Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom)

Ultra-zoom digital cameras are not for everyone

Though it's fun being able to get so close, an ultra-zoom digital camera might not be the best choice for all photographers. For one thing, the long zoom lens in ultra-zoom digital cameras makes them heavier and more difficult to control than smaller digital cameras. Note that while many compact digital cameras weigh six or seven ounces, ultra-zoom cameras often weigh twice that.

Ultra-zoom digital cameras are also not the speediest cameras. Aside from the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 (*est. $1,000) detailed above, most ultra-zoom digital cameras take about .5 seconds to actually snap the photo and shutter lag typically gets worse on the telephoto end of the camera's focal range. Pre-focus -- where the photographer pushes the shutter release halfway before fully depressing it -- helps the situation but, for action shots, that's sometimes tough to do.

If you take a lot of action shots, and the EX-F1's limitations are a concern, a digital SLR (DSLR) could be an excellent choice since shutter lag is almost nonexistent. DSLR cameras are more expensive than most ultra-zoom digital cameras and they do not have movie modes. See the separate ConsumerSearch report for more on DSLR cameras.

Another big issue with extended-zoom digital cameras is camera shake. When zooming out as much as 18X, the camera easily picks up vibration, which can result in a fuzzy image. If you use a tripod, it might not be that big a problem, however (unless the tripod itself is moving). Many digital cameras use a built-in image-stabilization system, which senses and corrects camera shake. Experts generally prefer cameras with some kind of anti-shake feature. Note that optical image stabilization is almost always more effective than digital image stabilization. A few less expensive extended zoom cameras don't offer image stabilization at all.

Best ultra-zoom digital cameras

Virtually every reviewer points to one camera as the best choice overall in an ultra-zoom digital camera: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (*est. $400) . The 8.1-megapixel Panasonic sports an 18X lens that's more powerful than most ultra-zoom digital cameras. Another plus is that this camera has a wider angle lens (the equivalent of 28mm), so it's a good choice for shooting landscapes and group shots. DigitalCameraInfo.com's Emily Raymond says that the Lumix DMC-FZ18 "aims to be the camera that has it all." Judging by her comments and the assessments of other reviewers, it meets most of its goals.

As with some other Panasonic ultra-zoom digital cameras, critics say images can be noisy at higher ISO settings (but are fine at lower settings). Reviewers saw some compression artifacts in JPEG images, though camera settings can be adjusted to minimize them and non-picky users probably won't notice. Images shot in uncompressed RAW mode look great and the Silkypix RAW software supplied by Panasonic is also good. Other than those few small issues, reviews say image quality is first-rate, with great color accuracy. The Panasonic's 18X zoom has optical image stabilization and reports say that is very effective in smoothing out hand shake. The fixed 2.5-inch LCD display is sharp and easy to read, while the menu system is described as well-organized and easy to use.

The Panasonic DMC-FZ18 is also fast. TrustedReviews.com measures startup time at 2.5 seconds and reports autofocus -- regardless of lighting -- takes just .5 seconds to lock in. DigitalCameraInfo.com adds that there is no measurable shutter lag when the camera is pre-focused. Shot-to-shot delays are just 1.7 seconds, though things slow down a little when shooting in the RAW mode. Considering its powerful zoom lens, the camera's 13-ounce weight isn't too bad. The camera is available in black as the DMC-FZ18K or silver as the DMC-FZ18S.

We also found many good reviews for the 12X Canon PowerShot S5 IS (*est. $330) , but some of those positive reviews are tinged with regret. Noise at higher ISO speeds is a sore spot, and a disappointment when compared with its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS. DP Review's Simon Joinson sums up the consensus by writing, "We'd hoped for a little more from Canon this time around."

The other major disappointment in this camera is the lack of RAW support. That might not matter to most casual shooters, but for those who hope to edit images extensively in Photoshop or similar photo editing software, the lack of RAW support could be a deal killer.

While those problems keep the Canon S5 IS out of the ranks of ConsumerSearch Fast Answers for this update, reviews do say that the camera is feature-packed and capable of outstanding output. In his review for DCResource.com, Jeff Keller notes noise at higher ISO settings, but adds that at lower ISO, "images have an almost D-SLR-like 'smooth' appearance to them." Features include optical image stabilization, a 2.5-inch articulated LCD display and a hot shoe for adding an external flash unit. Also, the Canon PowerShot S5 IS makes use of Canon's DIGIC III processor, which brings face-recognition technology, in-camera red-eye removal and speedy performance. Camera speeds are very good for an ultra-zoom camera.

Canon also offers a more modestly priced 10X ultra-zoom digital camera that scores relatively well with reviewers. Experts aren't completely in love with the 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot SX100 IS (*est. $270) , but most say it is a feature-packed and capable budget choice. Lars Rehm and Simon Joinson at DP Review say "The SX100 IS offers reliable image quality, a big zoom range and a good variety of photographic controls in a relatively compact body at a very competitive price."

Among its pluses, the SX100 IS offers a full complement of manual controls. Optical image stabilization is included and effective at reducing blurry images caused by camera shake. Face detection -- a feature found on more and more digital cameras -- is another plus. Compared to the Canon PowerShot S5 IS, an electronic viewfinder, a hot shoe for adding accessories and the ability to use add-on lenses are all missing.

CNet.com reviewer Lori Grunin says that some issues hold the SX100 IS back somewhat, an opinion that's echoed by Jack Howard at PopPhoto.com -- though the reviewers disagree somewhat on what those issues are. Both say that image quality is first-rate at low ISO settings. However, Howard finds noise performance unacceptable at ISO 800. Grunin, on the other hand, says that high ISO performance (such as you would use in low light) is actually quite good -- clearly better than the Canon S5 IS: "At ISO 800, for example, there's far less of a mottled look in the SX100's shots, but with no increased loss of detail," she writes. Performance is fine according to CNet, but shot-to-shot delays with the flash enabled grow to 4.3 seconds. Both reviewers note that the LCD display isn't the best, but Howard finds that to be more of a problem. Grunin reports that the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS's navigational scroll wheel is "maddening" to use. Still, there's no doubt that the 10X zoom Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is both feature-packed and capable. The camera is available in black or silver.

In the race for the longest zoom length among ultra-zoom digital cameras, the lead now belongs solely to the Olympus SP-570UZ (*est. $425) . But, while its 20X zoom lens edges out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 in that regard, the Olympus shooter trails the Panasonic camera in most reviewers' eyes. There's no doubt that the SP-570UZ is feature-rich, but photo quality is "not stellar" according to David Gussman at PC Magazine. Outdoor and flash photography is generally fine, he says, but indoor shots without flash assistance are inconsistent.

Like the Panasonic DMC-FZ18, the zoom on this camera has a wide-angle low end -- an equivalent of 26 mm. The zoom is designed to work like that on a digital SLR, and can be adjusted using a focusing ring. However, Andrew Brandt at PC World complains in his review that the lens doesn't move proportionally to the turning of the ring, which is distracting at least at first. Otherwise the camera is judged easy to use by all, with Michael Patrick Brady at Digital Camera HQ saying "this is a very serious camera, packed with power, but Olympus has gone to great lengths to make it less daunting for users." A special Guide Mode walks the user through shooting situations and adjusts the settings to match the situation selected by the photographer. For those who need less hand-holding, manual control of ISO, aperture, shutter and focus are available. Most controls are intuitive to use.

Other features include digital and sensor-shift image stabilization, face detection, a 2.7-inch LCD display, RAW support and a "Perfect Shot" preview that shows the effect of a setting before snapping the picture. The camera also offers Shadow Adjustment Technology, which brings out shadows in scenes. Gussman notes that the feature is "especially useful on bright, sunny days when shadows can be quite harsh." Although the ISO range is out to 6,400, Gussman says that noise can be seen throughout an image at anything above ISO 800.

The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS (*est. $680) is a camera that critics would clearly love to love, but a fatal flaw holds it back from Consumer Search Fast Answer consideration despite some begrudging recommendations. On the plus side, this 11.1-megapixel camera is one of the best ultra-zoom digital cameras for low-light photography, with experts such as Trusted Review's Cliff Smith and DP Review's Richard Butler complementing how well it handles noise even at high ISO settings.

However, the big fly in the ointment is optics that, frankly, are not the best. Reviewers all note that chromatic aberration (which makes the edges of some images look fuzzy, with strange color highlights) can be seen at most focal lengths. This can be edited out if you shoot in RAW format, but Butler says that you'll need third-party software to do so since the software supplied by Fujifilm isn't very usable. Smith notes the chromatic aberration as well, and adds that barrel distortion can also be seen at the widest angle end of the 14.3X zoom range.

Compact ultra-zoom cameras

All of the ultra-zoom digital cameras we've discussed so far are relatively bulky, with body styles that resemble an SLR. At just under 1.5 inches thick and weighing less than eight ounces, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 (*est. $300) is a much more compact camera. The DMC-TZ5 is a 9.1-megapixel camera with a 10X zoom. Though its zoom range is much smaller, like the DMC-FZ18 above, the DMC-TZ5's zoom lens is the equivalent of 28mm at the low end of its range.

The Panasonic DMC-TZ5 is the successor to the very popular DMC-TZ3, and Lars Rehm at DP Review says changes are modest. Aside from an increase in resolution (up from 7 megapixels), the DMC-TZ5 sports a higher-resolution LCD display (from 230K to 460K pixels) and uses Panasonic's latest image-processing technology. But the biggest improvement is the addition of a high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels) movie capture mode.

Whereas the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is an advanced camera with lots of features and RAW support for experienced photographers, the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 is more of a point-and-shoot camera. Reviews say it's a good performing camera that is a lot of fun to use and its small size makes it far more pocketable. Reviews say shutter lag is minimal and shot-to-shot times are also zippy. One sore spot is that auto-focusing in low-light conditions is on the slow side. Battery life is not especially good.

Unlike Panasonic's other ultra-zoom digital cameras, you won't find a full manual mode or RAW support. However, 22 scene modes are offered. There's also an Intelligent ISO feature that detects moving objects and raises the ISO setting as needed to reduce blur. Other important features include optical image stabilization and a large, 3-inch LCD display, though there is no optical viewfinder.

Photographic results are good in reviews. Critics such as Digital Camera Resource Page's Jeff Keller appreciate that noise reduction is less heavy-handed than in previous models in this series. The result is more noise in images, but, as Keller adds, that can be cleaned up easily in most photo editing software, if needed. One criticism we saw is that images can be a little soft, but otherwise reviews say they are first-rate with accurate exposures and well-saturated colors. In addition to black (DMC-TZ5K) and silver (DMC-TZ5S), the camera is available in blue (DMC-TZ5A).

Panasonic has also just released the Lumix DMC-TZ50 (*est. $450) . It is essentially the same as the DMC-TZ5 but adds Wi-Fi capability. The camera can wirelessly upload images to Picasa Web Albums via your home network or, when traveling, T-Mobile HotSpots. We've not seen any reviews as of yet of the DMC-TZ50, however, as opined on the Digital Camera Resource Page, the feature adds about $150 to the cost of the DMC-TZ5, "so you really have to want this feature."

Important Features: Ultra-zoom digital cameras

Extended-zoom digital cameras are usually much larger and weigh more than most other digital cameras, 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 helps counteract 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, such as the Olympus SP-570UZ, 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 smaller ultra-zoom cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, can fit into a pocket, albeit one that's generously sized.

• Although ultra-zoom cameras look 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 the slam dunk, take a closer look at an SLR. Although ultra-zoom cameras can get really close, SLR cameras have almost no shutter lag. Extended zoom cameras average about a .5-second shutter lag, but they are slower at the upper limits of a camera's zoom range. They can work faster if you have time to pre-focus before squeezing off a shot, but that's not always an option. The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 is an exception, with its lightning-fast shutter than can capture full images at a rate of 60 per second. However, it is expensive and has some important limitations.

• Most ultra-zoom cameras come with higher-end features, like manual control, over exposure, white balance, aperture and focus. They have more features than your average point-and-shoot camera. This can be great if you are looking to learn about photography, but it may be overkill if you simply want a camera for snapshots.

You can find more information on megapixels and other camera basics in our main report on digital cameras .

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
15	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (*est. $400)	details
11	Canon PowerShot S5 IS (*est. $330)	details
4	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 (*est. $300)	details
4	Canon PowerShot SX100 IS (*est. $270)	details
2	Olympus SP-570UZ (*est. $425)	details
2	Fujifilm FinePix S100FS (*est. $680)	details
2	Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 (*est. $1,000)	details
1 each	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 , Canon PowerShot TX1 , Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS , Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 , Nikon Coolpix P80

In terms of positive notices, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is a clear winner with critics. It is feature-packed, takes very good pictures, is easy to use for experts and beginners and has a powerful 18X lens. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 lacks some of the advanced capabilities of the DMC-FZ18, but is easy to use and fits comfortably into a coat or ample shirt pocket. If the absolutely longest zoom lens available is important, the Olympus SP-570UZ boasts a 20X lens. It's feature-rich and produces good, but perhaps not great, pictures. With its hyper-fast shutter, the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 is a singular camera for sports and action photographers, but others might be happier with another ultra-zoom digital camera. The 12X Canon PowerShot S5 IS also warrants consideration from critics, but a noisy image sensor and lack of RAW format support keeps it out of the ranks of ConsumerSearch Fast Answers in this update.

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