Review posted 12/11/2012

Quick Take

Pros

Powerful 40x zoom Very wide 22mm view Fast 3M burst modes Quick startup Easy menu navigation Minimal shutter lag High light sensitivity (ISO) Powerful built-in flash Fun creative modes Runs on AA batteries

Cons

Full-resolution burst is limited Image quality could be better Auto focus could be faster Lacks manual controls Does not support UHS speed class cards

Bottom Line

This camera offers a big zoom for a low price. It tends to expose accurately and its flash is powerful. However, image quality is not tops, full-resolution burst is slow, and manual modes are lacking. But if rapid-fire low-res burst and 19 Beauty Fix adjustments make up for it, this ultra-zoom is a good fit. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Olympus continues to build upon their powerful line of SP-series, super-zoom cameras, with their latest addition for 2012 being the SP-820UZ iHS. This is the second model we've seen with iHS designation (the first being the lifeproof TG-1 iHS), which represents the camera's intelligent, high sensitivity, and high speed abilities. These are provided by a 14-megapixel CMOS image sensor mated to their TruePic V Image Processor, which Olympus claims combined allow you to capture high-quality stills in various situations (including low-light), along with full 1080p HD video. Framing your photos and videos is accomplished on a nice, 3.0-inch LCD.

While all of the above features are appealing, the spotlight shines upon the SP-820's 40x Ultra-Wide angle lens, which boasts an amazing 22.4 - 896mm equivalent zoom range.

Olympus SP-820UZ iHS Features:

• 14-megapixel, 1/2.3" CMOS image sensor
• TruePic V Image Processor
• Olympus Ultra-Wide 40x optical zoom lens
• Dual Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift+Electronic)
  
• Multi-Motion Movie IS
  
• iHS technology
• Full resolution burst at up to 3fps
• 3MP burst shooting at up to 30fps
• Records full 1080p HD video
• Enhcaned iAuto exposure control
• Smart Panorama
• Various Magic filters for both stills and video
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
  

The Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ iHS has a MSRP or $329.99 USD. You can choose from Black or Silver. Click our lowest price button at the top right of this page to see the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:

• SP-820UZ Digital camera body
• Srap
• Lens cap and strap
• Four AA batteries
• USB cable
• CD-ROM: manual, Olympus Viewer 2 (Win, Mac)