Product Description

Capture every detail—even from far away—with the SP-590 Ultra-Zoom. Its amazing 26x wide-angle optical zoom is the longest, most powerful in the world. Get sharp shots with Dual Image Stabilization. It's the perfect point-and-shoot camera for sports, outdoor and travel photography—or for anyone who wants an all-in-one compact camera that takes stunning pictures.

26X WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS (F2.8-F5.0 26-676mm equivalent)
The powerful, ultra-compact lens gives you unmatched shooting versatility. The amazing 26x optical zoom on the SP-590UZ brings you closer to the action, and the wide-angle lens captures more in your picture.

DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION.
Forget about blurry shots with this 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake to keep your shots steady while Digital Image Stabilization captures crisp, clear images in any situation.

ADVANCED FACE DETECTION.
Tracks up to 16 faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposures for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

HIGH-SPEED SEQUENTIAL SHOOTING.
Take several shots in rapid succession with just one click with the SP-590UZ. With a burst rate of up to 10 fps (3MP), you can practically freeze time to capture every moment of the action.

PRE-CAPTURE.
As soon as the focus is locked, Pre-Capture automatically archives ten frames (3MP) before fully pressing the button to capture the perfect shot.

FEATURES:

• Shoot telephoto (up to 26x optical zoom), wide-angle (26mm equivalent) and macro (as close as 1cm) with the SP-590UZ.
• Dual Image Stabilization combines Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.
• Face Detection automatically focuses on your subjects' faces and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
• With one click, take several shots in rapid succession. With a

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #855 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Black
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: SP-590UZ
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 3.90" w x 4.30" l, .96 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 12-megapixel resolution for photo-quality, poster-size prints
• 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
• Pre-capture scene modes: Multiple Exposure, Soft Background Focus and Beauty Mode
• 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
• Compatible with xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)

From the Manufacturer

Olympus has rewritten the rule book for how powerful a point-and-shoot camera’s zoom can be with the launch of the new 26x optical zoom SP-590 Ultra Zoom. Its extremely versatile zoom lens can capture extraordinary images at virtually any distance--from a delicate flower close up to wide-angle photographs of friends posing before the vast Grand Canyon, or even images shot from the back row of the stadium that look like they were taken courtside.

The SP-590UZ offers the advanced manual controls that experienced photographers demand and find on a digital SLR (single lens reflex). At the same time, users can easily set the camera to operate like a simple point-and-shoot with automatic scene modes. It offers the compact body of an ultra zoom with the flexibility of high-performance optics usually found in interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras, a 12-megapixel image sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Ultra High-Speed Sequential shooting and a bright 2.7-inch LCD.

Olympus SP-590UZ Highlights

Capturing It All--Near, Far and Wide
Optical precision is the foundation for creating quality images. The bright, f2.8-5.0 lens provides the equivalent of 26-676mm focal length. Users can get close to the action with the compact 26x super telephoto zoom and at the same time, the wide-angle (26mm) lens captures more in each frame. Its super-macro capabilities capture the subtlest details. The compact lens construction combines aspherical lens elements and extra-low dispersion (ED) lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. Whether it is capturing fast-action sports or everyday snapshots, this sturdy compact body with a wide-angle and telephoto lens provides the versatility to get the job done.

12 Megapixels for Superior Image Quality
The SP-590UZ has a 12-megapixel sensor that enables consumers to achieve consistently sharp and vivid images when producing large-format prints or cropping/enlarging a portion of an image.

Unleash Your Creativity with New Artistic Scene Modes
Olympus’ ultra zoom cameras have been known for being the perfect, versatile solution for dual households; providing flexibility and manual controls for experienced shutterbugs, while being as easy and approachable as a point-and-shoot for novice or even first-time users. The SP-590UZ takes this to a new level with pre-capture scene modes: Multiple Exposure, Soft Background Focus and Beauty Mode. The new features enable creative effects to be made inside the camera as the images are captured! The new creative features were adopted from Olympus’ recently announced E-30 DSLR camera.

Multiple Exposure, in the new SP-590UZ, empowers you to take two separate photographs and overlay them to craft one unique image. Create a masterpiece for Mother’s Day with a beautiful image of the kids overlaying her favorite landscape. Use the new Soft Background Focus mode on your next trip to a National Park. It enables you to slightly blur the beautiful vista, lake or canyon in the background to accent the majestic wildlife in the foreground.

Beauty Mode lets you soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face--all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose "Clear Skin" to smooth a person’s complexion, "Dramatic Eye" to slightly emphasize the eyes, and "Sparkle Eye" to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.

Your Images on HDTV
Gone are the days of friends and family huddling around a camera’s LCD to see the pictures you just snapped. Now, you’ll be the hit of the party or any family function when you proudly display your brilliant images on high-definition televisions. Simply connect the new SP-590UZ to an HDTV with an HDMI cable, which can be purchased separately at any consumer electronics store.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The new SP-590UZ offers the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.

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 image sensor 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 prevent blur caused by a moving subject.

Ultra High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pre-Capture with TruePic III Image Processor
The Olympus TruePic III Image Processor makes it possible for the SP-590UZ to capture images at incredible speeds. 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 frames in the camera’s buffer memory prior to the shutter release--virtually guaranteeing that you’ll get the shot even if the user’s reaction time is slower than the action. Perfect for situations where timing is essential, such as photographing a tennis player serving, children playing or a whale breaching. 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, minimizing image noise or grainy photos traditionally associated with shooting with high ISO.

Full Manual Control
The Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes give users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creativity--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. Manual focus is also available for users who want to have full control.

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.

Wireless Flash Compatibility
Wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great images. For this reason, the SP-590UZ is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the SP-590UZ, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The SP-590UZ can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.

Large HyperCrystal II LCD
The SP-590UZ boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD. It reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to HyperCrystal LCD, providing a preview that is more true to the final image.

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-590UZ 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-590UZ 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. Shadow Adjustment Edit 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.

29 Shooting Modes
The SP-590UZ offers new features, including, Multi-Exposure, Soft Background Focus and Beauty Mode. A new Bird Watching mode is also great to capture the unpredictable movements of wildlife. The new camera offers a total of 20 pre-set scene modes. To activate, simply select the desired mode for multi-fireworks, portraits, landscapes, night scenes, fast-action and more.

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. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. 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. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft Print Creations plug-in.

What's in the Box
Neck Strap, WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, four AA Batteries, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), Manual, Warranty Card and Olympus Master 2 Software CD-ROM

Customer Reviews

A Nice Little Camera with lots of zoom
*Updated 18 July 2009

I bought this camera to replace my Olympus SP 565UZ. Overall the SP 590 out performs the 565 with the exception of its much higher price.

Zoom: I think most people who are looking at this camera are doing so because of the 26x zoom feature, so I will remark on this first. In my armature opinion the zoom on this camera is awesome. Obviously when you are stretching out to the full length of the zoom you are going to want some kind of support (such as a gorilla pod if you're a backpacker like me) because dual image stabilization can only do so much for you to prevent blurry pictures of something that is miles away. I have been able to capture some pretty good photos of objects that are not easily viewed by the human eye. I do recommend using light filters, but I definitely give this feature 5 stars

Physical features: As a previous reviewer noted, right out of the box this camera feels pretty cheap due to its larger size and remarkably light weight. After handling it for a while I defiantly think it is more durable than the 565 was though. Its access doors are much beefier than the 565's and it has an aluminum casing around the lens that you can grab onto. I like this feature because the 565 had almost nothing to hold onto in the front when you wanted to add that extra two handed stability to your shot. Once you throw some batteries into the camera the weight does go up and the cheap feeling goes down.

Battery life - I love the fact that the SP 590 takes AA's instead of a Li-ion batteries (this was a deciding factor in me not getting the Nikon P90) because it guarantees that I can just pick up another set of AA's on long trips or camping where you're not around a reliable power source long enough to recharge your batteries. I just took this camera on a two week backpacking trip and I went through two sets of Sony 2500 mAh Ni-Mh batteries. Conservatively speaking I took well over 1000 Pictures and about 40 minutes of video on just those batteries. I give these batteries and this camera's use of them 5 stars.

Operating software: A note on some of the software features. The SP 590 has a built in "beauty" feature and a few other "picture fixing" programs, these features seem mostly like a gimmick because it takes a lot of time for the camera to process the images, and it's something that is more suitably done on your computer with photo editing software. If you are in "beauty mode" don't plan on taking any quick shots because you can expect a 10 or more second delay between shots.

Manual features: As I've said before I am an armature at photography but one of the major reasons I bought this camera was because I had mastered what few manual controls there were on most point and shot cameras and I wanted to take the next step. The SP 590 offers plenty of room for me to grow in this department. This is no DSLR but it is a good in-between camera. I do wish that there was some way to use a manual focus, like there is on the SP 570uz, because when you are using the zoom it's hard to get the camera to auto zoom on the item you are trying to capture especially when there are items like power lines between you and the shot you want.

Media Card: I've said it before and I'll say it again, it finally seems as though Olympus gotten over their proprietary high horse when it comes to XD media cards. The SP 590 and all other new Olympus cameras come with adapters to allow the use of Micro SD cards. The problem with previous cameras was that if you wanted to take a panorama picture you had to have an OLYMPUS brand XD card. This is not an issue with the SP 590 as it allows you to take panorama shots with any card or even just the internal memory. The 590 also recognizes the higher write speeds of Class 4 and Class 6 Micro SD cards. Which has solved one of the major headaches associated with VGA videos on the previous models.
Video: The SP 590 offers VGA video recording size of 640x480 at 30 frames per second. Because the 590 recognizes the higher write speeds of the class 4 and 6 Micro SD's you can now record 20:00+ min videos without having to purchase a high speed XD type M+ card. Another major complaint of Olympus cameras has been addressed with the zoom feature in video mode. The SP 590 DOES allow you to zoom in and out while taking video, a feature that is not common on previous models.

Megapixels: This camera does take up to 12mp shots which is great if you plan on blowing all of your photos up to a poster size image or larger. But I usually print no bigger than an 8x10 and I don't want to fill my computer up with picture files (a 12mp picture uses over 2.5mb of space) so Leave my camera at 5mp (which only uses about 1mb of space).

Over all: Even though I feel the price is a bit high right now I give this camera 5 stars. It fits well in the hands and takes very good pictures. It's compact enough to take around on trips and you don't have to worry about having extra lens as with DSLR's, but you still get some of the desired features as a DSLR.

Good for snapshots and more...
I've owned this camera for a month now. Here's how I rate it:

PROS:
-Great zoom capacity - fast.
-All the shooting modes you could possibly want (I believe there are 28 picture modes)
-Automatic,Manual, Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority modes on dial
-Dedicated Review mode on dial for picture viewing
-Capability to go full manual ; reasonably good manual focus to infinity.
-Good construction & solid build (droped it from about a 12" and no damage was done)
-Olympus Master 2 is bundled with the camera. Nice basic image editor.
-Offers ISO 64
-Easy menu to navigate (in color to boot!)
-2.7" LCD Screen
-Liveview (lets you see picture on LCD before shooting as it will appear)
-Various drive modes; Single, sequential, high 1(6 fps at 5mp), high 2(10fps at 3mp), bracket and more.
-Various Auto-focus options to meet the way you want to shoot and compose.
-Powerful built in flash
-Amazing Macro capabilities
- 3 Light Metering Options (ESP, Spot, Center-weight)
- Good battery life if you follow some of the tips to keep your battery life optimal
- Image stablization works reasonably well. There is a definate differance between shooting and comparing with this option on or off, but don't expect miracles when shooting with slow shutter speeds.

CONS:
-Shooting above ISO 100 will produce noticable noise. Only ISO 64 produces noise free images.
-AF can be slow to acquire especially at full zoom or low light settings.
-Image Quality is inconsistant. If you don't plan on view your images at 100%, the image quality is top notch. If you do view at 100% at 12MP the image quality is very frustrating. Some are sharp, some not so much regardless of use of tripod or not. Overall, the images are "soft".
-Needs plenty of light
-Not good for fast action if you want noise free images - although Full time AF and AF Predict are available and work reasonably well.
-AF focus issues. Regardless of how accurately you focus, the images may not come out sharp even when the camera is stabalized by use of tripod, monopod, etc.

SUMMARY: If you are going to use this camera for snapshots of the family, vacation, wildlife, etc. I would give it a five star rating as you will rarely view or print out your images at 100%. It is a great camera for learning the basics of camera operation and composition.

If you are looking for a compact DSLR that you wont need to buy glass for - this camera will terribly disappoint you. The image quality and consistancy simply is not there. It has often been compared to DSLR's, which simply is not fair. If you want a DSLR, buy a DSLR. This is a point and shoot with an obsurdly long zoom range and a large host of options that is very portable and easy to carry.

Personally I have successfuly used this camera to shoot various snapshots and also have successfuly used the camera to sell micro-stock, albeit many rejections due to technical reasons - but I expected this as it has a smaller image sensor and cant produce the image quality of DSLRS with much larger sensors (even by 4:3 standards, I think 12MP is pushing it at this sensor size). Then again, to buy an entry level DSLR and all the lenses to get the range of this camera you'd be looking at a minimum of about $800 for a cheapo body and cheapo lenses which probably wouldnt fare all that much better against this camera...

CONCLUSION: Buy it if you want a great all purpose / travel camera! The price has dropped well below MSRP and its a great value! If you are looking for a DSLR, why are you looking at this camera? Save your pennies and buy an E-Series camera from Olympus!

An excellent, hi-res, versatile camera.
I wanted a camera to take bird photos to substantiate sight records and to take landscapes and panoramas to print up to 12x16" and this seems to do the job well. I've had the camera for a few days and have found it well made (much plastic, but light to carry), quick to focus in sunny or moderate light, and the lens seems excellent for a zoom. The "movie" mode works well, and there are a number of other worth-while features I've yet to try. The image-stabilization has allowed me to take sharp hand-held photos at maximum zoom by leaning against a fixed object. So far, it's been a pleasure to carry (when compared to a slr plus lenses) to use, and the results have been pleasing.