Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've had the Olympus SP-500 for about five days. I started out taking simple portrait shots and was pleased with the quality.
Today was the real test of why I bought the Olympus SP-500 - the ability to zoom in close and catch action shots at my daughter's soccer games. The result? I'm very impressed. No 'action blur' to be seen, the pictures look great, and with the 10x optical zoom there was no need to keep running around the sidelines trying to get up close to the players.
I was concerned about comments I've read about other cameras with a high level of zoom needing image stabilization (or otherwise the zoom would be worthless). Not the case here. No image stabilization on this camera and the pictures look great. Just remember to put the scene setting on 'Sport' rather than leaving the setting on 'Auto' when taking action shots.
I've played with video mode and liked the result. The controls are easy to reach and the menu system was easy to understand. Having a dedicated 'trash' button is a nice touch. And with manual controls and the ability to add additional lenses, I think I have a camera that can grow with my abilities.
I'll post again if I run into any negatives. For now, I couldn't be happier.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus SP-500 UZ Ultra Zoom 6MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom
The SP-500 is a hybrid digital-camera. It's shaped closer to an SLR than a compact model. The optical zoom, however, is 10x - compared to 3x on a compact model. When compared to a 35mm, the SP-500 has a focal length of 38mm to 380mm. That's wide-angle to large telephoto, yet the lens remains extraordinarily compact. It's designed for easy use but has manual capabilities to let you exercise your creative potential. Overall...a very fine camera.Recording Modes - DCF Exif 2.21, JPEG , PIM27 shooting modes - AUTO, Program Auto, A, S, M, MY, Scene Preset (Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Sport, Night + Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Museum, Behind Glass, Cuisine, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Beach, Snow)Panorama Modes Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with Olympus Master software when using Olympus brand xD-Picture card Switch things up by adding an optional conversion lens via the threaded lens barrel. Camera speed and image quality receive a great boost thanks to the exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor Record up to 4 seconds of sound with each still picture captured, or add sound later on Uses xD-PictureCard storage Uses 4 AA batteries - We advise purchasing optional rechargeable AA Playback images on the LCD, a computer or your TV in a slideshow using any of 9 transitions Comfortable ergonomic grip Windows PC and Macintosh compatible Size 4.15 W x 2.93 H x 2.80 D / Weight 10.05 oz.
