Getting with it

[jayemcee]

I have been dithering for months on which digital camera to buy.
What I would really, really like is a small light camera with a zoom equal to my existing camera and extra lens. I have a 28mm - 80mm lens and an 80mm - 200mm lens. Can I get one camera to cover 28mm - 200mm?
What is the digital equivalent to 28mm- 200mm? 3 optical & 8 digital? 4 optical & 4 digital?
Some recommended reading ( not too technical please) would be appreciated. I can read the ads but don't know what I am looking for.

[cruella]

I bought my Husband an Olympus camera about a year ago
It has a zoom lense of ten.
When I bought it, I went into a good camera store and asked questions, giving the requirements for my Husbands work.
They were very helpful. I suggest you go to a reputable store and speak with someone who knows about cameras. My Husband was, and is over the moon with his camera.

[fo3nix]

Ignore anything about digital zoom. You should never, ever use it.

If you're after a really small camera check out some of the Canons, or the Casio Z750 (I can personally recommend that, and the Z850).

But they likely don't have the zoom you want (I think you'll struggle to find a really small camera that does), but there are lots of 'small' cameras with good zooms on them... such as this one:
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/high-zoom/dmc-fz50e b-k/index.htm

[Toleman]

we have an olympus 2. The 10x optical zoom is more than enough. Don't go by the digital zoom as this focuses in on the picture then stretches it losing quality. depends on what you want from the camera. i agree with Cruella, go into a store and they will tell you what you want. Write down some sugestions and prices and tell them you need to speak to your partner about it (rather than tell them your going home to buy the same model cheaper from the internet)

Toleman

[vehelpfulguy]

As fo3nix says, ignore digital zoom.

Some cameras offer optical zoom and digital zoom.

Optical zoom is the type of zoom you want, where the actual image is moved in and out.

Digital zoom is just an effect the camera has where it zooms into the centre of the image and enlarges it, but you lose a lot of quailty.

So remember

Optical zoom GOOD.

Digital zoom BAD.

[vehelpfulguy]

The best site for camera reviews is Steves digicams, here

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.ht ml

In the list above he has a section for 10-12x super zoom which is probably the best you can get.

It is an American site, so some cameras may not be available here, or have different names or numbers, but it is a good starting point.

[jayemcee]

Thank you all for your replies and helpful sites.l think now is the time to go shopping. I rather like the look of the Panasonic Lumix, but whatever, I will remember that its the optical zoom that counts. When I have "done the deal" I'll post you the info , Thanks again.

[fo3nix]

Another issue to think about is that cameras with larger zooms like that Panasonic often have some sort of image stabilising chip. They're very useful to have, as your hand shake is multiplied a lot at the max zoom.

[jayemcee]

I dither no more! I have bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ1 as it has a wide angle and a 10 optical zoom.Also a double ? anti-shake facility.
Thank you for all your contributions, but sorry Toleman, I actually purchased it instore.
From the look of the instruction leaflet, I probably need to defer my hols for a week or two.(or three).