Olympus SP-800UZ Summary

14 Megapixels14 MegapixelsUltra-Zoom: At least 10X optical zoom.Ultra-Zoom: At least 10X optical zoom.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.720p HD Video: 1280 x 720 resolution or more but less than 1920 x 1080.720p HD Video: 1280 x 720 resolution or more but less than 1920 x 1080.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringAccepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Olympus SP-800UZ Assessment

This point-and-shoot ultra-zoom offers a rather basic feature set and intuitive menu system which makes it simple to use. Its 30X wide-angle optical zoom lens offers great versatility and it quite usable thanks to a great body design and optical stabilization system which is very effective. The addition of HD video and HDMI output at this price-point makes these features quite afforable. A decision by Olympus to use SDHC memory cards contributes to a lower total cost of ownership.

Given its afforable price-point and complex lens, it is understandable that image quality is only average. Noise levels and loss of details can be seen at all ISO the Olympus SP-800UZ is still usable for the most common print sizes up to ISO 800. Distortion is low for such a long zoom lens and purple fringing practically inexistant. While exposure is good, white-balance is clearly below average. In terms of speed, it is not so stellar with focus and shot-to-shot speeds being on the slow side. Battery life quite poor though.

There are a few competing light super-zooms with HD video, most of them offering more features than the Olympus SP-800UZ. Nearly every other super-zoom also features full manual-controls and are worth a look.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Olympus SP-800UZ review.

PROS CONS
Generally good white-balance Noise and smudging of details even at base ISO
Good color accuracy Occasional overexposure
Low optical distortion Slow autofocus
Excellent image stabilization Slow shot-to-shoot speeds
Good body handling Some autofocus misses
Durable build quality Video recording delay
Usable high-speed continuous drive modes Dificulty setting initial video framing
Intuitive menu system No direct access to EC
Excellent LCD visitbility Display not exposure-priority
Poor battery-life
AverageAverage Average

Olympus SP-800UZ Related Information

Sister Model
Olympus SP-600UZ
Olympus SP-600UZ
- 15X Zoom, 28-420mm, ISO 100-1600, 2.7" LCD, AA Batteries
Olympus SP-800UZ
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By Neocamera on 2010-10-28

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Olympus SP-800UZ Highlights

Olympus SP-800UZ
Large digital camera

Sensor-Size: 6 x 5mm

1/2.3" Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

14 Megapixels Ultra ZoomISO 50-1600
30X Wide Optical ZoomShutter 1/2000-4s
Built-in StabilizationSpot-Metering
0.8 FPS Drive, 24 ImagesLithium-Ion Battery
1280x720 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingSecure Digital High Capacity, Internal Memory
3" LCD 230K Pixels
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