Review: Olympus Stylus 790SW

We're no strangers to gadget beat downs - in fact, we think they build character. But Olympus only fed the flame when they shipped us the 790 SW. This update of the ultra-rugged 770 SW we reviewed back in June has a lot in common with its predecessor. Namely, waterproofing, dustproofing, freeezeproofing, and chassis-rattling shock resistance. But while we were busy finding new ways to physically abuse the shooter, it was the little upgrades that impressed us. The updated TruePic III image processor produced slightly clearer pictures that its predecessor, and the button layout was no longer a source of unmitigated rage. In fact, most of our ire is reserved for this point and shoot's durability cutbacks. After a spirited stomping it was clear that crushproofing had been axed-we cracked the case after stepping on it a mere three times. And that snorkel-friendly 33 feet of waterproofing we got from the 770? It's been dwarfed to the kiddie pool equivalent of 10 feet. The 790 is definitely a good fit for the accident prone, but if you've elevated gadget destruction to an art form, you're better off seeking a camera with a stronger chin.