Best Extended Zoom Cameras (2011)
One of the best things about digital photo taking is that you can get wonderful results with inexpensive cameras. These inexpensive cameras come with optical zooms, and digital zooms as well. Back in the days of sub mega pixel cameras, roughly ten years ago, you might be able to find one with a resolution of 1024 x 768 if you were lucky. If you wanted a close up of something or someone, you needed to either creep up on them in real life, or you had to crop in on the computer. If tried the later, back in the old days, you ended up with an image that was reminiscent of the graphics quality of Pong. This was largely due to the lack of pixels inherent to the image sensor.
Today, not only is it common to find multi mega pixel cameras but they also have a combination of optical and digital zooms. This allows you to stay at a discrete distance from your subject while cropping the photo in the viewfinder to get what you want from a creative standpoint. Optical zoom is always the better option, but one of the benefits of high resolution (mega pixel) cameras is the amount of detail contained in each pixel. You can easily crop a photo in the editing phase or use the digital zoom feature and lose a couple of mega pixels without any noticeable image degradation at all.
Nonetheless, there are always exceptions to the rule. Sometimes, you simply want or need to get a large degree of zoom to get really close and you also want to keep as much pixel information as possible. Perhaps it is to get extreme close ups of people in crowded settings, a sporting event, bird watching activities, bees on a flower petal, or any number of possible situations where you just cannot get as close as you would like. In these kinds of situations, the higher the degree of optical zoom, the better. If you use digital zoom in an extreme manner, you typically get a lot of image noise or pixilation, even with high pixel resolution cameras.
Some people think that digital zoom is the end all and be all. However, once you understand how it works, it is simple to see why digital zooms offer reduced quality photos. Typically, digital zooms simply at a portion of the picture provided by the optical zoom and then attempts to ‘fill in’ the extra pixels needed. This equates to no real extra resolution or magnification at all; instead, you get a poor quality photo with a bunch of pixels.
This means that if you find yourself in the situation where high zoom capabilities are needed, you should look for a camera offering a good quality high optical zoom. This will automatically equate to increased costs, but everyone is familiar with the adage “You get what you pay for.” While most people are satisfied with a 4x or 6x, those magnification levels simply will not do for extreme situations. For these, you will need to find something in the range of 8x to 12x or higher optical zoom.
Sometimes these extended zoom cameras are called ultra zoom digital cameras. Whatever you wish to call them, they have the ability to zoom in from very far away. Some have ratings above 20x, however, it should be of some note, that if you are going to try to use that kind of power, you need to have the camera on something stable, like a tripod, otherwise you run the risk of blurred images due to camera shake.
Because of the number of problems that can accompany long focal lengths or zoom capabilities, these cameras often boast a feature set that has been designed to help compensate for the majority of problems typically seen with extended zoom cameras. Of paramount importance is image stabilization that will help do exactly what it sounds like…stabilize the image.
Other features typically include distorted or blurred image reduction from moving objects or shaking hands, wide angle features, manual controls, and ease of use. Some will say that pricing is a large player in the extended zoom market, and while this is true to a point, it does not play any larger role in the overall conditions than it would for any other specialty camera. After all, we are talking about extended zoom cameras not budget cameras.
So without any further ado, we should dive right in and find out which cameras top the list for Best Extended Zoom Cameras for 2011.
Panasonic FZ100
Panasonic has seemingly pulled out all of the stops in producing the FZ100 as the flagship for their extended zoom cameras. In fact, one would be truthful in saying that the FZ100 is likely the best extended zoom camera on the market in 2011 by far. However, the one drawback that might make many people think twice and choose a different model is it’s near $500 price tag. Most people will have a hard time paying out as much for a extended zoom digital camera as they could spend on an entry level DSLR. If one can get past the pricing issue, then there is a lot to like about the FZ100.
The FZ100 looks a lot like a mini DSLR. It has a big lens on the front allowing for the optical zoom capabilities, a large contoured grip, a number of controls and buttons, making it an all around easy to handle and use camera from an ergonomic standpoint.
While it is heavier than its competition, it is still light enough to carry by the neck strap without worrying about needing a trip to the chiropractor the next day. It has a rugged and durable feel that ooze quality at every turn.
The 24x zoom is the equivalent of a 25-600mm zoom lens and is responsible for the lens sticking out the front of the body for several inches when in telephoto use. It includes a pop up flash that is powerful enough to be used as a fill flash even in brightly lit situations. The back of the camera has a articulated 3.0 inch LCD screen, making it easy to use from high and low angles without the need to climb onto chairs or lay on the ground to achieve them. The view screen is a true 16:9 screen, which is a nice feature for those who want to use the camera to shoot HD video. You don’t have the black strips at the top and bottom of the viewfinder as is typical with standard def monitors set up for a 4:3 aspect ratio.
The FZ100 does not disappoint when it comes to usability. It is fast on the shutter release with almost no shutter lag, and produces stunningly clear and vibrant images as would be expected of this price range 14.1 mega pixel camera.
The range of controls on this level of camera is also impressive. While not up to the standard of even and entry level DSLR, the FZ100 has a lot to offer by way of control features. The menus are fairly easy to navigate through, though they could be a bit more intuitive than they are. However, basic priority modes like aperture or shutter are accessed with a wheel instead of the menu, making up for a lot of the learning curve. Manual focus is also controlled by a dedicated wheel on the camera, giving a lot of control on depth of field, something that is almost unheard of with this style of camera.
Because most people that buy extended zoom cameras will use them to take photos of sporting events involving their children, Panasonic included a burst photo mode that allows for as high as 11 frames per second. It also includes an automatic refocus that takes place 5 times per second to help ensure that subjects moving at high speeds in the field of view remain in focus.
All of these features bring the Panasonic FZ100 in at first place well ahead of any of the competition as the Best Extended Zoom Camera for 2011.
The Nikon P500 is almost like having a DSLR along with a decent sized choice of lenses and other adapters compressed into a single small and lightweight package. It used to be that extended zoom cameras were a bit limited at the small end of the range and did not have a good wide-angle type setting. However, Nikon has made the P500 has offered a solution in a lens setting that starts at 22.5mm.
This is a great help when you are taking group shots and keeps the shooter from having to continue to back up farther and farther in order to get everyone in the shot together. In fact, most situations will require a bit of zooming in to frame it properly. Nikon included a zoom control on the side of the lens that helps the shooter keep a bit steadier when zoomed all the way in. “How far in?” you ask. All the way in to an impressive 810mm equivalent. However, while this is great for an extended zoom it is also a bit of a drawback. Even with image stabilization on, it is almost impossible to get a steady shot in a hand held scenario. If you are going to use this camera zoomed to full, then you will need to consider a tripod or other stable base to take your shots.
Coming to the plate as a 12.1 mega pixel zoom marvel, the Nikon P500 also does a great job in low light, keeping photos fairly clear of ISO noise. This is partly due to the EXPEED C2 dual image processor. The processor also helps in other ways like offering some special modes like Easy Panorama, Backlighting or HDR modes.
The continuous shooting mode is good at capturing between 5 and 8 images per second. That kind of speed makes the P500 a wonderful choice when it comes to shooting high speed activities like car races or sporting events. This all in wonder can also shoot full HD video at 1080p with stereo sound capabilities to top it all off.
You have your choice of using the digital viewfinder or the LCD screen. The LCD screen measures 3.0 inches and is articulated to help take shots from odd angles easily. Whether you are shooting a self-portrait or trying to get a unique camera angle, this high resolution LCD will come in more than handy.
Missing some of the dedicated dial controls for settings, it is still easy to use and navigate in the menus. One can have as much control as needed by switching the camera to full manual or you can choose from multiple exposure options that are the equivalent to priority modes on DSLR type cameras. The camera is robust and well made and looks like a quality camera should look and feel.
It is also missing direct access to controls for ISO settings and white balance as well as the ability to attach an external flash, but it makes up for these missing controls with high quality image processing and wonderful in camera image buffers to help keep things looking as they should.
You will not be able to shoot in RAW settings but the convenience of the lens that is the equivalent of 4 standard SLR lenses in terms of focal length makes up for a lot of the P500’s shortcomings. Priced at around $400 this camera is an easy shoe in for the short list of Best Extended Zoom Cameras for 2011.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ35 is a extended zoom camera with a 12.1 mega pixel sensor that has a style reminiscent of a DSLR. It boast a 18x optical zoom range, equivalent to a 27-486mm zoom lens. Technically not much different than its predecessor the FZ28 except in the fact that it is upgraded by 2 mega pixels in resolution, at least on the surface. However, it is always under the hood where the true improvements are made and the FZ35 makes good on that as well.
The video mode was not enhanced beyond the 720p capabilities but you do now have the choice of encoding options. You can choose between the AVCHD or Motion JPEG formats as you see fit. Panasonic also added a red record button on the back of the camera to make shooting video a bit easier than on the previous model. In video mode, you also have the choice to make manual adjustments to the shutter and aperture, something not typically seen with this grade of camera.
The inclusion of a face recognition mode is another improvement on the FZ35 as well. High dynamic mode and scene presets are also new to this model along with a lengthened battery life, making longer shoots easier to manage in terms of spare batteries.
While the zoom range may be the same as its predecessor, the FZ35 has an added feature of optical image stabilization via the POWER OIS claimed by Panasonic to be much more powerful than the older MEGA OIS in eliminating camera shake and blurred photos. Autofocus is fast and sharp, shutter lag is nearly non-existent, and the camera powers up as fast as most entry level DSLR cameras.
Panasonic has also included an HDMI port to help in connecting to HD televisions for viewing photos and videos shot on the FZ35 and compatible Panasonic televisions can even control the playback settings for such an event.
While the FZ35 is not the world’s longest extended zoom camera, it has kept up with the its competitors in other ways that some would see as more important. The 3.0 inch fixed LCD is clear and easy to use even in brightly lit conditions.
The image quality is superb and one can take a number of shots in good to fair lighting situations. The image sensor starts to produce noise when the lighting gets low, as the FZ35 does not perform great in low light or high ISO settings. Auto focus is improved and continuous shooting is acceptable for most situations including rapidly moving subject matter. Those who love to get those actions shots of their kids soccer matches or baseball games will not be disappointed with the FZ35.
Priced at around $389 and boasting the quality and features it has, the Panasonic Lumix FZ35 deserves its place in the list for Best Extended Zoom Cameras for 2011.
This Fujifilm HS20EXR sports an impressive 30x optical zoom. While many might think that it is not so much to brag about, those who understand that it is not all in the numbers will see this camera for what it is. However, there is a reason that Fujifilm did not increase the magnification any further, at least one can guess as to why. The HS20 does not have any form of image stabilization. That means that for any zoomed shots of consequence, you will need to have a tripod or other stable shooting platform on which to rest the camera to avoid blurred shots from camera shake.
Technically, Fujifilm will say that they do have image stabilization but they call it sensor shit image stabilization. What is needed is optical image stabilization. Before you think that this is too much of a negative for the camera, read on…there is a reason this camera made the list.
Controls are the main reason. This camera is so packed with controls that any pro level photographer would be happy to have this as a secondary in a pinch. These controls include automatic, manual, priority modes, shutter priority, aperture priority, ISO sensitivity, white balance, manual focus, scene exposure settings, and more. You have all the controls you need at the tips of your fingers. So much control that some entry level DSLR models would be a bit embarrassed when stacked up against the HS20.
This model also has an articulated 3.0 inch LCD screen allowing for ample control and viewing from acute angles. You can control shutter speeds to as low as 30 seconds when using the Bulb option, increase the ISO sensitivity to ISO 12,800, choose preset White balance options, bracket your shots, shoot high speed for action scenes, and control exposure compensation from a control dial. This kind of ergonomic control is truly unheard of in any camera in this class.
Suffice it to say, that Fuji has a powerhouse on their hands. Many would complain about the lack true optical image stabilization, and they would be right to do so. In fact, if this model were to have better autofocus features and optical image stabilization, it would likely have topped the list in this category.
The HS20 also shoots 1080p HD video at 30fps and has a host of options for video controls as well. What more would one expect from one of the most controllable extended zoom cameras in the class?
The camera does not lack in other areas either. Boasting the highest resolution of any of the cameras on our list, the HS20 comes in at 16 mega pixels. This along with superior optics and ISO controls as low as ISO 100 allows for superior image clarity. The white balance controls provide vivid colors and contrasts in images.
Battery life is good and should be a welcome to shooters who are involved in all day shooting. Low light shooting is great with this model as it can produce images of good quality with little noise even in near dark situations.
If you still doubt why the Fujifilm HS20EXR is on the list, look at what you get and the price at which you get it. This camera runs around $395 on the net. That is a lot of camera for a relatively small amount of money. It should be abundantly clear why this camera made the list of the Best Extended Zoom Cameras for 2011.
If you are looking for an inexpensive compact extended zoom camera that offers a lot of point and shoot versatility and simplicity, then the Nikon L120 may be exactly the camera for which you are looking. The latest iteration in the Coolpix line, this 14 mega pixel extended zoom camera includes a 21x optical zoom lens with a control on the side of the lens. Also included under the hood is a CCD sensor shift image stabilization and vibration reduction endemic to Nikon for years now. These additions make steady shooting easier and increases the overall image clarity especially when using long focal length optical zooms. The advanced face detection technology allows for a moving subject to stay in focus as long as his or her face is seen by the camera. The L120 also has the ability to record 720p HD video with stereo sound capabilities, making it a easy contender with other cameras in this range.
The 21x optical zoom lens offers the equivalent of a 25-525mm zoom or telephoto lens. This allows for a wide variety of scene capture, from large groups to long distances, the L120 will be able to shoot them all and produce high quality, vibrant color, and low noise images with little input necessary from the shooter.
The L120 also allow for as many as 17 scene modes activated via the shooting menu that optimize the settings for many popular styles and effects. The 720p HD video recording mode operates at 20 frames per second with full stereo sound, thus allow users to shoot stills and video without changing cameras.
The L120 has a 2 inch LCD high resolution monitor with brightness adjustments making image and video viewing easier in various lighting conditions as well as framing the photos and videos in real time. The rule of thirds framing guide can be overlaid on the LCD via a menu setting, helping shooters achieve better composition. It can be used as a aid in shooting portraits, landscapes, and architectural images to achieve a better sense of composition and to train novice shooters as to how to correctly compose an image.
The face detection technology built into the L120 allows detection and focus on up to 12 faces simultaneously. Another innovative feature is one Nikon has dubbed “Smile Timer”. This feature looks at the subject’s face and waits to take the shot until they smile. When it detects the smile, the camera takes the shot automatically. “Blink Warning” is a feature that detects when a subject might have blinked and then alerts the shooter to review the shot or simply to retake the image.
The L120 also has an automatic red eye fix feature that takes care of the situation before it actually occurs. For those who are concerned with complexion issues, Nikon has a Skin Softening mode that allows for smoother tones and shades in the images on which it is used.
The camera is lightweight yet rugged and tough, allowing for more freedom in shooting in areas where a larger framed camera would get in the way and possibly prevent the shot altogether. The battery life is good and L120 includes an interesting choice in non-proprietary batteries. Instead the unit is powered by four AA alkaline batteries.
The Nikon Coolpix L120 is competitively priced at around $280 placing it firmly in the ranks of the Best Extended Zoom Cameras for 2011.
The Canon Powershot SX30IS is quite a bit different in style than its predecessor by being much more rounded as well as a bit larger. The handgrip is slimmer and the top panel incorporates a thumb recess. These changes have resulted in a camera that not only looks better in an aesthetic sense, but also has a better feel in the hand for the majority of users. While some might describe this model as a mini DSLR, the truth of the matter is that its size is equivalent to many entry level DSLR’s on the market today.
The weight of the Powershot SX30 is about the same as its larger counterparts as well. Partly due to a shift from using AA batteries to a proprietary Li-Ion cell battery, it still is not a camera that one would consider ‘heavy’, but neither would many consider it ‘light’.
Of course, we are talking about extended zoom cameras, so it is appropriate to bring attention to the impressive zoom rating Canon has included on this model. The SX30 proudly boasts a 35x optical zoom that is far beyond most of the competitors in this niche. It performs well, but as with any long range lens, the shooter will be susceptible to camera shake and blurred images unless a steady base is used to keep things from moving too much.
Users can operate the SX30’s mode dial easily with the index finger. Canon has saw fit to give users some powerful controls in this model as well. The user can easily switch between priority modes, aperture, shutter, and manual with the flick of the finger. This kind of control in an ergonomic setting is practically unheard of in photography, yet Canon is keen on doing things that no one else seems to think of, so it should not come as any surprise to Canon fans.
Other controls include Automatic, Landscape, Portrait, and Sports modes and a SCN setting allows for menu accessibility to 12 other scene modes and a movie mode. The familiar Canon control wheel is used to facilitate easy navigation of the menu to access things like exposure compensation, self timer, focus options, and ISO sensitivity. If you are familiar with Canon wheels, then this one might take a bit of getting used to because there are no clicks in the wheel motion to tell you how far you are moving. Instead, they have opted to use a freewheeling option that allows for very smooth scrolling.
From full manual to full automatic and nearly everything in between the SX30IS is a wonderful combination of features allowing for marvelous picture taking capabilities. This model also has an external hot shoe that will allow for external flash units to be mounted if you should choose to do so. Another benefit of this is that if you use the proper Canon Speedlites, you can have the same functionality with them as you would on any Canon DSLR…this means iTTL functionality.
Priced at a competitive $400, the Canon Powershot SX30IS has a firm position in the list of the Best Extended Zoom Cameras for 2011.