Finding the best ultra zoom digital camera can mean the difference in having a long distance group photo from the football stadium bleachers or a close up of the quarterback to hang on the family picture wall. A high quality ultra zoom digital camera allows long range photos focused on a specific person or item in an extreme close up photo. This style of digital camera not only allows photos from a long distance but also allows close up shooting of items in the photographer’s immediate area without moving.

Long distance photography is enhanced through use of very high optical zoom features. Most digital cameras max out at 5X optical zoom lenses. Ultra zoom digital cameras offer 10X and higher optical zoom with some reaching 20X. One complicating factor when making long distance photos is the possibility of a fuzzy image when the hand shakes during picture taking. When purchasing an ultra zoom digital camera, choosing one with an image stabilization feature will reduce the chances for the fuzzy picture.http://www.reviewgist.com/best-ultra-zoom-digital-camera-price-under-300

When reviewing digital cameras for purchase, the photographer must determine the need for the ultra zoom capability in exchange for the photo sharpness of a standard camera with a high quality lens. The determining factor may be how often the zoom feature is needed versus how often the camera is used in an up close photo shoot. An individual photographing nature may benefit by the zoom lens which allows a photo before an animal is startled by the presence of the photographer while someone making pictures of a baby may not want to give up the sharpness of the up close photo.http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/9506.html

When deciding on an ultra zoom camera, review the zoom capability and video zoom ability in conjunction with the primary intended use of the device as well as the budgeted amount for purchase. Also consider the type and life of battery in comparison to the length of typical photo shoots. The price range of an ultra zoom camera begins at $99 for a Kodak EasyShare 2915 with 10X optical zoom and extends to $1500 for professional cameras with detachable telephoto lenses.http://www.bizrate.com/digital-cameras/products__keyword--10x+optical+zoom+digital+cameras__sort--5.html

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Digital Camera is a 12.1 megapixel camera with a 27 mm wide angle, 18X optical zoom lens. The camera offers the option of shooting HD video and includes a motion zoom which allows the full 18X zoom to be used for the video. The FZ35 has an ultra high speed Auto Focus (AF) feature allowing quick focus for active scenes. The camera has an extended battery life allowing for 470 photo shoots before battery expiration. Features include Face Detection and Face recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. The FZ35 offers a Baby mode which automatically stitches on when the recognition software registers a child under 3 years old.http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=PSDMCFZ35K&id=PSDMCFZ35K#tabs

Ratings

• Amazon.com - 4.6 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ35-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002IKLJU0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425974&sr=1-1
• NewEgg.com - 5 out of 5http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830180257&Tpk=Panasonic%20Lumix%20DMC-FZ35%20Digital%20Camer
• Abe'sofMaine.com - 4.5 out of 5http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=PSDMCFZ35K&id=PSDMCFZ35K

Price

• $339.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ35-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002IKLJU0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425974&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "My first impressions were ones of pleasant shock. The camera seemed smaller than in the pictures and if it seemed smaller, it seemed doubly more so in terms of weight. Compared to my SLR this thing is an absolute lightweight but very well built and certainly heavier than the smaller 'in your pocket' point and shoots. A great balance...although I wouldn't want to drop it…"—Amazon.com user reviewhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ35-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002IKLJU0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425974&sr=1-1
• "Phenomenal camera for the money, light weight, ability to control virtually anything, lens and stabilization are both outstanding, not too big nor too small in the hands (mine are big and this feels fine). Good HD video without having to carry another piece of equipment."—NewEgg.com user reviewhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830180257&Tpk=Panasonic%20Lumix%20DMC-FZ35%20Digital%20Camer
• "I wanted a single camera and lens that could do many things when I did not want to lug around 25 lbs of equipment. This fits that bill. It can zoom, has a good wide angle, good flash, good image quality, good colors. "—Abe'sofMaine.com user reviewhttp://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=PSDMCFZ35K&id=PSDMCFZ35K

The Sony DSC-H55 is a 14.1 megapixel digital camera which offers a 230k pixel LCD display. The camera uses a 10X wide lens for a total zoom of 20X. Panoramic shots are possible using a Sweep Panorama feature. The optical zoom is a professional quality G-Lens with wide angle allowing more coverage in each picture. Battery life for the DSC-H55 is approximately 115 minutes or 310 photos. The Sony DSC-H55 offers in-camera editing of trimming and red eye correction and eight different face detection modes.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830179318&cm_re=Sony_DSC-H55-_-30-179-318-_-Product

Ratings

• Amazon.com - 4.2 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H55-SteadyShot-Stabilization/dp/B0033VKKB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425043&sr=1-1
• NewEgg.com - 5 out of 5http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830179318&cm_re=Sony_DSC-H55-_-30-179-318-_-Product
• Abe'sofMaine.com - 4.3 out of 5http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=SNDSCH55K&id=SNDSCH55K

Price

• $224.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H55-SteadyShot-Stabilization/dp/B0033VKKB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425043&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "This camera has an excellent Optical 10X zoom, images can be seen clearly and with rich colours. Also using the 20X digital zoom photos have many details, you can apreciate like lines in a wall or symbols in a stone. 720p video looks great when played in my laptop and it does not have blur or moving lines like in other camera's brands, thanks for the mp4 format, very, very portable. Nice panoramic photos, I use them as wallpapers. Only one thing I couldn't do with this camera was shooting the moon or filming it, may be I have to read the manual with more calm. SD Cards supported, nice move! "—Amazon.com customer reviewhttp://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H55-SteadyShot-Stabilization/dp/B0033VKKB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425043&sr=1-1
• "This is my first Sony camera. I own several Canon cameras but wanted to give Sony a try because of the Panarama Sweep feature. I took it out of the box and was taking beautiful pictures within minutes. I also shot some video and it is also clear with bright colors. My favorite is the sweep panarama. It's fun and easy to use and the pictures come out looking great. This is a great point and shoot camera with a lot of nice features and easy to use. You will not be disappointed. "—NewEgg.com customer reviewhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830179318&cm_re=Sony_DSC-H55-_-30-179-318-_-Product
• "Was pleasantly surprised by ease of handling and set-up. Picture quality is impressive, in particular when light conditions are not brilliant. Like in particular the second shot facility. Added software is very useful to catalogue photos, and online registration is a huge step forward. In all: good value for money and efinitely worth a try. Only con (so far): weak flash (also drains battery quickly)."—Abe'sofMaine.com customer reviewhttp://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=SNDSCH55K&id=SNDSCH55K

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera is an ultra zoom camera with a 20X wide angle zoom lens. The camera features capability to record HD movies. The SX20 offers ability to shoot both wide angle and up close shots. The combination of the 20X optical zoom and the 4X digital zoom allows extreme up close shots. The camera is a 12.2 megapixel with a 2.5 inch Variangle LCD screen. A Smart-AUTO feature offers automatic settings for 22 predefined shooting situations. The option for AA battery, AA rechargeable battery, and power charger allows easy power up or extended use. Battery life is approximate 340 photos and 720 minutes of playback time for AA batteries, and 600 shots or 840 minutes of playback for the rechargeable battery.http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=CNPSSX20&id=CNPSSX20

Ratings

• Amazon.com - 4.3 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX20IS-Stabilized-Articulating/dp/B002LITT3I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425818&sr=1-1
• NewEgg.com - 4 out of 5http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120380&cm_re=Canon_PowerShot_SX20-_-30-120-380-_-Product
• Abe'sofMaine.com - 4.5 out of 5http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=CNPSSX20&id=CNPSSX20

Price

• $349.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX20IS-Stabilized-Articulating/dp/B002LITT3I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425818&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "When it came time for a new digital camera I did my homework and concluded the SX20IS is what I wanted. I love the lens on this camera! I used to spend too much time with SLR cameras trying to figure out which lens to use. The SX20IS boots up quickly and is ready to shoot in just a second. "—cNET.com customer reviewhttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sx20-is/4852-6501_7-33765881-1.html?tag=userReviews;page
• "Crisp images, awesome zoom, great video options, lots of possibilities available from all of the manual settings. An impressive camera for this price range. Menus are intuitive if you've used Canon products before. I'll recomend it to my friends! Shipping speed? FAST! Thanks NewEgg!"—NewEgg.com customer reviewhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120380&cm_re=Canon_PowerShot_SX20-_-30-120-380-_-Product
• "If you take this camera on a trip you will find that you will come back with more and better photos than others in your group with more expensive equipment. This camera will help you to enjoy where you are and what you are looking at instead of fussing with equipment. "—Abe'sofMaine.com customer reviewhttp://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=CNPSSX20&id=CNPSSX20

The Panasonic DMC-ZS7S is a 25 mm ultra wide angle digital camera. The camera features a 12X optical zoom with Intelligent Resolution for shooting motion images. The Intelligent Resolution feature extends the 12X zoom to the equivalent of 16X. An Extra Optical Zoom allows a further extension of the zoom feature. Built in memory is 15mb and the camera features a 3.0 inch screen. Depending on shooting conditions and the type of card used, the camera has the potential for continuous shooting for 15 to 100 shots.http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS7-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003960FFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425251&sr=1-1

Ratings

• Amazon.com - 4.3 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS7-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003960FFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425251&sr=1-1
• NewEgg.com - 3 out of 5http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830180323&Tpk=Panasonic%20Lumix%20DMC-ZS7
• Abe'sofMaine.com - 4.4 out of 5http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=PSDMCZS7K&id=PSDMCZS7K&l=PRICEGRABB

Price

• $273.27 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS7-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003960FFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425251&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "It handles difficult situations with grace. Sunset with sky and foreground properly exposed. Delivery room newborn with no flash and low ambient lighting. Black and white is fantastic. Couldn't be happier "—Amazon.com customer reviewhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS7-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003960FFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425251&sr=1-1
• "The 2010 Lumix DMC-ZS7 builds on 2009's ZS3 by adding two features: manual and semimanual shooting modes and an integrated GPS receiver. Combine those with good HD video options, a 25mm-equivalent wide-angle lens with a 12x zoom, and a couple new image enhancements and you've got a flexible camera for those who don't always want to lug a digital SLR with them."—CNET.com Editor reviewhttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs7/4505-6501_7-33978853.html?tag=content;get-selector
• "Packs A Punch, Great for Beginner or Pro - This is a great camera for a beginner---Point and shoot. Lots of control for advance photographers. I'm sorry to say I don't lug around a camera bag and tripod anymore. Just slip this in my purse."—Abe'sofMaine.com customer reviewhttp://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=PSDMCZS7K&id=PSDMCZS7K&l=PRICEGRABB

Canon’s PowerShot SX210 IS digital camera is a 14.1 megapixel camera which uses a 14X optical zoom lens to photograph far away objects. A total of 56X zoom capability is reached when combining with the camera’s 4X digital zoom capability. Additional features include wide angle (28mm) zoom and a 3 inch Pure Color LCD screen with a Low Light mode for shooting in dim lighting. HD video capability includes Dynamic mode for image stabilization while shooting.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120433&cm_re=Canon_PowerShot_SX210-_-30-120-433-_-Product

Ratings

• Amazon.com - 4.2 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX210IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B0035FZJM6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
• NewEgg.com - 3 out of 5http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120433&cm_re=Canon_PowerShot_SX210-_-30-120-433-_-Product
• Abe'sofMaine.com - 4.3 out of 5http://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=CNPSSX210K&id=CNPSSX210K

Price

• $296.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX210IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B0035FZJM6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Reviews

• "This is a great camera overall. The only downside is that the flash is located on the left hand corner and it comes out when you turn the camera on. This makes it a little bit harder to hold the camera from both sides to take a picture."—Amazon.com customer reviewhttp://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX210IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B0035FZJM6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
• "This camera was awesome right out of the box. Although the user manual is not enough to get into details about specifics, the user software that comes with it via CD-ROM is. Make sure you have a computer to run this software with and edit your photos as well. The zoom is amazing, and even the digital zoom doesn't seem to degrade the picture quality that much. Camera is able to zoom in and out while taking 720p video!!"—NewEgg.com customer reviewhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120433&cm_re=Canon_PowerShot_SX210-_-30-120-433-_-Product
• "Especially for outside shots, I use a monopod, which asists in stability. Great for distant scenery and late day shots."—Abe'sofMaine.com customer reviewhttp://www.abesofmaine.com/itemB.do?item=CNPSSX210K&id=CNPSSX210K

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