The technology of digicams is all about wide-angle zooms, or the lack thereof to be more accurate. When you shop for a digicam, you certainly first look for the resolution specification, now popularly rated at 7MP-8MP, with many models getting much higher. But after you select a model with resolution, what's the second most popular specification?
In my opinion, it's the zoom rati. This is number given in a Yx rating. Generally, most average digicams have a 3X optical zoom ratio. This is the ratio of the maximum telephoto focal length divided by the minimum wide-angel focal length. Again 3X is standart, but many models now offer 5X and beyond. The reigning king in telephoto zooms is Olympus with their SP - 550 Ultra Zoom --- a whooping 18X.
But beyond the mere zoom ratio number, what's more important is the actual focal length at the wide-angle end of the zoom. That's a number you seldom look at, but it can make a world of difference. So far in digicams that wide-angle focal length hasn't gotten any wider than 28mm (equivalency in 35mm terms) -- and that's just in a few models, among hundreds of models out there. Admittedly, that's pretty wide, but I'd like to see it go wider. Why? So you can remain relative close to your subject and still get them in the frame.
So what are some of the models that live in this rarified atmosphere of a 28mm equivalent wide-angle zoom? Olympus has its new SP - 550, which was previewed in DP' s Special 2007 Summer Buyers Guide and reviewed in this issue. The SP - 550 has the record for the largest zoom ratio --18X-- from a stunning 28mm on the wide-angle end, to a powerful 504mm on the telephoto end. The second model to join this exclusive wide-angle club is Panasonic's brand new Lumix DMC- FX100. Its zoom ratio is only 3.6X, but on the wide-angle end it's mmmm, which is the equivalent of a 28mm lens. These are both very impressive wide-angle focal length for digicams.
Here's a bit more about the new Panasonic Lumix DMC- FX100. For starters, the resolution is a whopping 12.2-megapixel (12.2MP) sensor. That's pretty much the new high water - mark in point-and-shoot digicams. The new Leica 3,6X optical zoom lens is very fast --- rated at f/2.8 --- meaning it can handle capturing shots in low light. Another great feature is Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), I've tested out a sister Panasonic digicam, the FX8, and its Mega OIS was outstanding. I expect nothing less from this new model. The Lumix DMC - FX100 also has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, making it easy to use and the overall look and feel is lightweight and stylis.
The FX100 uses SDHC/SD Memory Cards, but even if your card is full, there's an onboard memory of 27 MB to help you get the important shot in an emergency. Trust me; this happens more often that you'd think. Wide firmat 16x9 shooting mode is possible at 1920x1080 resolution. If you happen to have a new generation Panasonic HD plasma monitor, there will be an SD card slot to make this playback even more convenient. The Panasonic Lumix DMC - FX100 will be available in July 2007 in either black or silver color. The MSRP was unvailable at press time. But what if you don't have a very wide-angle zoom lens on your digicams? There is a workaround, and it's called a wide-angle converter. These are inexpensive add-on lenses that enlarge the field of view by certain factors --- usually .6X or .7X. That means if if you put one of the new Panasonic or Olympus wide-angle zoos, the widest angle would be .6X or .7X wider, i.e., 28mm x .6 = 17mm. Of course, you don't get something for nothing. Usually you'll get optical distortions introduced into the image, especially at the edge of the frame. But for many it's tolerable.
And if you have a DSLR, you can always get a special wide-angle zoom lens. In July 2007 issue of your sister publication, Pro Digital Imaging, there's an article entitled "Buying The Right Aftermarket Lenses". In this article we highlight just a view of the new and exciting wide-angle zooms for Sigma (10mm-20mm f/4-f/5.6) and Olympus (7mm-14mm f/4). But be forewarned, these wide-angle zooms are very pricey --- well over $1,000.
In my opinion, it's the zoom rati. This is number given in a Yx rating. Generally, most average digicams have a 3X optical zoom ratio. This is the ratio of the maximum telephoto focal length divided by the minimum wide-angel focal length. Again 3X is standart, but many models now offer 5X and beyond. The reigning king in telephoto zooms is Olympus with their SP - 550 Ultra Zoom --- a whooping 18X.
But beyond the mere zoom ratio number, what's more important is the actual focal length at the wide-angle end of the zoom. That's a number you seldom look at, but it can make a world of difference. So far in digicams that wide-angle focal length hasn't gotten any wider than 28mm (equivalency in 35mm terms) -- and that's just in a few models, among hundreds of models out there. Admittedly, that's pretty wide, but I'd like to see it go wider. Why? So you can remain relative close to your subject and still get them in the frame.
So what are some of the models that live in this rarified atmosphere of a 28mm equivalent wide-angle zoom? Olympus has its new SP - 550, which was previewed in DP' s Special 2007 Summer Buyers Guide and reviewed in this issue. The SP - 550 has the record for the largest zoom ratio --18X-- from a stunning 28mm on the wide-angle end, to a powerful 504mm on the telephoto end. The second model to join this exclusive wide-angle club is Panasonic's brand new Lumix DMC- FX100. Its zoom ratio is only 3.6X, but on the wide-angle end it's mmmm, which is the equivalent of a 28mm lens. These are both very impressive wide-angle focal length for digicams.
Here's a bit more about the new Panasonic Lumix DMC- FX100. For starters, the resolution is a whopping 12.2-megapixel (12.2MP) sensor. That's pretty much the new high water - mark in point-and-shoot digicams. The new Leica 3,6X optical zoom lens is very fast --- rated at f/2.8 --- meaning it can handle capturing shots in low light. Another great feature is Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), I've tested out a sister Panasonic digicam, the FX8, and its Mega OIS was outstanding. I expect nothing less from this new model. The Lumix DMC - FX100 also has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, making it easy to use and the overall look and feel is lightweight and stylis.
The FX100 uses SDHC/SD Memory Cards, but even if your card is full, there's an onboard memory of 27 MB to help you get the important shot in an emergency. Trust me; this happens more often that you'd think. Wide firmat 16x9 shooting mode is possible at 1920x1080 resolution. If you happen to have a new generation Panasonic HD plasma monitor, there will be an SD card slot to make this playback even more convenient. The Panasonic Lumix DMC - FX100 will be available in July 2007 in either black or silver color. The MSRP was unvailable at press time. But what if you don't have a very wide-angle zoom lens on your digicams? There is a workaround, and it's called a wide-angle converter. These are inexpensive add-on lenses that enlarge the field of view by certain factors --- usually .6X or .7X. That means if if you put one of the new Panasonic or Olympus wide-angle zoos, the widest angle would be .6X or .7X wider, i.e., 28mm x .6 = 17mm. Of course, you don't get something for nothing. Usually you'll get optical distortions introduced into the image, especially at the edge of the frame. But for many it's tolerable.
And if you have a DSLR, you can always get a special wide-angle zoom lens. In July 2007 issue of your sister publication, Pro Digital Imaging, there's an article entitled "Buying The Right Aftermarket Lenses". In this article we highlight just a view of the new and exciting wide-angle zooms for Sigma (10mm-20mm f/4-f/5.6) and Olympus (7mm-14mm f/4). But be forewarned, these wide-angle zooms are very pricey --- well over $1,000.
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