The Olympus SP-565UZ gives you the ability to explore the world with powerful and easy-to-use features.
The Olympus SP-565UZ is a semi-professional camera featuring a 20x zoom and 10 megapixel resolution, and powerful features in a sleek, Olympus-inspired design. An indispensable feature in today’s digital cameras is the ability to automatically detect faces (Face Detection) for 16 portraits. The powerful zoom lens supports Dual Image Stabilization. In addition to the “traditional” TruePic III image processor, the handset supports both xD and microSD memory cards; Filmed with sound, 30fps.
The 2.5″ LCD screen and EVF Electronic Viewfinder are easy to navigate with their own buttons. Control buttons are arranged to the right, located in the manipulation of the thumb; The menu is easier to use and more efficient with OK / FUNC button for quick adjustment of parameters on the 5-way controller.
Button zoom button cover, arranged angle; Control loop with manual focus, priority / automatic or scene priority, or guide…..
The side of the machine layout of the memory card slot xD or microSD (with adapter). If you open the lid, it will display a message on the LCD.
Versatile USB 2.0 for connection to a computer, printer (PictBridge compliant) or TV, and then a DC charging terminal.
The 4 pin AA should be handy and time-shooting to test in a 2700mAh NiMH rechargeable battery.
Olympus SP-565UZ 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom: Buy it now
Design and build
Handles like a mini SLR — 116.5 x 83 x 82.5mm, 373g without battery or card. More portable than an actual DSLR, but it still has real heft and a proper grip, and that rubberized handgrip actually matters once you’re holding the lens out at full zoom for a minute.
Metal and decent plastic, buttons that click properly instead of mushing. It’ll handle daily use fine. Just don’t expect it to survive rain or a drop — no sealing, no rugged shell.
Key features
10MP off a 1/2.33-inch CCD. Fine for a print, nothing to write home about. What actually matters is the 20x zoom — 26-520mm equivalent, wide enough for a landscape and long enough to reach stuff most cameras this size can’t touch. There’s also a Super Macro mode that focuses down to 1cm, so it covers the opposite extreme too.
Image quality
Color’s the strong suit, same as most Olympus cameras — saturated without looking fake, good across landscapes and portraits both. Detail holds up well at 10MP in good light, with some softness at the extreme ends of that 20x range, which tracks for a lens covering this much ground. Low light is the weak point: noise shows up like it does on every small sensor, though stabilization and higher ISO keep shots usable rather than throwaway. Dynamic range is moderate — expect some blown highlights or lost shadow detail in high contrast, and scene modes only patch that over so much.
Using it
Menus are sensible, in-camera guides help beginners find their footing, autofocus is accurate in good light and slower once it’s dim or something’s moving fast. Continuous shooting exists for action, though the burst rate won’t impress anyone used to faster cameras.
Runs on four AA batteries — genuinely convenient, since you can buy replacements anywhere — and a set lasts 300-400 shots. Storage defaults to xD-Picture Cards but also takes microSD with an adapter, which matters a lot given how much cheaper microSD is now.
Connections
USB 2.0, AV out, nothing wireless — standard for its time. The bundled software covers the basics; serious editing means reaching for something else.
Holding up over time
Solid build, will last with reasonable care, just keep it dry and dust-free since it’s not sealed for either. Battery contacts and the card slot are the parts most likely to wear down eventually.
Against the competition
Panasonic’s Lumix FZ28 shoots real HD video against this camera’s VGA and gets real praise for its stabilization, though it falls short on zoom reach at 18x. Canon’s PowerShot SX10 IS matches the 20x zoom and adds an articulating screen. People like it. You’ll pay for that in size and weight, though — it’s noticeably bigger. Nikon’s P80 focuses fast and the photos hold up well at 18x zoom. It just can’t touch this camera on reach or storage flexibility.
Bottom line
The 20x lens alone justifies a look — it covers everything from a landscape to a distant bird to a close portrait. Low light and video are the clear weak spots, but they don’t undercut what the rest of the camera does well. For the price, it’s a solid one-camera answer for someone who wants to shoot a lot of different things without owning three lenses.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.