Total zoom vs. Smart Zoom I was thinking about buying this camera because my first digital camera was a Sony and I loved it, but I held back on buying this one because of the zoom. The Total zoom is 6x, but the they have the smart zoom feature which can go up to 14x. I'm a little confused by this. If you're taking a picture from a distance is Sony suggesting using the regular zoom first, and then use the smart zoom to crop the picture? I'm used to digital camera's total zooms being in the double digits so this has me confused? Can someone please explain it to me?! Right now I have a Canon SD1000, which I absolutely adore, but I really am interested in this camera. Total zoom vs. Smart Zoom I was thinking about buying this camera because my first digital camera was a Sony and I loved it, but I held back on buying this one because of the zoom. The Total zoom... » Read More Total zoom vs. Smart Zoom I was thinking about buying this camera because my first digital camera was a Sony and I loved it, but I held back on buying this one because of the zoom. The Total zoom is 6x, but the they have the smart zoom feature which can go up to 14x. I'm a little confused by this. If you're taking a picture from a distance is Sony suggesting using the regular zoom first, and then use the smart zoom to crop the picture? I'm used to digital camera's total zooms being in the double digits so this has me confused? Can someone please explain it to me?! Right now I have a Canon SD1000, which I absolutely adore, but I really am interested in this camera. « Show Less
582663
Thank you so much for the advice, but I have a Canon camera now. But, I did bookmark the website.
582664
Missy,Please see: http://www.digitalsecrets.net/Sony/AdvancedKnow5-SZ.htmlIt's a bit complicated, but the simple version is that Sony's Smart Zoom tries to limit your digital zoom to a level that doesn't degrade the image quality significantly. Please note that this doesn't have anything to do with optical zoom. It's simply making sure that you don't over-do the digital zoom to the detriment of the image (which is easy to do with some cameras). I don't use digital zoom as I do that cropping in PhotoShop Elements (not too expensive) or Picasa (free).
1518252
I am not a camera expert by any means. MP designates picture quality and zoom has to do with bringing far away things closer. I rarely use this feature. Love the camera, it works for me.
298159
I think s4 is better, after using zoom for a while, I feel lazy when taking my zoom with me. Because it is heavy as a camera. With s4 and a camera, it will be perfect.
1279646
The zoom is amazing for what I use the camera for, getting pictures of wildlife. I have not used the 100x clear image so I can't comment on it. I already have more than 2000 pictures with the 50x zoom and will continue using it until a larger zoom is available.
1220928
I just went through the same battle, although I have different needs. I have to say either is a great choice but I went with the Canon due to the zoom being a little less, a compromise in hopes that it will have better low light response. I also had a Canon before, so the operating system was a more familiar. Can't tell you yet if that was a wise choice of not. I have had the camera for three days and have had little time to play with it. Here is a comparative review that I found helpful: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q110superzoomgroup/ I saw another review but can't find it again that really played up the Nikon as a much better choice. But it seemed to be written by people reading specifications rather than actually using the camera. I don't think you can wrong with either. The Canon is bulkier and uses 4 double AA batteries which add to the weight. The nice thing about the double AAs is that you have a far easier time getting batteries if you run out of power, but at the cost of weight. If you do get the Canon, get at least 8 Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable NIMH batteries Sanyo Eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries w/ Charger. They hold their charge when not used much better than normal NIMH batteries. As the link indicates you can get them here at Amazon. With 8 Eneloops you should never run out of power (providing that you keep them charged of course). If you buy the Nikon, I would recommend looking into a spare battery and a charger. Good luck with your new camera, which ever one you choose!
1222640
I have searched online for the same comparison b4 i bought both of the two. The thing is, because these two cameras have a lot of features, it takes a while to write or make a video to fully compare the two cameras. I did find some that tried to compare the two camers, but the reviews seemed bias to me. Overall, i like the Fuji over the Canon, but i like the Canons zoom over fuji's. One can still get the same results as the other.
2030994
Never use digital zoom unless you really want your photos and video to look horrible. Get a telephoto lens instead. Particularly with this camera, if you're shooting video and not using one of the virtually silent STM lenses you really should have saved your money and bought a T3 instead.Otherwise, think about using a smartphone or learn to zoom with your feet.
703859
my Kodak Z812S...and even my old Kodak DX7630 take better pictures than the Fuji S1800. My first digital was a Fuji with 3.2 mp and it was a honey! Since then, two more Kodaks (as mentioned previously) one Sony (which is purse-sized and the pix are okay...it's just so I always have a camera on me) and the Fuji S1800. I have about 120 out of 200 or so that are great pictures from Hawaii; and maybe 80 - 100 more from various events and locations. My Eastern Europe shots were not what I hoped for, but editing helped a lot.I'm online now to order the Z981 and will probably post my opinion of the results.With all that said...I'd suggest you go with the Kodak. my Kodak Z812S...and even my old Kodak DX7630 take better pictures than the Fuji S1800. My first digital was a Fuji with 3.2 mp and it was a honey! Since then, two more Kodaks (as mentioned previously) one Sony (which is purse-sized and the pix are okay...it's just so I always have a camera on me) and the Fuji S1800. I have about 120 out of 200 or so that are great pictures from Hawaii; and maybe 80 - 100 more from various events and locations. My Eastern Europe shots were not what I hoped for, but editing helped a lot.I'm online now to order the Z981 and will probably post my opinion... » Read More my Kodak Z812S...and even my old Kodak DX7630 take better pictures than the Fuji S1800. My first digital was a Fuji with 3.2 mp and it was a honey! Since then, two more Kodaks (as mentioned previously) one Sony (which is purse-sized and the pix are okay...it's just so I always have a camera on me) and the Fuji S1800. I have about 120 out of 200 or so that are great pictures from Hawaii; and maybe 80 - 100 more from various events and locations. My Eastern Europe shots were not what I hoped for, but editing helped a lot.I'm online now to order the Z981 and will probably post my opinion of the results.With all that said...I'd suggest you go with the Kodak. « Show Less
1077895
I didn't look at the newer review, but my guess is the person doesn't know the difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom will never get grainy. Digital, by its nature and how it works, will get grainy on any camera at some point. This camera has both and switches over after maximum optical zoom is reached, but can be disabled. I don't know anything about the newer model, but I do know this one has great optical zoom without needing to buy accessories, which is why I was attracted to it. The digital zoom is gravy.
132872
Well, I'm now reading about another option: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20/B 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization.This one compares to the Panasonic ZS3 and both sell for approximately the same price. I guess I'm still stuck in wanting to figure out which one of these models (DSC-H20, ZS3, DSC-W350, W370) can do all of the things they promised but at a faster speed.
1254701
I know this has a wonderful optical zoom lense vs. others which use a digital zoom feature. Optical quality is always better with the zoom feature. If the 16mp has the same optical zoom, then its really not a big deal. Unless your printing a huge poster, the higher megapixels are wasted anyway. This is a very good camera!
391681
Look up "canon chdk". It's a firmware that you load from your sd card. I'm getting optical zoom in my SD800IS, along with many other features, like shooting in raw, and control over shutter speed. For those cameras with aperture control (mine just has a NS filter), you can even adjust that.Still, I really like the looks of the SX1 coming out. I'm going to start saving for Christmas now.
1425660
I have another compact Sony with the EXMOR (Sony TX1) and it is faster than other compact cameras I've used. However, it is not fast compared to a digital SLR. A dSLR (like my Nikon D3000, or comparable Sony or Canon, etc.) can auto-focus much faster, shoot more responsively, be zoomed manually instead of waiting for a motor, etc. and lets you precisely capture moving subjects in a way that little compact cameras can't, even the newest ones. The claim of 10 frames per second doesn't mean that the camera autofocuses instantly, doesn't mean there isn't shutter-lag to start, and doesn't take into account time to write to the card after all 10 frames are shot. Another idea to mention though: if you don't need really high-resolution images, and 1920x1080 resolution frames taken from a HD movie are good enough, then another option to consider is using a camera like this to shoot your moving subjects in HDTV, then scrubbing through and exporting some of the frames you like as stills. If you just want snapshots or images for Facebook, then grabbing stills from the HD video can be a good solution.
1608796
Sorry, there is no comparisons here. The SONY is a "pocket" camera" and the Olympus is (overall) much bigger and will not fit in a pocket. There are several main differences. First, the Olympus is 40X optical vs the Sony 20X optical. With that much zoom power, you need a camera you can hold on to. The Sony offers little in this area. On the flip size, the xtra wide angle of the Olympus can't be beat. Second, (and this is my preference) I like using standard (rechargeable-Nimh) double AA batteries for the Olympus, vs. a custom battery for the Sony. While I have taken over 20,000 pictures with my SP-820, I have mastered only 30% of the features; and try to learn new ones when I can. My Son likes Sony Camera's for their size, but he mostly shoots on auto modes and rarely uses any of its features.. While there is a "significant" difference in megapixels (Sony 18 megapixels vs Olympus 14 megapixels) this could make a difference in prints larger than 11" x 17" (and you would need a really large printer.) I have such a large printer, and I am always impressed with the quality of the prints from my Olympus. You maybe wondering, what photo programs I use. Generally Picasa, Photo shop (for digital manipulation), Corel Photo (quick and easy) are my three favorites. The decision you must make - do you want a POCKET point and shoot camera or one that will really take pictures you want. My only failure to date is I have been unable to "shoot" the International space station as it zips by. I must tell you that until you become accustom to the 40X zoom, a good light weigh quality tripod (or mono-pod) may be required.
347547
Didn't know the D90 allowed for zooming while recording, thanks for the info. Here is a site I found that is very helpful about the Xsi, there are also rebates posted there for a lot of the lenses.www.learnslr.comI did end up purchasing the Xsi, with all the extra money I saved, I also bought the battery grip, which makes the camera much more comfortable for my larger hands. Next I will purchase a wide angle lens.
158700
I'm somewhat new to this too, but I'll try to be accurate. First, this is a "Micro 4/3", not a dslr. Call it a point and shoot that "thinks" it's a dslr. As a user, "you" decide which you want it to be. The 14-45 lense included is 28-90mm in 35mm terms. This is comparable to a typical P&S compact with a 3x zoom. Most dslr user's would consider this a "walkaround" lens. Very useful and versatile for the type of shots common with a simple compact or entry level dslr. This camera has a unique feature called Extended Zoom (EZ) that allows an increase in "zoom" if you find the need on occassion. The camera has a functional pop-up flash as well as a "hot shoe" for using a specialized flash unit if you prefer. You must open the flash when needed, it doesn't pop-up automatically. Amazon has a 30 day return policy I think, and I think the warranty is 1 year, but check Panasonic.com to be sure. In years, most cameras will last indefinitely. In "shutter clicks" that is probably an unknown at this time. "I" am assuming that 50,000 clicks is certain and expect 100,000 or I will be sorely disappointed. At my rate of 2000 per month that buys me 2 to 4 years, but for most people that is a lot. That is roughly the range of a good dslr. That's probably 10 years for someone "normal".
2179930
Hi,Here's an interesting post about the exact difference between DSLR and Super Zoom:http://digitaldimensionoftechnology.com/2012/05/16/dslr-vs-super-zoom-a-users-dilemma/Thanks!