It is probably not totally unreasonable to expect the 12-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 camera to be tough. And indeed it is. It has been described with several words suffixed with “proof” –waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and shakeproof.
Designed for adventurers who dream of competing in the reality TV series Survivor, this Olympus model can swim up to a depth of a 10 meters, go head to head with concrete from a height of 2 meters, withstand pressures up to 100 kilograms, operate at temperatures up to -10°C, and take sharp and distinct pictures even when your hands are shaking from the cold.
The stainless steel aluminum exterior of the camera, coupled with o-rings and rubber gaskets, provide strength and durability, and seals it from the elements. The Tough-8000 is not just brute strength though. It is stylish and functional in design. Its metal edges and screws give it a no-nonsense contemporary look. You can have it in shiny stainless steel, blue, or black.
A wide-angle 3.6x lens, the equivalent of 28-102mm in 35 mm cameras, allows you to take both panoramic and close-up shots. And you can do all this without extending the lens from the body.
The shutter, power button, and an underwater sensor are at the top. On the right side is a multi-use connector for battery charging and connecting to a computer or television. Underneath is a small speaker. The back features a 2.7-inch LCD screen that is rated at 230K pixels. The controls are right beside the screen and are similar to other digital cameras. With these you can adjust white balance, ISO, and shadow adjustment. However, for quick shots, you can opt for the intelligent auto option. This programs the camera to choose the proper settings for the subject in front of the lens.