Olympus SP-700 Review

The Olympus Camedia SP-700 couples a six megapixel CCD imager with a prism-folded 3x optical zoom lens, and is notable for its use of a large three-inch HyperCrystal Sunshine LCD, following a recent trend for camera models that emphasise sharing of images on-camera. Unfortunately, it also follows the trend of not including an optical viewfinder - something many photographers like to have since it allows you to save battery life by switching off the power-hungry LCD display when precise framing isn't necessary.

Other features of note on the Olympus SP-700 include xD-Picture Card and 11MB of built-in storage, power from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery that recharges in-camera, a digital image stabilisation function that is available in the movie mode only, and an unusually wide selection of 24 scene modes. These include underwater modes designed to be used with the optional PT-013 underwater case - so if you're into scuba diving, snorkelling, or just plain splashing around in the swimming pool, you might want to consider buying the case along with the camera for an extra degree of protection and versatility.