Focal Length

by PistonCupChampion - 3/17/12 1:40 PM

In Reply to: Is 16x optical zoom much better than 10x? by minniepauz

10x and 16x doesn't mean much without knowing the focal lengths of the lens. For example, a 10x lens that starts at 38mm equivalent, will be 380mm at the telephoto end. But a 16x lens that starts at 24mm equivalent will be 384mm at the telephoto end...barely a difference.

You can use this tool to see what different focal lengths look like. The tool is meant for DSLR cameras, but it will give you a basic idea of the difference. You need to select both "FX format" boxes, and use the slider to change the focal length. The HX9V has a 384mm equivalent lens; I would guess your current camera is around 250mm:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/index.htm