Overview
The Olympus MJU Tough 6000 is a rugged digital camera. It is waterproof to a depth of 3m, freezeproof to -10 degrees centigrade and shockproof to falls of 1.5m. In addition to this it has a 3.6x wide angle lens and a 10 megapixel sensor. It also offers image stabilisation.
Why Buy The Olympus MJU Tough 6000
As well as its robust body the MJU Tough 6000 takes a decent snapshot and is also easy to use. It is a good choice for a family where a digital camera may take a knock or two.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
3.6x
2.7 inches
95.3 x 63.4 x 22.4 mm
149g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
2cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
xD Micro SD
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The MJU Tough 6000 gets off to a solid start. Focusing is about right throughout most of the photo, although it does slip away towards the right hand edge of the shot. Some of the blue lines on the boats take on a purple tinge where they caught by the sun. Some detail is also lost to sun glare.
This is a good effort for a digital camera with a wide angle lens. Levels of sharpness are a bit above what I am used to see from this type of lens. My only complaint here is that the top and bottom of the picture look darker than they should.
Focusing is similar to the first test shot. It is good through most of the shot, before softening towards the right hand edge of the photo. Based on my three tests so far I would say you should be able to take decent scenic snapshots.
Up to now focusing may not have been pin sharp, but I cannot see any major flaws. This is especially true if you produce snapshot size prints. Again with this photo the brickwork is clear enough to see without quite hitting the razor sharp standards a small number of cameras manage.
Portraits
All three of my portrait shots work well. The MJU Tough 6000 manages to inject a good deal of brightness into this outdoor shot. I cannot foresee too many problems with standard portrait snapshots.
The amount of light in this shot is about right. It is also spread evenly across the photo. Some of the skin tones are on the pink side, but that is a minor gripe.
This is one of the brightest versions of this test shot I have ever produced. The MJU Tough 6000 also shows more detail and less noise in this shot than I am used to seeing.
Macro, Colours and Noise
This is not one of my best macro test shots. Part of the problem is caused by the white body of the MJU Tough 6000 reflecting back off the watch face. This could be a problem if you are planning to photograph jewelry or other reflective objects. I would expect much better results for say nature subjects in natural light.
Olympus digital cameras produce natural looking colours. There is enough punch in blues and greens to produce vivid, colourful scenes.
I was pleased with my indoor portrait as that suggests this camera can handle light that is not perfect without pumping out high levels of noise. As ever it is best to only use higher ISO settings as a last resort.
Summary
When it comes to picture quality the MJU Tough 6000 ticks most of the boxes. The colours are true and sharpness is good, especially when the subject is close to hand like in a portrait shot.
Style
The MJU Tough 6000 is available in a range of bright colours. You can buy versions in white, orange, blue and yellow. The lens sits in the top right hand corner and makes the camera look a little different to other models.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.52 seconds
19.68 seconds
1.92 seconds
22.19 seconds
4.49 seconds
Ease of Use
The menu system is bright and easy to read. You also have quick access to the most common functions.
Points I Like
Robust features - ease of use
Where it Could Improve
Start up and shutter lag times
Verdict
The Olympus MJU Tough 6000 does what it sets out to do. As well as being a robust digital camera it can take a good snapshot and you should have no problems finding your way around the camera.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Olympus MJU Tough 6000 Review Olympus MJU Tough 6000 Specification Olympus MJU Tough 6000 Sample Images Olympus MJU Tough 6000 Features
Review Date
March 2009
