Olympus Stylus 790 SW

Not every camera is designed to sit pretty in a showcase. The Olympus Stylus 790 SW (mju 790 SW) is a genuinely rugged CCD compact, built to stay with you underwater, in the snow, or through an accidental drop. Released in 2007, this model can go up to 3 meters underwater, withstands drops from 1.5 meters, and keeps working down to minus 10 degrees. With both that classic CCD sensor color of its era and a solid metal body, it's a rare camera you can carry with you through every condition of daily life.

📦 What's in the box

• Olympus Stylus 790 SW
• LI-42B rechargeable battery
• Charger
• xD-Picture Card memory card (bonus gift)
• Carrying case (bonus gift)
• Full set, ready to shoot
• Shipped in RetroCameraLand's signature box

✅ Condition

The camera is in excellent condition for its age and fully functional. There are no cosmetic flaws that affect use or are noticeable to the eye. All functions work flawlessly, and its water- and shock-resistant build remains fully intact. The lens, screen, and metal body are ready for everyday use. Tested and approved by the RetroCameraLand expert team.

✨ Why This Camera

The 790 SW packs serious engineering into a small body. It's not just another compact — it's a device truly built to work out in the field:

• 🌊 Waterproof build, dives up to 3 meters without a housing
• 💪 Shockproof body, withstands drops from 1.5 meters
• ❄️ Freezeproof, works down to minus 10 degrees
• 🔍 7.1 MP CCD sensor
• 🎯 3x optical zoom, 38-114mm equivalent focal length
• 📷 f/3.5-5.0 aperture range
• 📺 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen (230,000 dots)
• 🧠 Face detection support
• 🎬 VGA (640x480) video recording
• 💡 Close-up shots with LED Macro Illuminator
• 🔩 Metal body
• 💾 xD-Picture Card memory support
• 🔋 LI-42B rechargeable battery

The 3x optical zoom starting from a 38mm wide angle gives you practical flexibility, from landscapes and group shots to distant details. From underwater to the beach, from ski slopes to wet weather, it's a camera with almost no equal in the compact class.

The 7.1 MP CCD sensor is the main factor behind this camera's color character. Unlike modern CMOS sensors, it produces more saturated, more "filmic" colors; that familiar period look with flash is the 790 SW's signature. VGA video recording is also a nice bonus for anyone wanting to bring this nostalgic digital aesthetic to motion.

👀 Who It's For, Where to Use It

The 790 SW is ideal for users who love nature and adventure photography and don't want to risk their phone in the water. It's a great choice for content creators devoted to the digital aesthetic of the era, collectors chasing underwater CCD shots, and anyone looking for a camera that carries durability without sacrificing design.

It's used comfortably at the beach and poolside, while diving and snorkeling, on ski and snowboard slopes, at festivals and outdoor events, on hikes, and on family trips with kids. Thanks to its solid metal body, you can carry it with you without worrying about wear from sand, snow, or being tossed in a bag.

🔥 RetroCameraLand's Take

For us, the Olympus 790 SW is the Olympus "Tough" philosophy in its purest form. What's still special about this model, which laid the groundwork for the later TG series, is how it combines durability with CCD character. Finding those warm, period-correct CCD colors in a camera that's also water-, shock-, and cold-resistant is a genuinely rare combination today.

One important note: the 790 SW's CCD sensor can show slight reflections or a light ring in scenes with shiny surfaces or strong light sources. This isn't a flaw — it's a character trait specific to CCD sensors of the era and doesn't negatively affect the photo. In fact, it's seen as one of the most beloved signatures of the retro CCD aesthetic. For anyone after both durability and character, the 790 SW offers a rare balance in the compact CCD class.

🛡️ The RetroCameraLand Guarantee

Every camera in our collection is thoroughly tested and inspected for condition by our expert team before being added to our lineup. The lens, sensor, screen, buttons, and all functions are checked one by one. Our customer support is with you 24/7, from purchase through after delivery. Feel free to reach out anytime for usage tips, maintenance advice, or compatible accessory recommendations. The RetroCameraLand guarantee ensures that it's not just the product you bought that lasts, but the relationship we build with you too.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Olympus Stylus 790 SW working and tested?
Yes. Every camera is individually tested and approved by the RetroCameraLand expert team. This unit is fully functional and in excellent condition for its age.

Can it really go underwater?
Yes. The 790 SW can go up to 3 meters underwater without a housing, withstands drops from 1.5 meters, and keeps working down to minus 10 degrees. You can use it comfortably at the beach, pool, while diving, and in snowy conditions.

Can it shoot video?
Yes. It records video at VGA (640x480) resolution, so you can bring that period digital aesthetic to motion as well.

What memory card does it use?
It uses an xD-Picture Card. It ships ready to use with a bonus memory card included in the box.

Do the images have a vintage digital look?
Yes. The 7.1 MP CCD sensor naturally produces more saturated, filmic colors and that familiar period look with flash, making this model a joy for anyone after CCD character.