Digital Camera Technology

Digital cameras are changing the way we look at the world.  Anybody can take a picture, transfer it, delete it, and then take another picture with these new gadgets that hit the market every day.  But what separates the normal digital cameras from the ones that really do a great job in all aspects is the amount of zoom that’s possible.  Mind you, we’re talking about optical zoom; not digital zoom that loses quality the farther it goes.  So let’s take a look at these extended zoom cameras that seem to be taking the spotlight in every outdoor person’s photography experience.

Sony DSC-H7

Extended zoom cameras are known for their one feature; their zoom barrel.  The DSC-H7 (Sony CyberShot H7) is one of the most popular extended zoom cameras out in the market since the H5, its predecessor.  Boasting a 15x optical zoom, it has the second longest zoom range in the digital camera market.  It also features an 8.1 mega pixel sensor so quality is not sacrificed much halfway through the digital zoom of which it has 30x.  Beyond that, and you can expect pixilation and all sorts of artifacts.  Of course, these can all be taken care of with a little editing on the computer.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

The extended zoom cameras that Panasonic develops are some of the well-respected.  Fairly priced, you will want to get your hands on the Lumix DMC-FZ50, which not only looks gorgeous in black, but also sports a gorgeous zoom barrel that promises 12x optical zoom.  The Lumix also plays it safe in the extended zoom cameras category, as it only provides 4x digital zoom, unlike the Sony H7.  This is just as well since digital zoom will only stand to ruin an image further.  With the much lauded OIS technology that Panasonic has built into the Lumix to reduce shake, this makes for one outdoor camera that stands firmly against its competitors.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon is never to be one to be outdone by its competition.  Their extended zoom cameras are beautifully designed and yet built for the outdoors.  The PowerShot S3 IS is their latest extended zoom offering; sleek and built with a black metal and grey paintjob, this camera is definitely one that you can literally throw in the bag.  With a 6 mega pixel sensor and a 12x optical zoom, the PowerShot S3 IS is a camera that is practical in form and function; and it doesn’t sacrifice any detail.  With a strong video mode, the camera seems to even be built to go against any standard video recorder.  Now this is a camera that is meant to be experienced.

Olympus Stylus 550UZ

The most wanted adventure camera comes in the form of an 18x optical zoom, super-telephoto lens, 7.1 mega pixel monster; and this is exactly what Olympus has built for the outdoors consumer.  With sensor-shift and digital image stabilization, the Olympus is in a class of its own.  The most powerful of present extended zoom cameras, the Stylus 550UZ means business and pushes the limits of photography pleasure.