2009's All New Extended Zoom Cameras
Last updated on 03/01/2011
These are the latest and greatest long zoom cameras available from manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus. Perfect for serious photographers looking for SLR-like power without the added cost and maintenance of interchangeable lenses, these extended zoom cameras are a happy medium.
It seems like only yesterday that we were marveling over the long, 20x optical zoom lenses included on cameras like the Canon SX10 IS and the Panasonic FZ28. Those were immensely popular and highly rated cameras, but the camera manufacturers are not content to leave things be. This new batch of extended zoom cameras pushes the envelope to 24 and 26x optical zooms, and the pocket-sized, compact zoom cameras now feature lenses capable of 12x optical zoom. Here are the newly announced extended zoom cameras of 2009, for your consideration:
[Read our full Canon Powershot SX200 IS Review]
The Canon Powershot SX200 IS is the brand's first foray into the compact zoom market heretofore dominated by the Panasonic 'TZ' series. The SX200 IS is a smart looking camera, recalling the rangefinder designs of yesteryear while retaining a sense of modern style. The image stabilized 12x optical zoom lens provides deep coverage; it's amazing to think that just a few years ago, such a lens was the maximum zoom found in a large digital camera. The SX200 IS also features a 720p high-definition movie mode for stunning video clips.
We love Olympus's extended zoom cameras, and are looking forward to the Olympus SP-590UZ, which currently has the longest zoom lens available: 26x. The SP-560UZ looks like an update on the SP-565UZ, which was a lightweight, relatively small zoom camera meant for casual photographers who desired an edge of professionalism in their photography. One drawback: Olympus insists on xD-Picture Cards over Secure Digital for memory. Time to get with the future, Olympus. Though Canon and Panasonic may get much of the attention, we strongly encourage consumers to consider Olympus's excellent line of ultra zoom cameras.
[Read our full Panasonic Lumix ZS3 Review]
Another compact zoom, the Panasonic ZS3 takes up where the 'TZ' line left off, offering a long-range zoom (in this case, 12x) in a small, pocket-sized camera. Like the Canon SX200 IS, the ZS3 also has a 720p high-definition movie mode, though only offers a (perfectly adequate) 10.1 megapixel sensor. If you're more interested in zoom than the HD video mode, you can save some money by checking out the Panasonic ZS1, which drops the HD but keeps the rest of the package.
High-Quality Performance and HD Video
[Read our full Canon Powershot SX1 IS Review]
The Canon Powershot SX1 IS was released in Europe a few months back, and has been tantalizing U.S. consumers who hoped it might cross the pond. Well, it's on the way, and though its 20x optical zoom lens may seem puny compared to its newly released peers, the SX1 IS has something rare among digital cameras: full 1080p recording. Most consumer level cameras have only 720p, so if you're looking for a good zoom + HD combo at a reasonable price, the SX1 is the camera to investigate.
[Read our full Nikon P90 Review]
Nikon is still chasing Olympus with its Coolpix P90, a camera with a 24x optical zoom lens. The P90 looks like a solid, well-build camera, and the preceding model, the 18x P80 was a fine camera that too vivid, high-quality images despite some minor caveats. It's likely that Nikon has worked out all the kinks and found a nice balance between quality and comfort. The P90's 3.0-inch variable-angle LCD display is a step in the right direction, for sure.
The Kodak Easyshare Z980 is something of a surprise. While Kodak's Z-series has been moderately successful, a long-zoom contender like the Z980 is unprecedented. The 24x optical zoom lens is almost enough to arouse interest, but Kodak isn't the most trustworthy camera brand these days. We've discussed problems with their point-and-shoot models, where owners report high rates of failure and frustrating user experiences. If you're interested in the Z980 we suggest you do a lot of research and proceed with caution. Though it might be a fine camera, there's too much uncertainty regarding Kodak to recommend it outright.
2009's All New Extended Zoom Cameras Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Rudolf Albrecht (04/16/2010)
Is it normal for the extended zoom lenses to shake ?
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by James DeRuvo (04/16/2010)
Well, zooms at the extreme end of the zoom range will have to deal with a lot of camera shake, especially with superzooms. This is because the longer the focal length, the more pronounced any movement is seen through the extreme end of a lens. So the longer the zoom, the more the shake, and the slower the lens to compensate for it.
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