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Olympus SP 550 UZ 18x Ultra Zoom Digital Camera

The Olympus SP 550 UZ is a 7.1MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Olympus SP 550 UZ 18x Ultra Zoom Digital Camera

Olympus SP 550 UZ 18x Ultra Zoom Digital Camera

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Camera Overview — Olympus SP 550 UZ

The Olympus SP 550 UZ is a point-and-shoot compact camera built around a 7.1-megapixel sensor housed in a 1/2.5-inch format. Powered by the Olympus TruePic image processor, it delivers images at a maximum resolution of 3072x2304 pixels with color profile options including Standard and Vivid. One of its standout technical features is Dual IS, a combined lens and in-body image stabilization system designed to reduce camera shake across the zoom range.

The camera offers an ISO range spanning 50 to 5000, providing flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions. For shooting action or fast-moving subjects, a burst mode capable of up to 15 frames per second is available. The camera features a 2.5-inch fixed LCD display with 230,000 dots of resolution, complemented by an electronic viewfinder sharing that same 230,000-dot resolution and running at 30Hz.

Video recording tops out at 480p at 30fps in 8-bit Standard color. The body is constructed from plastic with metal detailing, measures 116 x 79 x 78 mm, and weighs 365g. Connectivity includes USB, and the camera runs on 4x AA batteries rated for approximately 400 shots per charge.

A built-in flash with multiple modes rounds out the feature set.

Key Features — Olympus SP 550 UZ

18x Optical Zoom: Wide zoom range makes this camera versatile for everything from landscapes to distant subjects without changing lenses.

Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-shift IS helps reduce camera shake across the full zoom range, especially useful at longer focal lengths.

7.1MP 1/2.5" Sensor: Captures images at up to 3072x2304 pixels using the Olympus TruePic image processor.

ISO 50–5000 Range: Broad sensitivity range allows shooting in bright sunlight at the low end and dimly lit environments at the high end.

High-Speed Burst Mode: High-speed continuous shooting helps capture fast-moving subjects across multiple frames at lower resolutions.

AA Battery Power: Runs on 4x standard AA batteries, making it easy to find replacements anywhere.

Camera Specifications — Olympus SP 550 UZ

Olympus SP 550 UZ full specifications
SpecDetail
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.5 inch
Resolution7.1MP
ProcessorOlympus TruePic
ISO Range50 – 5000
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF PointsMultiple Zone AF
Max Photo Resolution3072x2304
Burst Rate15 fps
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Bit Depth8-bit

Description — Olympus SP 550 UZ

The Olympus SP 550 UZ is a point-and-shoot compact camera built on a 7.1-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch sensor and processed by the Olympus TruePic engine. Maximum still image resolution reaches 3072x2304 pixels, with Standard and Vivid color profiles available. The Dual IS system — combining both lens-based and in-body stabilization — works to reduce camera shake during handheld shooting.

The ISO range runs from 50 to 5000, and burst shooting reaches up to 15 frames per second for capturing sequences quickly. Framing options include a 2.5-inch fixed LCD at 230,000 dots or an electronic viewfinder at the same resolution running at 30Hz. Video records at up to 480p at 30fps in 8-bit depth.

The body is made from plastic with metal detailing, measures 116 x 79 x 78 mm, and weighs 365g. Power comes from 4x AA batteries rated for approximately 400 shots. Connectivity is handled via USB, and a built-in flash with multiple modes is included.

Pros — Olympus SP 550 UZ

  • ✓Dual IS system combining lens and in-body stabilization helps manage camera shake
  • ✓Wide ISO range from 50 to 5000 provides flexibility in varied lighting
  • ✓Burst mode capable of up to 15 frames per second for capturing fast action

Cons — Olympus SP 550 UZ

  • ✗Video maxes out at 480p/30fps in 8-bit, which is very limited by current standards
  • ✗No weather sealing, making it unsuitable for use in rain or dusty environments
  • ✗No hotshoe, so external flash or accessories cannot be mounted

Resources & Downloads — Olympus SP 550 UZ

Frequently Asked Questions — Olympus SP 550 UZ

What kind of batteries does the Olympus SP 550 UZ use?+
The camera runs on 4x AA batteries, which are rated for approximately 400 shots per charge. This makes it easy to source replacements while traveling, since standard AA batteries are widely available.
Does the SP 550 UZ have image stabilization?+
Yes, it features Dual IS, which combines lens-based and in-body image stabilization. This system is designed to counteract camera shake during shooting.
What is the maximum video resolution this camera can record?+
The SP 550 UZ records video at a maximum resolution of 480p at 30fps in 8-bit with a Standard color profile. It is not suited for high-definition video work.
Can I use an external flash with this camera?+
No, the SP 550 UZ does not have a hotshoe, so external flash units cannot be mounted directly. It does include a built-in flash with multiple modes for basic flash coverage.
How do I transfer photos from the camera to a computer?+
The camera connects via USB for file transfer. It does not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so a wired USB connection is the primary method for moving files to a computer.
What autofocus system does the SP 550 UZ use?+
It uses a contrast detection autofocus system with multiple zone AF coverage. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.

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