Olympus SP-800UZ
Olympus SP-800UZ
1
Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Extended Zoom Digital Cameras category.
Olympus SP-800UZ
Editor's Review
The Olympus SP-800UZ is a 2010 model-year superzoom -- it does have an enormous 30x zoom factor, though the rest of its specs are a bit out-moded by this year's standards. Image quality is a big flat, and the body has a bit of a plastic-y, too-light feel. But simply put, it's one of the cheapest ways to get a 30x zoom, and it's a better camera than any of Fujifilm's cheap-o S-series budget superzooms. While you might be tempted by the Fuji S4000, choose the SP-800UZ if you can -- it's out of production and could disappear from shelves at any time.
Specifications
- 14 megapixels
- 30x optical zoom
- Dual image stabilization
- 3-inch LCD monitor (no viewfinder)
- 720p HD video mode (MP4 format)
- HDMI output
- 2GB built-in memory
- Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Release Date: Mar 15, 2010
Shop for SP-800UZ Accessories
Olympus SP-800UZ Comments & Questions (write your own!)
WHY pix quality is so BAD / LOW (Reaz — 02/07/2012)
Hi, I am bit new for this type of camera. Used to have another Olympus with 3X and still take excellent pix. This new one Sp 800 UZ is little confusion g to me. Will any one pleas let me that in what mode should i use it ( ISO, WB , Mega Pixel etc ) for regular daily life pictures for indoor & out door. So far the pix quality i got is even worst than my 8 yrs old one even ?!
reply to this comment
Turn Date Stamp On (Patricia — 09/13/2011)
How do you turn the date stamp on?? I want the date to appear on each picture. Please help!
reply to this comment
How do you Pause a Video when recording (Tom — 02/21/2011)
How do you pause a video while recording in the SP800US when recording. If anyone knows..please help
reply to this comment
coolhawk (02/16/2012)
olympus sp 800 uz video no pause
reply to this comment
(01/05/2011)
I have just bought this camera and trying to figure out how to make the date appear on photos without editing i.e. to just take the card into print shop. If anyone can help I would be so grateful, it's driving me crazy :)
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (01/05/2011)
Most cameras these days are PICTBRIDGE compatible. This means that any printer that is also compatible will pick up the date information from the images EXIF data and print it directly onto the image.
reply to this comment
Rahul (10/26/2010)
dosen't it has flash???
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (10/26/2010)
Yes it has a flash.
reply to this comment
Looking for a good quality "Family Camera" that will last for a while (Jessica K. — 10/20/2010)
We want to upgrade to a new camera. Right now we have an OLD Olympus stylus, but the picture quality is really lacking. We will be primarily taking pictures of our young children, pets and family activities, but want the ability to take GOOD pictures that we can enlarge and frame. I like the toughness of Olympus cameras, but would consider another brand. What do you recommend?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (10/21/2010)
THing you have to ask is, do you want a larger camera like the SP800? It's as bulky as a DSLR, but has the point and shoot features including shutter lag. Or do you want a pocket camera? What's your budget?
reply to this comment
ratish (10/13/2010)
does this camera zooms while recording video/film
reply to this comment
Tim (11/30/2010)
From what I've read on this camera, you can not use the Optical zoom AND sound shooting videos. I believe you can zoom in and then use sound, but you can't use the optical to zoom in and out during the video AND have the sound function as well. I do believe you can zoom in and out during video without the sound on, though.
reply to this comment
Remote shutter control (Bram Horth — 09/15/2010)
is it possible to remotely operate the shutter via a cable or infra red?
reply to this comment
Chris Weigl (09/16/2010)
It looks like Opteka sells a cable release on Amazon, check here: amazon.com/Opteka-Shutter-R...
reply to this comment
glen (08/17/2010)
30x zoom how many mm. isit
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (08/17/2010)
It's 840mm. Focal range goes from 28-840mm.
reply to this comment
please help me choose the better camera or anyone you think is good ( — 07/05/2010)
Ok, I'm thinking of buying this camera. I'm 16 and I think this camera is pretty good for me. 30x optical zoom sounds VERY good. But I do have some questions about it.
1. Is there any other camera about same price better?
2. Other then zoom, any other functions to be looking at?
3. i heard it takes pics slow, any tips to make it fast?
4. Whats better, optical zoom or more shooting modes?
I was also thinking of getting this camera Olympus SP-565UZ. But its zoom is 20x, BUT it has more shooting modes then the 800. the MP for both is above ten so i think thats pretty good so thats none of my concerns.
any other cameras you should suggest?? I think the 800 will be a great first digital camera.
I want to get the best camera for my budget ($350)
i will go kinda over BUT NOT A LOT. only if its worth it.
lastly, some ideas of pics i want to take if this would help ya. I want to take a lot of landscape pics. In the dark, in the light, in the between, ok? and also i would love to take regular pics of my friends just for fun AND if they want to pose for the camera in ANY setting i want the camera be able to do it. so i want pretty much all the setttings for the camera thats why I also like the SP-565UZ, more shooting modes.
thanks for reading and PLEASE help me =)
reply to this comment
1. Is there any other camera about same price better?
2. Other then zoom, any other functions to be looking at?
3. i heard it takes pics slow, any tips to make it fast?
4. Whats better, optical zoom or more shooting modes?
I was also thinking of getting this camera Olympus SP-565UZ. But its zoom is 20x, BUT it has more shooting modes then the 800. the MP for both is above ten so i think thats pretty good so thats none of my concerns.
any other cameras you should suggest?? I think the 800 will be a great first digital camera.
I want to get the best camera for my budget ($350)
i will go kinda over BUT NOT A LOT. only if its worth it.
lastly, some ideas of pics i want to take if this would help ya. I want to take a lot of landscape pics. In the dark, in the light, in the between, ok? and also i would love to take regular pics of my friends just for fun AND if they want to pose for the camera in ANY setting i want the camera be able to do it. so i want pretty much all the setttings for the camera thats why I also like the SP-565UZ, more shooting modes.
thanks for reading and PLEASE help me =)
by James DeRuvo (07/06/2010)
Here's the thing about longer zoom ranges - the longer they are, the slow the lens gets and you have to deal with more lens shake. So from that point of view, I think you're better off with the SP565UZ with the smaller zoom and more shooting modes.
reply to this comment
Carmen S. (07/06/2010)
is having 30 zoom even worth it then.
reply to this comment
AWESOME CAMERA! (L.Y — 06/29/2010)
I just bought the camera today and have been trying to get adjusted to using it. It is fairly easy to use and takes very nice pictures. Before I bought it I was able to test it out at future shop...so you should go there if you want to know how it performs. But it is an amazing digital camera and especially for the price.
reply to this comment
Karma (06/13/2010)
I bought the SP-800UZ 3 days ago. I noticed that while the camera is on, ready to take a picture it makes some clicking sound (sort of readjusting sound). I thought this was not normal, i went and exchanged it but the new one still make that sound. I want to know whether it is normal for it to make that sound. Turn the camera on and take a picture, then put it close to your ear and listen, it also vibrate...I think this is weird.
Another thing, i'm no expert but the 30X is the biggest trick EVER...this camera make the objects that are right, i mean right in front of you look really far, then you have to zoom to get it closer. This 30x is a trick, I love the camera but the zoom is a trick.
It also takes way too long to switch back after you take a picture. I want to take a picture after another of fast moving things, but even after I set it to "Sport" or "bird watch" it take forever to switch back to take the next picture.
Any advice, I want to know if i'm just using this camera wrong.
reply to this comment
Another thing, i'm no expert but the 30X is the biggest trick EVER...this camera make the objects that are right, i mean right in front of you look really far, then you have to zoom to get it closer. This 30x is a trick, I love the camera but the zoom is a trick.
It also takes way too long to switch back after you take a picture. I want to take a picture after another of fast moving things, but even after I set it to "Sport" or "bird watch" it take forever to switch back to take the next picture.
Any advice, I want to know if i'm just using this camera wrong.
Liam McCabe (06/14/2010)
For your first thought, that is likely normal -- I have the Sp-600UZ right now and it does the same thing. It's the sound of it focusing.
As for the zoom -- the camera starts at 28mm, which is a pretty standard wide angle these days. I'd bet that half of all cameras you buy this year will have the same wide angle shots. 30x zoom is really, really impressive though.
Your third point -- it may have something to do with your SD card. What class is it? Class 4 is usually pretty speedy, though you may need to switch to class 6 if you want faster write speeds.
reply to this comment
As for the zoom -- the camera starts at 28mm, which is a pretty standard wide angle these days. I'd bet that half of all cameras you buy this year will have the same wide angle shots. 30x zoom is really, really impressive though.
Your third point -- it may have something to do with your SD card. What class is it? Class 4 is usually pretty speedy, though you may need to switch to class 6 if you want faster write speeds.
Viewfinder a must (Lucy — 06/10/2010)
I'd discovered this camera a couple of days ago and had been researching since, and as time went on I fell more and more in love with it. I'm an amateur photographer and I was going to make this my first good camera until i discovered that there was no viewfinder. I was guttered, a viewfinder is really important for me. Some of the other features that I fell in love with so much were the
-14 MEGAPIXIL
-30X WIDE-ANGLE OPTICAL ZOOM
-CREATIVE ART FILTERS
-COMPACT SIZE
- PRICE
So I was wondering if anyone knows of a very simlier camera with similar specs ?????
Any help is appreciated.
reply to this comment
-14 MEGAPIXIL
-30X WIDE-ANGLE OPTICAL ZOOM
-CREATIVE ART FILTERS
-COMPACT SIZE
- PRICE
So I was wondering if anyone knows of a very simlier camera with similar specs ?????
Any help is appreciated.
by James DeRuvo (06/10/2010)
You may want to take a look at the Fuji HS10. It has 12MP, which is close, and honestly, you'll probably get a better image and wouldn't notice that extra 2MP anyway. Why? Because if you don't increase the size of the chip when you add more MP, you end up with a camera that is LESS sensitive to light, not more. And unless you're planning on most of your pictures being printed at 11x14, you would't see the extra MP anyway.
reply to this comment
Lucy (06/10/2010)
Thanks for the advice. I hadn't seen that Fuji model yet, I'm going to research it now.
Also, before I received your reply I came across the Panasonic DMC-FZ35/38, and really like it. Would you consider it to be of equal or better quality considering the price of both, then the SP-800uz?
p.s sorry about all the questions, I'm a big camera newb.
reply to this comment
Also, before I received your reply I came across the Panasonic DMC-FZ35/38, and really like it. Would you consider it to be of equal or better quality considering the price of both, then the SP-800uz?
p.s sorry about all the questions, I'm a big camera newb.
(01/08/2011)
try out panasonic dmc fz 100
reply to this comment
Burst + Zoom on the Olymups sp-800uz does it loose image quality. (Shelby — 06/09/2010)
hello,
I am currently looking for a camera to take good quality shots while on burst. I currently own a Sony cybershot DSC-t77. I love the burst on my camera but the zoom is lacking. What I want to use the burst feature is for various sporting events and shows such as air races and air shows, nascar racing, Car Shows and hockey games. I want to be able to zoom in on the target and get clear and close looking shots. I use burst to do this because well at least for the air races planes are going 380mph burst ensures me that out of 10-15 shots i'll get two or three good shots. I read on some websites that cameras sacrifice image quality if you use zoom and place the camera on burst. This is what I do not want to lose. I am considering the Olympus sp-800uz so my question is..is this camera good for what I want it for if not are there any other suggestion as to what camera will be good?
Here are some samples of what I am currently working with. angelsdreamers.deviantart.com/
I am aiming for nicer image of the planes.
thank you.
reply to this comment
I am currently looking for a camera to take good quality shots while on burst. I currently own a Sony cybershot DSC-t77. I love the burst on my camera but the zoom is lacking. What I want to use the burst feature is for various sporting events and shows such as air races and air shows, nascar racing, Car Shows and hockey games. I want to be able to zoom in on the target and get clear and close looking shots. I use burst to do this because well at least for the air races planes are going 380mph burst ensures me that out of 10-15 shots i'll get two or three good shots. I read on some websites that cameras sacrifice image quality if you use zoom and place the camera on burst. This is what I do not want to lose. I am considering the Olympus sp-800uz so my question is..is this camera good for what I want it for if not are there any other suggestion as to what camera will be good?
Here are some samples of what I am currently working with. angelsdreamers.deviantart.com/
I am aiming for nicer image of the planes.
thank you.
Chris Weigl (06/09/2010)
Yes, the Olympus SP-800 sacrifices image quality to achieve it's fast 10fps. We just tested the SP-600 and it reduced images to a mere 2 megapixels in size. This still may be big enough for what you're doing, producing a good 4x6.
There are intermediate settings, however. You can take 5 fps at 5 megapixels, which is a pretty good happy medium.
reply to this comment
There are intermediate settings, however. You can take 5 fps at 5 megapixels, which is a pretty good happy medium.
Olympus SP 800UZ model (Karthikeyan — 06/08/2010)
If I buy today, is it value for money ?
reply to this comment
Chris Weigl (06/09/2010)
Frankly, no. The camera was announced in February of this year and is relatively new. If you want a bargain you'll need to wait.
reply to this comment
Rich Gallo (05/26/2010)
I am looking for a good all around camera for use when we travel. I am torn between the Olympus SP-800UZ and the Canon SX210IS. The olympus has a 30x zoom and the Canon has a 14x zoom and is smaller and lighter. The price is similar for both. The rating is an A for the Canon and an A- for the Olympus, again very similar. I am looking for some advice as to which one others with more camera knollege than myself would choose. We are more just point and shoot people. Thanks for the help!
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (05/27/2010)
Well just remember, that the larger the zoom, the greater the camera shake at the extreme end of the zoom. So while you get twice as much zoom with the Olympus, you almost guarantee you'll need at least a monopod to keep it sturdy. Also, the larger the zoom, the slower the lens.
reply to this comment
I need to decide between a couple of cameras... (mattloz — 05/23/2010)
I'm having a tough time choosing between the Kodak Z981 and the Olympus SP-800UZ. If I get the Kodak from Costco, it'll be about $35 cheaper than if I get the Olympus from Amazon. Kodak seems to have a better lens, but I can't help but shake the feeling that the Olympus is worth the $35 more. PLEASE HELP!
I'm actually torn between a couple of cameras:
1) Kodak EASYSHARE Z981
2) Olympus SP-800UZ
3) Samsung TL240
or 4) Nikon Coolpix S8000
I'm more inclined towards the Olympus because I've heard a lot of good things about them, likes to dabble in lomography, and am going to be in Vegas, Hawaii, and Asia this summer and desperately need a good camera to document the journey. Which should I go with for under $300?
reply to this comment
I'm actually torn between a couple of cameras:
1) Kodak EASYSHARE Z981
2) Olympus SP-800UZ
3) Samsung TL240
or 4) Nikon Coolpix S8000
I'm more inclined towards the Olympus because I've heard a lot of good things about them, likes to dabble in lomography, and am going to be in Vegas, Hawaii, and Asia this summer and desperately need a good camera to document the journey. Which should I go with for under $300?
by James DeRuvo (05/25/2010)
Kick Nikon out. They're having bad luck with low light performance of late. Too much noise. Which often happens when you jam too much MP into a chip and don't enlarge the chip. Of those, I'd go with the Olympus SP800. I shot with the SP500 series awhile back and from model to model they got better. So if I had to choose, I'd go with it.
reply to this comment
Comare 3 camera's (Harry T — 05/20/2010)
How do the Olympmus and the Fugi compare to the Kodak Z981
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (05/21/2010)
I have shot several of the SP line and they keep getting better and better. Though a tad sluggish.
reply to this comment
Specific (John Marko — 05/21/2010)
Could you be more specific in your comparison between, the Kodad\k, Olimpus, and Fugi 26x and 30x high focus cameras?
reply to this comment
Question (Anonymous — 05/15/2010)
Does anyone know what is the biggest regular SDHC card you can use for this camera? I would really love to use a 16gig card so I could not worry on having to stock up on multiple cards too soon...
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (05/19/2010)
You should be able to use a 16GB on this. But, I will offer a bit of advice I picked up from contributor James DeRuvo: It's better to have a few smaller cards than one big card, in case it gets lost, damaged, or corrupted. That way, you only lose some of your pictures, instead of all of them. Just something to think about.
reply to this comment
Hal Hostetler (04/30/2010)
No viewfinder, only the LCD display...that equals useless to me, a HUGE step backwards.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (05/01/2010)
Yeah, I agree that a viewfinder is much better for bright ambient lighting conditions. That and a larger LCD only really serves to kill your battery faster.
reply to this comment
Video capability on SP-800UZ (Carol — 04/12/2010)
I am a novice in photography who would like to start taking some good quality travel pictures. I gave up zoom for megapixels on my first compact digital point and shoot camera nearly 5 years ago and regretted it (Kodak Easy Share C340). I am looking to spend more money for a better camera which will hopefully make photography more fun since I got frustrated with the poor night pictures I got on the last camera. I am intrigued by the SP-800UZ due to the relatively compact design for such a huge amount of power zoom, but am a bit concerned about some reviews I've read referring to poor video quality, so have also been looking at the Panasonic FZ35. I am not loking to upgrade to the Fuji HS-10 as it is a bit more than I want to spend for a new hobby. Any further info on the video quality for the SP-800UZ?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (04/14/2010)
Check out the Panasonic FH20. 8X optical zoom with a compact design. And the lens is FAST. the thing about large zooms is that the farther out they go, the slower they get.
reply to this comment
Need help on my first camera. (Darren — 04/10/2010)
I'm trying to figure out whether to buy Olympus SP-800UZ, Panasonic FZ-35 or the Nikon P90 whichever digital compact camera recognized by salesperson. This will be my first camera. Anyone help will be appreciated. Thank you.
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (04/12/2010)
I'd go for the Panasonic. Fantastic reviews all around. The Nikon P series is OK, but not up to the level of the Panasonic FZ series. The Olympus might turn out to be a good camera, but it just came out and there aren't many reviews yet. So I'd say if you're going to buy soon, the Panasonic FZ35 is your best bet, and you won't be disappointed.
reply to this comment
Zoom? (Peter Natale — 04/10/2010)
Can you use Zoom while shooting video?
reply to this comment
(04/13/2010)
Just as like the previous models of SP series,you can't use optical zoom while you are recording a video with sound,
only if you turn off sound recording during video shooting,you can use extreme 30x optical zoom,
reply to this comment
only if you turn off sound recording during video shooting,you can use extreme 30x optical zoom,
Peter Natale (04/17/2010)
Many thanks for answering my question.
reply to this comment
muriel (04/01/2010)
will it take great photos of insects?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (04/02/2010)
Well, it's closest range is to 1 CM, so it's looking good for that purpose.
reply to this comment
??? (maria — 04/01/2010)
is this a good purchase or should i stick with canon..is the picture clear at all times?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (04/01/2010)
I think the Canon is a faster, better option in low light and action shots, but I've used both the SP550 and SP560 and was quite pleased with the results. But I haven't had a chance to shoot with the SP800 yet.
reply to this comment
How long does it take to snap the picture? (Loula — 03/26/2010)
How quickly can one take the picture wtih this camera? And how does it compare to a the Nikon 10.2 Mpixel Digital SLR?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (03/26/2010)
It's one shot shutter lag is about .4 seconds. However, you can cut that by prefocusing (pushing down your shutter button half way to lock in the focus) and then when you're ready to shoot the shot, press down the shutter the rest of the way. If your subject moves, you recompose and prefocus again. Other things to do are:
1. Use faster SD cards. Yes, there are faster cards and it does make a difference in writing the image file to the card. This is especially key if you're taking multiple or burst images.
2. Fresher batteries. Use alkalines at least. But I recommend using high energy batteries designed for digital photography. Varta is a good brand. They are usually sold in camera shops, are long lasting (because they are sold in small quantities) put out alot of energy.
3. Pan with the action. You can create some pretty cool shots by panning with your shot, focusing on your subject. This will create the effect of your subject in sharp contrast to the blurry background.
4. Stick with 100-400 ISO. Going higher will cause more noise/grain in your shots, particularly in darker settings.
Doing these, particularly prefocusing and panning with the action will cut your shutter lag by as much as 80%.
reply to this comment
1. Use faster SD cards. Yes, there are faster cards and it does make a difference in writing the image file to the card. This is especially key if you're taking multiple or burst images.
2. Fresher batteries. Use alkalines at least. But I recommend using high energy batteries designed for digital photography. Varta is a good brand. They are usually sold in camera shops, are long lasting (because they are sold in small quantities) put out alot of energy.
3. Pan with the action. You can create some pretty cool shots by panning with your shot, focusing on your subject. This will create the effect of your subject in sharp contrast to the blurry background.
4. Stick with 100-400 ISO. Going higher will cause more noise/grain in your shots, particularly in darker settings.
Doing these, particularly prefocusing and panning with the action will cut your shutter lag by as much as 80%.
camera choice help (Ron3033 — 04/27/2010)
James I am kind of green to all the stuff about digital cameras. But I found this site and see you are a wealth of knowledge...... so I may be asking a repetitive question to you. I was looking at an Olympus SP800UZ, I presently have an HP photo smart E317 (hard hard on batteries)
Then I saw other comments about Fujifilm Fine Pix HS10 & Panasonic FZ-35. Now I am confused.
1. I like the idea of 30x optical zoom. Does that not give you a clearer image than digiital zoom?
2. I see a lot about not so good in low light. Exactly what does this mean? How bad is bad? Would they put out something that is totally useless in this category?
3. How well does the video work? I see that the zoom will only work with the sound off. Is this to hide the zoom motor noise? How long of a video can you take with the Olympus SP800UZ?
4. The big one... which do you believe is the better value? I am not a pro, want good pics, like the 30x zoom ( I think), sound like it goes pretty quick between pics..... not that I would likely be taking lots and lots of one after the next shots, as I have never had a camera that could do repetative shots. (But This may make me want too) I can get one locally for $349.99 (Can. $$) with a $30.00 gift card given....so I guess I buy high capacity SD card... or should i use my regular 8 meg SD cards I have now? And keep the gift card for some thing else??
I think that is it. I know this is a lot to ask, but I want to get an opinion from an expert....... not someone trying to get the best commission sales..selling me some stuff.
Thanks
Ron3033
reply to this comment
Then I saw other comments about Fujifilm Fine Pix HS10 & Panasonic FZ-35. Now I am confused.
1. I like the idea of 30x optical zoom. Does that not give you a clearer image than digiital zoom?
2. I see a lot about not so good in low light. Exactly what does this mean? How bad is bad? Would they put out something that is totally useless in this category?
3. How well does the video work? I see that the zoom will only work with the sound off. Is this to hide the zoom motor noise? How long of a video can you take with the Olympus SP800UZ?
4. The big one... which do you believe is the better value? I am not a pro, want good pics, like the 30x zoom ( I think), sound like it goes pretty quick between pics..... not that I would likely be taking lots and lots of one after the next shots, as I have never had a camera that could do repetative shots. (But This may make me want too) I can get one locally for $349.99 (Can. $$) with a $30.00 gift card given....so I guess I buy high capacity SD card... or should i use my regular 8 meg SD cards I have now? And keep the gift card for some thing else??
I think that is it. I know this is a lot to ask, but I want to get an opinion from an expert....... not someone trying to get the best commission sales..selling me some stuff.
Thanks
Ron3033
George Moe (03/22/2010)
What about the ISO range?
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (03/22/2010)
Up to 3200 at full resolution, and 6400 and 10,000 at 3M. I wold count on the latter two being quite noisy.
reply to this comment
Kara Barrett (03/15/2010)
What is the time lapse between being able to take the next photo?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (03/16/2010)
It's a tad too soon to tell, but previous models have had a 1 shot shutter lag of about .4 sec. It's probably better, but not much.
reply to this comment
Gary Dimenstein (03/11/2010)
I am trying to figure out whether to buy the Olympus SP-800UZ or the Fujifilm Fine Pix HS10. Any help would be appreciated.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (03/12/2010)
There's a great conversation about these two cameras [url=forums.dpreview.com/forums/... It boils down to while the SP has a great zoom, the Fuji has a wider angle - which is advantageous for landscapes and group photos.
The SP800 also has a widescreen 16:9 format, Dual image stabilization and 2GB internal memory. Very nice. And the SP line has consistently been improving since it's very first model. If you like the long focal length, I'd go with the SP800.
reply to this comment
The SP800 also has a widescreen 16:9 format, Dual image stabilization and 2GB internal memory. Very nice. And the SP line has consistently been improving since it's very first model. If you like the long focal length, I'd go with the SP800.
Hal Hostetler (04/30/2010)
The Fuji has a viewfinder, the SP800 does NOT.
reply to this comment
Fuji vs Olympus (ShanCA — 05/11/2010)
The Fuji has full HD (1080p) vid the Olympus has 720p.
The Olympus has art filters built in
The Fuji allows you to add physical filters and hoods to the lens itself.
The Fuji has a tilting lcd for taking pictures at various angles
The Olympus has a stationary lcd
Fuji has a manual zoom (big plus if you like using slrs and enjoy better control)
Olympus is automated and you have no control past what the button allows
Fuji can zoom during vid... olympus can not *have heard you can in one particular mode but not in any others*
Olympus is a smaller more compact camera
Fuji although it is small for a dslr.. is bigger than the olympus
Many Olympus users complain about the lens cap popping off *ie: losing it*. (I'm sure that can be fixed with just attaching the lens strap to the camera strap)
*in case you can't tell... I have been researching both of these cameras pretty extensively*
I am personally going w/ the Fuji.
One of my big issues w/ the Olympus is the lack of viewfinder. And although the Fuji's is electric.. it still gives me the option of putting the camera to my eye which is a habit I don't think I could break.
I've owned everything from prof. Minolta SLRs to compact point and shoots.
If having more control over your shots matters.. I think the Fuji wins hands down.
If you want a more compact point and shoot that just has a huge zoom .. go w/ the Olympus.
reply to this comment
The Olympus has art filters built in
The Fuji allows you to add physical filters and hoods to the lens itself.
The Fuji has a tilting lcd for taking pictures at various angles
The Olympus has a stationary lcd
Fuji has a manual zoom (big plus if you like using slrs and enjoy better control)
Olympus is automated and you have no control past what the button allows
Fuji can zoom during vid... olympus can not *have heard you can in one particular mode but not in any others*
Olympus is a smaller more compact camera
Fuji although it is small for a dslr.. is bigger than the olympus
Many Olympus users complain about the lens cap popping off *ie: losing it*. (I'm sure that can be fixed with just attaching the lens strap to the camera strap)
*in case you can't tell... I have been researching both of these cameras pretty extensively*
I am personally going w/ the Fuji.
One of my big issues w/ the Olympus is the lack of viewfinder. And although the Fuji's is electric.. it still gives me the option of putting the camera to my eye which is a habit I don't think I could break.
I've owned everything from prof. Minolta SLRs to compact point and shoots.
If having more control over your shots matters.. I think the Fuji wins hands down.
If you want a more compact point and shoot that just has a huge zoom .. go w/ the Olympus.
Need Olympus SP-800UZ review from a experinced photographer. (Ajoy Saraff Dimple — 03/05/2010)
Is there anyone who bought this camera yet ?
I need review from a experienced user.
reply to this comment
I need review from a experienced user.
by James DeRuvo (03/05/2010)
I have use the 800, but I have used the 550,560 and others in the SP series and they have gotten steadily better with each model.
reply to this comment
quality (R Walker — 06/25/2010)
I was also wondering about your opinion. I bought the 800uz this week and did two runs of test shots and am SO disappointed. I find that the pics taken with my old Fuji 3mp camera with 12x zoom were much better. My main issue is grain. I have even tried setting it on ISO 50 and it is on fine compression with 14MP so it should not be an issue. I do a lot of nature photography and plan on getting an SLR when I return to the states, but am currently in the UK and needed a light-weight camera with a good zoom for the summer that I will be happy with as an extra when I get back.
The company I bought it from have agreed that I can return it, but is there a better alternative out there at this time with a decent zoom? Maybe 20x?
I rely on a clean pic as I like to use actual pixels and crop, to maximise the zoom. This is why I was so excited to have 14MP AND 30x OPTICAL. One pic I took was of a pied wagtail (a British bird), using zoom but in very good sunlight. When I put it in photoshop it appears to have an artistic brush stroke effect and the pale background is littered with spots. The pic is not blurry however. I also took a picture of a bush, the leaves are sharp when viewed at 16% but when I get above 50% the edges are roughened by the noise; again it was good light and this time on auto ISO.
Is this usual for a higher spec camera? I took a pic against a bright sky and you could even see the grain on the plainer areas in the viewfinder before I took the pic.
Basically, most pics at 14mp look good on a computer screen when looked at as a whole (about 16% zoom) but above 50% the noise and effects are awful.
Should I return this? Do you know of a better camera with similar features? Has anyone else had these issues?
Thank you.
reply to this comment
The company I bought it from have agreed that I can return it, but is there a better alternative out there at this time with a decent zoom? Maybe 20x?
I rely on a clean pic as I like to use actual pixels and crop, to maximise the zoom. This is why I was so excited to have 14MP AND 30x OPTICAL. One pic I took was of a pied wagtail (a British bird), using zoom but in very good sunlight. When I put it in photoshop it appears to have an artistic brush stroke effect and the pale background is littered with spots. The pic is not blurry however. I also took a picture of a bush, the leaves are sharp when viewed at 16% but when I get above 50% the edges are roughened by the noise; again it was good light and this time on auto ISO.
Is this usual for a higher spec camera? I took a pic against a bright sky and you could even see the grain on the plainer areas in the viewfinder before I took the pic.
Basically, most pics at 14mp look good on a computer screen when looked at as a whole (about 16% zoom) but above 50% the noise and effects are awful.
Should I return this? Do you know of a better camera with similar features? Has anyone else had these issues?
Thank you.
sp800uz (Alistair Clark — 06/15/2011)
I have this camera too, and would return it If I could, it reads well on paper, but thats all, buy something other than this camera
reply to this comment
Olympus SP-800UZ Reviews
Olympus SP-800UZ Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 3.0 out of 5
A camera perfect for the occassional user who wants point & shoot and not specific needs.
(George Zimmerman — 07/26/2010)
If you age is from 15 to 25, have a rock stable stance and lightning fast reflexes this may be the camera for you. You will need the above attributes to maintain stability and fight off camera "shake".
If you are older and are used to a meaty and heavier DSLR, don't expect this camera to fill your needs. All of the great built-in features of this camera are negated if you cannot hold it rigidly still.
I am exclusively a Olympus camera user, I have built 4 websites using their heavier cameras with lower zoom capabilities and resolutions from 4mp to 8mp. I thought it was great to find a ZOOM camera 28mm-840mm equivalent in a neat, handsome compact package and 14 megapixel resolution.
I found out quickly that I had made the wrong decision. My better choice would have been to pay double the amount I paid for this camera and purchase a 300mm telephoto lens for my E-300 DSLR.
I am not bashing this camera, not at all, it just isn't for me. My current focus in photography is aircraft in flight and needed a longer range lens to bring them closer. I could use a tripod to help stabilize this unit, but doing so is not practical when you are tracking a fast-moving aircraft that gains altitude passsing in a 180 degree sweep in front of you.
I will keep and use this camera, its well engineered and of good material quality. Maybe OJT is the best way for me to fully gain benefit from my investment.
