Compact Zoom
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US $41.00
2010 Compact Cameras – Selecting a Compact Super Zoom or "Sports" Camera
It's time to upgrade your old camera. Perhaps your kids are older and are involved with sports and your old camera just can't keep up. Or maybe your passion is capturing beautiful images of birds as they visit your feeders. I know, you like to travel and you are never quite close enough to that perfect scene. No matter what you need is that has you looking for a super zoom compact, Porter's can help you make a wise choice.
Just what is a super zoom compact camera? This class of digital camera comes in a few different configurations but what they all have in common is zoom lenses of at least 10X. Some will look just like other pocket friendly digital cameras but they will be a little thicker to contain the long lens. Others will resemble a pro camera complete with a hand grip and a lens that doesn't retract flush to the body. We call these latter cameras "bridge" cameras because they aren't really compact cameras nor are they big DSLR style cameras, they bridge between those two popular groups.
The super zoom cameras are often called "sports zooms" because they are favored by soccer, football and baseball parents ten to one. Parents of children playing organized outdoor sports are the number users of super zoom cameras. They can't get any closer to the players than the sidelines but a super zoom can put them in the middle of the huddle.
There are a number of super zoom cameras available but for our purposes we will look at six models as representatives of the group. Canon, Fuji, Olympus and Nikon set the standard in this class and each has a model in our discussion.
The easiest way to divide up the super zoom class is by price. With our chosen samples the price break is at $300.00, there are three models above this price and three below it. We will start with the lower priced group first.
Our under $300 super zooms are the Nikon L110, the Canon SX130 IS and the Fuji S1800. All three cameras offer 12 megapixel resolution, image stabilization and all three capture 720p HD video - but the Nikon L110 is the only model with an HDMI port for direct HDTV connection. One other interesting trait is that all three are powered by AA batteries, something increasingly rare in digital cameras.
Starting with the Fuji S1800 we find a surprisingly well equipped camera for about $229.99. In design it is a bridge camera with a pronounced grip and lens housing. The camera features an 18X zoom lens and fast 8 frames per second image capture. The 3 inch LCD viewscreen is clear and bright, the controls are easy to understand and use. We recommend this camera for both its price and its high image quality.
The middle child of this price range is the Canon SX130 IS. The SX130 looks like a standard compact camera but chunkier. Tucked inside is a powerful 12X zoom lens and Canon's new SMARTAuto mode that takes most of the guesswork out of taking pictures. Priced at $249.99 the SX130 IS is perfect for the family photographer who needs more lens length.
The last of our under $300 super zoom cameras is the Nikon L110. And talk about great for sports, the L110 can capture 11 images per second for up to 20 consecutive shots. The 15X zoom lens is backed up with 5-way image stabilization unique to Nikon. The L110 is the largest of this first trio of cameras, but it is still a compact handful. At $279.99 the Nikon L110 offers some serious features normally found on much more expensive cameras.
Other cameras that fit in the under $300 group are the Fuji JZ300 with its 10X zoom lens and very compact body, the Nikon S5100 with blazing speed and a 5X zoom, the Canon SX210IS that features an amazing 14X zoom lens in a shirt pocket sized body, and the Nikon S8100 with a 10X zoom. These alternate cameras provide many of the features found on our super zoom class but they aren't quite as fast or as powerful.
Now for the over $300 super zoom crowd. The three cameras we have chosen to feature in this group are extreme in many respects. All feature 25X zooms or longer, two feature 720p HD video capability while the third has 1080p HD. All models have HDMI ports for direct HDTV connection.
The Olympus SP-800UZ offers a 30X wide angle zoom lens. One button starts movie recording ion 720p HD. Internal enhancements provide excellent face detection and tracking, creative filters and more. At $349.99 the Olympus SP-800UZ is one of the lowest priced cameras with a lens longer than 25X.
Nikon offers their P100 with 26X zoom lens. In the hand a Nikon P100 feels solid and substantial, the hand grip fits into your palm like it was tailored just for you. 10 frames per second shooting can keep up with the fastest action and Nikon's 5-Way image stabilization keeps your images sharp. The P100 is one of the first compact cameras to offer 1080p HD video capture. We like the P100 because we believe with its construction points and feature set it will be a photographer favorite for years. At $399.99 you get a lot of camera in the box.
The last of our super zoom cameras is the Canon SX30 IS. Though not the first bridge camera, the Canon IS series has been the most enduring. Starting with the S1-IS in 2004 the series has been a consistent top choice. Coming from such a long line of Canon IS cameras, the SX30 tops them all with a 35X wide angle zoom lens and features not really even thought of back in 2004.
The Canon SX30 IS is the most expensive of our super zoom set, priced at $429.99. Like the Nikon discussed before, the SX130 IS is solid, compact and supremely well thought out. The controls are all handy and the operation is very straight forward. After all these generations of IS cameras, Canon isn't making any mistakes in design. The lens is ultra long and it is also the widest angle of any super zoom. We like the SX30 IS because we think it is a camera that will last for years and still compare well to whatever the future brings our way.
There we have it, our round up of super zoom cameras. As we have seen we can get high magnification and fast operation priced from $229.99 all the way up to $429.99. Panasonic, Samsung and several other brands also offer super zooms, but the cameras mentioned in this article all lead the pack for features, image quality and reliability.
About the Author
Stu Eddins is blogger, instructor, merchandiser, and is generally in charge of a lot of things for Porter's Digital Cameras and Imaging. Visit their site at www.porters.com. Years of experience over the counter and in classrooms have turned Stu into an evangelist for image preservation, capturing and sharing memories, and helping people understand digital cameras, digital camera lenses.
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Focusable Compact 8x18mm Zoom Binocular $20.84 Focusable Compact 8x18mm Zoom Binocular Slide to open and close the lens cover Comes with carrying bag and strap |
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Praktica 9-40x22 Compact Zoom Binoculars $73.99 Stylish zoom binocular that delivers a powerful 40x magnification at the top of the zoom range. Free delivery by post. Weight 29g. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. EAN/Barcode 2000201448616. Includes carrying case, lens cloth and neck strap. 9-40 x magnification. 40x max magnification. Eyecups. 22mm objective lens diameter. BAK prism. Centre focusing. Optical zoom. Suitable for outdoor use. Features: Magnification: 9-40x zoom; Objective lens: 22mm; Field of view: 52-42m; Angle of view: 3. BAK-4 prism construction allows for a compact shape and distinctive styling. By Praktica. |
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Praktica 7-22x22 Compact Zoom Binoculars $44.99 Weight 236g. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. EAN/Barcode 2000201447718. Free delivery by post. Includes carrying case, lens cloth and neck strap. 21x max magnification. Eyecups. 7-22 x magnification. 22mm objective lens diameter. Optical zoom. Centre focusing. Suitable for outdoor use. Ultra-compact zoom binocular with a 7x to 22x zoom range. 7x magnification is the recommended magnification for viewing when on board a boat or ship making these ideal for nautical use. This glass is equally at home on land for bird watching or general country pursuits. By Praktica. |
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Praktica 8-21x22 Zoom Compact Binoculars $44.99 Free delivery by post. EAN/Barcode 2000201448012. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. Weight 236g. Includes carrying case, lens cloth and neck strap. Eyecups. 21x max magnification. 8-21 x magnification. 22mm objective lens diameter. BAK prism. Optical zoom. Centre focusing. Suitable for outdoor use. Features: Magnification: 8-21x zoom; Objective lens: 22mm; Field of view: 74-42m; Angle of view: 4. Lightweight and easy to carry - the ideal companion for holidays or leisure activities. Stylish compact zoom with BAK-4 prism construction. By Praktica. |
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Praktica 10-40x28 Zoom Compact Binoculars $54.99 Powerful yet compact zoom binoculars. Free delivery by post. EAN/Barcode 2000201445110. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. Weight 236g. Includes carrying case, lanyard, lense cap and cleaning cloth. Eyecups. Tripod adapter. 10x max magnification. 10-40 x magnification. 28mm objective lens diameter. BAK prism. Porro prism. Centre focusing. Optical zoom. Suitable for outdoor use. When using the higher magnification range, it is recommended that you mount these binoculars on a tripod. The zoom range is from a powerful 10x magnification up to an amazing 40x magnification that really brings detail into close focus. By Praktica. |
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Samsung HMX-Q10BN HD Camcorder Ultra Compact with 10x Optical Zoom (Black) $299.99 Samsung HMX-Q10BN HD Camcorder Ultra Compact with 10x Optical Zoom (Black) |
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9-27x25 Gladiator Zoom Compact Binoculars $103.92 27x25 Zoom, Gladiator Compact Binoculars feature BK-7, blue lens, powerful zoom, multi-coated and a center focus knob. They are ideal for all outdoor activities and sporting events. The wide variable magnification range of this binoculars allows the viewer to target in on an object and then zoom in and magnify it to obtain a closer look and see greater detail. For convenience, a zoom thumb lever for making quick and smooth zoom adjustments. Magnification: 9-27x Objective Lens: 25mm Prism Type: Porro Prism Glass: BK-7 Exit Pupil: 2.8mm Optical Coating: Fully Coated Focusing System: CenterField of View (ft@1000yds/m@1000m): 199/66@9x Close Focus (ft/m): 16/5 Eye Relief: 10 mm Included Accessories: Carrying Case, Neck Strap Lens Covers and Lens Cloth |
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Praktica 10-40x21 Compact Zoom Binoculars $50.99 It has a tasteful silver finish and is an ideal binocular for the roving walker and other country pursuits and sporting events. Suitable for outdoor use. Optical zoom. Centre focusing. Porro prism. BAK prism. 21mm objective lens diameter. 10-40 x magnification. 40x max magnification. Eyecups. EAN/Barcode 2000201444915. Includes carrying case, lanyard, lense cap and cleaning cloth. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. Weight 280g. The compact design means that you can carry them easily in your pocket while the powerful zoom range is always available for the ultimate close up view. The Praktica 10-40x21 is one of the world's smallest 10-40x zoom binoculars. Free delivery by post. By Praktica. |
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Zoom $5.99 Zoom |
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Compact Camcorder / High Zoom Camera - for camcorder $13.99 Case Logic Compact Camcorder / High Zoom Camera Case - Case for camcorder - dobby nylon - black - for Canon ZR900 ZR930 JVC GR-D850 D870 DA30 Panasonic PV-GS320 GS80 GS |
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Praktica 10-40x21 Compact Zoom Ruby-Coated Binoculars $69.99 Free delivery by post. EAN/Barcode 2000201445011. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. Weight 280g. 40x max magnification. Eyecups. Includes carrying case, lens cloth and neck strap. 10-40 x magnification. 21mm objective lens diameter. Ruby-coated. Centre focusing. Optical zoom. Suitable for outdoor use. Features: Magnification: 10-40x zoom; Objective lens: 21mm; Field of view: 52-17mm; Angle of view: 3. The compact design means that you can easily carry in your pocket whilst the powerful zoom range is always available for the ultimate close up view. One of the world's smallest 10-40x zoom binoculars. By Praktica. |
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Unipride KC245 The Most Compact Longest Zoom Binocular $202.43 To catch every move of wild animals from 400 yards away to see your favorite idols on stage and your favorite players in a game you need a compact zoom binocular. This Compact Zoom Binocular gets you what you need to entertain your eyes and to capture the most cherished moment that you want to share with your loved ones. Its zoom allows you magnify between 20 to 140 times closer to your subject. Features: 30mm objective lenses gather plenty of light for bright clear images and centerwheel focus with adjustment. Powerful binocular is rugged and durable yet surprisingly lightweight and compact pocket size. It includes a case carrying pouch and adjustable neck strap. |
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Carson Greyhawk 10-30x21mm Compact Zoom Binoculars CZ-021 $42.53 The Carson Greyhawk compact zoom binocular allows you to view at 10x magnification and then zoom in for pinpoint accuracy to 30x power without ever losing sight of your object. The CZ-021 Greyhawk has high-performance prisms and fully multi-coated lenses that provide exceptionally sharp high-contrast images. High-performance prisms Fully multi-coated lenses |
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Praktica 8-21x21 W Compact Zoom Binoculars $31.99 Praktica W8-21x21 is a compact and lightweight zoom binocular small enough to fit in your pocket, always available to bring you closer to the action. Finely engineered to ensure ease of use and can be used handheld or tripod mounted for extra stability at the high zoom end. Praktica offer a unique 10 year guarantee on all binoculars, offering protection against any manufacturing faults within this time. Suitable for outdoor use. Optical zoom. Centre focusing. Porro prism. 21mm objective lens diameter. 8-21 x magnification. 21x max magnification. Eyecups. Includes carrying case, lens cloth and neck strap. Weight 200g. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. EAN/Barcode 2000201447916. Free delivery by post. By Praktica. |
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Coleman Signature 10-21X23 Compact Zoom Binocular $106.02 These compact 10-21x23 binoculars from Coleman offer a powerful and adjustable zoom, in a compact and lightweight body. Porro prisms and multi-coated objective lenses allows for high quality resolution through increased light transmission.Magnification: 10 - 21XField of view: 3.6- to 2.7-degrees189-141.7 feet/1000 yardsHigh-index Porro prism provides sharp resolutionMulti-coated objective lensesErgonomic designNon-slip rubber armorContinous zoom rangeFold-up/fold-down rubber eye cups Compact and light designAdjustable zoomIncludes a soft carrying case and neck strapDimensions: 2 inches high x 4 inches wide x 4.5 inches deepModel: CZ102123 |
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Praktica 10-40x30 W Zoom Compact Binoculars $67.99 Free delivery by post. Weight 360g. Manufacturer's 10 year guarantee. EAN/Barcode 2000201445219. Eyecups. Includes carrying case, lens cloth and neck strap. Optical zoom. Centre focusing. 30mm objective lens diameter. 10-40 x magnification. 40x max magnification. Ideal for viewing all forms of nature, coastal viewing and for checking structures and installations. Suitable for outdoor use. One-touch lever operated zoom function retains excellent image clarity and brightness even at the extreme end of the zoom range. Powerful 10-40x zoom binocular with stylish brushed silver finish. By Praktica. |
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LS Sparrow-Z 5-15x17 Compact ZOOM Binoculars $48.95 LS Sparrow-Z 5-15x17 Compact ZOOM Binoculars has a multifunctional 5-to-15x magnification ability and a 5.5° to 3.2° field-of-view. They have multicoated lenses and are made with the highest quality BaK4 roof prisms for exceptional image brightness and resolution. Meaning that they deliver the optical flexibility demanded by outdoors people to suite a broad spectrum of viewing needs.LS Sparrow-Z is an excellent choice for any optical gear; these binoculars are solidly built to last. The image is free of appreciable spherical aberrations at all magnifications. Ergonomic body design makes the Sparrow-Z binoculars an ideal go anywhere binoculars.Features:Compact and lightweightZOOM from 5x to 15xCenter focus that allows quick adjustmentDiopter adjustment that compensates for unequal eye strengthSpecifications:Magnification: 5-15x (zoom)Objective Diameter: 17 mmAngle of View: 5.5°-3.2°Field Of View (at 1000 yrd.):290'-170' (96m-56m at 1000 m)Minimum Focus Distance: 9' -15' (3m-5m)Exit Pupil Diameter: 3 mmEye Relief: 12.4mmPrism Type: PORROPrism material: BaK4Focus Type: CenterTripod Socket: NoWeatherproofing: Fog proofDimensions, inch/(mm): 3.3 x 4 x 1.5 / (84 x 102 x 38)Weight: 6.5oz (195 g) |
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Carson CZ021 GreyHawk 1030 x 21mm Compact Zoom Binoculars $52.65 The Carson Greyhawk compact zoom binocular allows you to view at 10x magnification and then zoom in for pinpoint accuracy to 30x power without ever losing sight of your object. The CZ021 Greyhawk has highperformance prisms and fully multicoated lenses that provide exceptionally sharp highcontrast images. Highperformance prisms Fully multicoated lenses |
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Barska Optics Binoculars AB10162 927x25 Compact Zoom Gladiator Blue Lens $65.48 927x25 Compact Zoom Gladiator BK7 Blue Lens Powerful zoom Multicoated optics for sharp and crisp images Center focus knob Ideal for all outdoor activities and sporting events Includes carrying case and neckstrap Barska s Limited Lifetime Warranty. Measurements:. Length: 4.9. Width: 3. Height: 5.5 |
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Carson MiniZoom 5?15 x 17mm Ultra Compact Zoom Binoculars $39.95 CARSON MZ-517 MINIZOOM™ 5?15 X 17MM ULTRA COMPACT ZOOM BINOCULARS? 5?17 x 17mm compact binoculars ? Images remain clear & bright despite the high power & small size ? Perfect for use at sporting events, concerts & outdoor activities |
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Secuvox The Most Compact Longest Zoom Binocular - Gold/Black $128.45 To catch every move of wild animals from 450 yards away, you need the Secuvox Compact Mega Zoom Binocular! Our Most Compact Longest Zoom Binocular gets you what you need to entertain your eyes...to see stars in your spare time, you cannot feel like an astronomer having a telescopic trip in space if you do not have a pair of these! Its zoom allows you to magnify between 20 and 140 times closer and 30 times more light comes into the lens. Includes a kit for tripod. |
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Danubia Performance 21 Zoom 7-21x21mm Zoom Binoculars $77.99 These excellent Danubia Performance 21 compact pocketable zoom binoculars 7-21x21 with runner armour to guard against knocks. Free delivery by post. EAN/Barcode 4000461037436. Manufacturer's 5 year guarantee. Includes carrying case and a neck strap. Eyecups. 21 x optimum magnification. Optical zoom. Dioptre adjustment. BAK prism. Lens diameter 21mm. It features BAK-4 prisms for improved performance. There's a dioptre adjustment, and rubber eyecups. It's supplied with a binocular carrying strap, and case. The zoom range is 7-21x magnification and 21mm objective diameter, so a great all-round Danubia zoom binocular that is easily portable. |
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Compact Zoom Binoculars 10-30 x 25mm $39.99 Suitable for outdoor and climbing use. Optical zoom. Centre focusing. Porro prism. 10 x optimum magnification. 30 x maximum magnification. Fold down rubber eye cups. Size H11.2, W11, D4.5cm. Weight 285g. Includes neck strap, lens cloth case. Lens diameter of 25mm. |
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Rokinon 8-20 x 25 Compact Zoom Binoculars $66.48 Rokinon 8-20 x 25 Porro prism zoom binoculars offer versatility and convenienceOptics device has durable titanium-anodized housingBinoculars feature INFRA-VUE ruby-coated lenses to reduce glare and damaging UV and infra-red lightPrecise zooming controls with center and left-eye focusing and high-resolution optics insure images that are crisp and clear throughout the zooming range Compact zooms include a carrying case and a strapMagnification: 8X - 20XLens diameter: 25mmExit pupil:3.14mm - 1.25mmRelative brightness: 9.76 - 2.16Eye relief: 13.8mm - 8.0mmField of view: 4.2 degrees/219 feet at 1000 yards - 2.8 degrees/147 feet at 1000 yards |
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18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens $899.99 Featuring: This high magnification zoom lens boasts a lightweight form factor perfect for compact cameras and life on the road. Optical Steadyshot™ image stabilization provides blur-free coverage of a wide range of shots. |
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Compact 6x18mm Zoom Pocket Monocular $11 - Unsurpassed image clarity for a pocket-sized monocular- 6 x magnification with 18mm objective lens diameter- Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse- Comes with carrying bag and strapSpecificationsDimensions: 3.07 in x 1.46 in x 1.46 inWeight: 3.7 oz |
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Fuji JZ200 16 Megapixel 8x Zoom Black Compact Digital Camera $99.99 The Fujifilm JZ200 offers compact zoom technology and superb image quality - all at the press of a button. The Fujinon Lens with 8x optical zoom offers a 25-200mm focal range. A dedicated movie recording button means you're ready to shoot those action shots at a single touch - and enjoy them later on your HD-ready TV! The 16 megapixel CCD sensor produces premium quality im |
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GreyHawk™ 10-30 x 21mm Compact Zoom Binocular $79 The CZ-021 Greyhawk™ from Carson Optical is a Compact Zoom Binocular. It allows you to view at 10x magnification and then zoom-in for pinpoint accuracy to 30x power, without ever losing sight of you object. The CZ-021 Greyhawk™ has high performance prisms and fully multi-coated lenses that provide exceptionally sharp, high-contrast images. This compact zoom binocular is also lightweight at only 9.6 oz. It is perfect for use at sporting events, concerts and outdoor activities Magnification: 10-30xLens Size: 21mmPrism Type: BK-7Lens Coating: Multi CoatedEye Relief: 12-7.5mmField of view: 173/84 ftWeight: 9.6 oz.Dimensions: 3.75" x 4.1875" x 1.625"Accessories: Pouch, neck strap and lens cloth.To view all Carson Optical Binoculars available please click here. |
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Sima MZM-1 Zoom Microphone $32.99 Super-compact Mighty Mic zooms in to pinpoint audio sources Picks up conversations, speeches, nature sounds & more Sound-isolating rubber shoe mount minimizes camera noise Stylish, high-quality design Normal & Zoom modes Battery Life: Up to 300 hours Detachable MZM-1 MZM-1 Zoom Microphone Microphone Not Applicable Sima Sima Products Corporation www.simacorp.com |
