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The 7.1 megapixel Olympus SP-550 UZ is the first digital camera to crack the 18x optical zoom barrier. The lens on the UZ (UZ=Ultra Zoom) seamlessly covers a respectably wide 28mm to an impressive 504mm at the long end (35mm equivalents). It also close focuses to 1cm in super macro mode. It covers this huge focal range with a very respectable maximum aperture range of f/2.8 at wide to f/4.5 fully extended -- not too slow to severely limit the usefulness of the tele's reach. Combine this lens' reach and apertures with mechanical sensor-shift shake reduction, and this is starting to look like a very impressive EVF. Add in full manual controls and RAW capture, and the specs keep getting better and better. As for hands on feel, the lens barrel is well-damped and glides smoothly while it extends more than you'd think possible. The buttons and overall build feel solid. It's doesn't have the rock-solid feel of the mostly metal Canon PowerShot G7, but it feels exceptionally solid for a composite body. Interestingly, this camera will appeal to both beginners and advanced photographers. Aside from the full manual controls, 1/3 stop increments, RAW capture, histogram preview and other advanced-user features, the UZ also includes GUIDE mode, which helpfully offers suggestions for a particular shooting situation and navigates the user straight from the guide to the settings adjustment for that situation. Add in-camera editing options, a wealth of scene modes and an assortment of accessory lenses, and it's an appealing all-in-one for the beginner who isn't quite ready to jump up to a DSLR.
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| Slowest Shutter Speed |
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15 |
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| Fastest Shutter Speed |
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2000 |
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| Screen Size |
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2.5 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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230,000 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD and EVF |
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| Maximum ISO |
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1600 |
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| Widest Focal Length |
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4 mm |
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| Longest Focal Length |
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84 mm |
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| Maximum Aperture |
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f/2.8 |
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| Zoom |
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18 |
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| Video Resolution |
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Up to 640x480 |
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| Video Frames per second |
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30 |
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| Battery |
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(4) AA batteries, AC Adapter (C-7AU) |
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| Width |
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4.6 in |
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| Height |
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3.1 in |
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| Depth |
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3.1 in |
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| Weight |
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12.9 oz |
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| Release Date |
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February 2007 |
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More Olympus SP-550-UZ Articles
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July/August 2007
This year's winner should catch the eye of photographers who've become blase about the routinely huge zoom ranges of EVF cameras. |
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February 2007
The Olympus SP-550UZ packs an 18x optical zoom, RAW capture and a helpful guide mode. |
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January 2007
The first digital camera to boast an 18x optical zoom, the Olympus SP-550 UZ ($499 MSRP) looks like a very impressive EVF. |
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More Digital Super Zoom Articles
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June 2008
Camera Test: The facts are in... Amazing! |
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April 2008
How did Panasonic's newest 10x pocket rocket fare under the hot lab lights? |
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April 2008
Casio's newest camera is an amazing hybrid of still and video performance. |
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March 2008
Match your photos to your partying style. |
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February 2008
Panasonic's newest top-of-the-line 10x zoomer may be their best yet. |
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
8.38
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Ease of use |
8.08
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Fit and finish |
8.92
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Click-to-click speed |
7.54
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Display quality |
8.38
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Flash quality |
8.08
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Image quality |
8.38
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Overall value |
8.31
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
Read other reviews
Submit your own review
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