Olympus SP-510 UZ Digital Camera First Thoughts

The new 7.1 megapixel Olympus SP-510 UZ has a lot going for it: a 10X (equivalent to a 38-380mm lens in 35mm format) optical zoom, a large 2.5-inch LCD screen, a full list (manual, aperture priority, shutter speed priority, auto, program, and 21 scene modes) of exposure options, an amazing (ISO 50 to ISO 4000) sensitivity range, and outstanding battery life.   The Olympus SP-510 UZ also offers consumers a nice selection of useful features, SLR like ergonomics, and excellent image quality - outdoors in good light. 

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Many industry insiders thought consumer demand for long zoom digital cameras would disappear once affordable digital SLRs hit store shelves, but niche market competition is very stiff and there are more monster zoom digicams available now than there were when the world’s cheapest dSLR cost three grand.  Once upon a time Olympus was the long zoom digicam champ; but as more and more OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have jumped on the monster zoom bandwagon, Olympus has fallen a bit behind the developmental curve. Today’s monster zoom digicams are smaller, faster, more powerful, and cheaper than those famous Olympus long zoom digital cameras from a few years back. 

Are the SP-510 UZ’s lackluster performance and failure to include optical image stabilization deal breakers?  Read our full review (coming in a few days) to find out.  

Sample Images

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