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Olympus SP-565 UZ digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Olympus announces SP-565UZ
By Zig Weidelich, The Imaging Resource
(Monday, August 25, 2008 - 00:14 EDT)

The Olympus SP-565 UltraZoom takes the SP-570UZ model from Spring 2008, and updates it with a redesigned body that's slightly smaller and lighter.

The Olympus SP-565UZ has a ten megapixel imager, and an Olympus ED-branded 20x (!!) optical zoom lens. The SP565UZ also offers sensor-shift type mechanical image stabilization, and an electronic viewfinder with diopter correction. Something had to go to get the size down, though, and hence the Olympus SP-565UZ has a smaller 2.5" LCD display.

On the plus side, available memory in the Olympus SP565UZ increases just a few megabytes, and there's also an xD-Picture Card slot plus a new microSD to xD-Picture Card adapter in the product bundle. There's also an update to the camera's Face Detection system, and an additional scene mode. Most other features are similar to the previous SP570UZ model.

Other features of the Olympus SP565 UltraZoom include contrast detection AF and manual focusing, ISO sensitivity from 50 to 6400 equivalent, four metering modes, eight white balance modes, and both an eight mode internal flash good to a distance of 21 feet at wide angle, plus a hot shoe for external flash strobes. As well as still images, the Olympus SP-565 UZ can capture movies at VGA or lower resolution. The SP565 UZ also offers video and USB 2.0 High Speed computer connectivity. Power comes from four standard AA batteries.

The Olympus SP-565 UZ ships from October 2008 in the USA, priced at $400 - fully $100 less than the previous camera's initial price. For more details, read the detailed specifications and official press release below, then take a look at our Olympus SP565 preview.

Olympus SP-565 UltraZoom
Olympus' SP-565 UltraZoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type EVF
Manufacturer Olympus
Model Number SP-565 UZ
Dimensions 4.6 x 3.3 x 3.2"
116.0 x 83.3 x 80.8mm
Weight 373.0 g
13.0 oz
Planned Price $399.99
Planned Availability Oct 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.33" CCD
10.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder Yes, EVF type with Dioptic Correction
LCD 2.5", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 10.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Olympus ED lens, 14 Lenses in 11 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 2 ED Lenses
20x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.6 - 92.0mm (actual)
26 - 520mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.5 (tele) - f/8.0
Focusing System CCD contrast detection with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing Range Normal: 4" - infinity (10 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - infinity (1.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, High Auto, 65, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400* (*5-megapixels)
Shutter Speed 15 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Aperture Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes Digital ESP, Spot, Center-Weighted, Face Detection (w/ Face Detection AF)
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - iESP2 Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, One-Touch, Manual
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-in, Fill-in + Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro1, Slow1 + Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro 2, Off
Range: Wide: 0.98 - 21ft (0.3 - 6.4m); Tele: 3.9 - 13.1ft. (1.2 - 4m) at ISO 400
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Landscape+Portrait, Sport, Night, Night+Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Multi-firework, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1/2, Smile Shot, Beach, Snow, Bird Watching, Pre-Capture Movie, Quick Shutter
Digital Zoom 5x
Self Timer Yes, 12 seconds
Movie Format AVI Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording Medium xD Picture Card, Built-in, microSD (MASD-1 is required)
File Format CCD-RAW, JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output), DC Input
Power
Battery Type Alkaline, Lithium disposables; NiMH rechargeables
Battery Form Factor 4 x AA
Product Bundle
Software OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 4 x AA disposables battery
Flash Memory 48.0MB Internal
Other
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
More Photos
Olympus' SP-565 UltraZoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' SP-565 UltraZoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

OLYMPUS SHRINKS THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL ULTRA ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA TO PRODUCE THE COMPACT 20X OPTICAL ZOOM SP-565 UZ

Versatile Lens Captures More of Subjects Near and Far with Wide-Angle, Telephoto and Macro Capabilities; Face Detection Focuses on 16 Faces Simultaneously for Perfect Group Portraits

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 25, 2008 - Olympus has given the SP-570 UZ - the world's most powerful ultra zoom digital camera - an extreme makeover by creating the new SP-565 Ultra Zoom, a smaller and lighter version with the same amazing precision-crafted 20x wide-angle telephoto zoom lens (26-520mm equivalent), but the ease-of-use of a point-and-shoot camera. Photographers searching for an even more portable and approachable ultra zoom to take anywhere will rejoice in the camera's new form factor, and with 10 million pixels and Dual Image Stabilization delivering superior, virtually blur-free images, the SP-565 UZ is proof that good things do come in small packages.

The camera's enhanced Face Detection can now track up to 16 faces within the frame and optimize exposure even when subjects are moving, ensuring that family reunion group portraits will come out well-focused. In addition, the SP-565 UZ ensures sharp, brilliant images with a host of other features:

  • Dual Image Stabilization combines the benefits of Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to compensate for both camera shake and moving subjects, helping to create beautiful, virtually blur-free images in any situation;
  • Shadow Adjustment Technology enables users to preview and capture images as the human eye sees them, compensating for difficult lighting situations and maintaining detail in highlights while improving detail in the shadows to produce more balanced photos; and
  • Perfect Shot Preview takes the guesswork out of great photography by allowing users to preview and select various photographic effects live on the LCD screen, before snapping the shot.

“Responding to consumers' needs for lighter and more compact digital cameras that they can take anywhere, Olympus continues to master the art of miniaturization. We did it with the E-420, the world's smallest DSLR, and we've done it again with the SP-565 UZ," said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The new camera offers the same amazing lens found in the SP-570 UZ in a more portable form factor that's as easy to use as any point-and-shoot camera. It's not quite a pocket digital, but it's designed for wearing around the neck for an extended time, and it fits easily in a backpack with room for books or hiking gear."

Lightening the Lens Load
Lugging a bag full of lenses can slow traveling photographers down, so the SP-565 UZ comes fully equipped with the equivalent of three lenses in one complete camera. The bright, f2.8-4.5 lens provides the equivalent of 26-520mm focal length with 100x total seamless zoom (5x digital zoom). By using the toggle lever with one finger, users can get close to the action with the versatile yet compact 20x super telephoto zoom, while the wide-angle (26mm) lens captures more of the subject in each frame. Its super-macro capabilities capture the subtlest details from as close as one centimeter.

The compact lens construction combines aspherical and extra-dispersion (ED) lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. Whether you're hiking through the mountains or shooting a tennis match, this sturdy compact body with wide-angle and telephoto lenses provide the versatility to get the job done.

Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization enables users to take crisp, clear pictures in virtually any shooting situation - adjusting for camera shake and a moving subject. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD to compensate for camera shake, which often occurs when zooming in on your subject and in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that help to prevent blur caused by a moving subject.

Face Detection
Face Detection tracks up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) quickly for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Now, your subject's face is in focus whether it is in the center of the target area or not.

Manual Controls
The Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority modes give users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision - adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion, or just sit back and let the camera do the thinking through the use of the automatic settings.

High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pre-Capture
The SP-565 UZ is capable of capturing images at an incredible 13.5 frames per second (with a reduced image size of 3 megapixels). The inclusion of Pre-Capture technology, which works in conjunction with High-Speed Sequential Shooting, enables users to capture the action before and after fully pressing the shutter button. Pre-Capture begins working as soon as the focus is locked, automatically archiving 10 frames in the camera's buffer memory prior to the shutter release - virtually guaranteeing that none of the action will be missed even if the user's reaction time is slow. Perfect for situations where timing is essential, such as photographing a tennis player serving, children playing or a whale breaching.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlight areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The SP-565 UZ addresses this challenge head-on with a new Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With the new technology, users can preview and capture images that have the same contrast as seen with the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview
The SP-565 UZ features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects (such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering) on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
Olympus' Perfect Fix feature offers quick solutions for unanticipated image quality issues, which may be caused by several adverse conditions. Lighting Fix can be used to adjust any underexposed areas and Red-Eye Fix can be used to reduce the effects of red-eye sometimes caused by a direct flash. Additional in-camera editing functions can be quickly accessed right in the camera by the touch of a button; features available include resizing, trimming, black and white, and sepia.

TruePicTM III Image Processor
Olympus' enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

33 Shooting Modes Including Multi-Fireworks
The SP-565 UZ makes it easy to take great photos in a variety of scenarios and lighting situations with 33 shooting modes, including a Multi-Fireworks mode. To capture the most stunning fireworks displays, this multi-exposure feature overlays the fireworks to create the memory of a lifetime. To activate any of the camera's pre-set modes, simply select the desired mode for portraits, landscapes, night scenes, fast-action and more.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. The SP-565 UZ will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. Also, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability
The SP-565 UZ will be available in October 2008. It will also include: Neck Strap, WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, four AA Batteries, Manual, Warranty Card and OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM.

U.S. Pricing
SP-565 UZ Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples' lives every day. These include:

  • Digital and Film Cameras as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories
  • Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories
  • Digital and Microcassette Recorders
  • Digital Media
  • Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.
©2008 Olympus Imaging America Inc.

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