Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-07-08
The biggest news about the new Olympus SP-590UZ digital camera is its amazing zoom range - it has a 26X 26 - 676mm f/2.8-5.0 zoom lens. Olympus has always been one step ahead of the competition in the compact super zoom market, and they've done it again with the SP-590UZ. There's no shortage of other features, however, as the SP-590UZ features sensor-shift image stabilization, advanced face detection and continuous shooting speeds of up to 10fps (at 3MP). The camera also includes an intelligent pre-capture feature which automatically captures 10 3MP images as soon as focus is locked, so you never miss that perfect shot. The SP-590UZ features an HD output, Perfect Shot Preview, which lets you preview the effect of settings on the LCD before taking the shot, 12MP resolution and Shadow Adjustment Technology, which helps retain details under difficult lighting situations. There's a 2.7" 230,000 dot HyperCrystal II display, Smile Shot, which automatically detects a smile on your subject's face and takes the shot, an electronic viewfinder and a host of automatic modes as well as full manual control.
ValueThe SP-590UZ represents an excellent value for the money, when you consider its outstanding zoom range along with all of its other features. It has all of the features offered by its compact super zoom competition, plus a few unique ones like Perfect Shot Preview. About the only complaint is that, although the battery and connector access doors have been beefed up over previous Olympus super zooms, the overall construction feels a bit flimsy. PerformanceThe SP-590UZ performs well considering its small sensor size and extended zoom range. Image quality is excellent at low ISO's, and acceptable small prints can be made at higher ISO's. The image stabilization works well except at the extreme zoom range, where the aperture is much smaller. You'll still need a tripod for most shots at the long end of the zoom range. The image stabilization performs well at mid-range and below, however, which helps in low-light situations as well. SummaryIf you're ready to take a step up from an automatic point-and-shoot camera to something that gives you a little more creative control, the SP-590UZ makes an excellent choice. Any camera that combines a small sensor and an extreme zoom range is going to have to be a compromise, and the SP-590UZ is no exception. But when you compare the price of an SLR with comparable lenses, the SP-590UZ quickly becomes a bargain. Pros
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