Olympus SP570UZ

[maff2008]

Bought one of these recently as an introduction to digital after many years using Film SLR's. I must say I am really enjoying learning to use this camera. It has 20x optical zoom MSAP modes, 10 mega pixel as well as a cart load of features too many to list. The macro is quite stunning and it will allow hand held shots on close up due to its dual image stabilization. I've posted a couple pics on here in the nature section. One of the main reasons I didn't chose digital SLR was the expense of the lenses and the maintanance problems of getting debris on the sensor. This cam has a focal length of about 550mm and having used full zoom on many occasions, it's more than handy. A couple of down sides as with most compacts - image sensor is smaller than DSLR and so limited to F8 and the higher ISO settings can cause a bit of noise in pictures when using full focal lengths.
Recently aquired the extention tube which allows 52mm filters and a 1.7x tele converter. That takes the focal length out to a whopping 750mm and no doubt you'll need a tripod even with stabilization.
This camera like all mod cons has a huge learning curve which I am enjoying discovering at the moment.
I think I made a good choice as an introduction to digital.
Roger

[dkippen]

Roger -

Welcome to the group. Your greenfly pictures are amazing.

[maff2008]

Thankyou very much.

[ladyups]

Welcome to the group, Roger. I think Gary uses this camera too and he gets awesome photos out of it. I think he might have left us but maybe he will return some day. Your greenfly images are awesome. Such clarity!

[proz]

Welcome Roger, one of my cameras is the UZ-550 a bit older model but it is a stellar macro camera. You seem to be aware of the 570's limitations I think you have done nicely in selecting that piece of kit. Enjoy it

[maff2008]

Thanks. I was well aware that there would be limitations in as far as DOF was concerned with a maximum of F8. The SP's are sort of limited to macro, portrait and medium range work with or without the full focal length. Landscapes are possible but with limitations. Also in poor light there are more limits to its use. If Olympus had put the same size censor on it as they use in their DSLR's they would have shot themselves in the foot because it would be a world beater. That would have simply plumited their sales for lenses and DSLR cam bodies. They are not stupid by any stretch of the imagination. The first time a camera company puts a full size DSLR censor in a compact\bridge such as the 570 with an F stop going up to 16 or 22 it will be a show stopper. But like I said no one shoots themselves in the foot. Really happy with the camera and the increase from 8 to 10 mega pixel has made a difference in performance especially with cropping.

[gjtoth]

Bought one of these recently as an introduction to digital after many years using Film SLR's. I must say I am really enjoying learning to use this camera. It has 20x optical zoom MSAP modes, 10 mega pixel as well as a cart load of features too many to list. The macro is quite stunning and it will allow hand held shots on close up due to its dual image stabilization. I've posted a couple pics on here in the nature section. One of the main reasons I didn't chose digital SLR was the expense of the lenses and the maintanance problems of getting debris on the sensor. This cam has a focal length of about 550mm and having used full zoom on many occasions, it's more than handy. A couple of down sides as with most compacts - image sensor is smaller than DSLR and so limited to F8 and the higher ISO settings can cause a bit of noise in pictures when using full focal lengths.
Recently aquired the extention tube which allows 52mm filters and a 1.7x tele converter. That takes the focal length out to a whopping 750mm and no doubt you'll need a tripod even with stabilization.
This camera like all mod cons has a huge learning curve which I am enjoying discovering at the moment.
I think I made a good choice as an introduction to digital.
Roger

Excellent choice. The SP570 reviewers in general have been wishy-washy about this camera. I think they're afraid to come out and say this is destined to be a classic. You'll also get some flak from the dSLR bunch about IQ and such. Just enjoy it. It's capable of a LOT more than you think.