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Olympus SP-600 UZ

 
Olympus SP-600 UZ front
 
Portability
69
Imaging
35
Features
27
Overall
31

Olympus SP-600 UZ overview

Olympus SP-600 UZ is Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera first introduced on February of 2010. It has a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 3968 x 2976.

Olympus launched this model in an effort to upgrade the previous Olympus SP-590 UZ (Read Full Comparison) and subsequently launched the updated Olympus SP-610UZ (Read Full Comparison) to upgrade this model.

The SP-600 UZ is scored #234 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all round #1082 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can try our Smart camera finder to get camera listings based on your personal requirements.

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Here is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Olympus SP-600 UZ history

The Olympus SP-600 UZ is part of a family of products. You can view the full range underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Stylus-SH-3 front thumbnailOlympus SH-3
SP-600 UZ vs SH-3
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2016
Olympus-Stylus-SH-2 front thumbnailOlympus SH-2
SP-600 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-600 UZ vs SH-1
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-SP-100 front thumbnailOlympus SP-100
SP-600 UZ vs SP-100
24-1200mm
F2.9-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-SZ-15 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-15
SP-600 UZ vs SZ-15
23-483mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-SH-50 front thumbnailOlympus SH-50
SP-600 UZ vs SH-50
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Olympus-SZ-16-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-16 iHS
SP-600 UZ vs SZ-16 iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Stylus-SP-820UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-820UZ
SP-600 UZ vs SP-820UZ
22-896mm
F3.4-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-31MR-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-31MR iHS
SP-600 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-600 UZ vs SP-620 UZ
25-525mm
F3.1-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-12 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-12
SP-600 UZ vs SZ-12
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-SZ-11 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-11
SP-600 UZ vs SZ-11
25-500mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-810-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-810 UZ
SP-600 UZ vs SP-810 UZ
24-864mm
F2.9-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-30MR front thumbnailOlympus SZ-30MR
SP-600 UZ vs SZ-30MR
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-10 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-10
SP-600 UZ vs SZ-10
28-504mm
F3.1-4.4
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-610UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-610UZ
SP-600 UZ vs SP-610UZ
28-616mm
F3.3-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-800-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-800 UZ
SP-600 UZ vs SP-800 UZ
28-840mm
F2.8-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-600-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-600 UZ28-420mm
F3.5-5.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-565UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-565UZ
SP-600 UZ vs SP-565UZ
26-520mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide
Olympus-SP-590-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-590 UZ
SP-600 UZ vs SP-590 UZ
26-676mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009

Olympus SP-600 UZ Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of advantages and drawbacks of the Olympus SP-600 UZ based on features which are normally seen as useful in a digital camera.

above average min ISO (100)
comes with HDMI socket
flash built-in
great zoom (420mm)
has manual focus
has tracking autofocus
long zoom range (28-420mm 15.0 x zoom)
reasonably wide (28mm)
cannot change lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
does not have external microphone socket
does not have headphone socket
does not have Timelapse function
external flash not possible
low resolution screen (230 thousand dots)
megapixel count low (12MP)
no aperture priority mode
no image stabilization
no manual mode
no phase detect autofocus
no RAW files
no shutter priority
screen is fixed
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
slow at tele end (f5.4)
slow max aperture (f3.5)
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pxls)
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Olympus SP-600 UZ Sensor details

The Olympus SP-600 UZ is powered by the TruePic III chip. The measurement of the sensor in the Olympus SP-600 UZ is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 3968 x 2976 pixels .

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The CCD sensor boasts 12MP and has a standard ISO range of 100 - 1600. Unfortunately, RAW format is not supported so you have less room to maneuver in post.

The graphic underneath shows the SP-600 UZ's sensor dimensions when compared to other popular sizes. The SP-600 UZ sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is presented in green.

Olympus SP-600 UZ sensor size Photography Glossary

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

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus SP-600 UZ dimensions

Olympus SP-600 UZ weighs in at 1.00 lb (455g / 16.05 ounces) and the measurement of the camera is 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387g so the Olympus SP-600 UZ is heavier when compared to other competitors.

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Here is a picture of the Olympus SP-600 UZ with a soft drink so you can have a feel for its scale.

Olympus SP-600 UZ dimensions scale

The top view just below will highlight the button layout on the SP-600 UZ.

Olympus SP-600 UZ topview buttons dials

Olympus SP-600 UZ Lens specs

The SP-600 UZ comes with a built-in lens featuring a focal range of 28-420mm giving it a 15.0 x zoom which is exceptional and does let you zoom all the way in.

At the widest 28mm, the lens provides an aperture of f3.5 and that is very slow and not ideal in low light conditions and you will probably find it hard to capture good bokeh. You would also have to up the ISO setting producing noisy photos. At the tele end, 420mm is superb zoom and comes to f5.4 making it fairly sluggish and you may need to apply slower shutter speeds.

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Olympus SP-600 UZ Connectivity

The SP-600 UZ has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that include NFC or Bluetooth support can easily be used wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to transfer files and sometimes change settings without connecting physically to the camera.

Some applications even provide a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external screen. The majority of cameras enable you to charge the battery using the USB port.

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Olympus SP-600 UZ Video specs

The highest video resolution in the Olympus SP-600 UZ is 1280 x 720 and it can shoot in H.264 file format. 720p is terrible by today's requirements. You should target a minimum 1080p resolution for video recording. The camera doesn't include a mic or headphone port so you get little control over your audio. It is probably best to buy a different model if you need decent audio in your videos.

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Olympus SP-600 UZ Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing on the Olympus SP-600 UZ so you need to be cautious in wet or dusty situations.

Olympus SP-600 UZ Screen and Viewfinder

The Olympus SP-600 UZ has a 2.7 inch fixed screen supporting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the screen offers no touch support.

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The View Finder details regarding Olympus SP-600 UZ are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

In those sunny outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and difficult to view, viewfinders will be particularly helpful.

Olympus SP-600 UZ Shutter specs

Olympus SP-600 UZ continuous shooting rate is 10.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.

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Olympus SP-600 UZ Flash and Hot shoe specs

Olympus SP-600 UZ has got only inbuilt flash lacking external flash ability.

Olympus SP-600 UZ Autofocusing specs

Olympus SP-600 UZ has got just Contrast Detect AF and is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more quicker & exact when compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing.

The AF system has 143 focus points to choose from. It also features Tracking AF for moving subjects. Olympus SP-600 UZ has got manual focus if needed in low light scenarios or you need to have more exact control on focus.

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Olympus SP-600 UZ Battery life

The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the highest (600) battery life in this kind of cameras.

Here is a listing of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras having the highest battery life:

Olympus SP-600 UZ for varying types of photography

The following chart presents a summation of the Olympus SP-600 UZ for varying types of photography. To learn more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Portrait photography with Olympus SP-600 UZ

The Olympus SP-600 UZ receives a points total of 27 which is low, meaning that it is not really very good to use for portrait images. Taking portraits favors heavily to sensor specs, support for RAW files plus the capability to utilize external lighting.

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has manual focus
no manual control
cannot use external flash
megapixel count low (12MP)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW support

Olympus SP-600 UZ Street photography info

Having a low points tally of 36, the Olympus SP-600 UZ is not really very good to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera features a perfect balance of picture quality and portability.

Photography Glossary
screen does not articulate
does not have image stabilization
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW files

Olympus SP-600 UZ Sports photography information

A low sports photography points tally of 31 suggests the Olympus SP-600 UZ is not really very good for taking pictures of sports. A camera should have excellent tracking plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

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long zoom range (28-420mm 15.0 x zoom)
features tracking focus
lack of shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
low MP (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus

Olympus SP-600 UZ Travel photography info

Weight is very crucial when buying a travel camera. In general, the Olympus SP-600 UZ gets a reasonable 51 as a travelling camera which is fairly suited for your holidays.

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has built in flash
really wide (28mm)
great reach (420mm)
lack of Timelapse function
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.5)

Landscape photography with Olympus SP-600 UZ

When you are planning to buy a digital camera for landscape photography, the biggest factor will be image quality. The Olympus SP-600 UZ with it's low grade of 29 for a landscape camera is not really very good within the current marketplace.

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you can focus manually
rather wide (28mm)
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.5)
tiny screen (2.7")
no manual mode
does not have image stabilization
megapixel count low (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW format
does not have Timelapse mode

Olympus SP-600 UZ as a Vlogging camera

A camera for vlogging preferably should offer a articulating display screen, mic input and preferably IBIS. Considering all things, the Olympus SP-600 UZ is not really very good for vlogging as it gets a low score of 20.

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relatively wide (28mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
display is not selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 resolution)
missing external mic socket

Olympus SP-600 UZ Alternatives

If you are shopping for alternatives to the SP-600 UZ, below is a range of the highest ranked cameras that fall in to the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The graph here shows you an overview of the SP-600 UZ vs it's highest ranking rivals suggested previously.

These are some more cameras you may see as alternatives. To review a thorough comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Olympus
Model
Olympus SP-600 UZ
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced
2010-02-02
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Powered by
TruePic III
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Full resolution
3968 x 2976
RAW photos
Max native ISO
1600
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points
143
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
28-420mm (15.0x)
Maximal aperture
f/3.5-5.4
Macro focus range
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
2.7 inch
Screen resolution
230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
1/2 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
3.10 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video format
H.264
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
455g (1.00 pounds)
Physical dimensions
110 x 90 x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6")
Other
Self timer
Yes (12 or 2 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage type
SD/SDHC, Internal
Card slots
Single
Launch price
$189