Digital cameras forum: Super-zoom Recommendation

Total posts: 11 (Showing page 1 of 1)

Thread display preference:
Collapsed
Expanded

Back to Digital cameras

Tracked Track this thread

Answers

Answer Best answer as chosen by user kharzan1

Which

by snapshot2 - 4/12/12 12:35 PM

In Reply to: Super-zoom Recommendation by kharzan1

The USA CNET reviews are not so good for either camera.

If you are looking for good photo quality, I would not pick either one.

Quote from the reviews:
S8200 - "its photo quality isn't for everybody"
WB150F - "The camera's photo quality is barely better than a smartphone's"

A tip:
For good photo quality avoid any small camera that has 16 megapixels.
....Too many pixels on a too small sensor assembly.
....That means excessive noise which causes the camera maker to be too aggressive with the noise reduction firmware.
...Which causes loss of detail.

For very good photo quality. you should take a look at the Canon SX230.

Was this reply helpful? (2) (1)

Staff pick

Canon SX230

by kharzan1 - 4/14/12 3:11 PM

In Reply to: Which by snapshot2

Thanks for the advice - should I not go for the SX260 then? Isn't this an upgrade on the 230?

Also what is your view on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 (called the ZS20 in the US) is this similarly good?

Was this reply helpful? (0) (0)

Staff pick

Others

by snapshot2 - 4/14/12 6:55 PM

In Reply to: Canon SX230 by kharzan1

I am still unable to find any full size sample photos from the SX260, It is so new that there are no full reviews yet.
Since it has a new lens, I wanted to see some photos with the new lens. But based on Canon's track record on this particular line of cameras, it should be a good replacement for the SX230.

The Panasonic (TZ30) ZS20 is giving Canon a good run for the money this year. Their last years model had some problems with image quality but they have fixed the problem with this new model.

All of these cameras have GPS (global positioning system).
It can be a fun feature but if you leave it turned-on all the time it will reduce your battery time by about half.
Just something to keep in mind.

Was this reply helpful? (2) (0)

Staff pick

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sx260hs-review

SX260 HS Review

by PistonCupChampion - 4/14/12 9:26 PM

In Reply to: Others by snapshot2

Was this reply helpful? (1) (0)

Staff pick

GPS

by kharzan1 - 4/15/12 10:18 AM

In Reply to: SX260 HS Review by PistonCupChampion

Thanks both - so I guess I'll be picking one of those, I guess whichever is easiest to use.

What is the point of the GPS feature? I mean just it just literally add a line on your photo which gives co-ordinates as to where you took it? Can't really see the appeal?

Was this reply helpful? (0) (0)

Staff pick

GPS - big brother is watching

by snapshot2 - 4/15/12 4:14 PM

In Reply to: GPS by kharzan1

GPS software has gotten very sophisticated.

There is software available that will let you know exactly where the picture was taken.
Even plot the location on a map.
In some countries Google Mapping can show you a picture of the front of the location.

i.e. Take Christmas photos in your house and Google mapping can let you see a picture of the front of your house.

A free photo viewing program called IRFANVIEW has an easy access to GPS information in a photo.
Click on Image/Information.

Military people who are on active duty in a hostile environment should never use GPS on their cameras.
The accuracy of the civilian GPS is about 30 meters.
If their picture (with GPS information) gets into enemy hands they could be a target.
A good enemy mortar team can drop a mortar round almost on top of where the picture was taken.
A picture (with GPS data) home to mom and dad that says here is a picture of my bunk could have consequences.

..

Was this reply helpful? (2) (0)

Staff pick

Thanks

by kharzan1 - 4/19/12 3:00 AM

In Reply to: GPS - big brother is watching by snapshot2

Thanks all much appreciated - went for the Panasonic DMC-TZ30 (ZS2) in the end, looks excellent and hopefully will do the business on Safari!

Was this reply helpful? (1) (0)

Staff pick

Safari

by richteral - 4/21/12 1:07 AM

In Reply to: Thanks by kharzan1

No one seems to have told you that
1. Superzoom is a non-issue. On a safari, the point is getting close to the animals. If you don't, you have wasted your money. Even a fixed lens will do as long as it is wide enough to capture landscape when needed.
2. Anti-shake is an issue. In jargon, you do need IS on your camera. If that is the case, you are fully equipped. If not, you may have wasted your money.

Another non-issue is pixel count: Anything from 5 Mp will do nicely, as Ken Rockwell will convincingly show you on his very useful site. I have some amazing shots from Africa on HP R817, while others were using mid-range Canon and top-range Pentax DSLRs to no greater effect.

Was this reply helpful? (1) (0)

Staff pick

Answer Best answer as chosen by user kharzan1

Handy small camera for a safari!

by realman - 4/21/12 12:09 PM

In Reply to: Super-zoom Recommendation by kharzan1

I would recommand, the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 40x zoom. I bought this camera 3 weeks ago.I am very satisfied with it .A small camera, that you can carry in a shirt pocket.It has almost all the features you would want in a SLR camera, plus it has A GPS feature.Look it up! Cost $349 at B&H Camera.

Was this reply helpful? (0) (0)

Staff pick

Answer Best answer as chosen by user kharzan1

All Good Answers

by Hforman - 4/21/12 3:53 PM

In Reply to: Super-zoom Recommendation by kharzan1

I was in the same place you were. I swear by Canon. I bought a 24x zoom and it was definitely worth it!. I wouldn't recommend the model now because I'm positive they have newer and better. I also know the thought that you should not have to zoom too much on a safari and that the idea is to get close to the animals. I found though, that, as close as you do get, you are still sitting in a tall safari car so, even if the animal is right beside you, zoom does help a little bit especially if it is a lion and want to shoot dental close-ups. The problem with getting real close? You then need a really good anti-shake system in your camera. The closer you get, the more you need anti-shake and... uhh. Nevermind. Oh, and it makes shooting photos of birds in trees easier. My recommendation: Think of the camera models you are familiar with and look at the manufacturers' website for superzoom. Why? Because being out on the safari is no time to be reading the manual. If you have plenty of time, then you can go take a look at Canon or Panasonic. Read some revies of any camera you are considering. Look at CNET reviews. They just reviewed something the other day.

And make sure your spose knows how to use the camera in case that cute leopard decides it wants to jump in the car and say "hello" to you personally.

Was this reply helpful? (0) (0)

Staff pick