The Olympus SP-550UZ camera, which features the longest zoom lens in its category, is now on sale in Australia.

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April 21, 2007: The Olympus SP-550UZ camera, which features the longest zoom lens in its category, is now on sale in Australia.
With an RRP of $799, the SP-550UZ has a 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor and a zoom lens that covers focal lengths equivalent to 28-504mm in 35mm format. Dual ‘Shakeproof’ technology combines a CCD-shift image stabiliser with a sensitivity setting of ISO1600 to minimise the risk of blurred pictures through camera shake and subject motion. The lens can focus as close as 1cm, and by combining the optical and digital zoom systems, it can provide telephoto magnification up to 100x. The 2.5-inch LCD has a resolution of 230,000 pixels and uses ‘Nightproof’ technology to provide a bright view of subjects in dim lighting. Sensitivity settings up to ISO 5000 (at 3.0 megapixels) allow users to take colourful pictures at night.

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The camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder and a built-in flash with a GN of 9 (ISO 100). Flash coverage at the wide lens setting is from 30 cm to 6.4 metres. A new high-speed continuous shooting mode allows the camera to shoot at a rate of 15 frames per second at 1.2 megapixel resolution. At 3.0 megapixel resolution, a burst rate of 7.4 fps is achievable. A handy pre-capture mode records five image frames before the shutter button is fully pressed, maximising the chance of capturing crucial action moments.
The SP-550UZ supports both JPEG and raw file capture and can record video clips at VGA or QVGA resolution with frame rates of 30 or 15 frames/second. Program, aperture- and shutter-priority AE shooting modes are provided, along with 23 scene pre-sets and three guide systems to assist novice users. A live histogram display allows users to evaluate exposure levels before shooting.
Power is supplied by four AA batteries and the camera has a 20MB internal memory plus an expansion slot for xD-Picture Cards. Optional telephoto and wide-angle conversion lenses are available, along with a rechargeable battery kit. For full details, visit www.olympus.com.au or phone 1300 659 678.