10X optical zoom vs. 30X optical zoom?

Question

I've read camcorderinfo.com, and in the ratings section the top ten cameras have 10X optical zoom. Isnt' 25-30 optical zoom better? I am purchasing a camcorder, and it's I've narrowed it down to a higher ranked camcorder with 10X optical zoom or a lower ranked with 30X optical zoom. Which one do I get? Thanks.

Answer 1

don't get hung up in the zoom numbers. 10x is not great, but think about what you'll be using the camera for most. If it's for filming your young children, 10x is plenty. If you're going to shoot your kids playing football, soccer, baseball, then longer zooms are required.

Answer 2

10x is not necessarily better than 5x. There's always a trade-off, and the 10x may call for a more sophisticated optical design, which will either cost more, or will result in significantly compromised optical quality in order to meet a price point. A 5x optical zoom will, in fact, cover nearly 100% of all photo situations, and it's very likely that any expenditure over and above for a 10x version will meet the law of diminishing returns head on and very quickly. Far better to have a good quality 5x than a mediocre 10x that suffers vignetting and optical distortions at the wide and tele ends.

Answer 3

Specific model info would help. The bigger zoom range is usually useful, but not if the optical quality of the lens is much worse. It's better to have sharp image with 10x zoom than 25x of blurry, shaky video. In general, the top rated cameras are ranked there for good reason.

I find the following link very useful for reviews (Just click on the camera you're considering, and see what people have to say):

Answer 4

I would opt for the 30X.

IMO optical maintains a clearer picture. Digital zoom, although well done, is still a software program that does a lot of averaging and guessing. My still camera (digital with short clip capability) was purchased specifically because it had the higher optical zoom capabilities. I am in no way sorry I bought it.

The final decision will be yours but you asked for my 2 cents and here it is. Don't spend it all in one place. Good luck on your choice, I hope what ever you decide works out well for you.