Olympus SP-560 UZ Expert Reviews

Introduced in August 2007 as part of massive product intorduction of nine new consumer cameras, the SP-560UZ is the latest in Olympus's "Power & Versatility" class that also includes the SP-510UZ and the SP-560UZ. "UZ" stands or Ultra Zoom and this is ...

18X optical zoom!, Dual image stabilization, Bright hi-res 2.5-inch LCD with adjustable backlight, 640 x 480 movies at a full 30 fps, Advanced face detection mode, As close as 0.4 inches in super macro mode, Full manual modes in addition to 33 scene ...

No voice recording mode, Remains at 8 megapixel, xD-Picture card harder to find and more expensive

There is a time lapse mode where you can have the camera shoot up to 99 pictures in intervals between a minute and 99 minutes

We loved its predecessor and we love the Olympus SP-560 UZ even more. Keeping the comfortable design, this superzoom's whopping lens stands out as its most prominent feature. Plus, it's packed with plenty of useful, advanced options, all available at ...

Superlong, yet wide lens ; manual exposure controls ; good body design ; supports wireless flash

Softness and noise hurt picture quality ; middling performance

Olympus' 8-megapixel superzoom generally improves over its SP-550 UZ predecessor, but suffers from many of the same problems

All the comments about super-zooms versus compact digicams and super-zooms versus digital SLRs apply equally to the 560UZ. In terms of major component specifications (sensor size and resolution, lens zoom range and speed, etc.), there is little or ...

olympus sp-560 ultra zoom review: Olympus' 8-megapixel superzoom generally improves over its SP-550 UZ predecessor, but suffers from many of the same problems.

Superlong, yet wide lens, Manual exposure controls, Good body design, Supports wireless flash

Softness and noise hurt picture quality, Middling performance

Olympus' 8-megapixel superzoom generally improves over its SP-550 UZ predecessor, but suffers from many of the same problems.

The Olympus SP-560 is an 8 megapixel camera with an 18x optical zoom lens. This extreme length of lens is good for wildlife and sports photography. The camera also has a range of advanced controls that will appeal to someone who sees photography as a ...

Macro shot

Picture quality when full zoom used - shutter time for single photo with flash

My tests shots were a bit mixed. It is true this camera has a very long lens, but personally I would like to see more emphasis on picture quality and less on technology.

Huge zoom, good detail in dark areas, face detect, nice build

Noise may be a problem for big enlargements, slow burst mode, some exposure issues

While not a perfect camera, Olympus' SP-560UZ is an excellent choice for users after an ultra-zoom. It combines good pictures with a robust feature set and a fantastic design.

Choosing a new super-zoom camera just got even harder.

The Olympus SP-560UZ is an extremely accomplished camera, and more than makes up for its slightly disappointing predecessor. Outstanding design and handling, good performance and a huge degree of versatility make it a superb tool for the keen hobbyist ...

Olympus's new entry into the 'superzoom' bridge, or high-end compact category, offers advanced functionality and a complete photography system in one managable body. How does it compare to the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd?

Pro-build quality, bright LCD, image stabilisation

Fringing at tele end of zoom. No SD card compatibility

When it comes to purchasing a bridge camera, there are several things that normally seal the deal. Lugging around a DSLR and a range of lenses is not always convenient or preferable, so DSLR functionality accompanied by a wide zoom range and combined ...

This camera is packed with features that should appeal to the serious amateur photographer. It is now in an (almost) all-black body with a DSLR-look, has excellent build and construction, and very good handling.

A strong competitor in the 18x zoom category, the Olympus SP-560 UZ has the same 18x optical zoom lens and lens shift plus ISO boosting image stabiliser as its predecessor, the SP-550 UZ. However its sensor is larger and has 8 megapixels instead of 7 ...

Photographs taken with the test camera were reasonably sharp and colour accurate but slightly soft in appearance, particularly at longer focal lengths. The AF system was at its best in bright lighting but, even then, it could be difficult to find ...