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Small camera/large optical zoom

Fritzo

Fritzo

Lifer
I want to get close to the action without lugging around an SLR sized monster. Are there any compact 3mp cameras with a 4x or higher optical zoom lens out there?
 
i need to pick up a similar camera before going to africa in 2 months and so far this is the best i have found

c-765 ultra zoom

10x optical and while not exactly pocket friendly its still pretty compact
 
My new Panasonix LZ5 is really small (barely bigger than my hand) and has an amazing 12x optical zoom w/ an astounding stabilization feature. It's amazing. Plus, it's got a Leica lens that's unbeatable.
 
Nikon 8700

Don't forget that a large zoom's worth may be diminished by the light gathering power (i.e. diameter) of the lens. If you're taking action shots, like a soccer game, you'll need a fast shutter speed as well as zoom, which means more light!
 
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Those are still too large. The best I've found so far is this:

So far, I found this one:


PowerShot S1 IS with 10x zoom and image stabilization

but even that's a bit larger than I wanted. I guess I was hoping with all this prism technology out now that there was a palm sized camera with something greater than a 3x zoom out now.

This camea is ITTY BITTY, but the 2x zoom won't cut it 🙁
Click to expand...

You just are not going to get great quality pictures in a very small camera w/ > 3x zoom. That's why they don't offer much. You need to carry around a larger camera to benefit. The 5x zoom on the Pentax will only be useable in very bright conditions. If you do go with an ultra-zoom, I'd make sure it's got some form of Image stabilization.

Also, I hear that the shutter lag on the Pentax SV is horrible.
 
Originally posted by: DBL
Originally posted by: Fritzo
Those are still too large. The best I've found so far is this:

So far, I found this one:


PowerShot S1 IS with 10x zoom and image stabilization

but even that's a bit larger than I wanted. I guess I was hoping with all this prism technology out now that there was a palm sized camera with something greater than a 3x zoom out now.

The image quality from that Olympus Sytlus is outstanding...I just wish it was a 4x or 5x zoom. Oh well, I'll probably go with the Canon. Thanks.
This camea is ITTY BITTY, but the 2x zoom won't cut it 🙁
Click to expand...

You just are not going to get great quality pictures in a very small camera w/ > 3x zoom. That's why they don't offer much. You need to carry around a larger camera to benefit. The 5x zoom on the Pentax will only be useable in very bright conditions. If you do go with an ultra-zoom, I'd make sure it's got some form of Image stabilization.
Click to expand...

 
Originally posted by: Fritzo
I want to get close to the action without lugging around an SLR sized monster. Are there any compact 3mp cameras with a 4x or higher optical zoom lens out there?
Click to expand...
For a zoom over 4x, a feature I wouldn't live without is Image Stabilization.

I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ1(v2), 2.1MP, 12X optical, Image-stabilization, Leica lens -- and am extremely pleased with it.
I wouldn't call it compact, though. It's smaller than many of the SLR monsters, but too big to fit in a pocket (well, a 'normal' pocket).

I'd definately consider Panasonic -- which may not be recognized as much as many of the other top-notch cameras.

You can read-up on actual owners-opinions on most good cameras over at dpreview, under 'forums'.
 
Originally posted by: ttown
Originally posted by: Fritzo
I want to get close to the action without lugging around an SLR sized monster. Are there any compact 3mp cameras with a 4x or higher optical zoom lens out there?
Click to expand...
For a zoom over 4x, a feature I wouldn't live without is Image Stabilization.

I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ1(v2), 2.1MP, 12X optical, Image-stabilization, Leica lens -- and am extremely pleased with it.
I wouldn't call it compact, though. It's smaller than many of the SLR monsters, but too big to fit in a pocket (well, a 'normal' pocket).

I'd definately consider Panasonic -- which may not be recognized as much as many of the other top-notch cameras.

You can read-up on actual owners-opinions on most good cameras over at dpreview, under 'forums'.
Click to expand...

I'm very familiar with the camera. They have an updated one with a higher MP rating now sold at Circuit City, but it's WAY too big. I want something smaller than my Oly 3000z.

 
You're stuck with 3x zoom on those pocket cameras, the tiny lens cannot gather enough light for meaningful zooms beyond 3x. Plus you need image stabilization otherwise the high zoom is useless without a tripod.
 
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Canon has a nice 3MP camera with a 10x optical zoom.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

S1 IS, I have one and :heart: it. There's also an updated version now (S2 IS), basically the same but 5MP and 12x optical zoom.
 
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
There is a small Pentax with 5x optical zoom. Can't remember the name now.
Other good ones are the Olympus C7xx series of cameras.
Click to expand...

i have that ... Pentax Optio 450(or 550same with 5 MP instead of 4) pm if you are curious

it's not "compact" but it's still a pocket camera
 
Man, you missed out. This DSC-V1 was selling for $300 shipped before Christmas, but few could recognize the awesome deal that was. 4X optical zoom, Zeiss lens, flash hotshoe, and Hologram autofocus assist in a pocket sized camera. Too bad, man...
 
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Canon has a nice 3MP camera with a 10x optical zoom.

Text

Edit-It has image stabilization also. Great camera.
Click to expand...

Gee...that looks exactly like the one I said I was probably going to go with a few posts up 😀
 
Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Canon has a nice 3MP camera with a 10x optical zoom.
Click to expand...
:thumbsup:

S1 IS, I have one and :heart: it. There's also an updated version now (S2 IS), basically the same but 5MP and 12x optical zoom.
Click to expand...
I have no idea how either units perform, but it would be smarter to wait for the S2, since the S1 doesn't have any autofocus assist lamp for some retarded reason. 😕
 
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