Olympus SP-590UZ 12MP with the launch of the new 26x optical zoom SP-590 Ultra Zoom. Its extremely versatile zoom lens can capture extraordinary images at virtually any distance–from a delicate flower close up to wide-angle photographs of friends posing before the vast Grand Canyon, or even images shot from the back row of the stadium that look like they were taken courtside.
The SP-590UZ offers the advanced manual controls that experienced photographers demand and find on a digital SLR (single lens reflex). At the same time, users can easily set the camera to operate like a simple point-and-shoot with automatic scene modes. It offers the compact body of an ultra zoom with the flexibility of high-performance optics usually found in interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras, a 12-megapixel image sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Ultra High-Speed Sequential shooting and a bright 2.7-inch LCD.
Optical precision is the foundation for creating quality images. The bright, f2.8-5.0 lens provides the equivalent of 26-676mm focal length. Users can get close to the action with the compact 26x super telephoto zoom and at the same time, the wide-angle (26mm) lens captures more in each frame. Its super-macro capabilities capture the subtlest details. The compact lens construction combines aspherical lens elements and extra-low dispersion (ED) lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. Whether it is capturing fast-action sports or everyday snapshots, this sturdy compact body with a wide-angle and telephoto lens provides the versatility to get the job done.
Helpful consumer’s review
I bought this camera to replace my Olympus SP 565UZ. Overall the SP 590 out performs the 565 with the exception of its much higher price.
Zoom: I think most people who are looking at this camera are doing so because of the 26x zoom feature, so I will remark on this first. In my armature opinion the zoom on this camera is awesome. Obviously when you are stretching out to the full length of the zoom you are going to want some kind of support because dual image stabilization can only do so much for you to prevent blurry pictures of something that is miles away, but I have been able to capture some pretty good photos of objects that are not easily viewed by the human eye. So I definitely give this feature 5 stars.
Physical features: As a previous reviewer noted, right out of the box this camera feels pretty cheap due to its larger size and remarkably light weight. After handling it for a while I defiantly think it is more durable than the 565 was though. Its access doors are much beefier than the 565’s and it has an aluminum casing around the lens that you can grab onto. I like this feature because the 565 had almost nothing to hold onto in the front when you wanted to add that extra two handed stability to your shot. Once you throw some batteries into the camera the weight does go up and the cheap feeling goes down. The fact that the SP 590 takes AA’s instead of a Li-ion battery guarantees that you’ll be able to keep you camera up and running when on long trips or camping and not around a reliable power source to recharge your batteries, (as long as you have spares or can purchase them that is).
Operating software: A note on some of the software features. The SP 590 has a built in “beauty” feature and a few other “picture fixing” programs, these features seem mostly like a gimmick because it takes a lot of time for the camera to process the images, and it’s something that is more suitably done on your computer with photo editing software. If you are in “beauty mode” don’t plan on taking any quick shots because you can expect a 10 or more second delay between shots.
