Compact Ultra-Zoom Cameras

Pocket-sized long-zoom digital cameras

Many ultra-zoom digital cameras are relatively bulky. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (*Est. $390), also known as the DMC-TZ7 internationally, is the exception to the rule. At 1.29 inches thick and 7.2 ounces, the DMC-ZS3 is the follow-up to the highly rated Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 (*Est. $240). The two models are about the same, with some minor improvements to the DMC-ZS3, including an increase from 9.1 to 10.1 megapixels, and 10x to 12x zoom with a wide-angle equivalent to 25 mm.

Whereas the larger Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is an advanced camera with lots of features, the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 is more of a point-and-shoot. Reviewers say it's a small yet good performing camera that's fun to use. With minimal shutter lag, shot-to-shot times are fast. On the downside, the autofocus lags when shooting in low light, and the battery life is limited.

Unlike Panasonic's other ultra-zoom cameras, the DMC-ZS3 lacks a full manual mode, an electronic viewfinder and RAW format (uncompressed file) support. However, it has 26 scene modes and an Intelligent ISO feature that detects moving objects and automatically raises the ISO setting to reduce blur. Other important features include optical image stabilization, a large, 3-inch LCD display and HD video.

Image quality is highly rated in reviews. Jeff Keller of DCResource.com says its noise-reduction system is less heavy-handed than in previous models in this series, but noise can be cleaned up with most photo-editing software. Likewise, images can be a little soft but are otherwise first-rate, with accurate exposures and saturated colors.

Other options among compact ultra-zoom cameras include the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 (*Est. $310) and new Olympus Stylus 9000 (*Est. $260). The Lumix DMC-TZ50 is essentially the DMC-TZ5 but with Wi-Fi capability. The camera can wirelessly upload images to Picasa Web Albums via your home network or at T-Mobile HotSpots, although DigitalCameraReview.com says the feature isn't as easy to use as it sounds.

The Olympus Stylus 9000 (*Est. $260) is the smallest in this class at 1.2 inches thick and 6.5 ounces. The 12-megapixel camera has a 10x zoom with dual-image stabilization, 19 shooting modes, in-camera panorama and AVI movie mode with sound. Few reviewers have tested the Stylus 9000, although DPReview.com warns to "steer clear" -- their testers say the S9000 "delivers arguably the worst image quality," a clunky user interface and scratch-prone surface.

Casio Exilim Pro is expensive, but great for action shots

Because of their longer-than-typical shutter lag, ultra-zoom cameras aren't usually considered the best choice for fast-moving sports or action shots. However, the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 (*Est. $1,000) turns that stereotype upside down.

The Casio EX-F1's biggest claim to fame is its unbelievably fast shutter, which snaps 6-megapixel still images at a rate of 60 per second. The advantages of that speed for shooting action or sports photography can't be overstated. For example, a photographer can shoot the entire arc of a baseball batter's swing with a single shutter press, afterwards discarding all but the perfect shot. That's a photo you just can't capture with any other digital camera.

Other key features include a pre-record mode that continually records photos -- discarding the oldest ones -- until the shutter is fully pressed. The motion detection mode waits for hours until something moves within its field of view, then shoots off 60 fast frames. As David Pogue of The New York Times notes, "That could come in handy when you're trying to photograph a hummingbird approaching a flower, a bird arriving at its nest or an unauthorized household member raiding the cookie jar."

The Casio EX-F1 can also record full-HD video at 60 fps or slow-motion with reduced resolutions at up to 1,200 fps to create, for example, a video of water drops hitting the surface of a pond. The camera also has the ability to snap still photos while recording video.

Nearly everyone considers the Casio EX-F1 a breakthrough camera. Laptop Magazine gives the EX-F1 an Editors' Choice award, and says it's "unlike any camera you've seen." However, Laptop's Dana Wollman adds that it is not for everyone, and most critics agree. David Pogue is impressed with the EX-F1 but says there are "nearly as many downsides as breakthroughs" -- including a high price tag, a steep learning curve, mixed photo quality and limited options. However, for those who want to capture sports or other action shots and don't want to spend thousands on an SLR, there's really nothing else quite like the Casio EX-F1.