http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/ Engadget Comments for Olympus SP-550 UZ: a compact monster with 18x optical zoom http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 25th 2007 9:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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.]]>Jan 25th 2007 9:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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.]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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.]]>Jan 25th 2007 9:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/May 27th 2007 7:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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. ]]>Jan 25th 2007 9:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Mar 6th 2007 1:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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. ]]>Jan 25th 2007 10:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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 :) ]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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.]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 25th 2007 11:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 25th 2007 11:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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. ]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
Very true!]]>Jan 25th 2007 12:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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. ]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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.]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 25th 2007 12:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
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.]]>Jan 25th 2007 1:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 25th 2007 5:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 25th 2007 5:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
More information is provided at the official Olympus website: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1289]]>Jan 25th 2007 11:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 28th 2007 1:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 28th 2007 5:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Jan 28th 2007 5:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/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]]>Feb 1st 2007 7:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/]]>Feb 7th 2007 10:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.pconline.com.cn/digital/dc/pingce/xfl_dc_pcyyr/0702/957498_8.html

The pics speak for themselves.]]>Feb 10th 2007 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Feb 17th 2007 4:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Feb 22nd 2007 1:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Mar 12th 2007 3:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Mar 11th 2007 1:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/
Olympus should wake up and go with SD. xD would be the one thing that would probably prevent me from buying.]]>Mar 13th 2007 2:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/

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.]]>Mar 13th 2007 2:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/May 11th 2007 9:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/olympus-sp-550-uz-a-compact-monster-with-18x-optical-zoom/Nov 13th 2007 5:58AM