24x zoom compact cameras

[seatrout]

Has anyone got one of these - and are they any good or is the picture quality bad because of the zoom - wondering whether to invest or not

[Sherri Tierney]

I've been wondering about these myself. I know I want at least a 10x zoom, not sure I need anything much more but I am super curious. My favorite camera ever (yep, I think I liked it better than my DSLR) had a 10x zoom so that's how I know I want to go at least that far. LOL

[adrianka]

I have no idea since my camera tastes are different, but I think Zora had one like that before she got her DSLR last year. I'll point her to this post.

For what it's worth - the pictures she did with her hyperzoom one were very good IMHO.

[rach3975]

I've never used a 24x, but I love my 12x zoom and can't imagine ever going back to anything less. I'll be watching this thread to see what people think.

[scrap2day]

I love mine. I have the Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom and 3-inch Tilt LCD. This one at Amazon. I purchased it in 2009. I bought it new from Amazon and did not pay that much.

My thought process when making the decision was that I really wanted the best zoom lens I could afford. That is really how I take pictures. This way I can get great photos of the kids playing, at huge family parties/weddings, etc. and can give people space to act naturally. I also visit zoos across the country and the zoom allows me to get some good shots because zoo animals aren't always within 3 feet of you (thankfully). I really don't have aspirations to purchase a DSLR.

My sister and her husband considered purchasing this camera from me but decided not to get a new camera. If they had, or when this one breaks, I planned on purchasing a newer version with a greater zoom (probably this one with the 42x zoom unless there is something even better at the time).

I will also add that while it is more than the size of a pocket camera, I am able to fit the camera bag in my purse.

[DeepGirl]

Originally Posted by adrianka

I have no idea since my camera tastes are different, but I think Zora had one like that before she got her DSLR last year. I'll point her to this post.

For what it's worth - the pictures she did with her hyperzoom one were very good IMHO.

Here we go!

I used to have OLYMPUS SP-590 UZ 26x zoom camera (2009-2011). Depending on the conditions you can still make quite good pictures with the maximum zoom - if there is enough light and you can at least lean the camera against a tree, wall or something. Of course the tripod would be the best, but it is not always possible.

It is quite difficult to keep the camera focused on a small distant subject (e.g. bird) and not to move it when you have the maximum zoom... I often had to zoom out, find the subjet and then zoom in again.

[seatrout]

I love my Canon DSLR but we do quite a bit of travelling and I don't always want to take 4 canon lenses on every trip. I do love architecture and would like to sometimes get some close up shots of buildings that wouldn't be possible with my canon lens. It would also allow me to take some sneaky pics of the grandkids as well. I was thinking something small enough to go in a pocket ???
Thanks for the advice so far - anything anyone can add would be a help.

[adrianka]

My guess is hyperzoom probably cannot fit into a pocket... But then I'm no expert. There is such a wide choice of cameras these days that anything is possible.

I have a high-quality pocket one, but it only has 5x zoom, so it would be no use for you. And I'm the last person who'd tell people to get a camera just because I like it (everybody has different expectations which are met by different cameras, right). Let's hope someone can help you better.

[adrianka]

Oh I've definitely slept through the latest developments! I was curious and googled the topic, and found this: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/01/10/Olympus_SZ12

I'm sure there are more like that. I think you can definitely find one that fulfills your criteria! :-)

[seatrout]

That's funny - that was the one I was looking at. It's never the same reading the reviews as getting an honest opinion from someone you know has got one though, I think.
Still debating !!

[adrianka]

Oh yes. Real people opinions are best.

When I was considering a new camera (for about 6 months or more), Fuji X100 was a hot candidate and I kept asking around - and I found people who had it and loved it. I also read tons of reviews where people shared the pros and cons. And then, when I was almost ready, I went to a shop and when I held it in my hands I simply knew it wasn't meant for me. So a new Canon it was in the end.

Good luck with your decision! It's kinda fun choosing them, isn't it? ;-)

[disneyaddict]

I am getting ready to purchase one for my teen to take to Europe next month. When I looked at several reviews, etc. I narrowed it down to two 20 x zooms- not quite as big as you are talking about. The two are the Panasonic FZ150 and the Canon sx260. I like the Panasonic because it saves as raw and jpeg, and the Canon doesn't. However, it is larger and more cumbersome. If it were for me, I would get the Panasonic, but I am getting him the Canon because it is smaller and feels better in his hand plus it is much easier for him to pocket. Both have a nice array of manual controls, take Sharp pictures, and take great video also.