Olympus SP-320
Posted by Steve on July 22nd, 2006
Overview
The Olympus SP-320 is a compact digital camera with 7.1 megapixels resolution, a 3 times optical zoom and a 2.5 inch display. High ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds are used to reduce the effects of blurred images caused by shaky hands or long exposure times in low light situation. The SP-320’s super macro modes allows you to get as close as 2cm to the subject.
With features such as RAW support, manual focus, manual exposure modes, and optional accessories ranging from conversion lenses to an underwater housing, the SP-320 will suit the demanding photographer. The SP-320 also offers a wide range of scene modes as well as a fully automatic shooting mode, making it an attractive camera for the digital camera novice who would like a camera that will support him as his experience grows.
Available Reviews
- Olympus SP-320 review at CNet
- Olympus SP-320 review at Steve's Digicams
- Olympus SP-320 review at DigicamReview
Specifications
Resolution: 7.1 megapixels
Focal Length: 38 – 114mm, 35mm equivalent
Optical Zoom: 3x
Exposure Modes: Auto, Scene Modes, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
Macro Mode: 2cm
Movie Mode: 640×480 at 30fps
Shutter Speed: 15 – 1/2000 sec, bulb available
LCD Display: 2.5 inch
Storage Media: xD card
Battery: 2 AA type batteries
Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.9 x 2.6 x 1.4in. / 99.5mm x 65.0mm x 35.0mm
Weight: 6.4 oz. / 180g, body only
Press Release
London, 26 January 2006 – with the new Olympus SP-320 ambitious photographers can let their imaginations run wild. In addition to an impressive 25 special scene modes, the camera has Programme, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and full Manual exposure control, plus manual and automatic focussing, leaving the photographer free to choose the settings they need, to achieve their desired effects.
Boasting a 7.1 million pixel CCD the SP-320 has enough resolving power to record scenes in stunning detail. The precision 3x optical zoom gives even more flexibility and a histogram function enables exposure information to be displayed on the large 6.4cm LCD screen whilst the shot is being taken, to give expert photographers the opportunity to fine-tune their exposure for the perfect result.
The SP-320 is a highly specified camera and for extra versatility a range of optional accessories is available, including lens converters and an underwater casing. Featuring a slim wedge-shaped design with ergonomic grip the SP-320 is surprisingly robust for a camera with so many features that retails for just £230. Expect to see this model in all good camera shops April 2006.
Don’t let the slim profile of the SP-320 fool you, this is a powerful tool that will allow ambitious photographers to take full control of their image making. The powerhouse behind the camera is a 7.1 million pixel CCD which, in combination with the precision 3x zoom lens (F2.8-4.9, equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) captures subjects with truly stunning realism.
Naturally this lens can be fully controlled by the photographer. Not only zoom action, but focusing and aperture as well. Focusing options on the SP-320 range from regular iESP AF and Spot AF to Multi-spot AF with readings selectable from no fewer than 143 points, and, of course, Manual focusing.
Automatic shooting is a convenient option that many professional photographers will admit to using these days, especially if time is against them. However no serious photographer will want to do without manual control completely. This is why the SP-320 offers Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and full Manual exposure, as well as 25 special scene modes tailored for a wide range of shooting situations. These include a Super Macro mode that will thrill fans of extreme close-up photography by allowing them to capture pictures from as little as 2cm away. And should the light start to fail, a high maximum ISO setting of 800 allows the real atmosphere of the natural lighting to be recorded by reducing the need to use flash. For peace of mind demanding photographers can check the exposure of their work as the shots are being taken using the
SP-320’s Histogram function, which relays real-time exposure information on the camera’s large 6.4cm LCD screen.
The large size of the LCD is particularly welcome when reviewing photos that have already been taken, or when watching movie clips as the SP-320 also features a video recording option. Action is captured with sound in VGA quality at 30 frames per second and recording length is only limited by the amount of memory available. The 25MB internal memory in the SP-320 can be upgraded using xD-Picture Cards, including the new Olympus High-Speed cards, which offer data transfer rates 2-3 times faster than conventional cards. Photos can be stored as either JPEG or RAW files and quickly downloaded to a PC thanks to USB Hi-Speed AutoConnect compatibility.
The compact and versatile SP-320 is supplied with Olympus Master 1.4 software and will be available in camera shops from priced at around £230 from April onwards.
(source: Olympus)