Jim's Pick*
Olympus - SP-550 UZ 7.1 Megapixel
18x Optical Zoom!
Model: sp550uzThe Olympus SP-550 UZ Digital Camera incorporates an incredible 18x optical zoom lens that covers a broad range of shooting from wide angle to extreme telephoto with an equivalent focal range of 28mm - 504mm in 35mm terms. Now add to that incredible zoom range a high resolution image sensor that provides 7.1 megapixels of resolution and Olympus' innovative Dual Image Stabilization, and you'll literally be able to take superb pictures of any type of subject - ranging from bucolic scenery, to architecture, to action sports, to birding, even the kids at play. The SP-550 UZ also performs well in low light, with a high Sensitivity up to ISO 5000 combined with Bright Capture Technology.
The Olympus SP-550 UZ provides a broad range of image control. The more serious photographer can take advantage of full manual exposure capability, or Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes. However, the camera also has a fully automatic exposure mode and a selection of and 23 scene modes, so there's a perfect setting for every user, and for pretty much any situation. The 2.5" bright LCD makes it easy to frame and capture shots, without having to squint and make guesses about how the image will turn out, and thanks to an ergonomic design plus the intuitive menu and button layouts, the SP-550 UZ is a delight to hold and just as much fun to operate for anyone, at any skill level.
Key Features
• Incredible 18x Optical Zoom Lens
The 18x super-telephoto zoom lens of the SP-550 UZ brings you incredibly close to the action, and at the same time, the wide-angle capability of the lens (28mm equivalent) allows you to capture more in your frame. Add terrific macro capability and 5.6x digital zoom for 100x total seamless zoom, and you'll be able to photograph literally anything.
• 7.1 Megapixel Resolution
With a capture resolution of 7.1-megapixels the SP-550 UZ delivers superior quality images and larger sized prints without sacrificing detail.
• Dual Image Stabilization
Take crisp, clear, blur-free images every time with Olympus' Dual Image Stabilization. This unique capability utilizes a powerful 2-in-1 anti-blur solution, including an optically based, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization which compensates for camera shake and Digital Image Stabilization which can freeze action by utilizing high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds.
• High ISO Sensitivity
The SP-550 UZ can capture images with a sensitivity as high as ISO 5000 for natural light photos that are tack sharp - even in low light.
• Full Manual Exposure Control
The SP-550 UZ allows for advanced creative control with full manual capability, or you can use aperture priority or shutter priority modes for greater control without having to resort to full manual. Of course the camera can be used in a fully automated mode for easy shooting.
• Pre Capture for Fast Shooting
Use the Pre-Capture capability of the SP-550 UZ to capture the action even before you fully press the shutter for shooting kids, pets, sports and other fast-moving subjects.
*Bright Capture Technology lets you clearly and brightly preview your shots on the LCD Display and take pictures in low-light situations without a flash.
• Easy Shooting Modes
The camera includes 23 built-in scene modes that cover many common shooting situations, providing you with the ability to take perfect shots with the minimum of fuss and effort.
• Incredible 15 fps Burst Capability
With a burst capability of 15 fps, you can take up to 20 frames (at 1.MP resolution) in rapid succession to freeze moments in time. For higher quality images, the camera can take full resolution images (7.1MP) at an impressive 1.2 fps , or compromise with a brisk 7 fps capability with a capture resolution of 3MP
• TV-quality Video Recording
The SP-550 UZ includes a high quality movie mode that captures broadcast quality VGA resolution video at a rate of 30 fps with sound, so you can use your compact digital still camera to produce professional video clips, and leave the camcorder at home.
• 2.5" LCD Display and EVF Viewfinder
The high-resolution LCD features a high resolution of about 230,000 pixels, making it easy to view image details, and ensure proper focus. Furthermore, the Backlight Boost Button increases the brightness of the LCD for excellent visibility. The electronic viewfinder is extremely useful when it is very bright and helps with precision image framing.
• Simple Connection to Your PC
Quickly download pictures to a computer to view, edit, and email with Simple PC Connect. The Auto-connect, USB mass storage interface and USB 2.0 High speed interface makes it easy and fast.
• Direct Printing
Turn pictures on the camera into vibrant pictures in your hands with one-touch easy printing. A single cable is all it takes to connect the SP-550 UZ camera to a PictBridge compatible printer and print colorful pictures.
Image Sensor 1/2.5" 7.4 Megapixel CCD
Effective Resolution 7.1 million pixels
Color Depth 24-Bit RGB
Color Modes Color, Sepia, B&W
Image File Formats RAW
JPEG (SHQ, HQ, SQ1/2 (High or Normal))
Recorded Resolution 3072 x 2304
3072 x 2048 (3:2)
2560 x 1920
2304 x 1728
2048 x 1536
1600 x 1200
1280 x 960
1024 x 768
640 x 480
Video Recording AVI Motion JPEG with Sound
SHQ (640 x 480 @ 30fps)
HQ (640 x 480 @ 15 fps)
SQ1 (320 x 240 @ 30fps)
SQ2 (320 x 240 @ 15fps)
Clip length limited only by memory Capacity
Audio Recording No
Optics
Lens Type Olympus Wide Zoom Lens (14 lenses in 11 groups with 4 aspherical lenses and 2 ED lenses)
Optical Zoom 18x
Lens Focal Length 4.7mm - 84.3mm (28mm - 504mm equivalent)
Digital Zoom 5.6x
Minimum Focus Distance 4.0" (10cm)
Maximum Aperture f2.8-4.5
Optical Image Stabilization Yes (Dual Image Stabilization with CCD shift and Digital Image Stabilization)
Accessory Lens/Filter Mount 55mm with CLA-10 Lens Adapter Tube
Focus Control
Focus Type CCD Contrast Detection AF
Focus Modes iESP Auto, Spot AF, Selective AF Target, Manual
Focus Range Normal & Macro:
4.0" (10cm) - infinity wide
47.3" (120cm) - infinity tele
Exposure Control
Sensitivity Auto ISO
High ISO Auto
Selectable ISO (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200*, 5000*)
*ISO3200 & ISO5000 available with 3MP or less image resolution.
Shutter Type Not Specified by Manufacturer
Shutter Speed 15 - 1/2000 second
Bulb
Aperture Range f2.8-4.5 - F11 (adjustable in 1/3 EV step)
Exposure Metering Digital iESP Auto Multi-Pattern TTL, Center-Weighted Metering
Exposure Modes Auto, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, My Modes, GUIDE, Scene Presets, Exposure Compensation (±2 EV in 1/3 EV increments), Exposure Bracketing (up to 5 framers)
White Balance Modes iESP2 Auto, One-Touch, Presets (Sunlight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3)
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Night Scene, Night & Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Beach, Snow, Underwater Wide1, Underwater Wide2, Underwater Macro, Panorama
Flash
Built-in Flash Yes (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Slow Sync, Off)
Effective Flash Range 1.0' (0.3m) - 14.8' (4.5m) at ISO 200
External Flash Connection No
External Flash Control Not Applicable
Performance
Start-Up Time Not Specified by Manufacturer
Shutter Lag Not Specified by Manufacturer
Time Between Shots Not Specified by Manufacturer
Burst Capability Hi-Speed2: 15 fps up to 20 frames (1.2MP)
Hi-Speed1: 7 fps up to 15 frames (3MP)
Normal: 1.2 fps up to 7 frames (7MP)
Self Timer 2 seconds or 12 seconds
Interval Recording Yes
Date & Time Stamp No (Simultaneous recording into image data)
Memory & Power
Built-in Memory 20MB
Compatible Memory Cards xD-Picture Card (up to 2GB)
Recording Capacity Not Specified by Manufacturer
Battery Type 4x AA Batteries (Alkaline, NiMH)
Power Adapter C-7AU AC Adapter (optional)
Input/Output
Computer Interface USB 2.0 (Full Speed)
Direct Print Capable Yes (PictBridge)
Remote Control RM-UC1 Remote Cable Release (optional)
Video Output Yes (NTSC & PAL)
Web-Cam Capable No
System & Software Requirements Windows 98SE*, ME*, 2000PRO, XP, VISTA
Mac OS 9.0-9.2x*; OS X (10.1-10.4)
* Auto connect USB only.
Display
Viewfinder Electronic viewfinder with dioptic correction
LCD Display 2.5" TFT Color LCD (230,000 pixels)
Language Options 25 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Danish, Dutch, Polish, & Czech (additional languages available via download)
Playback Options Single Image, Index, Enlargement, Slideshow, Calendar, Album, Histogram, Rotation, Lighting Fix, Red-Eye Fix, Black & White, Sepia, Crop, Resize, Rotate, Brightness, Saturation, Frame, Label, Calendar, Layout
*Jim's Pick - I was a professional photographer for over 12 years, shooting News,sports,wedding,glamour,magazine, and many other types and have given my choices for everyday use cameras. |
