Olympus SP-570 UZ Review

It’s super-zoom week here at PhotographyBLOG, as we review the Olympus SP-570 UZ today, the Nikon Coolpix P80 on Wednesday, and the Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 on Friday.

The Olympus SP-570 UZ has the longest optical zoom lens of any camera on the market, an amazing 20x model equivalent to 26-520mm. That’s slightly longer than competing models from Panasonic and Fujifilm, and the equivalent of carrying around at least 3 DSLR lenses, yet still weighing less than 500g. As you’d expect the SP-570UZ offers image stabilisation to help ensure sharp photos at those massive focal lengths, and there’s also an extensive ISO range of 64-6400. Other key features of the SP570 UZ include a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen, macro mode of 1cm and full range of creative exposure modes (P/A/S/M). Priced at around £275 / $400, is the new Olympus SP-570 UZ the best superzoom camera and a viable alternative to a DSLR? Read our review to find out…

Website: Olympus SP-570 UZ Review

Published: Monday, June 09, 2008

Reader Comments

1. I'm looking for a replacement for my Canon S2 IS. After reading the opening comments and learning of some of the features of this camera, I was ready to go out and buy my own SP-570 UZ today. However, I quickly lost interest when I read that it requires xD cards. (Note: Recording media type is not included in the Specifications.) I have a large investment in SD cards, enough to cover three-week long overseas trips at several hundred shots a day, and I am not about to start over with a new memory card collection. I'll look closely at the Nikon P80, but will probably stick with Canon and get the S5 IS since I love the Canon Powershot S series features, many of which are lacking on the P80.

   Joe at 11:43pm on Wednesday, June 18, 2008

2. Excellent and very helpful in making our decision to purchase. Thank you so much!

   Sea Kayaker at 06:57pm on Thursday, June 26, 2008

3. This camera has many good points, and only 3 cons for me -
   1: The LCD is fixed, where as the Canon S5 rotates;
   2. The auto time exposure is limited to 1/2 sec in Auto; P; T and A, unless you go to full manual - but even there it is only 15 sec. You can get 8 minutes,on Bulb setting, but you must physically hold down the shutter button!!! Crazy since any movement (in your hand or finger)will result in image blur. The S5 has 15 sec in Auto; P; T, A and M mode.
   3 : The 570 uses a non-standard memory card.
   
   The auto time exposure limit (1/2 sec) causes me grief, otherwise an excellent unit.

   Keith ADAMS at 09:41am on Monday, June 30, 2008

4. I bought the sp-570 and to be honest I cant faulty, not bulky, loads of shooting modes and excellent lens. as good as any mid range slr in my humble opinion

   Tony Martin at 07:39pm on Saturday, July 05, 2008

5. Excellent detailed review, based on this I have ordered the camera.
   Thank you and keep up the good work

   Mark Duke at 11:40pm on Sunday, July 13, 2008