I just bought the SP550-UZ. It's my first high-end camera (well, high end compared to my previous camera which is the Sony U60 waterproof 2MP camera). I was really attracted to the styling and the following :

1. 18x optical zoom with image stabilization
2. rubberised grip
3. Uses AA battery (convenient to reload when travelling)
4. Great specs like the 30fps video clip and the super macro (1cm)

Been having it for around 5 days now. I must say the 18x optical zoom is really useful. Coupled with the image stabilization, taking shots at max zoom without a tripod is much easier. See the results :

Kingfisher on a tree about 100 ft away :


Kingfisher on a different tree about 50 ft away :


Bird in her nest about 15ft away : (this picture not on max zoom)


This post has been edited by OSFlanker: Feb 16 2007, 10:01 PM

Bought from Mid Valley Foto Shangri La a few days ago. I also didn't know this camera was available. Fotodata and Key Colour at Mid Valley also have, but Foto Shangri La gave me best package deal.

RM1,780 with 1GB XD card, mini tripod and screen cover.

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Added on February 19, 2007, 10:20 amI uploaded the photo to flickr.com, it doesn't allow full size. Below are the links for 1,024 x 768 :

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/3947929...81d44b5a8_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/3947929...39a41800f_b.jpg

Here is a picture of a newspaper using super macro mode :



This post has been edited by OSFlanker: Feb 19 2007, 10:26 AM