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
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Thank you so much for the advice, but I have a Canon camera now. But, I did bookmark the website.
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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).
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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!
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I don't know why they dropped the MP . I really like the bigger zoom , but the lack of MP is a big disadvantage . I also take my older version with me on photo shoots because of the better MP. My idea was to get a better camera for distant wildlife shots , but now I have to carry 2 cameras . It's a good camera , but would be much better with greater MP .
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This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for non-professionals (professionals should go DSLR).Cheers! This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for... » Read More This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for non-professionals (professionals should go DSLR).Cheers! « Show Less
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Did some digging. Seems that CNET, like many others, expected digital zoom would return in T5i. But, I wonder if they actually had one to review or just surfed online and wrote from there. Digital Zoom in movie mode is not mentioned on Canon's page, isn't in the manual like it was in the T3i manual, and a number of actual owners online say that despite expectations and customers' request, Canon in fact didn't put it back in the T5i. So you're right, Jiim, the most signficant difference is the higher price.
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As a Canon Digital Rebel owner since the XT, I do have a small investment in Canon lenses/accessories-but not enough to stop me from jumping ship. I am following the the A65 with a keen eye. A feature comparison would indicate that this model is superior in a number of areas, notably the continuous autofocus and 10 fps (not to mention the higher megapixels). However, I am convinced that Canon will have an answer shortly (rumors say November). Canon may just steal Sony's fire on this with the recent A77 (and A65?) production delays due to flooding in Thailand. Assuming the delays DO affect the A65, how does Beach have this camera in stock? As a Canon Digital Rebel owner since the XT, I do have a small investment in Canon lenses/accessories-but not enough to stop me from jumping ship. I am following the the A65 with a keen eye. A feature comparison would indicate that this model is superior in a number of areas, notably the continuous autofocus and 10 fps (not to mention the higher megapixels). However, I am convinced that Canon will have an answer shortly (rumors say November). Canon may just steal Sony's fire on this with the recent A77 (and A65?) production delays due to flooding in Thailand. Assuming the delays DO affect... » Read More As a Canon Digital Rebel owner since the XT, I do have a small investment in Canon lenses/accessories-but not enough to stop me from jumping ship. I am following the the A65 with a keen eye. A feature comparison would indicate that this model is superior in a number of areas, notably the continuous autofocus and 10 fps (not to mention the higher megapixels). However, I am convinced that Canon will have an answer shortly (rumors say November). Canon may just steal Sony's fire on this with the recent A77 (and A65?) production delays due to flooding in Thailand. Assuming the delays DO affect the A65, how does Beach have this camera in stock? « Show Less
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The previous model went to F8.0 and it also took the same memory card size. The previous model shot raw and jpg but I see no mention of raw on the Olympus website for this camera. I'd like to see some photos at 26x before I buy it. There are only 2 things that bother me about the previous Olympus ultra-zoom and that is the 4 batteries - I'd much rather have a battery pack as it's easier to insert and close the battery cover and that if you take a photo using the viewfinder, the finished image still flashes on the LCD screen. Took me a long time to not be distracted by that.
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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.
301745
Hi Technology Guy,I liked you responses to the questions asked by fellow buyers. You may find me moron asking this but I searched quite a bit on google but did not get any definite answer. Could you help me decide if it is wise to buy T3i (600D) with "Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens" and do not buy "EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens"? OR if I need to have both lenses to start with. Thanks in advance.
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I am not obsessed with megapixel counts in cameras. I stopped printing sometime ago. My pictures go online or facebook. So I have to give up on the wish for a megazoom in a small package since I won't compromise picture quality for the zoom. I ruled out the S95 because of the zoom range. Now I have to reconsider. Other than the zoom, it still has most of the attributes I am looking for in a small package.Thank you so much for your research on sensor size and lens. This explains what I noticed for some years. My old trusty takes nicer pictures than many people's newer cameras. I am not obsessed with megapixel counts in cameras. I stopped printing sometime ago. My pictures go online or facebook. So I have to give up on the wish for a megazoom in a small package since I won't compromise picture quality for the zoom. I ruled out the S95 because of the zoom range. Now I have to reconsider. Other than the zoom, it still has most of the attributes I am looking for in a small package.Thank you so much for your research on sensor size and lens. This explains what I noticed for some years. My old trusty takes nicer pictures than many people's newer cameras.
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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.
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hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty... » Read More hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! « Show Less
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Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.
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I replaced my Canon 60d and smaller Sony A55 with an Olympus E-P3. I've owned several intro/mid-level dSLRs, and I would say the E-P3 was my favorite camera of all time. My pictures were amazing, it was fast, and best of all was that it was truly portable - perfect for my hiking trips. Were you mainly using the camera in auto mode? I always used it in manual, so can't really tell you how good or bad the camera did in 'A' mode - but in manual mode it was nearly perfect. The lenses you use may also play a role. My favorite lens of all time had been (maybe still is) the Canon 24-70mm lens, and I thought I would never find something that worked just as well, but I came across the Panasonic 14-140mm lens, which is super amazing, and became my favorite and main lens for the E-P3. The lack of viewfinder was never an issue for me, since I used the VF-2 view finder by Olympus. Sure, I was never happy using the E-P3 without the viewfinder, so I kept it on most of the time. I did sell the E-P3 on Ebay soon after the OM-D was announced. I figured that if the E-P3 had become my favorite camera of all time, getting the OM-D would be a no brainer since the specs are better than the E-P3 and it included a built in viewfinder. I have used an NEX-5 (first gen) in the past, and I must say I hated that camera due to how hard it made to shoot in 'M' mode; however, Sony released the NEX-7, a nearly perfect camera targeted towards potential dSLR owners. Deciding between the NEX-7 and the OM-D is a challenge, and they each have their pluses and negatives; however, those looking to replace a dSLR for some trips, shouldn't consider anything other than the OM-D(m4/3) or NEX-7(e-mount) for the time being; although, I bet Panasonic has something in the works to compete with Sony and Olympus.
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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.
92049
Well, it only has digital zoom, and no real optical zooming (the lens does not move). I never use digital zoom, as it makes an already grainy image (from this camera anyway) even less sharp. If I wanted to "zoom" I would do it in post-processing in your computer's video editor, as you can crop at will.
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Thanks for the information from all. I didn't get a Sony 828 when they were available and I was hoping this would be an SLR equivalent. I would like the ability to do short videos for training purposes where I can manually zoom while recording. I paste the videos into Powerpoint to use for self paced and interactive technical training. I also use a lot of stills for training as well as work instructions. I currently use a Sony camera for these features, but it has some limitations due to the lens. I thought this might be the perfect camera, but I guess I'll have to wait.