Big zoom, little camera

If you think you need a huge digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera for great zoom, read on.

If you think you need a huge digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera for great zoom, read on.

While slightly larger than those super slim point-and-shoots, the 8.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix FZ18 ($549.99 or less) packs an incredible 18x optical zoom, so it’s perfect for capturing a child’s face as they score the overtime goal in hockey to win the game.

Most pocket-sized digital cameras offer 3x zoom.

The FZ18, which sports a 28mm wide-angle lens, is also one of the first to offer something called "Intelligent Auto Mode," which can automatically adjust the focus and exposure depending on the situation. Therefore, instead of manually turning the dial on the camera to switch from, say, night mode to macro (close-up) mode to portrait mode, this camera will figure out the situation and make the necessary adjustments.

More info on the Lumix FZ-18 is here.

Filed Under: Photography