Olympus SP-590 UZ

Olympus SP-590 UZ
Competitors
Super zoom Super zoom
January, 2009

As well as being compared against other super zooms, the Olympus SP-590 UZ is also often compared to entry-level DSLRs, travel zooms and compacts. The Olympus SP-590 UZ's top rivals come from Nikon (such as the Coolpix P510 and the Coolpix P500) and Olympus (such as the SP-570 UZ and the SP-810 UZ)

Competitor classes

compared toSuper zoom competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-590 UZ compared to other super zoom competitors include: it is slightly smaller (prosumer size 116x84x81 mm vs professional size 116x84x103 mm), is thinner (3.2" vs 3.9"), is slightly lighter (413 g vs 555 g) and has higher quality type of viewfinder (digital vs none).

However, on average it has significantly less zoom (26x vs 36x), records lower quality movies (480p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a slightly narrower wide angle lens (26 mm vs 24 mm), has a significantly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0") and has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots).

Nikon Coolpix P510

Nikon Coolpix P510
3 years newer
$397 - $400

Significant advantages of the P510 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much more zoom: 41.7x vs 26x
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots

Significant disadvantages of the P510 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Heavier: 555 g vs 413 g

common strengths of the P510 and SP-590 UZ

  • Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital
arrow Compare the Nikon Coolpix P510 vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

Olympus SP-570 UZ

Olympus SP-570 UZ
1 year older
$318

Significant advantages of the SP-570 UZ (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Shoots RAW
  • Supports an external flash

Significant disadvantages of the SP-570 UZ (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Less zoom: 20x vs 26x

common strengths of the SP-570 UZ and SP-590 UZ

  • Fairly small: Prosumer size 116x79x78 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Light weight: 405 g vs 413 g
  • Thin: 3.1" vs 3.2"
arrow Compare the SP-570 UZ vs the SP-590 UZ

Olympus SP-810 UZ

Olympus SP-810 UZ
2 years newer
$269

Significant advantages of the SP-810 UZ (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much more zoom: 36x vs 26x
  • Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7"

Significant disadvantages of the SP-810 UZ (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Significantly worse macro capability: 5 cm vs 1 cm
  • Shoots slower: 0.7 fps vs 6 fps
  • No viewfinder: None vs Digital

common strengths of the SP-810 UZ and SP-590 UZ

  • Fairly small: Standard size 105x75x73 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Light weight: 413 g vs 413 g
  • Thin: 2.9" vs 3.2"
arrow Compare the SP-810 UZ vs the SP-590 UZ

Nikon Coolpix P500

Nikon Coolpix P500
2 years newer
$300

Significant advantages of the P500 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Much more zoom: 36x vs 26x
  • Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots

Significant disadvantages of the P500 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/3.5 vs f/2.8
  • No boost ISO: None vs 6,400 ISO

common strengths of the P500 and SP-590 UZ

  • Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital
arrow Compare the Nikon Coolpix P500 vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

Fujifilm FinePix HS30 EXR

Fujifilm FinePix HS30 EXR
3 years newer
$438 - $500

Significant advantages of the HS30 EXR (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Records high-speed movies: 320 fps vs None

Significant disadvantages of the HS30 EXR (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much larger: Large 131x97x126 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Much heavier: 687 g vs 413 g
  • Significantly thicker: 5" vs 3.2"

common strengths of the HS30 EXR and SP-590 UZ

  • Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital
arrow Compare the Fujifilm FinePix HS30 EXR vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

Nikon Coolpix P100

Nikon Coolpix P100
1 year newer

Significant advantages of the P100 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7"

Significant disadvantages of the P100 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No boost ISO: None vs 6,400 ISO

common strengths of the P100 and SP-590 UZ

  • Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital
arrow Compare the Nikon Coolpix P100 vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

compared toEntry-level DSLR competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-590 UZ compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it has better image stabilization (sensor shift, lens vs none), shoots faster continuously (6 fps vs 3 fps), is significantly smaller (prosumer size 116x84x81 mm vs prosumer size 127x96x78 mm) and is slightly lighter (413 g vs 552 g).

However, on average it records lower quality movies (480p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a significantly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), takes significantly lower resolution photos (9.8 MP vs 14.2 MP) and slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (1,600 ISO vs 6,400 ISO).

Olympus E-520

Olympus E-520
7 months older

Significant advantages of the E-520 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Shoots RAW
  • Has interchangeable lenses

Significant disadvantages of the E-520 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Shoots slower: 3.5 fps vs 6 fps
  • Significantly heavier: 552 g vs 413 g

common strengths of the E-520 and SP-590 UZ

  • Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift, Lens
  • Fairly small: Prosumer size 136x92x68 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
arrow Compare the E-520 vs the SP-590 UZ

Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100
2 years newer
$500 - $597 (body only)
$600 - $697 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection

Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift, Lens
  • Significantly larger: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Significantly heavier: 560 g vs 413 g

common strengths of the D5100 and SP-590 UZ

  • None found
arrow Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

Canon Rebel T3i

Canon Rebel T3i
2 years newer
$619 - $700 (body only)
$745 - $1,000 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the T3i (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Much higher resolution screen: 1,040k dots vs 230k dots

Significant disadvantages of the T3i (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift, Lens
  • Much larger: Professional size 133x99x79 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Significantly heavier: 570 g vs 413 g

common strengths of the T3i and SP-590 UZ

  • None found
arrow Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

Canon Rebel T3

Canon Rebel T3
2 years newer
$333 (body only)
$489 - $500 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the T3 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 22.2x14.7mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection
  • Shoots RAW

Significant disadvantages of the T3 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift, Lens
  • Shoots significantly slower: 3 fps vs 6 fps
  • Significantly larger: Professional size 130x100x78 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm

common strengths of the T3 and SP-590 UZ

  • Light weight: 459 g vs 413 g
arrow Compare the Canon Rebel T3 vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100
1 year newer
$500 - $547 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the D3100 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.1x15.4mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection

Significant disadvantages of the D3100 (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift, Lens
  • Shoots significantly slower: 3 fps vs 6 fps

common strengths of the D3100 and SP-590 UZ

  • Fairly small: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Light weight: 505 g vs 413 g
arrow Compare the Nikon D3100 vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

compared toTravel zoom competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-590 UZ compared to travel zoom competitors include: it has slightly more zoom (26x vs 21x), has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), has a viewfinder (digital vs none) and slightly longer exposures (15 seconds vs 4 seconds).

However, on average it doesn't have a built-in GPS, records lower quality movies (480p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a significantly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots) and is significantly larger (prosumer size 116x84x81 mm vs compact 106x61x33 mm).

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
3 years newer
$394 - $482

Significant advantages of the SZ-31MR (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots
  • Significantly smaller: Mid size 106x69x40 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm

Significant disadvantages of the SZ-31MR (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No viewfinder: None vs Digital

common strengths of the SZ-31MR and SP-590 UZ

  • Great zoom: 24x vs 26x
  • Wide aperture: f/3.0 vs f/2.8
  • Good macro capabilities: 1 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the SZ-31MR vs the SP-590 UZ

Olympus SZ-30MR

Olympus SZ-30MR
2 years newer
$416 - $471

Significant advantages of the SZ-30MR (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Significantly smaller: Mid size 106x69x40 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7"

Significant disadvantages of the SZ-30MR (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No viewfinder: None vs Digital

common strengths of the SZ-30MR and SP-590 UZ

  • Great zoom: 24x vs 26x
  • Wide aperture: f/3.0 vs f/2.8
arrow Compare the SZ-30MR vs the SP-590 UZ

Olympus 620 UZ

Olympus SP-620 UZ
3 years newer
$241 - $255

Significant advantages of the 620 UZ (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Significantly smaller: Mid size 106x69x40 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7"
  • Takes 3D photos

Significant disadvantages of the 620 UZ (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • No viewfinder: None vs Digital
  • Slower max shutter speed: 1/1500 of a second vs 1/2000 of a second

common strengths of the 620 UZ and SP-590 UZ

  • Great zoom: 21x vs 26x
  • Good macro capabilities: 1 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the 620 UZ vs the SP-590 UZ

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
3 years newer
$294 - $299

Significant advantages of the SX260 HS (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Has a GPS
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 480p @ 30fps
  • Supports 24p

Significant disadvantages of the SX260 HS (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/3.5 vs f/2.8
  • Less zoom: 20x vs 26x
  • Significantly worse macro capability: 5 cm vs 1 cm

common strengths of the SX260 HS and SP-590 UZ

  • Great zoom: 20x vs 26x
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS vs the Olympus SP-590 UZ

compared toCompact competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-590 UZ compared to compact competitors include: it has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.1), has way more more zoom (26x vs 3x), has a much wider wide angle lens (26 mm vs 35 mm), has a much larger screen (2.7" vs 1.8") and has a slightly higher resolution screen (230k dots vs 85k dots).

However, on average it is much larger (prosumer size 116x84x81 mm vs compact 108x58x37 mm), is thicker (3.2" vs 1.5") and is much heavier (413 g vs 210 g).

Olympus D-580 Zoom

Olympus D-580 Zoom
4 years older

Significant advantages of the D-580 Zoom (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much smaller: Compact 108x58x37 mm vs Prosumer size 116x84x81 mm
  • Much thinner: 1.5" vs 3.2"
  • Much lighter: 210 g vs 413 g

Significant disadvantages of the D-580 Zoom (vs the SP-590 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 3x vs 26x
  • Much lower true resolution: 3.9 MP vs 9.8 MP
  • Much worse wide angle: 35 mm vs 26 mm

common strengths of the D-580 Zoom and SP-590 UZ

  • Viewfinders: Tunnel vs Digital
arrow Compare the D-580 Zoom vs the SP-590 UZ