The Olympus SP-550 UZ has an impressive 18x optical zoom, one of the biggest zooms on a non-SLR camera. Combined with "Dual Image Stabilization" it is very good for taking close-ups without the need for a tri-pod. The 7.1 megapixels produce high resolution pictures and the camera's ability to shoot in RAW mode allows for extensive manipulation in the editing studio.
The camera can be manipulated to shoot manual photo's, giving far more control than usual on a "point-and-click" digital camera. The aperture values range from f 2.8- f 8.0, and the shutter speeds range from 1/2000-15seconds. There is also a "Bulb" setting which leaves the shutter open for as long as the shutter button is pressed. The ISO can also be changed, with values from 50-5000.
For people who are beginning to expand their digital photography ability the SP-550 has frame assist and can also show histograms on the 2.5" colour LCD screen. In my opinion it is one of the best non-SLR cameras for shooting macro photography. With its two modes, macro and "super macro" it allows the user to take photo's in focus as close as 1cm from the subject.
If you are still new to photography the camera has 31 different shooting modes so you can always get the picture you want, including the "Bright Capture Technology" where available light is enhanced to allow quality photo's without the need for a flash. It also has the ability to record video with sound in high quality.
And if you want to shoot motion its 15 frames per second shooting mode will make it much easier to get a great capture of a subject in motion.
It is compatible with windows vista and windows xp, and also works with Quicktime.
Unfortunately it runs off batteries, not a rechargeable battery pack. Although the 4 AA batteries it runs off can be 2650mAh rechargeable batteries, although they must be purchased separately.
The camera is too big to fit into most pockets and I would recommend a protective case or bag to carry it in, although the camera's strap is quite comfortable around the neck or shoulder.
I would not recommend this as a first camera, as it is quite costly and is catered to more experienced photographers. If you are not ready to buy a costly SLR, but would like to learn how to shoot manually then you would be wise to take this camera into consideration.
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Jul 6th, 2009
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