Digital camera manufacturers always look to set their models apart in a highly competitive market. Olympus has achieved that goal by including a 10X optical zoom lens in a sub-$300 model, the SP-510 UZ.
That 10X optical zoom lens makes an amazing difference in the types of photographs you can take, especially nature shots. One slight problem with the SP-510 UZ occurs with its digital image stabilization (IS), which attempts to correct camera shake problems with software after you shoot the image. More successful IS technologies use hardware to negate camera shake as you shoot the image. With the SP-510 UZ's 10X optical zoom lens, camera shake is naturally going to occur when you have the lens fully extended, and the digital IS technology isn't as effective at preventing blurry photos as other IS techniques. The digital IS does a good job much of the time, but it definitely isn't perfect.
Outside of some blurred photos, the SP-510 UZ's image quality is very good. The unit's 7.1 megapixels of resolution will allow high-quality prints up to 8x10 inches -- or even 11x14 inches when taken under ideal lighting conditions. The high resolution and large zoom lens make a nice combination for a sub-$300 model.
Beyond those two features, the SP-510 UZ has some nice options. You'll find that the SP-510 UZ is very easy to use; Olympus has even included a built-in Shooting Guide to help you create the perfect photo. Response times are about average. Startup takes about 3 seconds, while shot-to-shot delays range from 2 to 4 seconds. Shutter lag can be a big problem with large zoom lenses, but the SP-510 UZ's shutter lag is better than expected at a maximum of one-half second. The unit's continuous-shot mode is below average, allowing for only two to four photos at one time.
One disappointment is with the 2.5-inch LCD, which should be sharper. It also can be tough to view in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, the SP-510 UZ offers only an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which won't appeal to everyone as it can be difficult to use in low light and it goes blank during continuous-shot mode.
The SP-510 UZ has a few features aimed at more experienced photographers, including several manual-control features -- although you can use this model as a fully automatic camera, too. Olympus even offers a couple of conversion lenses for the SP-510 UZ that provide wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. (We're not sure why you'd need a telephoto converter lens for a camera with a 10X optical zoom lens, but it's available.) Still, image quality could be better with the SP-510 UZ, and the digital IS doesn't completely cure the inherent problem of camera shake with a large zoom lens.
One other thing: The SP-510 UZ isn't going to fit in your pocket. It's a large camera body -- 2.8 inches thick -- with a big lens housing, which will cause some people to cross this model off their lists. Despite its occasional problems, finding a sub-$300 digital camera with good resolution and a 10X optical zoom lens is pretty rare, so, for the right person, the SP-510 UZ will be a great choice.
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