Compact Digital Camera'

[rich_vw]

Evening all, been looking to replace my battered Panasonic FX3 in prep for an up and coming holiday. The one that I currently like if the Panasonic TZ6 mainly as I like the way thay work and it has a decent optical zoom.

It then got me thinking does a large optical zoom mean I'll get better quality distance shots? Also is there a better camera I should be looking for out there??

Cheers.

Edited by rich_vw on Sunday 16th August 21:22

[Simpo Two]

rich_vw said:

It then got me thinking does a large digital zoom mean I'll get better quality distance shots?

Absolutely not - all it does is crop the image and then expand it. And it also adds loads of wobbly stuff, so what you need is optical zoom. Optical good, digital bad.

[rich_vw]

Simpo Two said:

rich_vw said:

It then got me thinking does a large digital zoom mean I'll get better quality distance shots?

Absolutely not - all it does is crop the image and then expand it. And it also adds loads of wobbly stuff, so what you need is optical zoom. Optical good, digital bad.

Sorry, [oor typing on my part, did mean larger optical zoom (edited above)

[Simpo Two]

Not better quality, just closer (ie smaller field of view). But the greater magnification still means you'll have to watch out for camera-shake.

[rich_vw]

Thanks Simpo,

Been looking for similar tot he Panasonic TZ6/7 and come up with the Samsung WB500 & Canon Powershot SX200, anyone had any experience with these?

The samsung is looking to be the cheapest, closely followed by the Panasonic TZ6. Any info would be welcomed.

Rich

[Simpo Two]

I don't know, but try www.dpreview.com

My feeling is that people who buy compacts do not have image quality as the sole criterion, but also size, ease of use and general cuteness. Every camera is a compromise in some way.

[rich_vw]

Thanks, it's reviews like that i've been looking for, great help.

Rich

[Simpo Two]