Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 & 6020 Digital Cameras Get Official [Olympus Announces New Rugged Compact Cameras: the Stylus Tough 8010 & the Stylys Tough 6020]

While regular amateur photographers like me might not require the presence of rugged compact digital cameras around, there are various people that can use the extra features of such point-and-shoot machines in order to take pictures in the most complicated surroundings. Therefore Olympus decided to update its Tough line with the new Stylus Tough 8010 and 6020 models.

As already expected, the new cameras are shockproof, waterproof, crushproof and freezeproof so you can really use them virtually in any condition. Both the Stylus Tough 8010 and the Stylus Tough 6020 will come with a couple of new features on board which are definitely worth considering. You can expect 14-megapixel shooters, HD video recording, HDMI support and 5x wide-angle optical zoom lenses.

Here’s a specs and features list which should help you decide which Olympus rugged camera to purchase next:

• 14-megapixel shooter
• 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens
• 2.7-inch HyperCrystal III LCD
• LED Illuminator (acts as a mini-flashlight)
• HD video-recording and HDMI control
• Truepick III Image Processor
• AF Tracking technology
• Magic Filter technology (Pop Art, Pin Hole, Fish-Eye and Drawing shooting modes)
• Dual Image Stabilization
• Face Detection (up to 12 faces)
• Tap Control (accelerometer inside permits tap control)
• Shockproof: 6.6 & 5 feet drop
• Crushproof: 220 pounds of pressure (Tough 8010 only)
• Waterproof: 33 & 16 feet; PT-048 underwater case waterproof to 130 feet
• Freezeproof: 14 degrees Fahrenheit
• USB port (also used for charging)
• Up to 32GB storage via SD card storage

As you can see the two Olympus rugged cameras are pretty similar when it comes to picture taking and video recording features. They only differ when it comes to their ruggedness with the 8010 being capable of withstanding more extreme conditions than the 6020. The Stylus Tough 8010 and the Stylus Tough 6020 will be available later this month for $399.99 and $299.99, respectively. Anyone interested?