Theoretical maximum optical zoom for a small (shirt pocket) camera?

[JEDI]

Years ago it was 3x optical zoom as the standard for small cameras. (ie: Canon A70)

Then 4x optical. (ie: Canon A510)

Recently i've seen more 5x optical cameras and one 6x.

What's the theoretical maximum optical zoom for a compact camera?

 

[Brainonska511]

It really depends on sensor size and the focal length of the lens used. I don't think I can answer that "theoretical maximum".

 

[Fiveohhh]

You couldn't get an exact number. Would depend on how thick the camera is, how much of that thickness can be used for optics, how far the lens telescopes out and quality of the optics.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: JEDI
Years ago it was 3x optical zoom as the standard for small cameras. (ie: Canon A70)

Then 4x optical. (ie: Canon A510)

Recently i've seen more 5x optical cameras and one 6x.

What's the theoretical maximum optical zoom for a compact camera?

Theoretical maximum?

Infinite zoom.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: Fiveohhh
You couldn't get an exact number. Would depend on how thick the camera is, how much of that thickness can be used for optics, how far the lens telescopes out and quality of the optics.

Not to mention, the size of the shirt pocket!

 

[FoBoT]

wrong forum

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Since when was the Canon A series a shirt pocket camera? I always thought the ultra compacts (e.g. SD600) were the right ones for your shirt pocket.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
wrong forum

sorry, didnt notice the Digital and Video Cameras forum