Value (6.5)
The revamped Olympus SP-560UZ will retail for $499, the same introductory price as the SP-550. This price is expected as the old model is, well, old. And the new model isn’t very different than the old one. Sure, it adds face detection and an ever-so-slightly wider lens, but that doesn’t justify any major price hike. As for value, $499 is at the high end of what most consumers want to pay for a non-DSLR camera. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 has a 15x optical zoom lens and costs $479. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 has an 18x optical zoom lens and retails for $399. Overall, the SP-560 is expensive and probably won’t be on clearance any time soon.
Comparisons
 Olympus SP-550UZ – The Olympus SP-550 has the exact same looks and handling, but with only 7.1 megapixels. It has many of the same exposure modes with the exception of two Scene modes, Quick Shutter and Smile, omitted on the older model. The SP-550 doesn’t have face detection, as it has an older image processor. Its ISO range tops out at 5000, as compared to the SP-560’s ISO 6400. Both cameras still max out at ISO 1600 in full resolution, though; anything higher shrinks the image size to 3 megapixels. Both cameras have an 18x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, but the SP-550’s is 1mm narrower. That isn’t a huge deal, but Olympus seems to be making it so. The two cameras have the same flash and LCD components and retail for $499, although now that the newer model is out the Olympus SP-550 will probably be marked down.
 Canon PowerShot S5 IS – Going for the same $499 retail price, the Canon S5 comes with 8 megapixels but a much shorter 12x optical zoom lens. Canon’s S-series is known for its hybrid abilities: the S5’s lens is fully functional in Movie mode. The image stabilization keeps videos looking smooth, stereo audio sounds great, and features like selectable audio sampling rates and a wind filter give the S5 the edge when it comes to movies. It takes great pictures, too, and includes a full set of manual and automated exposure modes. The Canon S5 has a 2.5-inch LCD monitor that folds out from the camera and rotates. Unfortunately, its resolution isn’t as good, with only 207,000 pixels. It tested decently with very accurate colors and excellent low light performance, but produces a lot of noise and isn’t a star performer when it comes to dynamic range.
 Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd – With a similar SLR shape and design, the S8000 fd comes to the market with 8 megapixels and a familiar 18x optical zoom lens. It has the same wide 27mm focal length as the SP-560 and also packs optical image stabilization. This FinePix also has a similar 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. It has plenty of manual controls, including an ISO range that reaches 1600 at full resolution. The S8000 fd’s face detection system is fast and can recognize up to 10 faces at a time, and even has an automatic red-eye removal feature that syncs with the system. This ultra-zoom digital camera retails for $399.
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 – The 8.1-megapixel FZ18 shares much in common with the Olympus, including an 18x optical zoom lens. The FZ18’s lens is 1mm narrower, but reaches farther with its 28-504mm focal range. The lens is backed up with optical image stabilization. Like the Olympus, the FZ18 has full manual controls and plenty of features, including RAW file shooting. It has a faster 3 fps Burst mode for full-resolution pictures and is overall one of the best cameras we’ve tested in our imaging lab. It produces excellent resolution, accurate colors, low noise, excellent dynamic range, and is even a star in low light. The FZ18 has the same 2.5-inch LCD screen but a lower 207,000-pixel resolution. That’s about the only compromise consumers would need to make with this camera: it sells for much less at $399.
 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 – There’s a little less zoom but many more features found on this camera. The 8.1-megapixel Sony H9 has a narrower 15x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization that is fully functional whether snapping pictures or shooting videos. It is loaded with trendy features like face detection, high definition output capability, infrared photography, and a 3-inch LCD monitor that folds out from the camera and tilts up and down. Full manual controls are on the docket, including ISO settings that range from 64 to 3200. The 9-point autofocus system is also a nice touch. The H9 accepts up to 8 GB of Sony Memory Stick Duo or Duo Pro media. It costs $479.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The SP-560 won’t fit in a pocket and takes a little more know-how to fully utilize, but it does have a Guide mode that walks beginners through common photography problems. The camera also features an Auto mode. It’s not for the beginner, but could be considered by the point-and-shooter looking for a camera to grow with.
Budget Consumers – This new ultra-zoom won’t be in many budgets, but perhaps its predecessor will get a mark-down.
Gadget Freaks – The 18x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization is tempting. Shadow compensation and a few other interesting features may catch the attention of gadget freaks.
Manual Control Freaks – There are enough manual controls to keep these consumers happy.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – This may enter the radar for serious hobbyists but as a second camera, but for slightly more, they could also purchase a low-end SLR.
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