Olympus has given photographers a hybrid between ultra-thin digital cameras and large 35mm-type models with its SP-500 UltraZoom. At 2.8 inches in thickness, the SP-500 UZ isn't going to fit in a pocket like an ultra-thin digital camera, but it is thinner than many 35mm-type models. And its 10X optical zoom lens far surpasses most zoom lenses you'll find in ultra-thin digital cameras -- or, for that matter, in sub-$350 digital cameras.

The SP-500 UZ offers 6.0 megapixels of resolution, enough to create professional-quality prints up to 11x14 inches. Image quality is very good, although you may experience some camera shake at the extreme zoom setting. Olympus offers add-on lenses, too, for additional effects.

Although the SP-500 UZ functions well as a point-and-shoot model, it includes basic photo-editing features, which allow you to make changes to your photos before downloading them to a computer. You also can print photos directly from the digital camera. Also, some features can manually be set, such as white balance and shutter or aperture priority.

For a digital camera with a large zoom lens, the SP-500 UZ offers good response times. Our tests showed that you can shoot your first photo about three seconds after pressing the power button. Shutter lag is just under half a second when using auto-focus; otherwise, no delays are noticeable. And shot-to-shot delays are reasonable at two to four seconds. In continuous-shot mode, you can capture five photos in just under three seconds; however, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) goes blank in this mode.

This digital camera's most impressive feature is its 10X zoom lens. (Most consumer-level digital cameras only have 3X zoom lenses.) Because of the large zoom lens, the SP-500 UZ requires a larger camera body. However, it features a rounded handgrip that makes it possible to operate the digital camera with one hand.

One annoyance with the Olympus SP-500 UZ is that is has an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). It can be difficult to view this EVF in low-light situations, and some people will find it necessary to use the 2.5-inch LCD to frame their photos instead. The EVF is a feature you'll want to try before you buy this camera. At least the LCD is bright and visible in nearly all external lighting situations, although images on the LCD could be sharper.


Pros: 10X zoom lens, good photo quality, good mix of beginner and intermediate features, good response times
Cons: EVF won't appeal to everyone, LCD could be sharper, camera shake can be a problem

Warranty
1 year, limited