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Best Extended Zoom Cameras

Somewhere between point-and-shoot territory and DSLRs, Extended Zoom cameras cater to users who want both sophistication and affordability. In addition to their long lenses, Extended Zoom cameras include a variety of features comparable to DSLRs and present a great option for users who have more than just a casual interest in digital cameras. Despite the multitude of features, Extended Zoom cameras are user-friendly, and you won't have to take out a second mortgage to finance your purchase.

Nikon Coolpix P80

Grade:

HQ Grade: A-

A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

from $343.99

The Nikon Coolpix P80 is a potent Extended Zoom digital camera. Its 18x optical zoom offers users astounding detail at long ranges. Armed with Face Priority AF Technology, the Coolpix P80 registers up to 12 faces in any shot while automatically adjusting the focus to highlight each face. Its sensitivity range tops out at ISO 6400 (with 5MP resolution) which means that users can shoot quality low-light photos. Priced between entry-level cameras and DSLRs, the Nikon P80 allows users to expand their hobby without springing for a professional camera.
Quick Specs: 10.1 megapixels, 18x optical zoom

Olympus SP-570 UZ

Grade:

HQ Grade: A

A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

from $384.75

The Olympus SP-570 UZ pushes the envelope for Extended Zoom cameras. With an amazing 20x optical zoom, the SP-570 UZ is among the most powerful in its class. The manual zoom ring affords users more control over their images, and the dual image stabilization means that picture clarity is the primary concern. Also, since the camera takes AA batteries, it is ideal for travelers who may not be near an outlet when the camera runs out of juice. Marrying phenomenal zoom capability and portability, Olympus delivers a compact and travel-friendly product.
Quick Specs: 10.0 megapixels, 20x optical zoom

Fuji S1000fd

Grade:

HQ Grade: A-

A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

from $186.93

With the S1000fd, Fuji eschews some of the fancy features of other Extended Zoom cameras in favor of providing an approachable and inexpensive camera. The automatic features—face detection and image stabilization—mean you can start taking stunning photographs right away, and the manual options allow users to learn the basics of digital camera photography. At first glance, the 12x optical zoom and ISO 1600 may seem unimpressive when compared to more powerful Extended Zooms, but both the affordable price and the accessibility of the S1000fd make it an attractive camera.
Quick Specs: 10.0 megapixels, 12x optical zoom

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