Compare Prices : Olympus SP-550 UltraZoom - Expert Reviews

Review summary: With a real zoom, the SP-550UZ is definitely more at ease outdoors with good light for landscapes or animal photography. Indoors, and despite the appreciable wide angle, numeric noise control and slow auto focus strongly penalize this camera.

Pros: - 18x optical zoom (28-504 mm), - Nice construction, - High performance mechanical stabilization, - Good definition for the LCD screen, - RAW mode available

Cons: - Slow to focus, - Noise noticeable starting at 400 ISO, - Quality of burst mode images, - Video with sound but without zoom, or without sound and with zoom, - Zoom is very prominent when at maximum

Review summary: Digital cameras In today's digicam market, coming up with features that stand out from the crowd is a big ask. Olympus tackles the problem with a couple of its latest models, the big-zoom SP 550UZ and the water-proof µ 770 SW

Verdict: Big-zoom digicams are a great solution if you don't want the hassle of a large DSLR and the associated lenses, but want the ability to go from wide angle to extreme telephoto. The $899 SP-550 sports an astounding 18x zoom lens, with a 35mm equivalent ...

Review summary: With 18x optical zoom, can Olympus deliver image quality too?

Pros: Zoom range, DSLR style features, Ergonomic, Rubberised grip

Cons: Slow writing Raw files, Noisy images

Verdict: The Olympus SP-550UZ's zoom range is great, and if you can accept the slightly high noise levels it's certainly one worth considering

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.

Review summary: The excellent 7.1-megapixel Olympus SP-550 UZ features the largest optical zoom available on a point-and-shoot camera. Even so, because of a few shortcomings, this fantastic feat of engineering isn't enough to crown it the superzoom king.

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.