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Olympus SP-590 UZ

 
Olympus SP-590 UZ front
 
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
  • 413g - 116 x 84 x 81mm
  • Launched January 2009
  • Updated by Olympus SP-600 UZ
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
72
Imaging
34
Features
38
Overall
35

Olympus SP-590 UZ summary

Olympus SP-590 UZ is Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom camera first introduced on January of 2009. The camera includes a 12MP, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a max resolution of 3968 x 2976.

Olympus introduced the more recent Olympus SP-600 UZ (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to update this camera.

The SP-590 UZ places at #212 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and over all #936 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. You should use our Advanced camera finder to get camera ratings based on your customized factors.

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Below is a diagram of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Olympus SP-590 UZ family

The Olympus SP-590 UZ comes with a history of related digital cameras. Listed below, you can discover all previous and more recent models along with main specs.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Stylus-SH-3 front thumbnailOlympus SH-3
SP-590 UZ vs SH-3
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2016
Olympus-Stylus-SH-2 front thumbnailOlympus SH-2
SP-590 UZ vs SH-2
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Olympus-Stylus-SH-1 front thumbnailOlympus SH-1
SP-590 UZ vs SH-1
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-SP-100 front thumbnailOlympus SP-100
SP-590 UZ vs SP-100
24-1200mm
F2.9-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-SZ-15 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-15
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-15
23-483mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-SZ-16-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-16 iHS
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-16 iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Photography Glossary
Olympus-SH-50 front thumbnailOlympus SH-50
SP-590 UZ vs SH-50
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Stylus-SP-820UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-820UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-820UZ
22-896mm
F3.4-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-31MR-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-31MR iHS
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-31MR iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SP-620-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-620 UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-620 UZ
25-525mm
F3.1-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-12 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-12
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-12
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-SP-810-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-810 UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-810 UZ
24-864mm
F2.9-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-11 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-11
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-11
25-500mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-30MR front thumbnailOlympus SZ-30MR
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-30MR
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-10 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-10
SP-590 UZ vs SZ-10
28-504mm
F3.1-4.4
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-610UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-610UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-610UZ
28-616mm
F3.3-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-800-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-800 UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-800 UZ
28-840mm
F2.8-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-600-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-600 UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-600 UZ
28-420mm
F3.5-5.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-565UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-565UZ
SP-590 UZ vs SP-565UZ
26-520mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Olympus-SP-590-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-590 UZ26-676mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009

Olympus SP-590 UZ Pros and Cons

Below is a shortlist of advantages and disadvantages of the Olympus SP-590 UZ based on features that are typically considered useful in a camera.

above average minimum ISO (64)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
environment sealing
great zoom range (26-676mm 26.0 x zoom)
has built in flash
has manual focus
includes HDMI socket
long reach (676mm)
relatively wide (26mm)
supports RAW formats
can't switch lens (fixed lens mount)
cannot use external flash
display is not selfie friendly
lacks phase detect autofocus
low frames per second (6.0 frames/s)
low resolution screen (230 k dots)
low res video (640 x 480 pixels)
MP count low (12MP)
no articulating screen
no headphone socket
no mic socket
slow at full zoom (f5.0)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
small screen (2.7 inch)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
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Olympus SP-590 UZ Sensor info

The spec of the sensor in the Olympus SP-590 UZ is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 3968 x 2976 pixels . The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is more desirable than digital stabilization as the latter may cause cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12MP and features a native ISO range of 64 - 6400. RAW photos are saved therefore the user has wider room to maneuver in post.

The graphic below shows the SP-590 UZ's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The SP-590 UZ sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is highlighted in green.

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To get an understanding of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus SP-590 UZ dimensions

Olympus SP-590 UZ is 0.91 pounds (413 gr or 14.57 oz) and the measurement of the camera is 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2"). The weight of typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Olympus SP-590 UZ is very much the same when compared to various competitors.

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Below is a pic of the Olympus SP-590 UZ alongside a soda so you're able to have a sense of its scale.

Olympus SP-590 UZ dimensions scale

The top view here will highlight the button arrangement on the SP-590 UZ.

Olympus SP-590 UZ topview buttons dials

Olympus SP-590 UZ Lens info

The SP-590 UZ includes a built in lens featuring a focal range of 26-676mm making it a 26.0 x zoom which is significant and is going to allow you to zoom right in.

At the widest 26mm, the lens offers an aperture of f2.8 which will be quite slow and not great in low light situations and you might find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You will likely also need to raise the ISO leading to noisy pictures. Towards the tele end, 676mm is great zoom and comes to f5.0 which is quite slow and you will need to use slow shutter speeds.

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Olympus SP-590 UZ Connectivity

The SP-590 UZ has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that have NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can easily be controlled wirelessly via smartphones. You can easily transfer pictures and in some cases adjust camera settings without connecting physically to the camera.

Certain applications even give a Liveview and hit the shutter in case you are not near the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external monitor. The majority of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack using the USB socket.

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Olympus SP-590 UZ Video info

The max video quality in the Olympus SP-590 UZ is 640 x 480 and it can shoot in Motion JPEG format. 480p is low by today's standards. You really should shoot for at least FUll HD quality for good video. The camera does not have a mic and headphone socket which means that you have little control over your sound. It is perhaps best to look at a different camera if you want better sound in your video clips.

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Olympus SP-590 UZ Weather Sealing

Olympus SP-590 UZ provides environment proofing which makes it a good pick to use in tough locations. This is especially helpful if you are unsure about the conditions you may face in outdoor photography.

Olympus SP-590 UZ Display and Viewfinder

The Olympus SP-590 UZ includes a 2.7" fixed display supporting a resolution of 230k dots.

Unfortunately the display is not a touch screen.

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The ViewFinder specs regarding Olympus SP-590 UZ are the following:

  • ViewFinder Electronic

In those bright outdoor conditions which make the camera displays washed out and hard to view, viewfinders can be rather valuable.

Olympus SP-590 UZ Shutter info

Olympus SP-590 UZ has the capability to shoot continuously at 6.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/2000s.

Photography Glossary

Olympus SP-590 UZ Flash and Hot shoe info

Olympus SP-590 UZ includes only integrated flash without external flash support.

Olympus SP-590 UZ Autofocus info

Olympus SP-590 UZ includes just Contrast Based Autofocus and doesn't have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster and precise when compared to Contrast Based focusing.

Olympus SP-590 UZ has the ability to use manual focusing if required in low light situations or you want to have more exact focusing control.

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Olympus SP-590 UZ Battery life

The usual Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the maximum (600) battery life in this type of cameras.

Listed below is a listing of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the best battery life:

Olympus SP-590 UZ for specific styles of photography

The following illustration shows a rundown of the Olympus SP-590 UZ for specific styles of photography. To learn more, browse to the specific section below.

Portrait photography with Olympus SP-590 UZ

The Olympus SP-590 UZ receives a rating of 36 which is lousy, and means the camera is not very good for portrait photography. Taking portraits favors greatly towards sensor resolution, support for RAW files & flexibility to use off-camera flash.

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you can focus manually
delivers RAW formats
external flash not possible
sensor resolution low (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")

Street photography with Olympus SP-590 UZ

Getting a average rating of 59, the Olympus SP-590 UZ is fairly adequate to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera offers a good balance of picture quality plus portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
exports RAW formats
environment sealing
no articulating screen
very small sensor (1/2.3")

Sports photography with Olympus SP-590 UZ

A lousy sports photography rating of 38 indicates the Olympus SP-590 UZ is not very good for taking photos of sports. A camera really should have good focusing plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

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incredible zoom range (26-676mm 26.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
environment proof
slow fps (6.0 frames per second)
low MP (12MP)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF

Olympus SP-590 UZ as a Travel photography camera

Portability is extremely crucial in picking a camera for travel. All round, the Olympus SP-590 UZ gets a modest 58 for a travelling camera which makes it reasonably suitable to take on your journeys.

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weather proof
built-in flash
rather wide (26mm)
very long zoom (676mm)
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)

Olympus SP-590 UZ as a Landscape photography camera

For anybody who is looking to pick a digital camera for landscape pictures, the most vital factor is going to be image quality. The Olympus SP-590 UZ at it's lousy rating of 45 for a landscape camera is not very good compared to its competition.

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manual focus
reasonably wide (26mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
delivers RAW files
weather proof
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
tiny screen (2.7")
low MP (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")

Olympus SP-590 UZ Vlogging information

A vlogging camera should really have a moving screen, microphone port and preferably image stabilization. Considering all the details, the Olympus SP-590 UZ is not very good as a vlog camera as it receives a lousy rating of 24.

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really wide (26mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is not selfie friendly
low video resolution (640 x 480 resolution)
missing microphone port

Olympus SP-590 UZ Alternatives

If you are in the market for replacements to the SP-590 UZ, here is a list of the highest ranked cameras that fall into the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line graph down below shows you a bird's eye view of the SP-590 UZ versus it's top rated competitors listed earlier.

There are more cameras you may view as alternate options. To go through a full comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Olympus
Model type
Olympus SP-590 UZ
Class
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2009-01-07
Physical type
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Max resolution
3968 x 2976
RAW photos
Max native ISO
6400
Lowest native ISO
64
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
26-676mm (26.0x)
Maximal aperture
f/2.8-5.0
Macro focusing distance
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display size
2.7 inch
Resolution of display
230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Electronic
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Min shutter speed
15 secs
Max shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shutter rate
6.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
8.00 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions
640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution
640x480
Video data format
Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
413 grams (0.91 lbs)
Physical dimensions
116 x 84 x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2")
Other
Self timer
Yes (12 or 2 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
xD Picture Card, microSD Card, Internal
Card slots
One
Pricing at release
$249