Product Description

Olympus SP-590UZ Digital Camera HDMI or XD Card 2.7in LCD 26x Optical Zoom 12MP Ref N3240092
• 12.0 megapixels• 26x wide optical zoom (26-676mm)• 5x/ 130xdigital zoom combined with optical zoom• 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD for excellent preview even in brilliant sunlight• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible• PictBridge function• High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMIÖ) technology incorporated for viewing images in high definition quality on HDMI compatible HD TVs• Recording function• 4x AA Batteries• WxDxH: 110.1x89.7x91.0mm• Weight: 435g• Dual Image Stabilisation prevents blurry images, even when using 26x optical zoom• Advanced Face Detection technology detects up to 16 faces and sets the optimal focus and exposure• Includes High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMIÖ) for TV viewing• Self-timer

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9236 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: SP-590UZ
• Released on: 2009-01-07
• Dimensions: 3.54" h x 3.54" w x 4.33" l, .97 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• Olympus SP-590UZ Digital Camera HDMI or XD Card 2.7in LCD 26x Optical Zoom 12MP Ref N3240092
  • 12.0 megapixels• 26x wide optical zoom (26-676mm)• 5x/ 130xdigital zoom combined with optical zoom• 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD

Manufacturer's Description
Powerful and versatile
Whether you’re indoors, out in nature or taking it easy somewhere else on holiday, the SP-590UZ is the ideal camera for shooting every aspect of your surroundings without the need to lug around loads of equipment. It stands alone in its ability to capture subjects from great distances thanks to its bright 26x wide optical zoom (equivalent to 26-676mm on a 35mm camera). At the racetrack this makes it easy to get impressive close-up shots of your favourite drivers celebrating their win – even if you’re up in the bleacher seats. Furthermore, the wide angle of view lets photographers record more of the action in a single image. And with the optional TCON-17 Tele Conversion Lens and CLA-11 Conversion Lens Adapter, the SP-590UZ can reach unparalleled magnifications of up to 1149mm*. Add to this the 5x digital zoom and the total magnification factor hits a phenomenal 130x or 3380mm*.

Zooming prowess is not the SP-590UZ’s only claim to fame, however. For those with a real need for speed, the SP-590UZ features ultra-high-speed shooting: up to 10fps** will let you make the call when the race is truly a “photo finish”! Meanwhile, down in pit lane, photographers will really appreciate this model’s Super Macro mode. It allows detailed close-ups to be taken from just 1cm.

Brilliant, high-quality images
The 12 Megapixel SP-590UZ offers a broad range of functions and features to improve results – and enhance the overall photo experience. Dual Image Stabilisation compensates for camera shake to ensure the sharpest images possible, even at the tele end of the focal range. In addition, Advanced Face Detection Technology recognises the faces of subjects for perfect focus and exposure, while Shadow Adjustment Technology ensures optimal contrast in images. With Multiple Exposure mode, two images can be combined to create an overlapped composite photo. And Beauty Mode automatically smoothes the skin of subjects to make the skin tone of faces appear more even and vibrant.

Ease of use and creative freedom in perfect balance
Besides the ease and comfort of automatic shooting and the choice of 18 shooting modes, the SP-590UZ also offers full manual control for maximum flexibility. P/A/S/M exposure modes ensure that those seeking to give their creativity free rein are catered for. In addition, Perfect Shot Preview lets the photographer preview the effects of a particular setting on the LCD before actually taking the shot. Moreover, numerous options exist for getting the lighting perfect: in addition to the built-in flash, the SP-590UZ is also capable of remotely controlling the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flash units – thereby opening up completely new photographic possibilities.

39 available languages make the camera menus comprehensible for nearly everyone. And dioptric correction means those wearing glasses can also comfortably use the viewfinder. Pictures can be stored to xD Picture Card, or – thanks to a bundled attachment – to microSD Card.

The SP-590UZ will hit stores in early March 2009.
*Equivalent to a 35mm camera
**In 3 Megapixel mode

Box Contains

• Olympus SP-590UZ Compact Digital Camera
• Lens Cap
• Neck strap
• Instruction Manual
• World Wide Warranty Card
• 4x AA Batteries
• CB-AVC3 (Audio/Video cable)
• CB-USB6 (USB Cable)
• OLYMPUS Master 2 (Software CD-ROM)
• MASD-1 (microSD attachment)

Customer Reviews

SP590UZ, a camera with zoom zoom!
A rundown of the more significant items:

Zoom range:
So much zooooom you won't know what to do with it, it gives optical detail on par with some bird spotting scopes.
Full zoom gives pleasantly good quality images. Colour fringing is apparent at extremes of the zoom range, but it is still good considering the sheer amount of optical zoom range the camera has to cater for. The full zoom photo quality from the SP590 easily beats my SP550 with Tcon17 teleconverter.
Wide angle suffers from significant barrelling; this disappears when a bit of zoom is applied.
Macro is good, better than many cameras; very good considering the amount of optical zoom range offered.
Zoom adjustment is fast, perhaps too fast.

The use of ultra-zoom cameras can be limited by atmospheric effects like blue haze and the `twinkle effect' (heat distortion), so don't expect pristine long-distance daytime photos. However, when used right this camera can take very natural shots of camera-shy subjects (humans and creatures), offering quality, full-frame, head-and-shoulder portraits of subjects 15 meters (50 foot) away.
Note: the camera has an optical zoom range from 0.74x to 19X (19.3/0.74 = 26x)

Image:
It is noisy, even at the lowest ISO setting, but it is typical for compact non-SLR cameras.
The detail is OK, nothing to write about - except for when full zoom is used. No camera will give you long-distance details at such a price.

Image stabiliser:
It isn't 100% effective, but it does remove most of the handshake (so long as you're not dancing with it); use of it is a must when zooming in lower light conditions, or you want to use lower ISO settings. Strangely, the function takes effect about 3 seconds after focussing, not good if a quick shot is needed.
The imager still moves around a little bit even with no external motion is applied, so make sure the function is disabled when used on a sturdy surface such as a tripod.

Focus time:
On par with typical cameras, but pretty good considering the amount of zoom range it has to work with. Focus time drastically increases in low light conditions, but is still fairly reliable.
Start up/shutdown time is suitably quick (much quicker than its predecessors).
The pushing off of the lens cap at start up isn't a problem; in fact I think it's a good idea.
Shutter lag is quick.

LCD display:
This is surprisingly good!
It is bright, very clear and viewable from any angle without wash out. The contrast ratio is pretty good. The resolution is average.

Aesthetics:
Surprisingly poor, ugly to look at. It looks like my first mobile phone: bulky, plasticy and tacky. It's certainly a step down from its predecessors (although it is less likely to be stolen). It's far from being a compact camera that fits in your pocket.

Mechanics:
This camera suffers from same problem as some of its predecessors, specifically the loose barrel; it doesn't take much to move it hence spoiling what was a perfectly focussed shot. Refrain from large movements after focussing. Be wary when aiming downwards.

Misc:
The speed of USB2.0 is a very welcome addition, especially now that support for MicroSDHC cards has been added; I recommend an 8GB, Class 6 card for speed and capacity (and forget about XD cards).
Extra features such as smile detect, multi-shot and video pre-capture are gimmicky; they give 10 minutes of fun but likely won't ever be used in anger. The shadow adjust feature could be useful, but it isn't available in manual modes.
Burst mode - what a misnomer, it's anything but. The photo quality has to be decimated to get any useful burst speed (including photo pre-capture)
The unit makes a rather disturbing `click' about every second when idle.
It doesn't easily accept additional filters.
The playback button is too recessed; those with sausage fingers may have difficulty using it.
Start up time is OK, about 2 seconds.
Time-lapse mode can be very useful, especially at parties where you can leave the camera on a shelf continually taking photos and you can get on with enjoying the evening.


Overall:
This is a good ultra-zoom camera and it zooms well, but at the expense of convenience and quality. The lack of convenient portability will be off-putting for socialites who usually frequent pubs and clubs.

However, it does lend itself to outdoor activities where carry cases are the norm and the zoom can be fully utilised to its monstrous capability, such as: BBQs, sports days, bird watching and even lunar astronomy!!

Like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it.
If you have no use for a high zoom camera then this one should be avoided.
However, if you have a zoom fetish then this is for you.

Olympus SP-590UZ Compact Digital Camera (12MP, 26x Wide Optical Zoom)
I have had this camera for over a month now, it is really an upgrade from a compact which I wanted, I have a SLR camera but you have to cart around a few lens, this camera has all I want and you are not wasting film and can see the pictures instantly. The zoom is ok but like all cameras with a zoom lens you need a tripod to steady the camera. I like the macro setting, you can get in very close, there are plenty of other settings but like my other compact digital camera I have tried them out but might not use them again not because of the quality effects they give you but you forget they are there, I don't find a problem with the buttons and don't think the camera looks ugly like some say. The only problem I have with the camera is when taking high speed photos it takes a long time to store them so you miss some photos while the camera says "Busy". I did look at nearly all the cameras available before I decided on this one, like every thing else there are pros and cons to every thing. As
S. I. Bennett (Portsmouth)in his review " Like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it. "I like Marmite so I love it.

lives up to its reputation
I bought this camera mainly for its incredible zoom facility. My standard, basic digital camera proved to be totally inadequate at a recent tennis event and therefore my photos were a big disappointment. But whilst choosing the Olympus SP-590UZ to overcome similar problems in the future, I am thoroughly satisfied with the camera's overall performance and ease of use. The various professional reviews placing this camera at the top of their list are therefore justified in my estimation. The accompanying user disks leave no problems unanswered.