This
Olympus SP-560 UZ Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
Harbourfront
Sharpened
The Olympus SP-560 UZ provides a full-featured ultra zoom with a 27mm wide-angle for large group and wide landscape shots and a 486mm tele to bring far scenes up close. Sensor-shift image stabilization helps eliminate camera shake when using long focal lengths.
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 large 2.5 in. LCD has a high 230K resolution and "gains up" very well in low-light.
Image quality is very good at ISO 50. As with most compact digital cameras, higher ISOs tend to suffer from noise and image detail loss. The custom White Balance which was a bit finicky on the previous SP-550 UZ model is now fixed.
Performance is average. AF is fast at wide-angle focal lengths and average at full tele. It can be a bit slow locking AF in low light.
Scene Modes and an on-screen GUIDE help steer beginner photographers. Full exposure flexibility allows the more advanced photographer to make the most of this camera.
The Olympus SP-560 UZ has many advanced features
and should prove attractive to beginners as well as more advanced photographers.
