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Auto Mode
The Auto mode is very easy to use. It limits options so the only thing that can be changed in the menu is the image size. The functions on the multi-selector are also accessible: flash, self-timer, and macro. All you have to do is point, zoom, and shoot. There is also a Program mode in addition to the Auto mode. The Program mode offers full access to the Recording menu, but doesn’t allow any manual control over shutter speed or aperture.
Movie Mode
The Olympus SP-570UZ’s Movie mode isn't everything I hoped it would be. Previous SP-series cameras’ Movie modes have a major flaw: you have to choose between the optical zoom and the audio. You can’t have both. Unfortunately, that isn’t fixed on the new SP-570. You still can’t have it all. You can either have moving silent videos or static videos with sound. Of course, this strikes us as absurd. Not only have most manufacturers found a solution to the “noisy zoom” problem while Olympus continues to drag its feet, but the 20x zoom is the camera’s key feature. Restricting its use in any mode is unnecessary.
The videos record at 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixels; the frame rate can be set to 30 or 15 frames per second (fps) in both resolution settings. The exposure in movies looked OK in the convention center where I reviewed the camera, but the focus was very iffy. Sometimes it would take a few seconds for the autofocus to “catch up” to the zoom, and other times it wouldn’t focus at all. Granted, this is a pre-production model, and Olympus may have more work to do on this.
The Movie mode has access to most of the options from the Recording menu, so things like white balance, ISO, metering, contrast, saturation, and sharpness can be adjusted – a nice perk when many other digital cameras limit control in the Movie mode.
The optical image stabilization system can be turned on and off in the Recording menu. It’s a good feature for videos because it can keep more bumps from showing up in footage. However, the optical image stabilization is only available when the lens – not the audio – is activated. So stabilized videos will be silent. Too bad.
Videos can be played back frame by frame or normally, and fast-forwarded and rewound like on most cameras. Movies can also be edited to clip the beginning and end. Still images can be saved from movies and a frame index can be viewed and printed.
Overall, the Olympus SP-570UZ’s Movie mode is disappointing. A camera that flaunts its 20x zoom lens as its best feature should work in every mode.
Drive / Burst Mode
The Burst mode is accessible from two locations. The more complete list of Burst modes comes when the button on the left side of the lens barrel is pushed. It displays these options: Single, Sequential, High-Speed 1, High-Speed 2, Pre-Capture, Autofocus Sequential, and Exposure Bracketing. The drive section of the Recording menu doesn’t go into this much detail, but provides basic burst and high-speed burst options, along with the default single drive.
The Sequential mode is advertised to shoot 1.2 fps for up to seven frames, and the pre-production model did just that. The Autofocus sequential mode takes a bit longer between shots, but still functions at full-resolution. This is a novelty among the burst selections: the high-speed modes shoot at lower resolutions. High-Speed 1 snaps 7.2 fps for 30 frames straight, but does so at 5 megapixels. High-Speed 2 takes 13.5 fps for 30 shots at a time, but at 3 megapixels. There is also a Pre-Capture burst mode that snaps 5 frames before you even push the shutter release button and continues at a 13.5 fps clip.
The Burst mode isn’t changed much from the older SP-560. It shoots at the same pedestrian 1.2 fps rate. Of note on the SP-570 is the 10 and 2-second self-timer, accessible from the bottom of the multi-selector and the time lapse function in the menu. It allows the camera to be set up to take 2-99 pictures at intervals of 1-99 minutes.
Playback Mode
The Playback mode is accessible from two places: the button at the top of the column by the LCD or the position on the mode dial. I prefer the button method because it makes for a quicker return to shooting, but it’s nice to have the option for those who prefer it on the dial and intend to stay in Playback mode for a while.
Images can be magnified up to 10x or viewed in index screens, although the index view didn’t work on the pre-production model. According to specs, the camera can show four, nine, 16, or 25 photos per screen. Images can also be viewed in a calendar through the initial menu screen.
Individual images can be scrolled through with the multi-selector or deleted with a push to the shadow adjustment/delete button to the left of the LCD. They can be jumped through with the button at the top of the multi-selector.
The initial screen of the Playback menu has nine options, with the short “Playback menu” in the center surrounded by other options. From the top and moving clockwise, the options are: edit, print order, silent mode, erase, calendar, perfect fix, and slide show. The Playback menu consists only of protect, rotate, voice memo, and index play.
The edit portion of the menu provides the most options. There is a RAW data edit option, but it doesn't work on the pre-production model. Images can also be resized to 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixels. Images can be trimmed to seven preformed crops. They can be color edited to black & white, sepia, vivid, or muted colors; this option has a nice preview with it. Ten labels, eight calendar layouts, and six scrapbook layouts are also available in this menu. There is also “Expression Edit,” which uses face detection to save the largest face as a separate image file, and “Face Focus,” which blurs the background around the center of an image. Olympus’ Perfect Fix feature allows you to choose from lighting fix, red-eye fix, or both.
The slide show is slightly more elaborate than previous Olympus SP-series cameras. The same 10 transition effects are available, but there are now two background music soundtracks to choose from instead of one – according to the menu, that is. Neither worked on the pre-production model on the show floor, but this should be up and ready by sale time.
Overall, the Playback mode has a host of elaborate editing features that will attract soccer moms and hobbyists alike.
Custom Image Presets
Olympus digital cameras are known for their gluttonous Scene mode menus. The SP-570UZ does not surprise us with its designated scene position on the dial and excellent Scene mode menu. All of the Scene modes come with a sample image and a brief explanation. For instance, the Smile Shutter mode offers this insight: “The camera automatically takes a picture when your subject smiles.” This is next to a picture of a few smiling faces.
Here is the rundown: Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Multi-Firework, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select 1, Shoot & Select 2, Smile Shot, Beach, Snow, and Quick Shutter.
The Smile Shot mode didn't work on the pre-production model we looked at, so we can't judge how effective it might be. This mode was on the older SP-560, but the Multi-Firework is a new Scene mode. This is perhaps one of the most interesting and underrated Scene modes out there. It can take several exposures at full resolution and combine them into one image. It is meant for fireworks, but can also easily make a nice shot of three or four of one person standing in a different spot in the picture each time. This mode provides an overlay of the previous image so the next can be lined up. This is really cool.
The Olympus SP-570UZ also has a My Mode position on the mode dial that lets you customize and access four modes – you can essentially make your own Scene modes.
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