MASSIVE ZOOM! (Olympus SP-570 UZ)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Olympus SP-570 UZ
Date:	07/12/08 (180 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 26-520mm!

Disadvantages: Only AA Batteries

The 10 Megapixel Olympus 'SP-570UZ' is an impressive camera indeed. 'Why impressive' you may ask?... well, this particular model has an outstanding 20 times optical zoom - Wow! For those of you in the know about digital cameras, that equates to a range of 26-520mm. Correct me if i'm wrong, but I think that means that this model offers the longest zoom of any camera in its class.

The camera is designed to look like an SLR in style, but due to its fixed lens and smaller image sensor, it's still technically a 'compact'. That said, the build quality is very good, and the camera is comfortable to hold.

What impresses me most, is the way in which the zoom operates. Instead of having to press buttons to zoom in and out (which can be a fiddly process), you can literally grab the lens and rotate it as you would with a more expensive model. This makes the whole photographic process much easier, and certainly adds a lot more fun to proceedings! The camera also features image stabilisation which is essential for a piece of equipment with such a long zoom.

Picture Quality
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As a 'compact' model, the SP-570UZ can't compete with the image quality of an SLR - yet the camera can produce some very good results. With an ISO range of 64-6400, it will satisfy those who are looking to shoot without flash in dimly-lit conditions, but having said that, anything taken at over ISO 800 is subject to heavy image noise.

What's Not to Like?
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Firstly, this model only uses the xD memory card format - which is more expensive. I find it unacceptable that in this day and age a camera shouldn't be able to use both xD and SD.

Secondly, the SP-570 takes AA batteries rather than a rechargeable lithium-ion unit. However, they will last for a decent time if you invest in some good Ni-mH rechargeables.

In conclusion, with a price of around £250, this camera will certainly satisfy amateur photographers who want to get closer to the action. The zoom range is phenomenal, and the camera is well made and easy to use - Recommended.

Other Camera Features & Stats
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Maximum Image Resolution: 3,648 x 2,736
Dimensions: 119 x 84 x 88mm
Weight: 445g
Exposure Modes: A, P, AP, SP, M, Custom
Storage: xD Card
Batteries: 4 x AA

Summary: Very Versatile zoom range makes this a decent camera

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