The Olympus SP-550 Ultra Zoom is currently "the world's most powerful ultra zoom." It features 7.1MP resolution, a whopping world-record 18x wide-angle optical zoom and a large high-resolution 2.5 in. LCD monitor.

There are lots to like with the Olympus SP-550 UZ:

1. It stays with 7.1MP resolution -- a wise decision. In doing so, the engineers can keep noise low and concentrate in adding real value to the camera -- which they did in spades here.
2. Not only does the Olympus SP-550 UZ has the most optical zoom in any long zoom digital camera, but it also starts out with a wide-angle focal length, important for capturing large group shots and expansive landscape vistas.
3. So, now the serious photographer can indulge in wide landscapes (28mm), telephoto shots (504mm) and macro photography (10 cm) -- all in one versatile camera.
4. New is CCD-Shift Image Stabilization that effectively counteracts camera shake when using a long focal length and/or slow shutter speed. In addition, Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) favours a high ISO (up to ISO 1600; ISO 3200 and 5000 at 3MP resolution) and fast shutter speed to eliminate or reduce blurred shots caused by subject movement.
5. If you've ever despaired of seeing the image on the LCD in dimly lit connditions, Olympus' Bright Capture Technology brightens the image on the LCD so framing and composing in the dark is not a problem anymore.

As you'd expect from any digital camera targeted to the serious photographer, the Olympus SP-550 UZ has full exposure flexibility with Program, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority and full Manual modes, plus 23 Scene Modes to automate the most common picture-taking situations. You can display a histogram or grid lines. Movies are recorded with sound at 640x480 @ 30fps. Capture the moment with Burst Mode at 1.2fps for 7 frames (7MP), or 7fps for 15 frames (3MP), or 15fps for 20 frames (1.2MP).

The Olympus SP-550 UZ comes with 20MB of internal memory and runs on 4 AA batteries. Shutter speed range is from 1/1000 sec. – 15 sec., and there is even a Bulb shutter speed for special effects photography.

Optional accessories include the WCON-07 Wide Conversion Lens (0.7x) and the TCON-17 (1.7x) Telephoto Conversion Lens (1.7x); Lens Adapter Tube CLA-10 required for both lenses. An optional Remote Cable Release that plugs into the camera's USB connector is also available.

The Olympus SP-550 UZ should appeal to serious amateur photographers who desire an ultra zoom with a high degree of control and lots of useful practical features such as a wide-angle optical zoom and CCD-shift image stabilization.