Olympus SP-570 UZ
Latest - Review and Sample Photos by StevesDigicams (added 18 June’08)
Olympus SP-570 UZ features:
- 10 megapixels
- 20x optical zoom
- 2.7 inch LCD
- ISO 64 - 6400
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Reviewers Conclusions & Verdicts - (updated 18 June’08)
StevesDigicams reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“This is a very capable 10.1-megapixel Ultra-zoom camera that offers a variety of very nice features, including an awesome 20x Wide optical zoom lens. The image quality was excellent both indoors and out. The one disappointment is that the performance has not gotten any better from the previous model. With a street price of US$499 or less, this camera kit offers a descent deal when you consider the features and quality that you getting. It could also be a great choice for those who are not quite ready to take the leap into the dSLR world, but want plenty of options/controls. However, at this price range, you are getting real close to the cost of one of the several entry-level dSLR/lens kits on the market right now.”
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LetsGoDigital reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“The Olympus SP-570 UZ is a mature digital Megazoom camera with many setting possibilities. The camera has all-round features and will certainly also appeal to the more enhanced photographer. The concept is well thought-out and is supported by the experiences of several camera generations. Still Olympus seem to have reached their limits with what’s possible at the present in relation to lens and high resolution, and I must admit that the concessions made in relation to the lens and signal/noise ratio are asking just a tad too much.”
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PCAdvisor reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“We also had a bit of trouble getting the autofocus to lock on to targets in low light. The autofocus would scan from one end to the other trying to sharpen the image, and sometimes took up to 2 seconds to fully lock on to a focal point. In bright daylight, however, the Olympus SP-570 UZ’s iESP targeting system (which the autofocus controls use to pick a spot to focus on) worked remarkably well.”
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PCMag reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“The Olympus SP-570UZ produces decent image quality despite some inconsistency. Features are where this camera shines: Perfect Shot Preview and the Shadow adjustment alone are reasons to consider it over other superzooms such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 and the Fuji FinePix s8100fd. If you’re willing to configure the settings, especially indoors, image quality should be good enough for most people. And while I can’t quite recommend it over the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, I will say that I really enjoyed using this camera.”
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PhotographyBlog reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“More than a year after Olympus’ introduction of the SP-550UZ, it is clear that the company takes its return to the superzoom segment seriously. The SP-560UZ already resolved some of the issues that plagued its predecessor, and with the SP-570UZ the company has demonstrated that it is willing to improve this line even further. The main selling point of the camera is the huge zoom, and this is one area where the SP-570UZ doesn’t disappoint. So long as you steer clear of f/8, the lens delivers excellent sharpness across its entire range. The zoom action can be jerky at times, but ditching the zoom lever in favour of a zoom ring was definitely a step in the right direction. If only Olympus could substitute it with a true mechanically coupled one without sacrificing compactness, they would have a winner on their hands. The other additions, such as the control wheel and the hot-shoe have made the SP-570UZ a lot more serious and versatile camera, which will undoubtedly appeal to advanced photographers. Its operational speed and high-ISO image quality might not be a match for DSLRs, but it makes up for what it lacks in these departments by offering great flexibility in a compact package.”
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ePhotozine has a user review the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“The camera loves good light and will take stunning pictures at 10 mega pixel in both auto and manual settings at full zoom. In bad light the camera has to be worked to find that manual setting which suits it the best.
I feel if Olympus had put a bigger CCD sensor in this model it would have been stunning but the censor is about 30% smaller than you would find in a average modern DSLR. This makes for difficult photography in poor light, although it can be much improved by the use of the manual settings. “
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ePhotozine reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“I can’t help but think that the camera has been released because Olympus wanted to stick a 20x optical zoom into a camera and raise its profile over the top of the other models that are in the same classification. It’s a shame that simple areas are lacking as that has the possibility of sullying Olympus’ new found respect in the performance camera arena thanks, in part to the DSLRs doing so well.
If you’re looking for a camera that has a stupidly large zoom bolted on the front, then this camera is right up your street, just be careful that the rest of the camera can come up to scratch for your needs.”
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PhotoReview reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“Considering the range of the zoom lens on the SP570 UZ, we weren’t surprised to find the test camera tended to hunt at the longer focal length settings, particularly in low light levels and cloudy conditions when subject contrast was reduced. It also took a second or two to find focus at night, even with the wide-angle settings. In bright conditions, focusing was noticeably faster and AF lag was reduced to about half a second.”
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DigitalCameraReview reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“Up to the point when I opened the box containing the Olympus SP-570 UZ, the Canon S5 was my all-time favorite long zoom digicam. Having now spent some time with the SP-570, that’s no longer the case. Serious shooters looking for that mythical point-and-shoot digicam that adequately replaces a DSLR and a bag of lenses could do much worse than the SP-570 UZ. The SP-570 UZ has a couple of irritating shortcomings and it’s a poor choice for those who like to shoot in low/dim light and those who shoot primarily action, but for just about everyone else (in my opinion) this camera stands head and shoulders above the bloated long-zoom digicam field.”
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DCViews reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“So, should you buy the Olympus SP-570UZ or would it be best to go for a DSLR. Well it all depends on what you want or need from a camera. If your aim is to make photography your hobby, prices of DSLRs are so low nowadays that they would make an ideal start to what can be a fantastic pastime, with the possibility to start a complete system from scratch. Olympus do have some nice offerings in this department as well, and we might make them the subject of another test some other time.”
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InfoSync reviews the Olympus SP-570 UZ and they write -
“A point-and-shoot imaging sensor in an SLR body is still a point-and-shoot imaging sensor, and we were disappointed that Olympus didn’t outfit the SP-570UZ with something beefier than a typical 1/2.33″ CCD. This damages the camera’s aspirations, and, as we’ve seen with other underpowered prosumers, makes the RAW mode more of an add-on than a legitimate feature, simply because the middling definition and dynamic-range of a tiny sensor doesn’t yield much headroom in RAW development.”
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Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at LetsGoDigital]
Specifications
[Official Olympus Specifications]
Owners Manual
Press Excerpt
London, 22 January 2008 –The ultra zoom camera category has a new world champion with the new Olympus SP-570 UZ, bringing you closer to the action than ever before with an incredible 20x wide optical zoom. Featuring built-in Dual Image Stabilisation, Olympus’ latest innovation for ambitious, specialist and creative photographers eliminates blur associated with camera shake to deliver razor sharp images, even at high levels of magnification. You can also breathe easy as you close in on the shot of a lifetime: sequential shooting at up to 15fps makes sure you won’t miss a thing.
The SP-570 UZ will arrive in stores in March 2008 at a recommended retail price of £389.99. Cuttin-edge ultra zoom technology
Capture unique moments in the middle of a sports field or at the front of a college podium – even when you’re stuck on the sidelines or at the back of the theatre. Providing photographers with unprecedented telephoto power, the spectacular zoom capabilities of the SP-570 UZ bring your subject virtually close enough to touch. This 20x wide optical zoom model covers an equivalent focal range of 26-520mm, making it the world’s most powerful zoom camera in this segment*. Performance can be enhanced to an amazing 2600mm when combined with the 5.0x digital zoom. Even greater magnification up to a breathtaking maximum of 4420mm is possible when adding the optional TCON-17 Teleconverter and CLA-10 Adapter Ring.
Because the risk of blurry images grows as the focal length increases, Olympus incorporates Dual Image Stabilisation in the SP-570 UZ. It guards against blur caused by camera shake and is the perfect insurance for sports photographers and in all other situations where there are no second chances to capture the magic of the moment. Furthermore, this model’s 15fps** burst rate means not even a split-second of action will be missed. Additional smart technology also helps to capture unexpected surprises – the pre-capture mode enables recording of five frames** before the shutter is even released. The big picture
The 26mm wide-angle capabilities of the SP-570 UZ make it perfect for getting the full picture when it comes to indoor and architectural photography. Framing is easy too, with a large 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal LCD and BrightCapture Technology faithfully depicting the composition. Close encounters
Get up close and explore the enchanting miniature world around you. With a minimum shooting distance of merely 1cm, the Super Macro mode of the SP-570 UZ is perfect for unlocking nature’s secrets and photographing other captivating details and surface textures. A full technological arsenal
The SP-570 UZ features a full suite of Olympus digital imaging innovations to ensure the capture of the best possible images. This includes High ISO Settings, Face Detection Technology, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and TruePic III. Ease of use
On top of automatic shooting and manual (P/A/S/M) control options, the SP-570 UZ also features a choice of 22 scene modes which are optimised for frequently encountered shooting situations. This ensures an ideal balance between point-and-shoot ease and creative freedom for ambitious photographers. Those seeking yet a further degree of control will appreciate the ability to manually adjust focus and zoom levels using the lens ring. In addition to a hotshoe, a wireless flash control makes cable clutter a thing of the past: the SP-570 UZ boasts compatibility with the new Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units which were initially introduced for use with the Olympus professional D-SLR model, the E-3. And dioptric correction enables those who wear glasses to use the viewfinder, while a menu in 38 languages ensures problem-free navigation for virtually everyone.
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See also: Olympus, Olympus Review Roundups
