Olympus’ new C-5500 Sport Zoom incorporates a wealth of features including a 5.1-megapixel CCD, a large 2-inch LCD, world-class 5x optical zoom lens, and an inspiring array of manual and automatic functions. The combination of advanced features and intuitive operation enables users of all skill levels to achieve their precise creative goals. The C-5500 gives users that extra bit of manual control for capturing perfect snapshots along with the power to create digital masterpieces.

CNET have reviewed the C-5500 today and given it a rating of 6.7 or Good. Here’s what they said about it-

“The Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom is, above all, a good compact camera for the money. Its 5-megapixel resolution, 5X optical zoom, solid build, impressive array of features, and very good image quality add up to a strong all-purpose option for the advanced snapshot photographer. That said, some of its features are compromised; for example, you can’t snap in burst mode at the highest-quality JPEG setting. That drawback, in addition to some inconsistent shutter lag and focus-time performance, makes this camera less suited for snapping action than the Sport Zoom moniker might lead you to believe.
…
The Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom excels here, producing pleasing, clean photos with accurate exposure and very good detail and sharpness. Colors are saturated but natural, and photos exhibited very little noise at low ISO ratings, although at ISO 400, noise does tend to mar the photographs. Surprisingly little purple fringing was visible, even in branches and gate detail photographed against the sky.”

Olympus Camedia C5500 5.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

Features:
* 5.1 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2592×1944 pixel images
* 5x optical 38-190mm f/2.8-4.8 zoom, 4x seamless digital zoom
* Autofocus target selection, choose from 143 AF zones
* Super Macro coverage as close as 0.8″
* Low-light focus assist illuminator
* 2″ color LCD with realtime histogram and 5x playback zoom
* 15 snapping modes including Auto, Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Manual and creative scene modes for beginners
* Quicktime movie mode w/anti-shake and sound, 320×240 HQ and SQ quality
* 2.7fps Continuous burst capture of Large/Fine images
* Digital ESP metering on focus point or Spot metering option
* Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
* Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
* White Balance: iESP2 Auto, 6 presets, manual WB and WB compensation
* Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1500 second
* Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 400
* Built-in microphone and speaker
* Powered by either 4 AA or 2 CR-V3 batteries
* USB Direct-print with any PictBridge compatible printer
* USB connectivity for PC and Mac
* Removeable xD-Picture Card, 16MB supplied

Read the entire Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom review here.