Olympus SP 570 Ultra Zoom Hands-on Preview

The Olympus UZ series is evolving quickly, and we managed to get our hands on a decidedly preproduction sample of its newest member, the Olympus SP 570 UZ. Unlike the previous two models, this is a serious overhaul, not just a few minor cosmetic changes.

As you can see, the camera is far from finished – nevertheless, the ergonomics are good. The grip is bigger and placed differently, with a large shutter release that makes holding the camera even easier.

A few exposure control buttons have been added to the back of the camera, making it easier to adjust the most commonly used settings and making camera operation that much faster. Not happy with that, Olympus engineers added a FUNC button that acts sort of like the Shift key on the keyboard, making it possible to access even more functions without having to use the menus. It really does feel a bit like using one of their DSLR cameras, which is no bad thing.

Now let us bow our heads in recognition of the unbelievable awesomeness that is this camera’s lens. It’s a 20x zoom.

A 20x zoom, ladies and gents. And it starts at a truly useful 26 mm equivalent at the wide angle, meaning you won’t have to step back and fall of the cliff just to get all those people in the frame. As to the telephoto end, well, that’s an equally priapism inducing 520 mm equivalent, all at a not at all shabby 2.8 (wide) or 4.5 (tele) maximum aperture.

Oh, and it has 10 megapixels. Excite this does me not.

There’s also another new feature – a zoom ring. Yes, it’s just as if you were using a DSLR, except that it’s not physically coupled to the lens, meaning that you get added accuracy compared to a tiny little zoom lever, but you still don’t get the really fine control. Nevertheless, it’s a nice feature, although you should remember that no matter how quickly you twist the ring, the lens will only zoom as quickly as its motors let it.

The camera uses 4 AA batteries, a good thing if you happen to run out, and records your snaps to xD cards. It’s also possible to use an external flash, which is nice.

Another new feature – automated panoramas. Take the shot, rotate the camera, and as soon as the camera senses that you’re approaching the edge of the first frame, it automatically takes the shot. If you’re into panoramas, this is possibly a godsend.

First impressions? This is truly a camera that breaks the mold. If everything works OK in production cameras and if image quality is good enough, this will sell like hot cakes.

The grip is completely different.

This is a preproduction camera, so all the rubber was cut by hand and glued onto the camera, just to make sure you don’t touch bare plastic. Despite this, the ergonomics are good.

Loads of buttons at the back. Again, this is a good thing, as it makes it possible to quickly change the settings. Also, the menu is accessed differently.

From the side, the camera is noticeably different than its predecessors. Just look at the lens.

The lens at full mast. That’s 520 mm equivalent for you.

From the top, the thing looks like a miniature DSLR. You can even use a real, dedicated flash.

The old one SP 560UZ.

The Olympus SP-570 UZ: World’s first 20x wide zoom digital camera

London, 22 January 2008 – The Olympus SP-570 UZ is here with the world’s first 20x wide optical zoom. Enjoy more photographic flexibility than ever with an expansive wide angle perfect for capturing group photos or breathtaking panoramas. Conversely, use the 20x zoom to get up close at a football game or out in nature where subjects could be easily disturbed. In addition, Dual Image Stabilisation eliminates blur caused by camera shake – and you never have to miss a moment with the advantage of sequential shooting at up to 13.5 frames per second! The SP-570 UZ arrives in stores in March 2008 and is available at a recommended retail price of L389.99.

An incredible 20x wide optical zoom (equiv. to 26-520mm on a 35mm camera) gets you the most natural shots possible. Zoom in close on a child’s face without disrupting play, or capture the majesty of a bird soaring through the sky. Then use the broad wide angle for architectural photography – including incredible panoramas – all with the help of a generous 6.9cm/2.7” LCD for impeccable framing and reviewing ease.

Meanwhile, Super Macro mode expands your creative control even further with the ability to shoot from a minimum distance of 1cm! Additional integrated innovations include Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment and BrightCapture Technology, which automatically ensure the perfect exposure and sharpness of human subjects and shadowy areas as well as improving shots taken in low-light conditions.

For ambitious flash photographers, besides a hotshoe the SP-570 UZ’s compatibility with the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flash units allows for perfect illumination without the need for inconvenient cables. Furthermore, this model even offers the ability to manually adjust focus and zoom levels using the lens ring. And the inclusion of preset scene modes as well as automatic and manual (P/A/S/M) settings makes for utmost versatility in any situation.

The Olympus SP-570UZ will be available to buy in March.

The Olympus SP-570 UZ – main features:

• 20x optical zoom (equivalent to 26-520mm*) - from extreme close-ups to stunning scenes
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
• Don't miss the moment with high-speed 13.5fps sequence shooting**
• Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
• P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
• 23 scene modes for the best results in different situations
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• See and share images on the 6.9cm/2.7" LCD
• Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
• Great for shots of flowers and detail from as close as 1cm with Super Macro mode
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• 38 languages on board
• Dioptric correction
• Flexible shooting with internal memory or using xD-Picture Card
• Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 including Muvee Pack trial version plus four AA batteries
• TCON-017 teleconversion lens and CLA-10 adapter ring optionally available for maximum of 884mm (or 4420mm when combined with digital zoom)

* Equivalent to a 35mm camera
** In 3.0 Megapixel mode

For images or spec sheets, please go to https://www.olympuslive.co.uk

For login details, questions or additional information, please contact:
Jerome Demare / Harjit Sohotey
01923 831215
press-office@olympus.uk.com
OLYMPUS UK LTD
Vision House
19 Colonial Way
Watford WD24 4JL

Appendix

BrightCapture Technology
A technology developed for better shooting results in low light situations. It works in two ways: i) All available pixel information from the image sensor is used to provide a view on the LCD that’s up to four times brighter than conventional types, to make framing easy even in dark surroundings. ii) In certain shooting modes sensitivity is increased (resolution is sometimes reduced), which results in well-exposed images with accurate colour reproduction, high contrast and definition, even when not using the flash. Scene modes that benefit from BrightCapture Technology include Candle, Night Scene and Available Light.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Wireless Flash Control
The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

All new Olympus cameras.