Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom): Reviews

Updated June 2009

June 25th:
Little Cameras With Big Eyes
From: The New York Times

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Budget ultra-zoom digital camera

*Est. $275 Compare Prices

This Panasonic 10.1-megapixel, 18x ultra-zoom digital camera offers great performance, features and picture quality at an affordable price. Reviews say RAW format image quality is first-rate and that it also produces good… JPEG images. Optical image stabilization helps reduce the instance of blurry photos when using the long 18x zoom, and the camera also shoots high-definition video. The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 has a fixed 2.7-inch LCD display, and there's no hot shoe for an external flash, but at about 13 ounces, it weighs nearly 6.8 ounces less than the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and is $100 cheaper.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Imaging-Resource.com: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 scores for its long zoom lens, excellent image quality at wide angles and fast shutter times. ...

StevesDigicams.com: Steves-Digicams.com conducts thorough testing of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28, covering key elements such as shooting options, ...

Pocket-Lint.co.uk: Pocket-Lint.com provides credible reviews written for a general audience, although they are shorter than those found at ...

TrustedReviews.com: When comparing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 to its predecessor, the FZ18, Cliff Smith sees the obvious similarities, but adds ...

Amazon.com: Most of the more than 250 owner reviews give top scores to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 for its versatility, image quality and ...

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Best 20x ultra-zoom digital camera

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS

*Est. $380 Compare Prices

While reviewers find a few shortfalls, they agree that the Canon SX10 IS is the most robust and versatile camera in its class. This 10-megapixel camera packs a 20x image-stabilized zoom lens that works for still photos… and videos alike. Manual settings abound for those who want more control, yet the SX10 remains easy enough for novices to use. Image quality is first-rate, especially at lower ISO settings, but low-light shots are inconsistent, and the autofocus can be unreliable. It also lacks high-definition and RAW format support. Still, if you want the flexibility of a 20x zoom, the SX10 consistently outperforms cameras in its class. The camera's 19.8-ounce weight means that it's more like carrying an SLR than a compact camera.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNet.com: The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is one of the top-ranked ultra-zoom cameras reviewed at CNET. Editor Lori Grunin says it's "a nice ...

Imaging-Resource.com: Editors at Imaging-Resource.com find the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS to be "a superb image maker," even in light of some noise at all ...

DCResource.com: Jeff Keller favorably reviews the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, especially for its whopping 20x zoom lens and extensive focal range, ...

DPReview.com: The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is considered one of the best in its class. Editors like the great image quality, excellent feature ...

ConsumerReports.org: While not nearly as detailed as photography sites, ConsumerReports.org nonetheless conducts rigorous tests and evaluates key ...

Amazon.com: With more than 250 users posting comments about the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, the majority praise its powerful lens and breadth of ...

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Simplest to use, compact size

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

*Est. $390 Compare Prices

If you primarily want a point-and-shoot camera with a long zoom, reviewers say the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is the best compact camera. With a 12x zoom, 10.1 megapixels and optical image stabilization, it weighs just over… 7 ounces and slips into a shirt pocket. Other bonuses include a 25-mm wide-angle lens and a larger-than-average 3-inch LCD screen. The camera is pretty quick, with little shutter lag, quick shot-to-shot times and good photos. If compact size isn't a priority, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 has a longer 18x zoom and more manual options, while costing about $100 less.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNet.com: Out of nine top-rated ultra-zooms reviewed by CNET, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 places second. Lori Grunin praises its combined ...

DCResource.com: "The DMC-ZS3 takes everything that was great about the TZ5 and improves upon it," writes Jeff Keller. He likes the wider, more ...

DPReview.com: The Panasonic DMC-ZS3 and its sibling, the DMC-ZS1, reign as joint winners in the compact super-zoom group test. These cameras ...

Imaging-Resource.com: Editor Shawn Barnett praises the Panasonic Lumix ZS3's compact size, good image quality and ease of use. He is also impressed ...

Amazon.com: About 30 customers weigh in on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3; most give it positive ratings. Complaints include a noisy zoom lens, ...

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Best ultra-zoom camera for fast action

Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1

*Est. $1,000 Compare Prices

Critics say the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 has almost as many negatives as positives, but its incredibly fast shutter speed sets it apart from the pack. This camera can snap 60 6-megapixel images in just one second -- a feat… no other still camera comes close to -- making it perhaps the best model ever for sports and action photography. Other unique features include a mode that starts capturing images even before the shutter is pressed. However, the EX-F1 is expensive, has a steep learning curve and produces images that, while nice, fall short of the very best.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

StevesDigicams.com: The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 is considered unique among ultra-zoom cameras because of its ability to record video at 1,200 frames ...

Pocket-Lint.co.uk: Pocket-Lint gives the Casio Exilim EX-F1 a score of six out of 10, with average image quality being the biggest drawback. ...

TrustedReviews.com: Cliff Smith says the Casio Exilim EX-F1's unique abilities will be extremely useful for some, while the lackluster image quality ...

Laptop Magazine: In this detailed review, the Casio Exilim EX-F1 earns an Editors' Choice award. However, Dana Wollman also notes its drawbacks, ...

The New York Times: This standalone review shows what the "astonishing" Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 does right and what it does wrong. David Pogue is ...

Amazon.com: Amazon.com has just a handful of owner reviews for the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1. While ratings are high, users concur with experts ...

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 *Est. $240

4 picks including: Amazon.com, CNet.com…

Olympus SP-570 UZ *Est. $400

3 picks including: Amazon.com, CNet.com…

Canon PowerShot SX110 IS *Est. $235

2 picks including: Amazon.com, CNet.com…

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS *Est. $590

2 picks including: Amazon.com, CNet.com…


	Olympus SP-570UZ 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom from Amazon.com New: $449.99 In Stock. Average Customer Review:


	Canon Powershot SX110IS 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) from Amazon.com New: Too low to display In Stock. Average Customer Review:


	Canon PowerShot SX1IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD from Amazon.com New: Too low to display In Stock. Average Customer Review:

Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom): Reviews

Budget ultra-zoom digital camera

Best 20x ultra-zoom digital camera

Simplest to use, compact size

Best ultra-zoom camera for fast action

Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom) by Price Range