Olympus SP-550 UZ: a compact monster with 18x optical zoom

Prepare to kick your pathetic, 3x optical zoomer to the curb kids. Olympus just announced what they are calling the world's first, wide 18x optical zoom on a compact digital camera. The SP-550 UZ features a smokin' 28-504mm (35mm camera equivalent) focal length with "Dual-Image stabilization" (high 6,400 ISO value combined with CCD-based mechanical image stabilizer) to protect against blurring. The 7.1 megapixel CCD is joined on the feature list by a 2.5-inch 230,000 pixel LCD, 15fps high-burst rate in 1.2 megapixel resolution, BrightCapture low light shooting technology, a super macro mode for taking shots as close as 1-cm, and xD-Picture Cards support with 4x AA batteries providing the juice. Available February 2007 for an estimated street price of $500.

Gallery: Olympus SP-550 UZ: a compact monster with 18x optical zoom

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[Thanks, David]

[MTBooks @ Jan 25th 2007 9:02AM]

This is a nice bridge between compacts and entry level DSLRs. I wonder how much smaller it will be than the smallest DSLR. That lens' range seems to cover about everything you'd need.

[Tony C @ Jan 25th 2007 9:05AM]

WOW! That's just friggin' amazing!! 18x optical zoom!! My jaw hit the floor when I saw that. Way to leapfrog everyone else's 12x lenses. However, I must say -- it's too bad that Olympus and Fuji insist on sticking with XD memory cards when absolutely no one else uses them.

I started with going digital with a Kodak that used CompactFlash, but moved on to Olympus digitals (along with a forgottable detour involving an ultracompact Nikon). And when Olympus abandoned the SmartMedia format that was in my three cameras, I got burned. Hard. So, needless to say, after getting tired of swapping out 128MB cards and falling behind on newer features, I moved on. Further up the "prosumer" not-quite-an-SLR category that Olympus also saw fit to abandon, and the Secure Digital (SD) card format, which is actually in a number of the gadgets and gizmos I own, not just a camera.

Much as I appreciate Olympus' stellar photographic history, camera design and features and maybe would still like to buy another some day, I cannot bring myself to invest into yet another proprietary memory card format.

[Dan @ Jan 25th 2007 11:34AM]

"However, I must say -- it's too bad that Olympus and Fuji insist on sticking with XD memory cards when absolutely no one else uses them."

Fuji has already announced many of their new cameras can use SD memory now. It's a shame Olympus hasn't made the switch yet, because I think they would have an easier time selling these cameras in the US if they use the widely used universal format.

Even still, I've never really liked any Olympus cameras I've ever touched, so I doubt them switching to SD would influence my decision any.

[stretchsje @ Jan 25th 2007 9:28AM]

This sounds like a disaster. The 7.1 megapixel sensor is already widely deployed and looks like garbage over ISO400. Even Canon's hasn't been able to produce a clean image above ISO400 (the A710 and SD800 come close in well and evenly-lit photos, I suppose). Olympus is pushing it to ISO6400, twice what even the best SLR's do (and four times what most SLR's do well)? Yeah, right. The pictures aren't going to be usable even at very small print sizes.

And given the 18X zoom with ambitious 28mm wide angle, I'm guessing the lens quality is going to stink too. That's just too much reach for one lens, especially of this size and price. Who knows, maybe Olympus will surprise us here. F/4.5 at the long end isn't too bad.

Still, while optical zooms are generally far, far better than digital zooms, I think designs like this are going to prove otherwise. Canon's G6 may "only" have a 6X zoom, but with a higher resolution (and physically larger) sensor and an almost surely sharper lens, I wouldn't be surprised to see a cropped G6 photo rival an Olympus photo for detail even at the telephoto end (and obliterate it everywhere else).

I think Olympus designed this camera for the marketing department, not photographers.

[Brian Smith @ May 27th 2007 7:04AM]

I just purchased this model yesterday and i have to say this has to be the best compact i have ever owned the clarity in the pictures are surreal. having the wide lens make for some great car shots.. and 15fps.. i love it.. i walked outside and my road is 55 mph.. i waited for a car and let er rip and every single frame was clear.. the truck looked as though it was stoped and i was on a tripod. and not to meantion the 32 different presets that actually work.

[Dimitri @ Jan 25th 2007 9:49AM]

Stretch got it right. Ask any pro photographer what lens he uses. It won't be 28-500, those don't even exist for DSLR's. Why? Because the longer the range, the more difficult it is to keep the sharpness up.

ISO6400? That is complete marketing crap. And the resulting image will be... crap. I don't really see it as a feature to let compact camera users take photos that aren't good for anything.

Nikon managed to make an ok lens that is 18-210 (~12x) for DSLR's. It's pretty sharp, though not nearly as good as ones with less range. It also costs $750.

[Liberator @ Mar 6th 2007 1:31PM]

Dimitri, before posting your comments, try to find out a little bit more about the product. First of all it's not 6400 ISO but 5000 ISO. Second if you were more patient doing searches over internet you would find samples that will prove otherwise. 504mm on SP-550 comes as sharp as DSLR's 150mmm. Take a look at Olympus Australia site for samples. You might also want to check Ripsher's review at scaredofthedark.com for his opinion as a photographer and check his photos taken with SP-550. They're just georgous. He also has a different approach than most of you on this forum. To conclude I'll tell you what, even the worst camera in the hands of a master will become a piece of artwork.

[tchiseen @ Jan 25th 2007 10:25AM]

" I think Olympus designed this camera for the marketing department, not photographers. "

mmmmm, that's a very good observation. I think the thing to focus on is that it's a $500 dollar camera, and not a true high qual dslr. in its category, i believe that it is touting its features in a way that is not constructive to real good photography. I feel at least that too many people are impressed by cheap cameras with large zooms, but that's just the way the amateurs are.

[tekdroid @ Jan 25th 2007 11:04AM]

well well well, this is interesting. I've always wondered why video cameras can go to 30x zoom ranges, while still cameras remained with relatively small ones.

All in all, it's a case of waiting for the reviews. There's no doubt in my mind that 18x zoom is going to be a selling pointn for many looking for an ultrazoom. It remains to be seen how well it's implemented. Just when you thought Olympus' cam range was looking a little thin...

As for xD...it seems to be priced far more sanely than it once was. SD is still apparently faster, tho. It's not such a problem these days, cost-wise, IMO.

[GW @ Jan 25th 2007 11:20AM]

I am drooling. Having just paid $599 for the Fuji FinePix S9100/9600, I am now wishing I'd waited. We still have our old standby Olympus C-2100UZ, and love Olympus' optics and processing. *sigh*

[GW @ Jan 25th 2007 11:24AM]

I am drooling at the idea, but can see the others' points here. Still, having just paid $599 for the Fuji FinePix S9100/9600, I am now kind of wishing I'd waited. We never know what's coming up just over the horizon, though.

We still have our old standby Olympus C-2100UZ, and love Olympus' optics and processing. If Olympus can pull this off, we might just sell the Fuji and try the new one.

[fd @ Jan 25th 2007 11:27AM]

My thoughts exactly on the ISO 6400 - totally marketing BS. It has no practical value given the noise levels we see today with pretty much every camera at ISO 400.

I can't wait to read some reviews. A longer tele reach is on most people's wish list, and while this particular camera may 'over reach' and not produce the quality image an advanced amateurs would like - if anything - this little bugger should spur some competition + quality + price wars in the 6x-10x optical zooms with true IS (not the ISO boosters). I've picked up a Canon 8MP 4x optical compact over the holidays for day to day use when lugging the SLR is not practical or the weather is too bad. And I wouldn't mind a bigger lens diameter with IS 8-10x zoom ... without having to pay a premium.

The thing is I was absolutely dissatisfied with the Canon G5 I bought, and wasn't impressed when I handled a G6 a few times. Both in response time, lack of accurate focus and lack of focus identification. That square in the middle may be green ... but you have no idea what is in focus, if anything is in focus at all.

Anyway. Let the competition bring out their new machines with more tele power & IS :)

[GW @ Jan 25th 2007 11:27AM]

I am drooling at the idea, but can see the others' points here. Still, having just paid $599 for the Fuji FinePix S9100/9600, I am now kind of wishing I'd waited. We never know what's coming up just over the horizon, though.

We still have our old standby Olympus C-2100UZ, and love Olympus' optics and processing. If Olympus can pull this off, we might just sell the Fuji and try the new one.

[LDub @ Jan 25th 2007 11:31AM]

All I can say is duh! to all. This is a $500 camera. It has anti-shake in an 18x zoom. This alone makes it quite remarkable. It also can do raw, which I don't believe any of the other "super" zooms can do. To cram all its features into a somewhat compact camera means that, yes, there will be compromises. EVERY CAMERA MAKES COMPROMISES. But Olympus tends to make these compromises with intelligence and not just bottom line. This camera will be unique to the market in many respects (zoom, RAW, 15 frames per second) and though I don't need it (I have 4 cams already including a DSLR) I want it already.

[wow. @ Jan 25th 2007 11:38AM]

This just seems like something a point-and-shooter would buy to seem like they can handle a DSLR.

I'm a basic camera user, so I have no need for a DSLR (though it is tempting...just costly). The way I see it, I'd rather stick with a budget $200 cam that has a standard 3-4x zoom, because I know the lens, sensor, and zoom are all at least decently complementing one another.

The optical zoom, even with this dual image stabilization...it's gonna be rough. 6400ISO...when would you even need that? Honestly. Let me control my shutter time and I'll be happier. Then I can have a long exposure instead of a washed out, noisy one.

[don @ Jan 25th 2007 11:59AM]

I hate that size of zooms, and high ISO speeds have become a pissing contest for camera manufacturers. The upward push on both of these really hurts the image quality you can get, especially when coupled with more and more megapixels being crammed on tiny sensors -- no wonder these cameras can kick out more noise. The fact that these megazoom cameras require a tiny sensor (if the camera is to not be huge) makes things worse.

The funny thing is if you had a great sensor with a moderate zoom lens you could crop in photoshop and have a more usable zoom image than what you would get with a 17x zoom and crazy ISO speeds

[GW @ Jan 25th 2007 12:26PM]

The funny thing is if you had a great sensor with a moderate zoom lens you could crop in photoshop and have a more usable zoom image than what you would get with a 17x zoom and crazy ISO speeds

Very true!

[Ed @ Jan 25th 2007 12:23PM]

All that zoom, yet they've left zoom control to a rocker switch. That seems to be a real shame.

[Zo @ Jan 25th 2007 1:27PM]

I believe too many people are making too many assumptions before there has been even a single review. Its high price just means we may see an EVOLT-400 in the USA at about $600 and an E3 at about $900.

Oly fan will remember the 2100 and all the naysayers about that camera until it was shown it was a great camera. I would judgement until there has been a full review.

[Eli @ Jan 25th 2007 5:34PM]

Why do I get the feeling that my Canon S2 IS could obliterate this camera's performance, even when it's to years old?

[Josh @ Jan 25th 2007 5:58PM]

The fact that not even the 1600$ canon ef 35-300mm f/4-5.6 L can produce good images tells me that making an 18x zoom, while useful, will still produce some pretty mediocre images on the ends of that spectrum. Nothing a little bit of foot zoom can't handle.

[Thinker @ Jan 25th 2007 11:41PM]

We will not know how this camera performs until the reviews come out.

More information is provided at the official Olympus website: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1289

[Sirocco @ Jan 28th 2007 1:16AM]

This is basically a telescope with a camera attached. Cops will like this, and bird watchers, or forensic studies of things on fire, where you can't get close to your subject. But then again, we all like telescopes. The point is, this could redefine photography for some people. Face it, we all want this.

[bking10 @ Jan 28th 2007 5:31PM]

Like many others, I can't wait for the reviews. I currently have a number of Oly cameras, and about 6 XD cards (they keep getting cheaper). I use my SP-510, with a 10x zoom, and add a TCON-17 to get up to 17x zoom. It's good for tripod shots, but at that level of zoom the image on the LCD screen is hard to follow if you are shooting hand-held shots. I'd love the higher zoom without the bulky TCON, but I agree that this is probably one for the marketing department and 'size matters' amateurs.

[Independent_lense @ Jan 28th 2007 5:35PM]

Do not follow the above link to olympuscamera.com It appears the site is infected with a trojan downloader. If you don't have an updated copy of antivirus you're in for a world of hurt. Wait until they fix the problem...

[Lasse @ Feb 1st 2007 7:43PM]

YIHAAAAA
At last I have order this camera. Looking so forward to pick it up at the post office :)
I,m just taking picktures for fun. I think that a lot off people are going to do the same.
Keep on smiling folks

[djedi @ Feb 7th 2007 10:36PM]

I started the digital trip with a 2020 and most recently had an E300. Hey, when panny brought out its FZ series there were just as many naysayers. I own an FZ7 and took some pictures with it I could never have gotten otherwise. And a little bit more reach would not have hurt. The pictures, even at the long end, are extremely sharp. Oly cameras have always been innovative, if not perfect in every way. Let's give it a chance before putting it down.

[Phil_123 @ Feb 10th 2007 2:35PM]

Reviewed by pconline.com.cn
http://www.pconline.com.cn/digital/dc/pingce/xfl_dc_pcyyr/0702/957498_8.html

The pics speak for themselves.

[regis4951 @ Feb 17th 2007 4:56AM]

where is the best price to buy it?

[define2iota @ Feb 22nd 2007 1:43PM]

With a justifiable price tag and behemoth features, especially the RAW capture mode, SP-550 UZ seems to be the ultimate combination of beauty and the beast. It definitely is impressive, but what about on photo paper? Will it deliver where it matters the most i.e. the image quality! Lets wait and watch. www.webshots.com/user/define2iota

[chad.wathington @ Mar 11th 2007 1:27AM]

If you're interested in RAW for a superzoom, get the panasonic FZ8. I can't believe 4AA batteries on a $500 camera? What were they thinking?

[MindMage @ Mar 12th 2007 3:57PM]

18x zoom, does it come with some kind of sci-fi anti-shake arm implant? Because without a tripod it's pretty hard to get exactly the view you want even at 12x zoom.

[Z @ Mar 13th 2007 2:05AM]

I like everything about this camera except for one single thing: xD cards. Yuk.

Olympus should wake up and go with SD. xD would be the one thing that would probably prevent me from buying.

[Z @ Mar 13th 2007 2:09AM]

OK, actually make it two things: AA batteries? BAD, BAD choice, Olympus. Now I'm definitely not buying.


Olympus: Get rid of the AA's and go with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. And get rid of the stupid xD memory cards that no one cares about, and go with SDHC.

Do that, and THEN you'll have a killer camera.

[:)ensen @ May 11th 2007 9:11PM]

Too many people malign the AA battery. There is a reason they use it in professional SLR cameras... when you need spares, you just buy them at the 24hour store. I'll bet everyone on this board with a lithium powered device has had it run out during use, without the charger nearby. With my Oly E-10 and C-730, I just use the same rechargeables that I have in my TV remotes, bike lights, you name it. Lithium might be a higher power density, but it is no less proprietary than the dreaded Memory Stick.

[Bladesxxx @ Nov 13th 2007 5:58AM]

I just purchased the SP-550UZ new for under $300.00 at a Sam's club and loving it. I am using a 2G XD card (over 400 photos at max. quality). I am just getting into amateur photography so I can't talk a lot of shop talk or about high end cameras but I believe that for someone like me it is a great buy. I am looking into additional aftermarket lens and filters now which more are becoming available every day. I’m going to knock the dust off my tripod from my 35mm and will be strapping an additional 3.2X telephoto lens on it just to see what the baby can do. The camera is easy to use and produces great photos. I have not had a large print made yet but from viewing the photos I have made at full 18X zoom on my wide screen TV they look to be perfect to me for this use. By no means will this camera rival some of the more expensive setups out there and its not intended to but what its doing is bring me the enjoyment and understanding of amateur photography equipment and usage at an affordable price. I can move up later but now I am happy with my SP-550UZ.