The average compact camera packs a 3x zoom, while anything larger than 10x qualifies as a megazoom or superzoom. But there's a growing number of cameras in the 3-10x hinterland that combine compact portability with distant-shooting goodness.
The size of a zoom lens is determined by the focal length of the camera. Because different cameras have different focal lengths and different-sized image sensors, a standard measurement is used that expresses focal length as the equivalent to a 35mm film camera.
The sensor takes the place of film in digital cameras, with an image recorded when light comes through the lens and falls on to the sensor. A single 35mm film frame in a film camera is the same size as a "full-frame" image sensor, but most compacts have smaller-sized sensors. The 35mm equivalent is the actual focal length multiplied by the difference in size between that small sensor and a full frame, to give a standardised figure.
Confused? Don't worry. All you really need to know is that most compacts have a wide-angle focal length — equivalent to a 35mm camera — of 35-38mm. The lower the number is, the wider the picture is and the more you can cram in. More and more compacts are now getting wider angles — as much as 28mm. Panasonic has even introduced the Lumix DMC-FX36, which has a 25mm equivalent.
The 10-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 is a sleek compact with a 4x optical zoom, and a nicely wide 28mm equivalent. Panasonic has also been adding a handy "easy zoom" button to its latest cameras, which allows the zoom to spiral out to its full extension with one press. Another press brings the zoom back to the wide angle.
Larger zooms don't have to mean larger lenses. The design of non-protruding lenses lends itself to larger zooms. The lens is turned sideways in cameras with lenses that don't poke out from the body. The lens is often covered with a sliding faceplate. This isn't our favourite form factor, but one of the most fun implementations is the 8-megapixel Fujifilm Finepix Z100fd, with its unusual diagonally sliding front and 5x zoom.
If you want a larger zoom but also want the user-friendliness of a compact, the Ricoh R8 boasts a 7x optical zoom. If you're not sold on its retro, boxy looks, then try its surprisingly different-styled predecessor, the R7.
Want to take charge of your pictures? The Canon PowerShot A650 IS is packed with manual controls and features alongside its 7x lens. The "IS" stands for image stabilisation. Longer zooms magnify the effects to camera shake, so image stabilisation that adjusts the sensor to compensate for jitters is a must.
Ricoh Caplio R8
The Ricoh R8 may lack traditional manual controls, but it's still endlessly customisable even with a dead simple button and menu layout. The large screen, wide angle lens and long zoom make it worthwhile twiddling the menus to overcome some image issues.
Canon PowerShot A650 IS
Performance issues aside, the Canon PowerShot A650 IS combines large, good-looking photos and a generous feature set into a fine mid-range shooter.
Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd
The Z100fd is a good looker of a camera, but as they say, beauty is only skin deep.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5
We've just got our hands on the 10-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5. Panasonic has rocked our world since the TZ3, and this latest arrival from PMA is shaping up to be just as popular.
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