Click to take a QTVR tour of the SP-510

The Olympus SP-510 Ultra Zoom offers the highest image resolution of any 10x digital camera on the market, an Olympus ED Zoom Lens, a large 2.5-inch LCD and extra-long battery life (up to 630 shots from standard alkaline batteries). Designed to satisfy the needs of beginners and advanced users alike, this highly versatile camera provides point-and-shoot functionality (including 21 preset Scene Modes) as well as advanced features like full manual controls, ISO 4000 and RAW shooting.

First to introduce the Ultra Zoom category in 2000, Olympus once again delivers a 10x optical zoom lens in an ergonomic body that’s easy to handle. The high-quality optical system is precision-crafted using extra- dispersion (ED) and high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 380mm focal length, f2.8 – f3.7 (in 35mm photography), with 50x combined total zoom (10x optical and 5x digital). The Super Macro Mode allows users to capture details such as the iridescent petals of a flower or the wings of a butterfly from as close as 1.18 inches. The SP-510 also features a threaded barrel, which enables easy attachment of add-on wide angle or telephoto conversion lenses for even more creative control. Compatible accessory lenses include the WCON-07 Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (26.6mm equivalent) and the TCON-17 Telephoto Conversion Lens.

This Ultra Zoom model features Digital Image Stabilization for capturing crisp, clear pictures – free from the blur sometimes caused by camera shake or moving subjects – with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to stop the action.

There are times when you want to photograph subjects in low light without having to use a flash – such as when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Olympus’ Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly preview your shot on the LCD in low light, quickly lock the focus and capture your subjects with limited available light. The SP-510 UZ offers the highest ISO sensitivity of any ultra zoom (ISO 4000).

Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor delivers incredible image quality for more true-to-life colors and skin tones as well as faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enables the SP-510 UZ to capture information from all 7.1 million pixels with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The fast start-up and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you can capture the shot you want and be instantly ready to shoot again.

With in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix and the ability to add frames and titles, crop, adjust brightness, switch from color to black-and-white or sepia, make calendar prints, and more – all without using a computer and editing software. Also, the new Lighting Fix feature corrects the underexposed areas in your picture to reveal the details hidden in the shadows.

The Help Guide on the SP-510 UZ incorporates a built-in manual, or reference that explains the pre-programmed scene modes, features and settings, and a tutorial Shooting Guide that educates users on how to accomplish specific effects. The Shooting Guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various photographic scenarios, but also actually sets the camera with the touch of a button, making the transition from learning to doing instantaneous.

Connecting the SP-510 UltraZoom to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software. Or, if you prefer, forget the computer altogether. The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera with any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images is more convenient than ever, and the P-10’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.

OLYMPUS Master™ software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

SP-510 UltraZoom Features:

• 7.1 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 3072x2304 pixel images
• 10x optical 38-380mm f/2.8-3.7 zoom, 5x seamless digital zoom
• Standard JPEG and uncompressed RAW image formats
• Super Macro coverage as close as 1.18"
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• 2.5" color LCD with realtime histogram and 5x playback zoom
• 28 shooting modes including Auto, Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Manual and creative scene modes for beginners
• Quicktime movie mode w/sound 640x480 SHQ/HQ and 320x240 SQ1/SQ2 quality
• Digital iESP metering, Auto Multi-Pattern TTL, Spot Metering, Center Weighted options
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: iESP2 Auto, 6 presets, custom WB
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1000 second
• Noise reduction for shutter speeds of 1/2 sec. or longer
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 4000 (2500 and 4000 SQ1 size)
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Powered by 4 standard AA type batteries
• USB Direct-print with any PictBridge compatible printer
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• 21MB of built-in memory plus optional xD-Picture Card media slot

The SP-510UZ is available now with an MSRP of US329.99, see our buy box below for current pricing at online vendors. It includes: Neck Strap, WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, 4 AA Batteries, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM and Advanced Manual CD-ROM.

Physical Views

The SP-510 UZ and the Kodak EasyShare Z612 for size comparison.