[With Sample Photos] Dramatic Everyday Shots from a Slim Powerhouse: Olympus SH-21

Hello!

Today we are introducing the Olympus SH-21, a camera that has kept a loyal following since its release in 2011 for its "just-right size and strong performance."

The other day I took the SH-21 for a walk around Shinjuku. Let's look at its charms through the photos I actually shot.

1. The Mobility of a Pocketable 12.5x Zoom

The SH-21's biggest feature is a 12.5x optical zoom, covering 24mm wide-angle to 300mm telephoto (35mm equivalent), packed into a slim body only about 30.6mm thick.

Take a look at this shot. I was able to capture the towering buildings of Shinjuku dynamically at 24mm wide-angle. Thanks to the 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, even the tonal gradation of the wide-open sky is rendered very clearly with noise kept under control.

2. Reassuring Image Stabilization and High Sensitivity, Even in Dark Alleys

Street corners at dusk and bustling entertainment districts packed with signs are tricky exposure situations for any camera.

The entrance to the night, dazzling with neon and electronic displays. Thanks to the combination of the backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and the "TruePic V" image processing engine, the SH-21 keeps highlights from blowing out and preserves detail even in high-contrast scenes like this. The image stabilization works well too, so it is a pleasure to shoot quickly, just like casual snapshots.

3. Rich Expression That Captures Light

Using the zoom, I framed a building wall catching the light. The SH-21 renders the contrast of "light and shadow" dramatically. The straight silhouette of a street lamp, and the glow of the setting sun reflecting in the windows. It turned out to be a lyrical shot you would never expect from a compact camera.

4. Intuitive Operation

This camera actually has a touch panel on its rear LCD. The "touch shutter," which lets you focus and fire the shutter by touching the screen, feels very intuitive even for those of us used to smartphones. It is the perfect partner for walks around town when you don't want to miss a photo opportunity.

The "Olympus SH-21" doesn't have the heft of the latest mirrorless cameras, but it reminds you of the fun at the heart of photography: "carry it anywhere and still capture the emotion exactly as you saw it."

It is also packed with features we can't cover here, such as Full HD video and a super-resolution zoom that can capture subjects 15m away.

For anyone who wants to take photos a step beyond a smartphone with ease, this is a classic we'd love you to pick up.

View all STYLUS SH-21 listings here

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