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Imaging Resource Full Review update posted f...Popular Photography Camera Test: Olympus SP-550UZPhotography Blog Olympus SP-550 UZ ReviewPC Mag Olympus SP-550 UZCamera Labs Olympus SP 550 Ultra Zoom |
| Likes |
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- Great handling
- Best-looking Olympus
- Lengthy 18x lens - Nice flash - RAW + JPEG simultaneous shooting - Image stabilization
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| Dislikes |
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- Gimmicky pre-capture mode
- Slow 1.2 fps burst mode - AA batteries don’t last long - Confusing menus - Some scenes reduce resolution - $499 price
- Shutter lag
- Heavy body
- Adjusting the LCD brightness is a pain - Movies can have audio or zoom, but not both at once
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Conclusion
The 7.1-megapixel Olympus SP-550UZ is a huge improvement upon its predecessor with a sturdier, more attractive body and a longer 18x optical zoom lens. An optical image stabilization system complements the lens, which is currently the longest available on a compact SLR-shaped digital camera. The SP-550 reaches a wide audience with its guide mode that offers step-by-step tutorials and an array of exposure modes that range from fully manual to automatic and scene modes.
Olympus throws in a lot of gimmicks that make this ultra-zoom model look even better: a 15 fps burst mode, ISO settings up to 5000, and a pre-capture mode that snaps pictures before you push the shutter release button. However, all of these features are so flawed that they are hardly worth using.
The 18x lens makes the SP-550 a tempting choice for sports shooters, but the slow auto focus system and 1.2 fps full-resolution burst mode will most likely botch action shots. The number of movie modes, available controls, and long lens may tempt consumers who want a hybrid camera, but the inability to use the audio and the optical zoom at the same time should deter them. Point-and-shooters may appreciate the Olympus SP-550UZ with its tutorials, picture effects, and direct printing capability – but the $499 retail price is too much to justify this model over the cheaper competition.
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