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View Full Version : Ultra zoom camera


koocha
10-05-2009, 04:59 AM
Budget

around £250 / $400

Size

Not bothered really. was used to lugging a DSLR about.

Features

At least 9mp

at least 20x optical zoom

How important is image quality - 7/10

Not too fussed about manual controls

General Usage

I will generally be using the camera for panoramic shots / landscape / macro / videos

I'll probably want to print off a few 30" posters

Some indoor pictures

Don't think I'll be doing much action photography.

Miscellaneous

Been looking at the Olympus SP-590 Ultra Zoom, Kodak EasyShare Z980, Casio Exilim EX-FH20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

Just really looking for the best overall camera out of the ones above for what I'm after. Can't make a decision based on all the stuff I've read. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
David Metsky
10-05-2009, 07:57 AM
I'd add the Canon SX10/20 and choose either that or the Sony.
koocha
10-05-2009, 08:45 AM
I'd add the Canon SX10/20 and choose either that or the Sony.

I do like Sony - I had the A350 DSLR.

The Sony's the one with the swiping panoramas isn't it?

I'm drawn to the Casio with its high speed shooting.

Not really looked at the Canon. What are its best features?
David Metsky
10-05-2009, 10:22 AM
Read the reviews of the Casio. The cameras don't have very good image quality, which kind of negates the ability to take lots of poor images.

You'd best start by reading the reivews and looking at the images:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sx10-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sx1-review
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/casio/exilim_fh20-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_hx1-review
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/2009-super-zoom-shootout
koocha
10-06-2009, 03:27 AM
Been having another look around. Seen the Panasonic Lumiv DMC-FZ38. I know it's 'only' an 18x optical zoom but from what I've read it's an excellent camera
koocha
10-06-2009, 07:52 AM
Ok, I've narrowed it down to the Sony DSC-HX1, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 or the Canon SX1.

Think I'm heading towards the Sony for the sweeping panoramas and HD video...

EDIT:

Found this and now just need to make up my mind. Any opinions?
speaklightly
10-06-2009, 08:43 AM
koocha-

Personally I'd opt for the Panasonic FZ-38. I purchased and returned the Sony HX-1. I too am a Sony Alpa user (A-700) but i just could not abide with the HX-1's low light level shoot qualities. My FZ-28 did a much better job.

Sarah Joyce