Olympus SP-550 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera - Anthracite (7.1MP, 18x Optical Zoom) 2.5" LCD

BrightCapture Technology: A technology developed for better shooting results in low light situations. It works in two ways: i) All available pixel information from the image sensor is used to provide a view on the LCD that's up to four times brighter than conventional types, to make framing easy even in dark surroundings. ii) In certain shooting modes sensitivity is increased (resolution is sometimes reduced), which results in well-exposed images with accurate colour reproduction, high contrast and definition, even when not using the flash. Scene modes that benefit from BrightCapture Technology include Candle, Night Scene and Available Light.

Olympus SP-550 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera - Anthracite (7.1MP, 18x Optical Zoom) 2.5" LCD

Dual Image Stabilisation: Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly. 18x Wide Zoom: The SP-550 UZ has a newly developed 18x wide zoom lens in a compact body, and coupled with the 5.6x digital zoom, more than 100x magnification is achieveable. Pre-Capture Mode: The SP-550 UZ has a pre-capture function that automatically stores five frames in the camera's memory before the shutter is released. Now there's no need to panic when you think you missed that perfect shot.

Reviews
World's first 18x optical zoom takes photography to the next level Get up close and personal in a whole new way. With the world's first wide 18x optical zoom, the Olympus SP-550 UZ accepts no limits, bringing photographers closer to distant subjects than ever before. Capture candid street scenes from a discreet distance, grab the detail of your favourite sport from way up in the stands, then even use the wide angle lens to take in the whole game, as this model's focal length spans an amazing 28mm-504mm (in 35mm camera equivalent terms)! Enjoy double protection against camera shake with Dual Image Stabilization. Even at high magnifications or when capturing fast-moving objects, this technology ensures results are significantly sharper. Packing 7.1 Megapixels of detail-capturing power, the SP-550 UZ opens up a new realm of creative possibility.

Olympus SP-550 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera - Anthracite (7.1MP, 18x Optical Zoom) 2.5" LCD

Some Good Books!

Mastering Your Digital SLR: How to Get the Most Out of Your Digital Camera
Mastering your Digital SLR is the definitive guide for the sophisticated digital camera enthusiast who wants to make the leap from compact digital or film SLR to digital SLR (DSLR) for more advanced digital photography, or existing SLR owners who are ready for the next level of experimentation and expertise. This comprehensive bible of the digital SLR employs a practical, step-by-step approach, to enable the reader to achieve critical image quality and professional results. Weston answers the basic questions about how digital photography works and its advantages, then takes the reader through the digital workflow. He explains the intimate workings of the DSLR and illuminates every aspect of image capture and processing in a thorough, practical jargon-free manner, accompanied by inspirational illustrations. This is truly an indispensable guide for getting the best from your digital SLR camera.

Mastering Your Digital SLR: How to Get the Most Out of Your Digital Camera

Mastering Digital SLR Photography
Are you ready to use the new breed of digital SLR to go beyond point-and-click snapshooting and explore what it has to offer the world of photography? If you have already conquered most of a digital camera's basic capabilities and now wonder what to do with the enhanced features found in digital SLR cameras, this is a dream guide to pixel proficiency. "Mastering Digital SLR Photography, Second Edition" includes extensive updates that cover the vast improvements in technology in the last 2-3 years, including new camera models, raised bar on resolution, vibration reduction, new kinds of lenses, and more. It goes beyond the standard coverage offered in most general camera books, covering features and techniques specific to digital SLR photography. From initial discussions on hardware selection to professional-level tips and techniques for sports and action shots, this is the comprehensive guide that any photographer needs for refining their digital SLR skills.

Mastering Digital SLR Photography 2E

Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies®
Understanding exactly how a digital SLR (dSLR) works can help you use its exciting capabilities to their fullest potential. Whether you aim to become a serious photo hobbyist, are interested in turning pro, or want to take advantage of the improved control that dSLRs give you over your photography, this fun and friendly reference will show you how to maximize everything a dSLR has to offer so that you can improve your photography skills, increase your picture-taking and image-editing knowledge, and ultimately, take better photos. Written with just the right balance of technology and techniques in mind, this guide provides you with the know-how on everything from getting acquainted with the basic key features of the technology (lenses, sensors and image processors, and exposure and focusing systems) to the nuances of various dSLR techniques (setting up speedy continuous-shooting burst modes to capture fast action, applying selective and sharp focus, and shooting under the lowest levels of light). The other topics explored include: composing your shots with an accurate viewfinder; deciding how many pixels your camera needs; cleaning the sensor yourself; choosing between a tripod or monopod; adjusting exposure and improving shutter speed; creating time-lapse sequences; and, fixing murky or contrasting photos.

Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies^® (For Dummies)