EmailUltra-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 28x 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 often weigh two to three times as much.
Ultra-zoom digital cameras are also not the fastest. Aside from the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 (*Est. $1,000), which takes shots at a rate of 60 per second, 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.
Another issue with ultra-zoom cameras is camera shake. When zooming out as much as 26x, 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. A few less expensive extended-zoom cameras don't offer any 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, since shutter lag is almost nonexistent and you can interchange lenses. DSLR cameras are usually more expensive, and few have movie modes. See the separate ConsumerSearch report for more on
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 that this system is just as effective as optical image stabilization.
- Most ultra-zoom cameras are bulky and heavy. That's because there are a lot more optics inside the camera body. Typically, they weigh between 12 ounces and 1.5 pounds -- not nearly as pocketable as cameras with shorter zoom lenses. Some compact ultra-zoom cameras can fit into a large-sized 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 higher-end features, such as manual control over 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 DSLRs.
- 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 28 mm or equivalent lens if this feature is important to you.