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View Full Version : Is 3X Optical Zoom Enough?

BIW
29th of March 2004 (Mon), 16:27
Hi,

I am going to be traveling relatively soon and am looking at purchasing my first digital camera (Canon Powershot A60) after using an SLR for many years. My question is this:

I have been spoiled by the SLR's optical zoom length (15X) and am concerned that a 3X optical zoom won't capture those relatively 'far away' shots, eg. mountains, landscapes, etc.

Has anybody found that a 3X optical zoom severely limits their travel (or long-distance) photography?

Thanks for your comments and replies.
photoguynorth
29th of March 2004 (Mon), 16:34
I had a PowerShot G2 for the last year, and found the 3x zoom lacking on both ends (wide angle and telephoto). You should look at the type of shots you take to see if they would have worked within the zoom range you would have.
Having said that, I was totally sold on digital after getting the G2. I finally bought a DRebel, and have not looked back!
nosquare2003
29th of March 2004 (Mon), 22:30
Since you have been using SLR for many years, you should have some lenses and accessories.

I second the purchase of Drebel -- then you can have your 15X zoom length and your landscape and mountains. In fact, you do know that the 3X zoom is not wide nor long enough in your post. Get the Drebel straight and you'll be happy.
John_T
30th of March 2004 (Tue), 09:28
...or if it's traveling light you want, get a Canon Pro 1 with 28 mm to 200 mm zoom and 8MP. That will give lots of stretch. If you are used to film you won't mind the lower ISO range. The Drebel will also be a good choice, though it will be more to tote, lenses 'n all.
sdommin
31st of March 2004 (Wed), 08:17
A dissenting view - (that seems to be my function on this board :? ) - 3X zoom is plenty. Since you've been using an SLR many years, you should have the experience and skill to be able to take plenty of great photos using "only" 3X. In fact, many photographers (both now and in the past) have used only a single focal-length lens and gotten amazing results.
BIW
2nd of April 2004 (Fri), 12:42
Thnx for the great replies. The digital SLR is definately something I will seriously consider in the future- they look fantastic. I shld have mentioned, however, that I am looking for a 2nd camera that I could just put in my pocket and be a bit rugged with. I'd like to go w/ the A60 bec I like all its features for the price (and therefore won't get 'too' upset if I drop it, etc.) and wasn't looking so much for an alternative to it as I was wondering if people had been disappointed at all using a 3X zoom for their landscape shots. I realize that this is subjective but just wanted to hear some other thoughts.

Scott- Those pics are indeed fantastic. I was looking to see what you used to take them but cldn't find anything. DId you use a 3X on any of the wide-angle shots?

Thanks in advance
sdommin
2nd of April 2004 (Fri), 12:55
Scott- I was looking to see what you used to take them but cldn't find anything. DId you use a 3X on any of the wide-angle shots?

Thanks in advance

Thank you! The camera I used is listed just below the title of each picture.

The range of the G3 is:

Full telephoto - http://www.pbase.com/image/26997127

Max wideangle - http://www.pbase.com/image/27092524
BIW
3rd of April 2004 (Sat), 03:17
ah...it wld have helped if I clicked on the individual pic! Thanks a lot!
gsmx2
3rd of April 2004 (Sat), 09:07
BIW,

Could we agree that a Universal Truth is: A photographer never has enough wide-angle or telephoto to meet his or her needs. The 3x is what it is and will not win with a comparision with a 15x lens.

That said, from what you describe as your needs, the A60 is a good choice in a 2 MP camera. Lens is sharp and well made. And right now Office Depot is selling them for $199 with a $100 mail in rebate. $99 for a quality 2MP camera? That's a good deal. We picked one up for an early Christmas present for a family member.

Oh...and of course with digital, you can crop out that which you couldn't eliminate with the lens and stitch two photos together to extend the wide angle. What you may have some trouble with is seeing much DOF difference between one focal length and the other.

gsm x2
nosquare2003
3rd of April 2004 (Sat), 20:07
BIW,

Oh...and of course with digital, you can crop out that which you couldn't eliminate with the lens and stitch two photos together to extend the wide angle. What you may have some trouble with is seeing much DOF difference between one focal length and the other.

gsm x2

Hmm, the stitching of two photos vs a wide angle lens are different.