Olympus SZ-10 Review

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Review posted 09/20/2011

Quick Take
Pros
  • Nice compact body
  • Versatile 18x optical zoom
  • Dual IS
  • Captures pleasing 14-megapixel photos in most conditions
  • Plethora of easy to use exposure modes
  • 8 Magic Filter modes for fun with stills and video
  • Dedicated video record button for shooting HD video in any shooting modes
  • Robust shooting performance
  • Good battery life (up to 300 photos)
  • Speedy shooting performance
  • Easy on the wallet for a super-zoom
Cons
  • iAuto had some issues indoors
  • ISO 800 and 1600 show a good amount of noise
  • Red-eye in most of our indoor portraits
  • Average HD video quality
  • No manual exposure options
Bottom Line
The Olympus SZ-10 is a competitive super-zoom camera in the sub $300 category. With easy to use exposure options, good shooting performance, and pleasing image quality in various shooting conditions, the SZ-10 is one to consider.  Read more in our Full Conclusion.
olympus_SZ10_BLK_Front_550.jpg
Olympus continues to produce appealing super-zoom digital cameras, and the SZ-10 is no exception. The first "SZ" labeled camera we've ever seen from them, the SZ-10 is what we consider a compact super-zoom, with its petite frame, yet powerful 18x optical zoom lens. This is a nice wide lens too, which covers a 35mm equivalent range of 28-504mm and a relatively fast aperture of f/3.1 at wide angle. 

Other key features on the SZ-10 include 14-megapixels of resolution, Dual IS, a 3.0-inch LCD screen with 460k dots, Intelligent Auto, various exposure modes, AF tracking, 3D capture mode, 720p HD video, and Olympus' ever popular Magic Art Filter modes.

Olympus SZ-10 features:
  • 14-megapixel 1/2.3" image sensor
  • 18x optical zoom covers 28-504mm equivalent zoom range
  • Dual IS stabilization system (Sensor-shift + Digital)
  • TruePic III+ image processor
  • 3.0-inch LCD screen with 460,000 dots of resolution
  • MP4 HD video recording at 720p resolution
  • Intelligent Auto
  • 8 Magic Art Filters, including 2 new options (Watercolor and Sparkle)
  • 3D Mode
  • Shadow Adjustment technology
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot; Eye-Fi complaint
  • Li-ion battery pack
The SZ-10 is available in either black or sliver, with a retail price will be approx. $249.99 US. See our buy boxes below for the most current online pricing.

Additional Views:

olympus_SZ10_SLV_Front_550.jpg


Next: Specifications

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Olympus 8 GB Kit SZ-12 14MP 3.0 LCD 24x Opt Zoom Digital Camera - Black
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