Photo Review Reviews section

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

8.8 Rating

A welcome update to the FZ100 with a 12.1-megapixel sensor, improved optics and ISO performance plus new Full HD video recording capabilities.The Lumix DMC-FZ150 replaces the FZ100 at the top of Panasonic’s super-zoom digicam line-up. Announced on 26 August, it features a new, 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor (down from 14MP in the FZ100) but retains the same 24x zoom lens but adds a new ‘Nano Surface Coating’ to minimise flare and ghosting caused by internal reflections. The lens also carries a new zoom control on the side of its barrel, providing an alternative to the lever zoom surrounding the shutter button.

Olympus XZ-1

8.8 Rating

A new flagship digicam with a fast zoom lens, a wide range of exposure controls and support for raw file capture and 720p HD video recording.The XZ-1 was one of two feature-rich cameras announced by Olympus on 6 January, as the C.E.S Show opened in Las Vegas. Introduced as the flagship of the company’s digicam line-up, the XZ-1 combines a relatively large ‘1/1.63 inch’ type (~ 8 x 6 mm) CCD sensor with an effective resolution of 10 megapixels with a smarter body design and many features from PEN series models.

Olympus SP-570 UZ

8 Rating

A compact, digicam with advanced shooting functions and a stabilised wide-angle, 20x optical zoom lens.In its Ultra Zoom (UZ) models, Olympus appears to be trying to bridge the gap between digicams and DSLRs. But, until larger sensors are used in these cameras, a large gulf will remain. With the new 10-megapixel SP-570 UZ, it has taken a big step forward by providing the longest zoom currently available on a compact digicam. Extending from the equivalent of 26mm (in 35mm format) to 520mm, it covers a magnification range of 20x and both optical and digital image stabilisation are provided.

Olympus SP-565 UZ

8.3 Rating

A compact digicam with a 20x optical zoom lens and advanced shooting modes.Olympus’s SP-565 UZ incorporates many of the features of the flagship model of the long-zoom range, the SP-570 UZ, in a cheaper, more compact body. It has the same 10-megapixel sensor and 20x optical zoom lens plus the same TruePic III image processor. Yet it weighs 72 grams less and is $100 cheaper than the SP-570 UZ. Its LCD monitor is also slightly smaller but has the same resolution as the flagship model.

Olympus SP-560 UZ

8 Rating

A smart-looking ultra-zoom digicam with a wide choice of shooting controls and image formats and sizes.A strong competitor in the 18x zoom category, the Olympus SP-560 UZ has the same 18x optical zoom lens and lens shift plus ISO boosting image stabiliser as its predecessor, the SP-550 UZ. However its sensor is larger and has 8 megapixels instead of 7.1. The new model also sports the latest TruePic Turbo III image processor, which supports Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment technologies.

Olympus SP-560UZ

8 Rating

A smart-looking ultra-zoom digicam with a wide choice of shooting controls and image formats and sizes.A strong competitor in the 18x zoom category, the Olympus SP-560 UZ has the same 18x optical zoom lens and lens shift plus ISO boosting image stabiliser as its predecessor, the SP-550 UZ. However its sensor is larger and has 8 megapixels instead of 7.1. The new model also sports the latest TruePic Turbo III image processor, which supports Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment technologies.

Olympus SP-500UZ

8.5 Rating

A compact, long-zoom camera with lots of user-adjustable controls. Some interesting scene modes plus adequate picture quality for stills and movie clips.Top model in the Olympus Ultra Zoom range, the new SP-500UZ sports a 6-megapixel CCD sensor plus a fast (f/2.8-3.7) 10x optical zoom lens and plenty of features for both enthusiast and hobbyist photographers. Unlike some other long-zoom models, the SP-500’s lens lacks in-built stabilisation but digital camera movement compensation is provided in movie mode (it crops the field of view). The SP-500UZ is chunkier than the SP-350 model but has a similar suite of controls, although the location of some buttons is different. [ia]

Olympus SP550 UZ

8.5 Rating

A compact digicam with the longest zoom range on the market and some features to appeal to travellers and photo enthusiasts.When Olympus announced its SP550 UZ, the world’s first 18x zoom digicam, in late January it attracted considerable attention worldwide but we had to wait until mid-May to get our hands on a review unit. The zoom lens ranges from the equivalent of 28mm to 504mm on a 35mm camera and it’s partnered with a dual-action ISO boost and CCD shift image stabilisation system plus a 7.1-megapixel imager.

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1

9 Rating

A pocketable PEN camera that comes in six fashionable colours and supports some creative shooting modes plus Full HD video recording.The PEN Mini E-PM1 is the smallest, lightest and simplest of the three interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras announced by Olympus in June 2011. Designed for snapshooters looking for a very compact camera that’s easy to use but delivers above-average image quality, it offers most of the sophisticated functions provided by its up-market siblings.

Olympus PEN E-PL2

8.5 Rating

The latest entry-level PEN camera comes with a new kit lens, adjustable Art Filters and support for additional accessories.Announced in early January, the E-PL2 is a fourth-generation model in Olympus’s PEN family of compact interchangeable lens cameras. Featuring the same 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor as the E-PL1, the new model has a redesigned user interface and larger, higher-resolution LCD monitor. A built-in flash has been added, along with a new M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MSC kit lens that is 25% lighter than its predecessor.