Olympus SP-550 UltraZoom - Expert Reviews

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: An 18x zoom in a compact, well-built body. General handling and image quality are great too.

Verdict: Overall, the Olympus does have some limitations, but they won't be an issue for the majority of day-to-day shots. On this basis, the SP-550UZ is our pick of the super-zoom cameras.

Review summary: I'm ready for my close up, Mr. Robinson.

Pros: One of the longest zoom lenses you can find in a point-and-shoot camera.

Cons: Clumsy method to alter aperture and shutter speed.

Verdict: . Olympus did a great job of packing a long zoom range into the SP-550 UZ. The zoom will open up opportunities in your photography that you've never had before.

Pros: 18x optical zoom, Great design, Low chromatic aberration, ISO 5000

Cons: Pictures a little soft, Colour could use some improvement, Regular burst mode sluggish

Verdict: The Olympus SP-550UZ is a great camera that will suit people after a little more zoom in their life. The images could have used some minor improvements, but the huge zoom and fantastic design make this a worthwhile choice for some buyers.

Pros: Enormous zoom range, which starts with a true wide-angle view. Mechanical and digital image stabilization. Some innovative ISO and burst-mode functions. Helpful guide mode.

Cons: Some issues with video capabilities. Some controls could be better designed, especially the zoom level. No articulating LCD. Mediocre boot time. A bit pricey.

Verdict: With a whopping 18X optical-zoom lens and image stabilization, there's a lot to like about the Olympus SP-550 UZ, but a few features need to be enhanced for it to become king of the superzooms.