Olympus brought its attention back to point-and-shoot today with its answer to the rapidly escalating fight among ultrazoom cameras. The SP-810UZ reaches an extremely long 36X (24-864mm) optical zoom, supposedly the longest for a non-interchangeable camera, even as the body itself gets smaller. The lens still musters an f2.9-5.7 aperture range and, along with better ISO sensitivity, should still be fast enough at closer ranges for regular photography.
The 810UZ catches up in software with a simulated 3D mode through two successive shots as well as a sweep method for capturing panoramas. Art filters come in through miniature (tilt shift) and reflection effects. Olympus’ camera still shoots in 720p, but it now has HDMI-CEC support so that a TV remote can control the camera’s photo and video playback.
Stores should get the new model in September. In the US, the SP-810UZ should come in black and cost $330.
