The “SZ” in the Olympus’s SZ Series simply means “Super Zoom”. Living up to its claim, the SZ-14 boast a hefty zoom of 25-600mm (35mm Format equivalent). That is like having a modest wide angle lens through the focal range to a super tele-photo range in a super compact body, with built in Image Stabilization (IS) and packed with an array of filters (creative art filters) to allow creativity to be unleash even without the presence of a manual mode.

Too good to be true? Looking at the specifications sent to me by Olympus Singapore, it suggested a basic, no-frills travel camera. Well, to have a feel of how users from different categories will rate this camera, I rounded up a few photographers from different walks of life for a little “ground check” instead of me doing the review (again). I have been noted recently that I am very “pro-Olympus” these days ignoring releases from Nikon, Canon, Pentax & Sony. Well, to be really fair this time, I have to say, whenever a new camera is launched from Nikon, Canon, Pentax & Sony, even before I can get my hands on a review unit, many “reviews” would have been up and circulating – so there isn’t much need for me to write about these cameras/ lenses based on press releases – as I would rather do a run with them and post up my feedbacks. Wouldn’t you agree with me? 🙂

So back to Olympus, and the SZ-14, so what users from different segment of the market have to say about the SZ-14?

Sheladina Joseph – Travel Photographer.

Editor: So how do you find the Olympus SZ-14?

Sheladina: I find the grip on the SZ-14 to be extremely well-thought off. Most compacts of this range are flat bodied and runs the risk of losing the camera to an unexpected fall. The design is friendly to most travelers and the weight is a bonus. I also find the longer zoom range to be extra useful especially when doing street photography during my travel. To capture street scenes without having to use large DSLR bodies & long lenses – which can be intimidating in certain countries that I travels to. So it is at times like this, a compact like the SZ-14 will be very very useful.

Tan Yoke Ling (Yu Ling) – Professional Photographer.

Editor: So how do you find the Olympus SZ-14?

Yu Ling: I find the colours to be comparable to some DSLRs. Rich and constrasty and the high resolution LCD does makes viewing images satisfying too. The SZ-14 will be a good addition to fellow professionals’ camera bags. It can be used as a back up when “everything fails” too. In the photography business, anything can happen when one least expected it, having the little SZ-14 in my gear bag will add as “insurance”. When I am not on assignment, the SZ-14 can be my carry-around camera too – for leisure or snapshots. The creative filters are fun to use too. 🙂

Julia Chen – Photography Hobbyist & Enthusiast.

Editor: So how do you find the Olympus SZ-14?

Julia: This is a pretty basic camera. But it also promises lots of fun with its good focal range (25mm-600mm) and its creative offerings (Art Filters). This camera is light and compact and I can carry it with me anywhere I want, be it local or overseas. On days that I wish to give my DSLRs a break, the SZ-14 will be the perfect choice to bring it with me.
I like the “Super Macro” function a lot as it has the ability to get up (real) close to nature subjects will even shame some of the higher end prosumer compacts. And I love the sharpness of the photos from the SZ-14!

Hazel Q.M. – Photography Beginner.

Editor: So how do you find the Olympus SZ-14?

Hazel: I am very new to photography having picked up the interest about a year ago. I uses a DSLR and I have learn to rely on its advanced functions. The SZ-14 opens up yet another possibility for my learning curve as when I am not on “technical Mode”, I would want a camera that can allow me to concentrate on framing my photos and work on composition. The SZ-14’s “idiot-proof” package is perfect for such needs. And I would also like to add that the layout is simple and easy to find what I need, the creative filters that allows me more room for creative work as well as the compact and light package that I can carry it wherever I go and I can shoot whenever I want.

Key Features of Olympus SZ-14

Image Quality
24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*) for superb close-ups

• Multi-motion Movie IS for capturing HD movies with reduced blur while walking
• TruePic III+ image processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise
• 720p HD Movie with sound for movies in excellent quality
• 14 Megapixels for high-quality full-size movies, stills and prints
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots

Usability

• 3” colour LCD (460,000 dots) for easily framing, reviewing and sharing shots
• Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people’s faces just as you want them
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog’s or cat’s faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions (e.g., Landscape, Night)

Creativity & Flexibility

• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills: Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye, Soft Focus, Sparkle (photos only), Watercolour, Miniature, Reflection and new Fragmented (SZ-14 and photos only).

Other key features

• Photo surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it’s connected to HD equipment
• ISO 80 to 1600
• In-Camera Panorama
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible**
• Built-in flash
• In-camera manual
• USB charging
  Recommended Retail Price and AvailabilityThe Olympus SZ-14 is available in Black, Red and Silver at the recommended retail price of S$398 (with GST) at Olympus authorised retailers.For more information, please visithttp://www.olympusimage.com.sg/products/compact/s_series/sz14/For the list of authorised retailers, please visit http://home.olympusimage.com.sg/contactus/authorised_retailers.aspAbout Olympus Imaging Singapore
  
  Olympus Imaging Singapore is the unparalleled industry leader in opto-digital technologies, delivering award-winning digital imaging products for the consumer and professional markets in Singapore. Driven by a strong commitment in providing innovative products and solutions of the highest quality, Olympus Imaging Singapore works closely with industry partners, customers and other Olympus business units in producing leading-edge products. These include analogue and digital cameras, professional SLR imaging systems, and voice recorders, amongst others. Olympus Imaging Singapore’s unrelenting efforts in superior customer service also bear testimony to its brand promise of delivering the best user experience to all consumers and professional users in the imaging field. For more information, please visit http://www.olympusimage.com.sg.