Digital Camera and Zoom

[sechs]

I'm planning on replacing my aging 2MP Olympus digital camera this month. The problem that I'm running into is that, for a few special occasions, I really need more than the standard 3x zoom that you find on point and shoot cameras. I don't want to get a big camera that's going to be inconvenient to use for candid shots.

What I'm considering is getting the Canon A95, which is a decent camera, and affixing a telephoto lens when the additional zoom needed. Is this a good idea or should I back off the caffeine?

 

[SynthDude2001]

You could consider one of the "ultrazoom" cameras like the S1 IS (which has 10x optical zoom). It's larger than the A-series obviously, but it's still fairly compact. I have one and love it.

 

[sechs]

Unfortunately, the zoom and small-and-easy goals are at odds. This idea is a bit of a compromise.

After handling several models, larger cameras like the S1 IS and Powershot G6 are too large and heavy for me.

 

[Tbirdkid]

Nikon 4800

 

[WhipperSnapper]

I wonder if OP has an Uzi...an Olympus C-2100 with a 10x optical zoom and most importantly, mechanical image stabilization (allowing you to take a sharp photo at 10x zoom). I've got one right here and it rocks.

 

[sechs]

Situations where I'm going to need to squeeze out that extra zoom are generally going to be events where I can break out a tripod, if necessary.