuitive. Red eye isn’t the end of the world — most software can correct for it pretty easily, but I’ve never used a camera that’s produced it as consistently as the TG-610.

Video was a little better, but even in good light, it was hard to make out detail in darker-colored areas. The camera’s dual image stabilization, which is designed to help you take photos of moving images, didn’t appear to do much in video mode, and I got lots of camera shake. More meh.

Did the TG-610 have good points? Very few. The iAuto mode, which is supposed to figure out what mode the camera should be in to take the best picture, actually does a decent job. The 3-inch LCD is a good size, and the camera contains its own help menu, which isn’t totally useless. There’s also a mode you can engage if you’re using an Eye-Fi card for even easier wireless sharing of your pix.

Durability

I know, it’s not much. But I haven’t gotten to the good part: the toughness. The first time you handle the 610, you’ll be able to tell it can take punishment. It’s unusually heavy for its pack-of-cigarettes shape. I consciously didn’t take the usual care I give gadgets when I took the camera on vacation, generally throwing it in bags, leaving it on kitchen counters, and letting the aforementioned toddler pay with it. It survived it all.

It also works underwater. The specs say it’s waterproof up to five meters down (16 feet). Not being a scuba diver, I couldn’t verify that spec, but it did well in my bathtub shooting colorful rubber duckies and plastic boats (they’re the, um, toddler’s). For underwater photography, I always prefer to use a waterproof camera like the 610 than, say, a DSLR inside a waterproof case, since I’m always terrified I haven’t sealed the case properly. With the 610, you’ve got not worries.

For all its immunity to water, shocks, and low temperatures, keep in mind you will be able to scratch, ding and dent this camera fairly easily. Being able to take a pounding does not mean you’ll look pristine afterward. But even with bruises, the 610 will perform exactly the same as if it were brand new. The protective layer over the LCD is particularly good, shielding the pixels from damage even when poked with sharp objects.

Conclusion

It’s true, the Tough TG-610 isn’t much of a camera, especially when compared to other cameras priced at $280 (you can find it much cheaper online). But it’s good for shooting outdoors, and that’s where its best feature comes into play: durability. If you like your sports extreme and your action up close, this is the camera for the job. Others may give you much better shots, but this one is guaranteed to live to shoot the next one.

Editor’s Rating:

3 out of 5 stars

Good

Bottom line: Since it’s very durable and waterproof, the Olympus Tough TG-610 should be your go-to camera while skiing, scuba diving, or doing anything extreme outdoors in good sunlight. For pretty much anything else, a decent cellphone camera has it beat.

Pros

• Tough! Can use underwater
• Good image quality in bright light
• Large LCD

• Poor image quality in normal or low light
• Rampant red eye
• Lousy image stabilization

Cameta Camera via Amazon is providing a superior price break on this Olympus PEN E-P2 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 17mm f/2.8 Lens!

If you were looking for a little more oomph in your photo taking experience than here’s the same camera again, but this time with an included lens to fulfill the experience! With this model you can take large 12.3-Megapixel photos with ease and superior quality thanks to its TruePic V image processor. With its 3.0-Inch display with 176 degree viewing angles taking photos is easier than ever, and since this model includes a 17mm lens kit right out of the box you never have to miss out on potential memories to be made. This package comes even more complete with this model’s ability to take high definition videos with stereo sound and even maintains a microphone output.

This camera usually retails for over $1000.  But they’ve got it for $479.95 with $11.95 S&H.  That’s over $620 off the retail price!

Cameta Camera via Amazon is providing the best  price around on this Olympus Pen E-P2 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera Body in Black!

Tis the season to enjoy the absolute best in photo quality! That’s an easy check off the list with this compact camera body which packs SLR power into a sleek point-and-shoot size. It’s capable of taking large 12.3-Megapixel photos with stunning quality thanks to its Truepic V image processor. This model also includes an In-Body Image Stabilizer which provides crystal clear photos at any zoom level and without the need for an expert touch. You can also capture High Definition videos as well with stereo sound to go along with it.

Grab this camera, with 12.95 S&H for $299.95.

Buydig is boasting some new savings on this Olympus Stylus Tough-8010 Digital Camera with 4GB card, case and more bundle!

Black Friday may be over but don’t think the deals are! Now you can grab this camera bundle and get everything you need for photo shooting on the go all in one whack. This super compact Olympus camera allows you to take full 14-Megapixel photos with superior quality and ease of locations. It lives up to the TOUGH name by not only being rugged and shockproof but also dustproof and waterproof at up to 33ft so you can take depth shots if you would like. This camera also includes 2GBs of internal storage but is bolstered with an included 4GB SD card as well as a carrying case and Lens cleaning kit.

Use code HDMEMORIES20 and the price drops from $226.99 to $206.99.  Delivery is free.

JustDeals via eBay has a special low price offer for this Olympus E-P1 12.3 Megapixel Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera (Body Only)!

Bring all your photos to life with this very high quality camera body from Olympus, while saving enough to leave you some cash for any lens of your choice! With this E-P1 camera you’re able to snap quality 12.3-Megapixel photos which are given an edge thanks to its TruePic V image processor to give you life-like imagery with ease. You’re given the freedom to snap photos of any kind, from capturing memories of family and friends to getting that perfect shot of the landscape for the photo album. It has an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400, 3x optical zoom to start and is capable of shooting motion JPEG videos with full stereo sound.

Not the latest generation, but the latest and best deal!  You can get it for just $259.99.

Cametaauctions via eBay has an exciting price drop for this Olympus PEN E-P2 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera EP2 & 14-42mm Zoom Lens!

Snap into action with the super low price on this powerful Olympus camera! The PEN EP2 Digital Camera is designed for superior image quality and it starts with its 12.3-Megapixel Live-MOS sensor. Its compact size allows you to take it anywhere, and with the option for interchangeable lenses you have the flexibility you need to take snapshots in any given situation. This deal provides a 14-42mm lens for day-to-day shooting and has support for ISO ranges up to 6400. You can also record 720p High Definition video with this camera plus watching and recording is a breeze with its large 3.0-Inch LCD display. Don’t miss out on this stunning offer.

This camera is selling for an unprecedented price.  For now – it will probably sell out – you can get it, and a lens, for $469.

If a complete stranger approached you on a city corner and handed you a $500 camera you’d probably look at them cross eyed and then quickly realize they want you to take a picture of them?  But how about if they told you that you could keep this camera provided you were willing to simply upload some photos to the web?  You’d probably look at them stunned in silence.

Recently, Olympus gave out over 1,000 PEN E-PM1 cameras to over 1000 people throughout 6 cities.  It’s all part of their PEN Ready Project, which hopes to show the world that anyone, anywhere can take amazing photographs.  And while it’s not impossible to pick up any camera and capture a solid photograph, it shouldn’t get any easier than with the Olympus PEN E-PM1.

This camera is the lightest and smallest of the PEN series.  But don’t be fooled by its small size, as it can capture 12 megapixel photos and 720p HD video.  Dual core image processing engines help everyday people capture brilliant images in any lighting situation.  And while there is no built-in flash (you can buy one that fits into the camera’s hot shoe) the EPM-1 is capable of achieving an ISO of 12,800.  On the back is a 3-inch 460k dot LCD screen, which lets you choose from a variety of options including a 3D mode, 23-scene modes and an iAuto mode that picks the best setting for the scene.

If you want one of your own you can buy it for $500, which includes a 14-42mm.  Otherwise, you can wander aimlessly around your city’s streets hoping someone hands you one.

*This post is sponsored by Olympus – see our sponsored post policy

Buydig has some extra savings you can catch on this Olympus Stylus 8010 14 Megapixel Camera!

Now here’s a camera that’s destined to go wherever you do! This Olympus Stylus camera not only provides for a sleek and stylish design but a tough outer shell compiled over its natural tough innards to give it the muscle to be wherever you can. For starters it packs the ability to take huge 14-Megapixel photos with relative ease, while also maintaining a 5x Optical zoom with image stabilization and honing in with a crystal clear 2.7-Inch screen. This camera really comes to shine with its aforementioned toughness however, and because of that it is not only shockproof for drops of about 7 feet but also freezeproof and even waterproof at up to 33 feet, which means you can even take underwater photos and video if you wanted to. And speaking of video it is capable of snapping it in 720p with a touch of a button. It also comes with 2GBs of internal memory along with some interesting features like Red-Eye Reduction and playback edit effects to keep you going. Overall a wonderful deal!

Make sure you first select Blue from the 3 color options and then use this coupon (BUYDIGCLUB10) to make the final checkout price $209.  S&H is free

Amazon is also offering a sale on this Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Micro Four Thirds Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens!

If you’re looking for a more beastly camera you’re covered that way as well! This powerful Olympus SLR camera even packs a slim body and comes with a 14-42mm Lens kit for taking photos right away. This camera can take full quality 12.3-Megapixel photos with stunning clarity powered by its E-PL1 CMOS Sensor. It includes all the features you need to shoot any photo in any condition, including face detection, intelligent auto scene selection, iEnhance, in-Camera Panorama modes and even a built-in popup flash to illuminate low light conditions with ease. It’s also easy to share everything you snap by connecting to HDTV via HDMI and media controlled via remote of by removal of the SDHC card for insertion into many different media devices.

$349 shipped.  It usually retails for $499, so a $150 discount from the original price.

Amazon is offering a discount price for this Olympus 228180 VG-120 Digital Camera in Black!

Looking for a low-cost and compact camera to take with you anywhere? Then check out this discounted ad feature packed digital camera from Olympus! This camera comes with an effective 14-Megapixel CMOS sensor which provides huge photos in high quality along with a 5x Optical Zoom with image stabilization that makes every shot count. It has a built-in 3.0-Inch LCD monitor which aids in snapping photos as well as viewing them and even has a one-touch 720p HD video capture mode with audio recording as well. It’s compatible with SDHC memory cards and includes a USB port for high speed connectivity and photo/video sharing. Intelligent auto and magic filter modes make taking shots in any environment simple and easy!

$47.99 in instant savings cuts the price of this camera to just $92.  Shipping is free

It’s been an interesting week in the tech world! To sum up everything for you, we’ve compiled some of the coolest tech videos and products for the week so that you don’t have to scour the Internet looking for them. Enjoy!

4. CAT-LIFT

Cats have a mind of their own, which makes this Cat-Lift contraption even more hilarious. Fully operated by the cat, the tiny elevator allows for easy outside access and is fitted with a special “infrared catflap.”

3. GRAPPLING HOOK LAUNCHER

Homemade stuff is the best! This grappling hook launcher video shows a very Batman-like gadget that you can make at home.

2. BILLABONG V1 FLOATATION WETSUIT

Billabong has created a wetsuit that’s equipped with a floatation device so that surfers (or anybody, really) won’t drown when they become fatigued out in the water. Patent is still pending though, but it’s a cool concept!

1. BIONIC HAND

Chole Homes lost her fingers as a toddler when she suffered from septicaemia after contracting chickenpox. But now at 15, she traded in her prosthetic hand for some bionic fingers, making for one hi-tech hand!

4. Sony NEX-7 DSRL CAMERA

Sony has officially taken their compact cameras to the next level with its NEX-7 DSRL model. While it features things that other compact cameras have (HD video and pictures, 24.3 megapixels, etc.), the camera now has interchangeable lens that allows you to take pictures like a pro without having to carry around bulky equipment.

3. HEX CODE WALLET FOR IPHONE 4

Someone has finally created a stylish wallet that also functions as an iPhone case! Not only does it secure your phone in place, but it also holds a select number of credit cards so that you don’t have to overload your pocket.

2. OLYMPUS PEN E-PM1 CAMERA

Olympus has finally released info on a release date for it’s latest camera. It’s actually the smallest and lightest of the PEN series, but can still do loads of cool stuff like capture HD video and photos and works with Olympus’ interchangeable lens system.

1. CINESKATES

A tripod with wheels? Yup, that’s exactly what CineSkates is. Although it looks a bit strange and robot-like, it was designed to be used by everyday people to achieve professional dolly-like shots.

Today, Olympus officially unveiled the Olympus PEN E-PM1 camera.  It’s the smallest and lightest of the PEN cameras, but can still capture HD video and photos, and is compatible with Olympus’ interchangeable lens system.

Behind the lens is a 12.3 megapixel sensor supported by two (dual core) processing engines that is designed to capture photos in low light situations thanks to its 12,800 ISO.  However, it lacks a built-in flash, so you’ll need to purchase that separately if you really want to take night time portrait shots.

This particular model is devoid of a touchscreen, but still boasts a 3-inch 460k dot LCD, which should suffice for most consumers.  And much like the E-PM1′s bigger brothers, it boasts 23-scene select modes (3D mode, Fireworks, Sunset, Children, Macro, Panorama, etc) and an iAuto mode that that automatically identifies the scene at hand and adjusts the settings accordingly.

A dedicated movie button lets you capture full HD movies at  moments notice, while up to 5 photos can be captured per second.   And to add to the impressive list of features, Olympus says that the E-PM1 can not only focus at an incredible speed, but that it can offers 35 separate focus areas enabling it to focus on the smallest of subject throughout the entire frame.

So are there any caveats to this PEN camera?  Just based alone on the press release, there appears to be little to no manual options.  So the E-PM1 is largely targeted at the point and shoot crowd that wants the equivalent optics of a DSLR, but not the hassle of tweaking a variety of settings.

The Olympus E-PM1 will launch this September and retail for $499.99, which includes a MSC M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED m14-42mm II lens.

B&H Photo also wants to share some savings with you by offering the lowest price on this Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Champagne)!

If you’re looking for some intense photos to snap then why not seek them out with this powerful PEN E-PL1 Camera from Olympus, now at a reduced price. With this camera you can take huge 12 Megapixel photos in a snap, and thanks to the TruePic V Image Processor each and every photo will be rendered with superior quality for the best shots every time. It comes with a large 14-42mm Lens for some serious angles and it’s all displayed on the 2.7-Inch Live View LCD display for easy photo shooting. There are plenty of ways to stabilize the image as well, and thanks to a huge 3200 ISO capability and 19 different scene modes you can make it so each and every photo comes out perfect!

$479.99 – $100 instant rebate makes it $369.99.  Get to checkout to see this price.

Buydig is offering some coupon savings on this interesting Olympus XZ-1 10MP Digital Camera!

Here’s your solution for SLR camera power in a point-and-shoot form factor you can take with you anywhere! This Olympus X Series Digital Camera has a large 10 Megapixel CMOS Sensor for taking large images without losing a single detail. In addition with Dual Image Stabilization and a 4x iZuiko Zoom lens you can take crystal clear photos every time. You can also take 720p High Definition video anywhere you go, including underwater at a depth of up to 50 meters for a true diving experience captured with ease. It’s also got advanced face Detection, Truepic V Image processor and In-camera panorama abilities.

Final price at checkout is $394 after using Buydig’s $15 coupon (BUYDIGCLUB15).  Don’t forget this include free S&H!

Buydig has a new low price offer on this Olympus SP-610UZ 14MP Digital Camera!

Today is a big day for you camera fans out there and here’s a new price of advanced photo shooting technology to entice your photography spirit. This Olympus 610UZ Digital Camera features a large 14 Megapixel CMOS sensor for very large images while giving you the perfect capability to shoot from far away with the 22x Wide-Angel Optical Zoom. It is also capable of taking 720p HD Movies with one touch of a button and even able to take 3D Photos for an effect that will make your memories more powerful. With Dual-Image stabilization each picture comes out clear and the large 3-Inch display makes it much easier to view what you’re doing.

The price is $174.95 after applying the $10 coupon BUYDIGCLUB10 and no S&H charge!