In terms of 12x optical zoom, what is equivilant of older 35mm focal lengths?

Question

Am thinking of buying Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2. And if this is very wide range, why would anyone buy a SLR?

Answer 1

First, H2 is a decent camera. However, 12x optical zoom doesn't mean anything until you find out the lower end of focal length. For example, H2 has 36-432mm zoom equivilant to 35mm film camera. This means the H2 can do a 36mm wide angle maximum, which is good enough for most occasions, but far from satisfactory for a serious photographer. People buy SLRs because they can fit a much better wide angle (e.g. 14mm) as well as other specialty lenses. Plus a 12x zoom lens usually won't be as sharp as smaller zoom range lenses, which is why photographers prefer to separate wide angle from telezoom. But again, H2 is a decent camera for everyday use and some level of serious photography.

Answer 2

In 35 mm cameras a 50 mm focal length lens gives you a picture which appears to be what your eye would see. A 2X lens would be 100 mm, 3X=150, etc. A 12 X=600 mm which is quite an unusual range. People buy SLR cameras because you are actually viewing through the lens, and what you see is what you get. Most SLR's will accept interchangeable lenses, so they are more versatile than other cameras --- especially for macro photography, where you have to achieve exact focus.

Answer 3

Scoop's math doesn't make sense - Blossoms is correct. And both are correct with regard to the advantages of a dSLR.
And even if the zoom range of the DSC-H2 suits your shooting style perfectly, dSLR cameras are much better in low light situations, and they are much more responsive. This means that with a dSLR you can capture moments that a CyberShot (or any other digital point & shoot) simply can't. For me, that was the biggest reason to upgrade.

Answer 4

Check this out and consider a Canon S3 IS while you are shopping. They look like the same camera if you only check the specifications. This site likes the Sony better, though, even if only because it's cheaper. The lens equivalent is 36-432 mm for both cameras.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=sony_dsch2%2Ccanon_s3is&show=all