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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Components
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03.Design / Layout
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04.Modes
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05.Control Options
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06.Conclusion
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07.Specs / Ratings
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08.Comments
Olympus SP-565 UZ
Previous: Page 2
ComponentsNext: Page 4
ModesModel Design / Appearance
The Olympus SP-565 UZ retains an aesthetic that's very reminiscent of SLRs. It's predominantly black with a matte finish. There's a huge grip on the shutter button side of the camera to provide a solid hold under fast-moving conditions, and the control layout will be immediately familiar to an SLR shooter. The Olympus is smaller and slightly more modern-looking than most SLRs, though.
Size and Handling
The SP-565 SP is a bit bigger than other SLR-style point-and-shoots we saw at Photokina, such as the Casio Exilim EX-FH20. Of course, while this rules it out as a potential pocket companion, it doesn't make it unwieldy. In fact, it's actually quite manageable. The controls are all set up in a logical way and are easy to access. Our one complaint was that using the control dial was slightly awkward: there isn't much for your left hand to grip while your right manipulates the dial.
While we wish our left hand had a little bit more to grab onto,
the overall handling experience was good.
The menu system on the SP-565 UZ is well laid out for the most part. The initial screen, as shown in this picture from the camera manual, lays out the key areas for user interaction. From here we were able to access everything quickly and easily, in part because the menu structures are intuitive, and in part because of the 'Menu Guide' feature (pressing the DISP. button on a menu item will explain what that item does). One interesting feature is the way the current control wheel setting (shooting guide, automatic mode, program mode, scene mode, etc.) will blank out parts of the menu that no longer apply, making the interface more manageable.
Ease of Use
Overall, the camera is reasonably easy to use. We like the way the camera clearly limits your menu options based on your shooting mode, because it keeps beginning photographers from getting lost or confused. The layout of both the controls and the menus is simple and logically organized. Also, the camera has a customizable button, putting your most frequently used control or setting within easy reach.
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