Olympus SP-550

[ukcatfan]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0701/07012507olympusp550uz.asp

While this is still no DSLR with only a 1/2.5" sensor, it does look like it raised the bar for long zoom p&s cameras. We will have to wait to see how well it reviews.

Kevin

 

[alan]

It looks a cracker. But they'll need to have superb optics, and I can't see how they can possibly get good high-ISO performance with the sensor they have.

You have no idea how much I hope my scepticism is proven to be misplaced!

regards,
/alan

 

[AbbysFamily]

Agreed.. I like my 12x.. and 18x would be cool.

I really have my doubts.. ISO5000 and "bright capture technology" as well as "dual image stabilization".... I really hope this is more than just buzzwords.

I can't wait for the reviews by a reputable site. It would be cool if this triggers a move to more competition at this level.

(Although, my wish is for a Canon S3IS+ - the S3 with a 'near slr' sized sensor )

 

[Groucho]

Not even a 1/1.8 sensor? A 28-504mm lens? The only thing that gives me any hope whatsoever of decent photos coming out of it is the fact that it's "only" 7mp, but my wife's Canon with a 1/2.5" sensor is still lousy in the dark with its 6mp.

It doesn't help so it's so heavy on mysterious buzzwords - BrightCapture, iESP, dual image stabilization, etc. And still taking those darn xD cards!

143 selectable focus points! Ye gods!

 

[Charade]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0701/07012507olympusp550uz.asp

I had the first UZ. The 2100. AKA the UZI. That was a camera way ahead of it's time.

 

[hjd0411]

Wow - and I know next to nothing about cameras! I am looking to upgrade later in the year (before my WDW trip) so that is another one I can add to my "short" list of possible purchases!!! Thanks for the info.

Heather

 

[pyrxtc]

I see one major problem. It takes regular batteries versus the LI that their good camera take. LI last a lot loner. That alone would keep me from purchasing this camera. It does read like it would be fun to use though.

 

[ukcatfan]

I see one major problem. It takes regular batteries versus the LI that their good camera take. LI last a lot loner. That alone would keep me from purchasing this camera. It does read like it would be fun to use though.

I come from the other side of the fence on this one. I prefer a camera that uses AAs. Rechargeable AAs are extremely cheap and not difficult to carry the extras. Plus, if you plan to keep the camera for a long time, there is a chance that you cannot even buy the proprietary batteries in the future. AAs are here to stay. At WDW, I have almost never had to change batteries during the day with AAs. I usually pop in a fresh set every morning and they last all day plus some if I forget to switch out. I take between 200-400 pictures a day.

Kevin

 

[tedhowe]

I come from the other side of the fence on this one. I prefer a camera that uses AAs. Rechargeable AAs are extremely cheap and not difficult to carry the extras. Plus, if you plan to keep the camera for a long time, there is a chance that you cannot even buy the proprietary batteries in the future. AAs are here to stay. At WDW, I have almost never had to change batteries during the day with AAs. I usually pop in a fresh set every morning and they last all day plus some if I forget to switch out. I take between 200-400 pictures a day.

Kevin

I agree with this in general. I've been using rechargable AAs for my cameras for years. Originally with my first digicam (Oly D-500L) and then with my trusty C-2100UZ (Great camera, I still have it, but it has been replaced by my Canon S3IS for normal use).

I have a camera bag from Tamrac that has a pocket with a little "bandolier" for batteries. I would carry two sets of charged AAs in the bandolier and be able to change out my batteries in about 15 seconds when needed.

Back in the days of the D-500 and when I first got the C-2100 the batteries didn't hold as much of a charge as they do today, so I would often get into the second set, and sometimes the third in a single day of shooting at WDW.

For our upcoming trip (we leave Saturday morning!!!) I've abandoned rechargables altogether in favor of Energizer e2 lithiums. They are light, and have a remarkable lifespan. I'm still using the original set I put in my camera in the FALL - about 750 photos and 30 minutes of video in that time.

I'll bring the set in the camera and one backup set in the bag to the parks each day. Much lighter than LiIon rechargables and very long lasting.

For zoom class digicams, I think this is the best of both worlds.

For small pocket sized cameras (like our Canon SD-200) I like the rechargable Lithion Ion, because it doesn't take up the space of the AAs.

Ted

 

[Daysleeper40]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has the Olympus SP-550 or SP-560 an could let me know what they think of them?

I am looking for a new camera that is a step up from mu current p&s and these camera's are appealing at the moment. I am keen to stick with XD cards so either Olympus or Fuji are the most likely candidates.

 

[ukcatfan]

It would help if we knew what your current model is and what you feel it lacks.

Kevin

 

[HarleyMom]

I have the SP-550. Got it last summer. Took it to Disney in August and it took some awesome pictures! Has lots of scene modes and has that awesome 18x zoom on it. The only drawback I found on it was the price. I waited until it finally went on sale for $450 (it had JUST come out) and now it's about $329 around here only 8 months later. I love it and have recommended it to several people.