Capturebuzz

Olympus has announced the world's first wide 18x optical zoom digital camera. The Olympus SP-550 UZ brings photographers closer to distant subjects than ever before with an amazing 28mm-504mm (equivalent in 35mm photography) zoom lens.

Main features:

• 7.1 Megapixels from a 1/2.5″ CCD
• 6.4cm/2.5" LCD with 230,000 pixels
• 18x wide optical zoom (equivalent to 28-504mm on
  a 35mm camera) 1:2.8-4.5
• TruePic TURBOTM Image Processor
• Raw Capture
• Dual Image Stabilization
• High burst rate (up to 15fps*)
• Super Macro mode (from as close as 1cm)
• P/A/S/M exposure modes
• BrightCapture Technology for better low light photography - also available in movie mode
• 23 scene modes (including Portrait, Sports, Night Scene)
• 25 languages on board
• Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• Supplied with Olympus Master software and four AA batteries

* In 1.2 Megapixel mode

Olympus’ new 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps your shot steady by compensating for camera shake (ideal for shooting in low light and zooming), and Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds. These two technologies combine to help capture crisp, clear images in any situation, even at longer focal lengths..

The SP-550 UZ offers the highest ISO sensitivity (5000 at 3MP) of any ultra zoom which when combine with shutter speeds of up to 1/2000 second allows superior low-light and fast-action photography.

Price and Availability

The Olympus SP-550 UZ will be available in March at $499.00 (US MSRP).