Olympus SP-550 UZ won't focus properly most of the time. Focus point should be infinity since my subjects are seascapes, sunsets and clouds. I've tried all 3 AF focus modes but none work consistently. I can get it to focus sometimes if point the camera at the ocean first. I've even tried manual focus but it won't focus to infinity. This camera is practically new, has never been dropped. Is this a known problem with this camera? Is it a settings problem (I've reset the camera to factory settings & still the same problem)? Is it something repairable? SandyPheet

You need to send the camera back to Olympus for proper diagnostics and service sounds like there is a electronic fault in the lens zoom assembly which will most likely need to be replaced

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_consumercontact.asp
click on this link togo to olympus support contact us page

I don't have an answer but I have had this problem too. I think it has something to do with the zoom/shutter control. Something broke on this and the camera can't be revived unless you shut it off and on again. I was in the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris when this happened and I suspect I might as well have buried it there.

One source is http://uscamera.com/vg4293.htm

It is not possible to use this as a webcam as the camera is not capable of sending streaming data over the data cable rpovided with it and also the software rpovided with it (drivers) is not programmed for the camera to be used as webcam.

many cameras have a slow shutter release .. when you push the button you expect it to take a picture right away .. but the camera has to first adjust for focus and determine how much light is or will be available then set itself up .. this takes time but some newer cameras do it all very quickly .. one way to get around this is to first hold the shutter button down half way .. do this early just before your subjects are where you want them .. the camera will auto focus and set itself up .. keep the trigger in that half way position until the subject is in place .. now when you push the trigger the rest of the way down, there is very little lag ... make sure that you focus on something close to where your subject will be when they are in position .. .. another speed up trick is, if your camera has manual focus .. preset the focus for where you want it and that saves the time it takes to auto focus .. there are several digital camera reviews on the interent ..they will tell you how much shutter lag you can expect for different cameras .. that can be a great help when you are ready for a new camera or want to see where your present camera performs ..

you may want to use lithium batteries... i find the rechargeables in most cameras to not last as long... also you may need to clean the contacts in the battery compartment with alcohol and let air dry

turn off the image stabilzation (shaky hand) and try again

Unfortunately such conversion is not possible. If the "vari angle" screen is an essential your best approach would be to dispose of the SP 550 UZ and buy another camera meeting your need. Sorry!

Assuming your SP 550 UZ is similar to the 510 UZ "RAW Mode" is not available in "Auto" or any of the "Scene" modes. If you set your camera to "P" and then access the Image Quality item in the Menu RAW is available as an option.
Hope this helps.