Name	Price	HQ Grade	Release Date
Canon PowerShot A1400	109	91	2013-01-07 00:00:00 UTC
Nikon COOLPIX S3500	116	87	2013-03-03 00:00:00 UTC
Samsung DV150F	129	83	2013-02-11 00:00:00 UTC
Canon PowerShot ELPH 130	179	87	2013-01-07 00:00:00 UTC
Nikon COOLPIX S6500	186	93	2013-01-07 00:00:00 UTC
Sony DSC-H200	192	93	2013-01-07 00:00:00 UTC
Canon PowerShot ELPH 330	206	91	2013-01-28 00:00:00 UTC
Casio High Speed Exilim Ex-ZR400	260	89	2013-03-08 00:00:00 UTC
Pentax WG-3 GPS	290	88	2013-03-07 00:00:00 UTC
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS	299	94	2013-03-19 00:00:00 UTC

Home > Olympus > SP-590UZ Digital Camera

Olympus SP-590UZ

Hey! You should know that Olympus has released a newer version of this product: the Olympus SP-800UZ.

Olympus SP-590UZ

B-

We've given the SP-590UZ a grade of B-.

Editor's Review

User comments

User Reviews

Editor's Review

Olympus offers a new option for those seeking the ease of a compact digital with the control of an SLR, and packs a 26x optical zoom, the longest lens on the market. The SP-590UZ features 12-megapixel resolution that allows users to create their own photo-quality, poster-size prints. A 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom also ensures that users will be able to get up close to the action without sacrificing photo quality. Additionally, the SP-590UZ's tough construction protects it from anything the elements can throw at it. A 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen makes taking and reviewing photos easier than ever.

Editor's Review

Specifications

12 megapixels
26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
Uses xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)
Part Number: SP-590 UZ
UPC: 050332168497
Release Date: Jan 12, 2009

Shop for SP-590UZ Accessories

Olympus SP-590UZ Comments & Questions (write your own!)

Write a comment or ask a question about the Olympus SP-590UZ:

lense not secure (tom — 04/04/2010)

just got this model and found that the lense moves in the moves from side to side in the.ie you can move it from side to side in the housing housing

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (04/07/2010)

Take it back. It's obviously not well put together.

reply to this comment

Marie (02/17/2010)

I have been looking for a replacement camera for several months, reluctant to purchase. I think that I will go ahead and select this one, saw it as SAM"s last night. Great Price!

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (02/20/2010)

Good camera.

reply to this comment

Olympus SP-590UZ vs. Nikon P90 (Geoff — 02/11/2010)

Hi James, I was wondering how you would compare this camera to the Nikon P90 -- I'm looking for a good quality camera in this price range which I can also use for video (with sound and able to focus while recording) and the high zoom -- why an A- for this one but an A for the Nikon P90? Thx!

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (02/13/2010)

Frankly I'm amazed the P90 is that high with it's notorious (though slightly improved) low light performance.

I've shot the SP560 and 550 and really enjoyed hem. And they've gotten better w each model since. For a Superzoom, I think the SP590 us a better choice.

reply to this comment

xd Picture Card/ micro SDHC card (Virgil Moir — 01/15/2010)

What is the difference between the xD-Picture Card and the microSDHC card?

I can fit the xD Picture card in the camera but once I put the micro SDHC in the attachment I can't fit it in the camera. If I don't put the microSDHC card in the attachment it is too small for the slot in the camera . Help!

reply to this comment

Liam McCabe (01/28/2010)

They're two different formats, unfortunately. It don't believe microSD/SDHC work with any xD stuff. It's stupid, I know, but it's a format that Olympus insisted on until this year. Kind of like Sony's Memory Stick format.

reply to this comment

Is "12M" the best file size to use, is it like JPG, but not RAW? (GianComini1 — 10/08/2009)

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (10/09/2009)

No, Olympus made a last minute decision to drop RAW support with the 590 series. But unless you're going to be doing some serious after image processing, you really don't need it. JPEG will suffice, even at 12MP.

reply to this comment

Larry (01/04/2010)

12M file size on this camera will give you the best images possible because it uses all the pixels available.

All still images taken with this camera will be stored using the JPEG system. As best I can tell you do not have to choose the level of compression on this camera.

If you are just getting started with this camera, be sure to shoot lots and lots of images so you can begin to find the cameras limitations as well as strong points. The more you shoot, the better your images will get.

Have fun and let us know if you need any more assistance.

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (01/05/2010)

Oh, you can change the quality. But there's little reason to. What would happen is that the camera will use all the pixels to take the image and then in processing/writing to the card, the camera firmware will lessen the resolution. This is a process called "choking." It's not really that great for the image and you can do better by altering your file size in a photo utility like Picasa or Photoshop.

reply to this comment

Why does this one not have feature behind glass (lbvit — 08/10/2009)

My SP 510 has a feature of shooting behind glass/my favorite feature, so does the SP 570 but not this one. Know the reason why?

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (08/11/2009)

Well, when you're adding newer features, some features have to do. I'm guessing they did some focus testing and it simply wasn't the most popular.

reply to this comment

is there sound in movie mode when zooming or zoomed? (lawjd961 — 07/20/2009)

I have read there is sound and I have read sound must be disabled when zooming. Which is accurate. If both are, please provide details. Please help!

Thanks.

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (07/22/2009)

Both are correct. You can't zoom and record at the same time because the motor noise will be picked up by the camera mic. So it gets disabled to zoom.

reply to this comment

Is there a spec or user experience for its shutter delay time? (Robnes — 06/19/2009)

In good lighting, over 0.5 second delay would kill my use for the SP-590. Anyone used earlier models to

test out Oly's response time -- like SP-550's, 560's?

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (06/20/2009)

If you prefocus, it's right where you need it. If not in the habit, it's pretty unbearable.

Shutter Lag,Full Autofocus 0.520 - 0.810 sec

Shutter Lag,Prefocused 0.130 sec

reply to this comment

Tony Walsh (08/13/2009)

I take photographs of aircraft at airshows flying and currently have a panasonic FZ50 but saw this camera in the store today. Would any of the reviewers recommend this camera, I would lock on infinity for most aerial shots.

reply to this comment

Is the Olympus SP-590UZ really cheap feeling? And does it matter? I am buying strictly online and don't have the opportunity to try it out myself. (joshuakalvig — 06/01/2009)

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (06/04/2009)

I have shot with both the SP550 and 560 and found them very robust. Even dropped them a few times and they took a licking and kept on ticking.

reply to this comment

Talk about the close-up capabilities of this camera. (jgray201 — 04/03/2009)

I enjoy taking close-ups of flowers and insects. Are there macro adapters for htis camera? How close up can you focus with the 590uz?

reply to this comment

jgray201 (04/03/2009)

I found the answer to my own question on the Olympus website. Thanks anyway....

reply to this comment

max microsd for sp-590uz (hughes1115 — 03/31/2009)

What is the maximum size microSD card for use in SP-590UZ ?

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (04/03/2009)

According to this Olympus page ( olympusamerica.com/cpg_sect... ), it can take up to 8GB.

reply to this comment

hughes1115 (04/03/2009)

James DeRuvo ...

Thanks for taking your time to help me.

You are correct; Olympus Tech Support confirmed your finding.

Have a good day .

Jim

*******************

reply to this comment

SP-590UZ OR Canon SX10 IS, Which one is better? (SKOP500 — 03/29/2009)

Intrested in long range shots with good color and clarity

reply to this comment

Cruiznbye (03/30/2009)

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.

reply to this comment

SKOP500 (04/15/2009)

Thanks Steve. Appreciate your info.

reply to this comment

SAZ (05/15/2009)

Thanks Steve. I have no chance to shoot and compare. Any body pls update us. Thanks!!!

reply to this comment

fmaborg (08/16/2009)

I have done comparative test shootings with both, inside the camera shop and in a shopping mall. I like the Olympus photos a bit better. Both give good pic at low ISO. I also found the Olympus taking pictures under the same lighting and environment with the faster shutter speed, so likely able to take pictures in poorer lighting situation and less handshake! I have purchased the Olympus and am very happy with it.

reply to this comment

Useable ISO Settings (deadass — 03/25/2009)

What is the highest ISO (speed) setting and what is the highest ISO (speed) setting before picture starts to get grainy.

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (03/25/2009)

Max is 1600, but I wouldn't go past 800 unless you absolutely need to as there will be noise.

reply to this comment

deadass (03/26/2009)

Thanks for the reply James. Being a new camera model, have you been able to actually test and verify this with this camera?

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (03/28/2009)

No, I'm still waiting on one becoming available. But the thing is, the more MP you pack in the CCD without increasing the size of it, the more noise you bring to the party. In addition, the more megapixels a camera has, the larger the lens it needs to provide the clarity it deserves and prevent diffraction due to a loss of detail with smaller apertures.

So, keep the ISO down and your pictures will be far less noisy.

reply to this comment

4 (jusf — 03/18/2009)

Please can l use Olympus SP-590UZ for video coverage.

reply to this comment

jusf (03/18/2009)

How can l pay for this and its accessaries as am in Ghana West/Africa. l use FZ115.

Please advise how to do the payment.

reply to this comment

Cruiznbye (03/30/2009)

The SP-590UZ shoot video at 640x480, 30 fps, in AVI format. The length of video will be limited by the size of the XD-card used. Currently Olympus specs the max XD card size at 2GB, which seems a bit small when shooting video, but at VGA quality would translate into about 20 minutes of video shooting.

reply to this comment

Jim P (07/08/2009)

Can you use the zoom feature while shooting video?

reply to this comment

Jim P (07/08/2009)

Answering my own question - I found a review that indicates that you CAN now zoom with this model while shooting video.

reply to this comment

Olympus SP-590UZ Reviews

Olympus SP-590UZ Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users

5.0 out of 5

excellent (Niranjan — 12/23/2009)

I get more features than i get in the camparative models and i highly recommend you to change its 'B+' rating. its at least 'A'. it's great.

4.0 out of 5

The more I use it, the more I like it. (Bill Startt — 10/19/2009)

I bought my camera on line based on specifications only. I have had it for about two months and the more I use it, the more I like it. As in most all products it has its good points and bad points. However my expereince is the good points exceed the bad. For my photo hobby this camera meets or exceeds my needs. This camera has exceeded my expectaions.

5.0 out of 5

Great Camera (Donna — 07/14/2009)

I did a lot of research before choosing this camera and I think it paid off. I absolutely love it. I shoot mostly outdoor nature type photos. With the 20x zoom I have gotten some great photos of wildlife. I love the many scene choices. There is so much flexibility here without having to be a professional photographer. We just recently went to some fourth of July fireworks and the video I shot of the finale was great. I can't believe how good the sound is and how long you can shoot for with a 4 gig card. I also use the macro a lot and find it really nice. This is my third digital camera and far surpasses anything else I have owned. Image quality is good. Images are great even in low light (in fact I rarely use the flash) Video is good. Scene options cover almost every eventuality. Battery life is excellent. In short, I really love this camera! My only complaint is that I'm constantly afraid it will get stolen, oh well, I guess I just don't let it out of my sight!

3.0 out of 5

cheap feeling and ineffective autofocus at dusk/too wobbly at full zoom even with IS turned on (BLCarper — 04/06/2009)

see my review at Amazon.com under Olympus SP-590 UZ

Digital Cameras 2013

Home

Best Cameras 2013

Best Cameras 2012

Best by Category

Budget Cameras

Most Popular

Hands-On Reviews

Editor's Previews

Cameras Hot & Not

Guides and Tutorials

Price Range

Camera Type

Camera Brand

Camera Resolution

Digital Camera Glossary

Our Other Sites

Olympus SP-590UZ

Editor's Review

Editor's Review

Specifications

Shop for SP-590UZ Accessories

Olympus SP-590UZ Comments & Questions (write your own!)

Olympus SP-590UZ Reviews

Olympus SP-590UZ Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users