Olympus SP-550 UZ
March 18th, 2007 | by David Elrich
Full Review
Features and Design The camera tips the scales at 16.6 ounces including four AA batteries (supplied), xD Picture Card, strap and lens cap; it measures 4.57 x 3.09 x 3.07 (WHD, in inches). The front is dominated by the lens and the camera has a nice form factor for a comfortable grip. The front also has a textured, charcoal-colored faux leather covering that’s quite attractive. You’ll also find this texture surrounding the lens. There’s a minimal amount of decals as well as an AF Illuminator sensor and microphone. The top is fairly straightforward too with a flash that has to be manually opened, mode dial, shutter button, wide/tele zoom switch along with buttons for power and Image Stabilization on/off. The right side has the xD Picture Card slot. We hope Olympus soon changes this slot to a combo that handles less expensive SD cards, the way FujiFilm has finally seen the light of customer satisfaction with its newest digicams. On the left side you’ll find a compartment for USB/AV out and a DC-in along with the diopter adjustment and pop-up button for the flash. The rear is dominated by the LCD screen and viewfinder. The 2.5-inch monitor is rated an OK 230K pixels. You’ll also find a key to switch between the LCD and viewfinder for the times the screen gets wiped out by bright sunshine. To the right is the ubiquitous four-way controller with center OK button. The four points give access to macro, self timer, flash and +/- adjustments. There are also keys for Menu, playback, Display and delete. And finally on the bottom is the battery compartment, speaker and tripod mount. Overall, the camera looks and feels like a lightweight D-SLR which is exactly what all mega zoom manufacturers hope to achieve. The SP-550UZ comes with a solid kit including the camera, strap batteries, cables, a 98-page Quick Start guide and an Olympus Master 2.0 CD ROM. This software package is a good starting point for getting your fingers wet with image editing since it covers all the basics plus it has a RAW converter for those who want the best image quality and are not afraid to do a little extra work on the PC. Anyone buying this camera should seriously consider opting for a set of rechargeable NiMH batteries to save money and the planet.
When powered down, the Olympus SP-550UZ is a squat, bulky looking camera, with an appearance very similar to competing Canon and Sony models. You definitely will not slip this one into your jeans pocket; it’s meant to be worn around the neck like a D-SLR. Unlike that type of camera, the SP-550UZ does not have interchangeable lenses—you’re “stuck” with the f2.8-4.5 28-504mm lens, a focal that’ll satisfy the vast majority of shooters. We’re big fans of wide angle lenses and this camera delivers with a true wide angle of 28mm that lets you take impressive landscapes and portraits.
One funny note—the hardest thing about prepping this camera is attaching the strap. Although manufacturers spend millions engineering new digicams, threading the strap is like something from ancient Cave Dwelling days. Come on, guys, just design one with a few snaps! Also, this camera has one of my least favorite features—a lens cap attached by a string to the strap. When it flaps in the breeze, it’s incredibly annoying. That said, it was time to power up, set the date, basic preferences, image quality then hit the streets. 
Image Courtesy of Olympus
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by Omko on January 4, 2008:
“To those who say that this camera is very slow & hard to focus, I think they better give more time to get used to the camera. I was thinking that way too at first. After some time, I think this camera is great. In the correct hands, this camera can...” More...