The Olympus mju 850SW (Olympus Stylus 850SW in the US) follows the successful mju 790 SW, with its only main difference being a slightly increased pixel count, now at 8MP. The same TruePic III imaging processor, 38-114mm equivalent zoom range and 2.5in BrightCapture LCD screen remain.

Waterproofing is effective up to 3m in depth, it can be dropped from a height of 1.5m and can withstand temperatures to -10°C.

The camera powers up promptly and operation is also swift, while the LCD screen is responsive, even in low light. Images are a little bit hit and miss though. The Auto White Balance occasionally turns out warm images while noise starts to become visible at ISO 400. Crucially, images aren’t quite as detailed or sharp as expected when viewed at their actual pixel size. Exposures are okay, but highlights tend to blow easily.