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Olympus SP-560 UZ

 

Compact digital camera with 18x wide-angle zoom.

The 8-megapixel Olympus SP-560 UZ includes a remarkable 18x optical zoom lens, which is the 35mm film camera equivalent of 27–486mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.8–4.5. The zoom extends and retracts smoothly, stops on a dime, and, unlike many other point-and-shoot cameras, works in movie mode. Backing up the zoom is an effective optical image stabilization feature that works by shifting the sensor to compensate for camera movement.

Unlike its predecessor (the SP-550), the SP-560 UZ is fitted with a new, larger sensor and uses an image processor that supports face detection and shadow adjustment; however, the SP-560 also uses the less-desirable, ISO-boosting digital stabilization.

olympus sp560.jpg
You can toggle between viewing your image on the 2.5″ LCD (that unfortunately washes out in bright light) and using the Electronic View Finder (EVF), which at times distorts color. The SP-560 has the usual Manual, Aperture, Shutter, Program, and Auto shooting modes plus one for customizing settings and 25 presets. Fortunately, you can access many features, such as macro, flash options etc., directly from labeled buttons on the camera body. Additionally, pressing the OK button opens a screen panel for quick access to change ISO, metering, and white balance. Most features, however, are accessed by scrolling frustratingly long menu screens.

The SP-560’s RAW format is supported by the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw; however the shutter lag time is 8 seconds, making RAW shooting impractical (I shot mostly in JPEG format). Image quality at ISO 50–200 is quite good, makes quality 16×20″ prints but above that, noise and fringing from long focal lengths is a factor. Bottom line: the SP-560 UZ is a solidly constructed, well balanced, and flexible camera.

Money Sign499.99

2 Comments

  1. Olavi Suojanen said on — March 19, 2011 @ 1:00 am

    Olympus SP-560 UZ, Olympus SP-590 UZ

    Have You in Yours store? And deleverytime?
    Best Regards
    Olavi Suojanen

  2. Gallimaufry Gecko said on — April 27, 2011 @ 9:34 am

    Olympus is a really good camera. Thanks for the tutorial Corey Barker. 8===3

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Create A Composite Layer

If you have a multilayer composition and you
want to apply an effect to all the layers at once, don’t flatten the layers–use a composite layer instead. Hide the layers you want excluded, and press Shift-Command-Option-E (PC: Shift-Ctrl-Alt-E). A new layer will be created at the top containing a merged copy of all the visible layers.

Another option is to create a new layer at the top of the stack and make it active. Command-click (PC: Ctrl-click) each layer you want to include to make those layers active, as well. Press Option-Command-E (PC: Alt-Ctrl-E).
by Colin Smith

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