Searching for a camera with 10X optical zoom

[gali]

Hello!

I'm looking for a digital camera with 10X optical zoom and not too heavy, something like the Lumix DMC-TZ4.
The price isn't an issue for me, my previous camera has been the Canon A95 PowerShot, which was great but kinda heavy, not very comfortable...

Thanx!

[Photo-John]

Welcome to PhotographyREVIEW.com, gali!

I'm glad you told us that the A95 is heavy for you. Because your idea of heavy and mine are very different

There are lots of cameras now with 10x zooms. Those cameras are usually called "superzooms." They're generally full-featured cameras with lots of manual control options. And unfortunately, they're also almost always bigger and heavier than your A95. The only exception I'm aware of are the Panasonic Lumix TZ cameras you mentioned. I'm not sure the TZ4 and TZ5 are actually lighter than your A95, either. The glass in that big lens has to be somewhat substantial. But if you want that kind of zoom range in a reasonably compact package, I think the Lumix TZ4 or TZ5 are the way to go. For perspective, you may want to compare to the Canon's superzoom, the PowerShot S5 IS. It's definitely bigger and heavier than the Panasonic. On the other hand, it has a longer zoom and you'll already be familiar with the controls since they'll be more or less the same as the A95 you're used to.

Panasonic Lumix TZ5 Reviews >>
Canon PowerShot S5 IS Reviews >>

If you want more in-depth hands-on information, we also have pro reviews for previous models of both cameras.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Pro Review >>
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Pro Review >>

I hope that helps you sort things out. It really does look like the Panasonic Lumix TZ4 or TZ5 are your best bet. But if you want more options, you can go to less zoom or more weight. There are also a few pocket-sized cameras with 7x zoom lenses. And if you can accept more weight, then Panasonic, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, and Fuji all have really powerful superzoom digital cameras.

[Liz]

Hello!

I'm looking for a digital camera with 10X optical zoom and not too heavy, something like the Lumix DMC-TZ4.
The price isn't an issue for me, my previous camera has been the Canon A95 PowerShot, which was great but kinda heavy, not very comfortable...

Thanx!

Just to add to PhotoJohn's comments, here is a link to an album full of images from the TZ5. Since price isn't an issue, I would opt for the TZ5 because there is a good bit of improvement - a worthy upgrade for a few more dollars.

My friend has the TZ5 and I've used it - we're both very impressed with the IQ and easy use of this camera. Having said that, like most p&s cameras it is not great in low light - but probably on par with most of them. I don't know how big the A95 is, but the TZ5 isn't that big or heavy. It's a compact, but not an ultra-wide compact. It's lighter and smaller than the G9 if you're familiar with that one. If you can find a camera or electronic store, most places sell this camera, you can get the feel of it. One BIG feature is the 28mm wide angle which is hard to find in the p&s cameras.

I just ordered a TZ5 btw......pushed over the fence by the photos in the album below....it shows what this camera can do in the right hands.

Here is a link to the photos........check out those wide angles.......and this person works it well in low light as you can see.

http://gmchappell.smugmug.com/date/2...88645923_RfQt4

Liz

[gali]

Thank you so much!
i think i'll have to compromise on a 7x zoom lenses.

Could you please recommand me 2-3 nice cameras?

[Grem]

Hi everyone

I too am looking to upgrade to a superzoom compact and have been considering either a TZ 3, 4 or 5.

I've seen 3's at around $150 whereas the best I've seen for a 5 is about $299 and I'm wondering if that latter is worth twice the price. I don't tend to upgrade very often, so like to get it right first time.

I'm currently using a Minolta Dimage Xi and people consistently don't believe my photos come from such an old low spec camera. Accordingly, I don't want to upgrade if I'm not going to notice a substantial difference, other of course than the increase from 3x to 10x optical zoom.

Any general advice would be much appreciated.