Compact camera similar to Canon G11/G12 with much longer zoom for wildlife
Asked 9/21/2011
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I like the Canon G11/G12 for its size, ease of use, and price range, but I need significantly more than its 5x zoom for wildlife and scenery. I’d also like faster continuous shooting. My budget is around the midrange compact-camera level, and I want something relatively light and simple to use while still capable of producing strong images. Is there a camera with G11/G12-like usability but a much longer optical zoom and better burst speed?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I think your best bet would be the brand new Canon Powershot SX40 HS. It has an astounding 35x optical zoom or a 24mm-840mm eqiv range. This camera is brand new and was announced as shipping at the end of September 2011.
As for the shooting speed - this camera has two options. You can shoot at a continuous 2.4fps until you fill the memory card. Or you have the option of a "High-Speed Burst HQ" that will shoot 8 images at 10.3fps.
On top of those features that you are requiring, the camera has what Canon claims is 4.5stops worth of image stabilization, which will come in handy when you are out at 840mm!
This camera will be the best compromise that offers a great range, fast shooting speed, ease of use, in a small package, and at a decent price.
If you do require the highest quality, and apertures that are beyond the scope of a camera/lens of this size, you will have to look at professional grade lenses in the 70-200mm f/2.8 or 300mm f/4 range and up.
I apologize for this sounding like an advertisement - but really some of this new technology in point and shoot cameras is quite amazing.
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A strong fit from the answers is the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. It offers a much longer zoom than the G11/G12—35x optical zoom, roughly a 24-840mm equivalent range—making it far better suited to wildlife while still covering wide scenery shots.
For speed, it improves on typical compact performance with about 2.4 fps continuous shooting, plus a high-speed burst mode that can capture 8 frames at about 10.3 fps. It also includes substantial image stabilization, which is especially helpful at the long end of the zoom range.
So if your priority is a camera that stays relatively compact and easy to use but adds far more reach and faster burst shooting, the SX40 HS is the recommended compromise. Keep in mind that superzoom cameras trade some image quality versus larger-sensor interchangeable-lens systems, but for portability, convenience, and zoom range, this is the closest match suggested.
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