Anusha
01-26-2007, 08:00 AM
Olympus trumps its 12x rivals with an 18x ultra-zoom camera
The battle in the ultra-zoom digital camera market just got a bit more interesting with the announcement of Olympus' new SP-550 UZ. While competing large-zoom cameras "make do" with just 12x optical zoom, the SP-550 UZ features 18x optical zoom.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/264/3694olympus3xt2.jpg
The 18x wide zoom lens provides the 35mm equivalent of 28-504mm and makes use of Dual Image Stabilization.
The camera features a 7.1MP imager and has the ability to capture pictures at a burst rate of 15 frames per second. The camera can also capture 30FPS video at 320x240 or 640x480. And as expected from consumer digital cameras these days, a large 2.5" LCD screen (230,000 pixels) is provided to framing and image playback.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9964/3695olympus1kt4.jpg
Other features include a Super Macro mode, 23 scene modes, BrightCapture Technology for use in low-light situations and internal memory for storing a few images in a pinch. Unlike most consumer cameras out there, the Olympus SP-550 UZ features a proprietary xD slot for memory cards. xD cards are usually a bit more expensive than Secure Digital cards more commonly used in this sector.
On the other hand, Olympus made the smart move to allow the camera to accept four AA batteries for power. This gives users the ability to take advantage of relatively inexpensive rechargeable AA batteries or alkaline batteries in emergency situations. It sure beats having to pay for a spare proprietary battery pack.
The 12.9 ounce (without battery) Olympus SP-550 UZ will be available in February with an estimated MSRP of $500.
Source: DailyTech
The battle in the ultra-zoom digital camera market just got a bit more interesting with the announcement of Olympus' new SP-550 UZ. While competing large-zoom cameras "make do" with just 12x optical zoom, the SP-550 UZ features 18x optical zoom.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/264/3694olympus3xt2.jpg
The 18x wide zoom lens provides the 35mm equivalent of 28-504mm and makes use of Dual Image Stabilization.
The camera features a 7.1MP imager and has the ability to capture pictures at a burst rate of 15 frames per second. The camera can also capture 30FPS video at 320x240 or 640x480. And as expected from consumer digital cameras these days, a large 2.5" LCD screen (230,000 pixels) is provided to framing and image playback.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9964/3695olympus1kt4.jpg
Other features include a Super Macro mode, 23 scene modes, BrightCapture Technology for use in low-light situations and internal memory for storing a few images in a pinch. Unlike most consumer cameras out there, the Olympus SP-550 UZ features a proprietary xD slot for memory cards. xD cards are usually a bit more expensive than Secure Digital cards more commonly used in this sector.
On the other hand, Olympus made the smart move to allow the camera to accept four AA batteries for power. This gives users the ability to take advantage of relatively inexpensive rechargeable AA batteries or alkaline batteries in emergency situations. It sure beats having to pay for a spare proprietary battery pack.
The 12.9 ounce (without battery) Olympus SP-550 UZ will be available in February with an estimated MSRP of $500.
Source: DailyTech