Olympus SP-570 UZ Review

Review Date: June 9th 2008
Author: Zoltan Arva-Toth

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Conclusion

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	5
Ease-of-Use	4
Image Quality	4
Value for Money	3.5

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. So, who should consider buying it? Firstly, those who want full control over how their photographs are made, but have certain aversions to SLRs. Secondly, those who already own a DSLR but do not want to carry it and at least three lenses along all the time. The SP-570UZ, like any other camera, has its limitations – but if you know what they are, you can decide whether you can live with them or not.

PhotographyBLOG is a member of the DIWA organisation. Our test results for the Olympus SP-570 UZ have been submitted to DIWA for comparison with test results for different samples of the same camera model supplied by other DIWA member sites.

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