Top Five Ultrazoom Pocketable Compact Cameras

Consumers wanting a powerful zoom in their compact cameras in the past would have to contend with the fact that none of the ultrazooms at that time were pocketable.

They are too large to fit in the pockets, that is, unless you are wearing baggies — even then, imagine the comical side-way bulge.

The year 2009 changes all that. As larger compacts go for longer reach of 20x optical zoom and above, the 12x optical zoom which used to be a benchmark for these bulky compacts, has now found its way into much smaller bodies that now fit in your trousers the way a handphone does.

Perfect travel companion

Ultrazoom pocketable compact cameras are a perfect travel companion especially if they are also ultrawide. I would say a 12x optical zoom which starts at 26mm will be the ideal compact for travel camera.

Following are the list of five ultrazoom pocketable cameras, in no particular order. I would also say that these are the top five compact cameras for travel. They are either already in the market or shipping in the next few weeks.

#01 Canon Powershot SX200 IS

Canon reinforces its position in the 12x optical zoom compact camera segment with the launch of the PowerShot SX200 IS, an upgrade to the SX110 IS. Canon has had a strong present in this segment with previous models namely the S2 IS, S3 IS and S5 IS.

The SX200 IS is powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor and according to Canon, the SX200 IS has been designed with travel in mind.

Among the features are: 12.1 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, 28-336mm, image stabilisation, DIGIC 4 processor, HD movie (720p), includes all the standard shooting modes (Auto, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual). It is available in black, blue and red for US$349.99.

#02 Panasonic DMC-ZS3 or DMC-TZ7

The Panasonic DMC-ZS3 is also known as the DMC-TZ7 in Europe; not to be confused with the DMC-ZS1 or also known as the DMC-TZ6 in Europe. But nevermind the dual-name system.

Panasonic has been around for quite sometime in the ultrazoom compact segment, having been producing a series of 10x optical compacts over the last couple of years with the TZ series. For the purpose of this write-up, let just use the name TZ and forget about the ZS.

Early this year, Panasonic announced two 12x optical zoom models — the TZ7 and TZ6. The TZ7 has an ultra wide angle lens and also features the AVCHD Lite motion picture recording.

Among the features are: 10 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, 25mm – 300mm, multi aspect ratios shooting, HD video, anti-shake and a Leica lens. Price: US$399.95.

#03 Panasonic DMC-ZS1 or DMC-TZ6

The DMC-ZS1 or DMC-TZ6 is cheaper by US$100 compared to the DMC-TZ7, offering almost similar features with the TZ7. Among the main features: 10 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, 25mm – 300mm, multi aspect ratios shooting, anti-shake and a Leica lens. Minus the HD video. Grab it for US$299.99.

#04 Samsung HZ15W (W550)

Here is another dual-name camera but like all dual-name cameras, they need not be confusing because the two names won’t be appearing in the same region. It not like you would see a HZ15W and W550 in the same shop.

The 12-megapixel HZ15W is a step up of the HZ10W announced in January this year in terms of megapixel count. Like the 10.2-megapizel HZ10W, the HZ15W is a 10x optical zoom which starts at an ultrawide of 24mm and ends at 240mm.

Both cameras also has HD video capabilities at 720p that also utilises the 10x optical zoom.

Among the main features: 12 megapixels, 10x optical zoom, 24 – 240mm, HD video, anti-shake, full manual controls and a Schneider lens. Priced at $329.00.

#05: Samsung HZ10W

The HZ10W is Samsung’s first attempt at producing superzoom cameras and shares almost an identical range of features with the HZ15W, but at a lower megapixel count of 10.2.

Among the main features: 12 megapixels, 10x optical zoom, 24 – 240mm, HD video, anti-shake, manual controls and a Schneider lens. Priced at US$299.99.