Olympus SP-560 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera - Black (8MP, 18x Optical Zoom) 2.5" LCD

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Product Features:

• • 8 megapixels• 18x optical zoom• 5.6x digital zoom• 2.5 inch LCD screen• 47MB internal memory• PictBridge compatible• USB High-speed, Video Out NTSC / PAL selectable interfaces• AVI Motion JPEG (with

Customer Reviews:

• 
  2007-12-05
  By K. Tomlinson, West Midlands, England
  I have owned Olympus cameras since the OM1 became available in the early 1970's. The SP-560 does everything expected of it and more, and completely matches the quality of earlier models. The 18x zoom is incredible and using the image stabiliser gives a pin sharp result. I have found the colour reproduction excellent, battery life good and the video mode of 640x480 @ 30fps, a higher quality than my previous C-8080, is a bonus. I'm not bothered about the fact that you can't zoom when in that mode as I prefer to stop filming, zoom, and then start again. One point to know is get a type H xd card (Sandisk or Fuji are currently available) as you then have no limit on the length of the video clip other than the size of the card - the 40 secs referred to in the manual is with an Olympus type M card, although they are good for the panoramic function with stills. Rear screen and viewfinder are clear and bright. The number of options/modes on the controls are almost overwhelming, but the manual does a good job of explaining them. All in all, I'm delighted.
  
  
• 
  2007-12-16
  By Neil A. McRae, Herts UK
  I have zero interest in photography but I need to be able to record the items I collect and research so I have had to learn more than I want to. This is my third digital camera and my first Olympus. I chose it because of the massive Zoom and Super macro abilities. So far I am very impressed. For close up work this camera is outstanding. The manual is not as simply written as I would like but I have been able to set the beast to give me the right colours and I am now certain this will be a vast improvement on my 3mp Kodak. My experience with Camera software is not the best. Kodak invaded my pc changing the image icons and altering the image defaults which gave me endless trouble before I was able to dump it, I do not want to be told how to manage my images. With the Olympus I have no intention of finding out what their software will do to a pc so I will not use the provided software. I have discovered that a card reader is not required. I added a 2GB card and fitted it. I have Windows Xp and when I plug the camera in with the USB cable the pc reads the camera as an external hard drive. So I can extract my images directly into a folder using Windows Explorer without needing a separate reader or any other software. I regard this as a real bonus. My use of this will primarily be indoors under strong florescent lighting so I can't tell how good the Olympus is when used outdoors but from what I have been able to do so far I am very impressed and have no hesitation in recommending it.
  
  
• 
  2008-02-03
  By mike, Manchester England
  In my twenties/thirties possessed SLR's by Pentax, Cannon and Nikon. Then had a family and didn't have the time for photography. When I started looking at the early digital cameras I was very disappointed with performance, especially definition, shutter lapse and lack of any decent optical zooms. That has all changed. Have now owned over ten digital cameras from pocket point and shoots to the Fuji SE 130 (7 times optical zoom) and before this the Fuji 6500 (10 times optical zoom, 28-300mm). When I read about this camera I had to give it a try and I have not been disappointed. Didn't think anything would make me swap from Fuji but this camera did and I am so glad that I did.
  
  
• 
  2008-02-24
  By Dr. J. D. Mitchell, Plymouth, UK
  Lets face it, £225 for this level of technology is nothing short of amazing. Haven't digital cameras come on the last few years. And, wow, does it take great pictures. Vivid colours & fantastic zoom and macro settings!
  
  But lets cut through the technical jargon for those of us that just want great pictures with little fuss and maximum flexibility. As a true amateur I dont understand talk about noise and ISO etc.
  
  What I do understand is that sometimes more is less. This camera is complicated. Yes, pop it onto Auto and it will snap away to your hearts content but if you want to use the more advanced features then take a seat, grab yourself a beer and get reading the instruction manual. Here are my tips!
  
  1. Dont buy this camera a week before you go on a wildlife holiday. I did and regretted it. To get to grips with the zoom, the anti shake and the myriad of other features will take you a few weeks otherwise your close up rhino pictures may look a little less convincing to friends back home!
  
  2. Dont expect it to do all the work! 18 x zoom is one hell of a lens in a fairly cheap camera and, with a compact CCD, conditions need to be right to get your dream shots!
  
  3. Dont expect it to be an SLR. It isnt. You just dont get that much for your money but if you treat it well and you learn your techniques, the photos are still pretty outstanding.
  
  4. Be very careful in difficult conditions! I took my new pride and joy to the rainforests of Costa Rica. 6 days in, the humidity took its toll and the camera packed in for good!! Despite its rugged feel, it doesnt seem to have the go anywhere build of my Cybershot. Thankfully, the camera shop where I bought it have replaced it so time will tell.
  
  All in all, this is a great camera. Research it, practice with it and keep it safe and sound and it will be a great investment and produce wonderful results. However, if you think the extra quid will turn you froma happy snapper to David Bailey or that the camera will accompany you to the North Pole, then you may be disappointed.