Ultra-zoom digital cameras are not for everyone

Ultra-zoom digital cameras make it easier to take close-up photos, but they might not be the best choice for all photographers. For one thing, the long-zoom lens of up to 35x makes them heavier and more difficult to control than smaller digital cameras. Many compact digital cameras weigh 6 or 7 ounces, whereas ultra-zoom cameras may weigh two to three times as much.

Long-zoom digital cameras are also not the fastest. Most ultra-zooms take about 0.5 seconds to snap a photo, and shutter lag typically gets worse on the telephoto end of the focal range. Pre-focus, in which the shutter release is pushed halfway before being fully depressed, helps. But for action shots, there's often not enough time to pre-focus. The top-rated Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (*Est. $300) is one of the fastest ultra-zooms covered in this report, with a shooting speed of 10 frames per second.

Another issue with ultra-zoom cameras is camera shake. When zooming out as much as 35x, the camera easily picks up vibration, producing a fuzzy image. A static tripod can solve the problem, but many digital cameras use built-in image-stabilization systems that sense and correct camera shake. Experts prefer cameras with some kind of anti-shake feature, and optical image stabilization is usually more effective than digital image stabilization.

If you take a lot of action shots or want high photo quality, a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera may be a better choice, because shutter lag is almost nonexistent and you can interchange lenses. DSLR cameras are more expensive, though. See the separate ConsumerSearch report for more on digital SLR cameras.

If you're not quite ready for a DSLR, an interchangeable lens compact camera is a good bridge between point-and-shoots and fully manual cameras. These types of cameras are covered in our report on digital cameras.

Extended-zoom digital cameras have special lenses loaded with extra optics, so there are some special aspects to consider before buying:

  • Image stabilization helps avoid the effects of camera shake at longer zoom ranges. This feature counteracts the vibration inevitable at extreme telephoto if you're not using a tripod. There are two types of image stabilization: digital and optical. Experts say both help, but optical image stabilization is usually more effective. Some cameras shift the sensor rather than the optics to reduce camera shake. Most experts say this system is just as effective as optical image stabilization.
  • Some ultra-zoom cameras are bulky and heavy. That's because there are a lot more optics inside the camera body. Some really long-zoom models weigh up to 1.5 pounds -- not nearly as light as cameras with shorter zoom lenses. We do cover several compact ultra-zoom cameras that weigh about 8 ounces and can fit into a large pocket.
  • Although ultra-zoom cameras may seem like a great idea for sports and action photography, shutter lag can be an issue. If you really want a camera that can capture the crack of the bat or a slam dunk, look at a DSLR, which has almost no shutter lag. Extended-zoom cameras average about 0.5 seconds of shutter time and are even slower at high zoom ranges. They can work faster if you have time to focus before squeezing off a shot, but that's not always an option.
  • Most ultra-zoom cameras come with high-end features, such as manual controls for exposure, white balance, aperture and focus. This is more than your average point-and-shoot camera and can be great if you are looking to learn about photography, but it may be overkill if you simply want a camera for snapshots. Ultra-zooms are a good bridge between basic compact cameras and digital SLRs.
  • A wide-angle lens can be just as important as optical zoom. If you like to capture panoramas or group shots, a wide-angle lens is key. Otherwise you'll have to rely on software to stitch together shots after the fact. Check the camera's specs for the focal length; look for a 24 mm to 28 mm lens or equivalent if this feature is important to you.
  • A higher megapixel count doesn't guarantee better image quality. To increase the pixel count, manufacturers often use a greater number of smaller pixels on the same-sized camera sensor. The smaller megapixels capture fewer light particles (photons). The end result is a noisier photographic image with less vibrant color. See our Productopia blog post for more information on how sensor size affects image quality.

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