Olympus SP-570UZ Digital Camera Review

Tag: Super Quick Charger

For those wanting the features and functions of a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) without the accompanying price tag, the SP-570UZ is definitely an option for you. With 10mp, a finely crafted 20x wide angle optical zoom lens and the ability for full manual control, this camera outputs high quality images that are sure to please the user.

Built-in technologies including bright capture, face detection and shadow adjustment allow for pin-sharp, correctly exposed images every time. Duel image stabilisation is another excellent feature on the SP-570UZ that massively reduces the chances of blurring. Its effectiveness is especially noticeable when shooting hand-held in low light conditions; no longer is it impossible to capture sharp images in a dim environment without flash!

The SP-570UZ comes with a neck/shoulder strap, case, AV cable, USB cable, software, manual and four AA batteries. It’s surprising that a camera this equipped doesn’t have a dedicated battery but it makes no significant difference overall. The only let down is the absence of a battery charger in the box kit and while it is not a major problem it may mean an extra purchase is required when in store.

In terms of design, the SP-570UZ is sturdy and ergonomically friendly. It rests nicely in hand and the controls are easy to operate with the forefinger and thumb mainly. The interface is more complex than a digital ultra-compact camera but this is to be expected given that it’s aimed at a more advanced user wanting more control over their images. The generous 2.7 inch (6.8cm) hyper crystal LCD could have come with a protective cover to help avoid scratching but in terms of operation, it has bright and crisp display that remains visible in the harshest of sunlight, thanks to anti-glare technology. The camera is relatively lightweight at 445g and its size (11.9 x 8.4 x 8.8cm) means portability is not an issue.

A unique feature on the SP-570UZ is the ‘guide mode,’ which offers 16 described shooting scenarios that briefly explain how to best capture images under particular conditions or to achieve a described effect. Unlike ‘scene modes’ that once set, do the work for you, ‘guide mode’ instructs you how to use the cameras functions and settings to achieve the desired results: if you want to reduce red eye, blur the background, take high-speed sequential shots, or set particular lighting, ‘guide mode’ will tell you how. For example: guide number two refers to brightening the subject for which the advice ‘increase exposure compensation’ or ‘set to fill-flash mode’ is offered. Guide number 12 ‘reducing blur’ advises the user to ‘set to image stabilisation mode’ or ‘increase ISO sensitivity.’ While some guides may initially seem obvious, overall the function is a nice idea especially for those unfamiliar with manual operation of a camera.

There are 23 ‘scene modes’ available along with the ‘guide modes’ including popular choices across many brands such as: portrait, landscape, night scene, sport, beach, snow and sunset, while more unique modes: behind glass, cuisine, document and auction mode – which captures 3 sequential images at different exposures in the appropriate size for immediate upload to email or an online auction site – are also available.