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Question

Camera with amazing zoom and high quality image??

by Oct 19, 2013 7:46AM PDT

Hello! Looking for a camera with amazing zoom, great for action shots, and clear images in low light. Have a basic canon power shot from 2010. Looking for something more advanced but not over $400 or so. Want high quality, slr-like images. Want it to be used for graduations, soccer games, low lot areas and at night. Please help!

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Answer
Tall Order
by Forum moderator Oct 19, 2013 8:15AM PDT

The camera you are describing is pictured here:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/randol9p9/MinoltaZ2/GreenBay.jpg

The price if far above $400.

There are $400 cameras that can meet you needs but they do not have good low light capability.

Low light ability requires a large sensor assembly and a bright lens.
A bright zoom lens is quite large and expensive.

..

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Ok, I'll sacrifice the low light capabilities
by Butlerchick Oct 19, 2013 10:16AM PDT

If I go for something with a great zoom, great for action shots, and SLR-like photo quality... What's the best pick within my price range? Thank you!

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More sacrifice needed
by PistonCupChampion Oct 20, 2013 7:46AM PDT

In order for an inexpensive camera to have an amazing zoom, the size of the sensor has to be reduced. When you reduce the size of the sensor, image quality is compromised. So it would be difficult...impossible, really...to have SLR-like image quality from a small-sensor camera. That said, many people are satisfied with travel zoom and superzoom cameras such as the Canon SX280 and Canon SX50. Nikon, Panasonic and Sony also make travel and superzoom cameras. Bear in mind though that the sensor of these cameras will be roughly the same as your old camera, so you won't get much better image quality, just more zoom.

The newly announce Sony RX10 should have near SLR-like quality, and a fairly healthy and bright zoom lens....for $1300.

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So maybe I should get an SLR....
by Butlerchick Oct 20, 2013 9:58AM PDT

Most of what I am learning in my research is that maybe I should bite the bullet and get an SLR. I really want noticeably higher quality photos. Think there is any chance I can get one for around $600? I was looking into the Canon Rebel originally but then I realized the lens is an additional $200. Would love more feedback! Thank you.

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Excellent Images
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Oct 20, 2013 11:07AM PDT
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