Olympus SP-570 UZ

Olympus Hybrid Camera Makes a Big Splash Focusing Small

Cursed with an ambiguous, alphanumeric moniker, the SP-570UZ (that's one hell of a sexy name there, Olympus) is suffering from an identity crisis. It lies in the nether region between point-and-click and DSLR, all the while suffering from a model number that screams "prosumer." Middle child though it is, the 570UZ takes the hand it has been dealt and makes the most of itself, turning out to be a fine and useful 10-megapixel digicam.

The 570UZ makes a good shooter for the photo enthusiast who lacks experience yet has enough loot to drop on an entry level DSLR. You can start out relying on the auto settings (they won't steer you wrong), and then explore the advanced functions as you build your skill using the thorough, 97-page (!) manual. Even the most hopeless of n00bs can use this thing. Be warned though: Deep menus can mean getting lost and not finding a way out.

The more experienced user can squeeze a lot from the camera in various shooting situations, and you can perform nearly all functions manually for more control. You can speed up the shutter to catch all the action and every droplet when filming, uh, water sports, or slow it down to blur and capture the most restful waterfalls you've ever seen for that DIY inspirational poster series.

The camera's lens barrel extends to a lewd length, but it packs a 20x zoom (not enough to spy on your neighbors from three clicks out, but plenty for preserving the memory of your kid's first little league strikeout). The anti-shake controls help in the long shots, but you'll lose some detail unless you're using a tripod. The zoom controls on the barrel force you to use it with two hands, which is a pain -- thumb controls would be much easier for one-handed zooming. (We know, high-end cameras have zoom controls on the lens, but this is not a high-end camera.)

The camera boasts a litany of functions -- face detection, burst mode, 22 scene presets, movie recording and epic zooming ability, but where it really excels is up close. Those who like to sweat the small stuff will love the super macro mode that captures excellent detail in flowers, bugs and other assorted tiny objects.

As with most Olympus cameras, the 570UZ is restricted to xD -- not extra costly, just not compatible with the rest of the world's SD media. But we can forgive that in this camera that shines in so many other ways.

WIRED Stunning macro function makes big shots out of the smallest subjects. Versatile controls soothe the enthusiasts while auto presets comfort the n00bs. Excellent manual. Top mounted hotshoe makes swapping external flash options easy.

TIRED Pretend-professional zoom requires two hands. Zoom shots without a tripod can come out blurry. Stubborn clinging to proprietary xD media is irritating: Resistance is futile, Olympus.

• Camera Resolution: 10.0 megapixels
• Optical Zoom: 20x
• Digital Zoom: 5x

• Style: Compact/Ultrazoom
• Media Format: Flash, xD Card
• Manufacturer: Olympus
• Price: $500