SP-590UZ OR Canon SX10 IS, Which one is better?

Well, certainly on paper and by specs the SP-590UZ looks to be the leader of the pack at this moment. Ugraded user interface, better ISO handling (according to Olympus) over previous models, and a 26X zoom with 12MP. At this moment the 590UZ is just hitting the market and no extensive testing has been completed. Weaknesses to look for would be focus times at the long end of the zoom, and its low-light performance given its longer zoom range. The Canon SX10IS is also Canon's latest offering for a superzoom, but has exactly the same weaknesses for concern. The SX10 hosts a flash hotshoe which allows you to add an external flash. An external flash will almost always give you better lighting then the built-in pop up. Unfortunately the SP590 decided not to include a hotshoe so you are somewhat limited, but can still can add remote flashes that are triggered by the built in popup. Good lighting will always be the key to color and clarity allowing the lens and shutter to work in optimum to produce the clearest, best exposed shot at the lowest possible ISO setting. On all small sensor, point and shoots cameras, the lower the ISO the better the quality of photo capture. The scales tip just slightly toward the Canon with 1) its external hotshoe, and 2) its current record of use having been in production for a little while and tested pretty extensively. That said, I would certainly try to shoot both cameras side-by-side for comparison sake if I were investing in a high-power zoom point and shoot.