Olympus breaks zoom record with 30x on the new SP-800 UZ

Olympus SP-600 UZ

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Olympus SP-800 UZ

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Olympus has just unveiled two new superzoom cameras, the SP-600 UZ and SP-800 UZ.  The latter has an incredible 30x optical zoom and the largest focal length currently available, 28-840 mm (35 mm equiv).

Olympus SP-800 UZ

Olympus, which already had the record for the biggest zoom with the SP-590 UZ and its 26x lens, is now offering a new reference for the largest possible focal length without the SP-800 UZ which goes from 28-840 mm.  These dizzying specs are sure to wow some people, but we'll have to wait to see how it performs in the field before making a judgement.

A good lens is one thing, but the ability to focus at telephoto distances is also important, which is something of a recurring problem for Olympus' bridge cameras, as is image stabilisation.  Because the shutter speed is inversely related to the focal length, you'll need to shoot at 1/800 s in telephoto mode.  The mechanical stabilisation system is enough move up two stops, meaning you can't go below 1/200 s, so you'll need to have plenty of light.  As we said, we'll need to check it out.  As useful as ever, though, the zoom can still offer a super macro focus at a distance of 1 cm.

The end of the bridge?

As you can see from these pictures, the SP-800/600 UZ are rather short for bridge cameras.  The explanation is simple: they don't have electronic viewfinders, unlike their predecessors the SP-590 UZ and SP-570 UZ.  That means it makes more sense to classify these two newcomers as high-end compacts, with electronic viewfinders a key feature still reserved for bridges.  Only more high-end models will still have an electronic viewfinder in the future.

720p and SD cards

Other details include general updates from Olympus, including a new 14 Megapixel 1/2.3'' CCD sensor, new digital filters, 2 GB of internal memory and an SD/SDHC slot to finally close the door on Olympus' use of xD cards (and it's about time).

720p HD video is also available, along with a HDMI video connection.  Video is recorded in MPEG files using QuickTime.  Although Olympus doesn't mention this in its press release, it's quite likely that, as with the SP-590 UZ, the optical zoom will be able during recording.

Another change is that the SP-800 UZ will come with its own battery, rather than using four AA batteries like the current model.

More disappointingly, the 3'' LCD display only has 230 000 pixels and there's no stereo sound like on most of its competitors.  On this type of camera, we'd normally want to be able to choose a semi-automatic mode (S or A).  Finally, we would also have liked to see Olympus produce a camera with a backlit sensor to better manage higher sensitivities and other related technologies (panoramic shots, burst mode and so on …)

SP-600 UZ more basic

The mini version is based on the same principles as the SP-800 UZ, but has a much less ambitious set of features.  It 'only' has a 15x optical zoom (28-420 mm, f/3.5-5/4, 1 cm macro mode), a smaller LCD display and an older 12 Megapixel sensor.  This time, it is powered by four AA batteries and there's only 1 GB of internal memory.  720p video and digital filters will be available. 

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