Combining the advanced features of a digital SLR with the convenience of a point and shoot, the Olympus SP-570UZ comes with a 20x zoom lens – the longest in its class, 10 megapixel resolution, and dual image stabilization. Other features include a new zoom ring, RAW format support and a hotshoe for an external flash.

Olympus SP-570 UZ Specifications

• 10.0 Megapixels
• 20x f2.8-4.5 optical zoom
• AVI Movie with Sound
• JPEG, RAW file format
• Dual Image Stabilization
• Spot, Face Detection and Predictive Auto focus
• 1/2000 sec. – 15 sec exposure
• ISO 64-6400
• 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD display
• xD-Picture Card capacity up to 2GB plus 45MB Internal Memory
• 4 AA Batteries
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A slight downgrade from the more advanced SP-570 UZ, the Olympus SP-565 UZ retains the incredible 20x optical zoom, but what’s missing are the extra features: no RAW file format, smaller LCD display, smaller ISO range, etc. Besides the aforementioned zoom capability, the SP-565 UZ has full manual controls to give the user complete control, but with dual-image stabilization and face detection, the camera provides some welcome assistance.

With 8.2 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom, the Kodak EasyShare C813 is an affordable point-and-shoot camera aimed at novice users.

Specifications

• 8.2 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom

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Canon’s extended zoom camera gets a bit of a makeover. An update of the S2IS, the S3IS is a sleek camera with a cool, gun-metal grey paintjob that says this camera is here to do business. The 6 megapixel sensor and 12x optical zoom combine to create tremendously detailed and versatile images, all kept in line by Canon’s powerful image stabilization technology. The S3IS also has a strong video mode as well, offering 30 frames-per-second and stereo-sound that Canon claims can rival even standard camcorders. The S3IS is a serious camera with plenty of functionality, perfect for those who want not just long-range photographs but a long-range experience.

Canon S3 IS Specifications

• 6 megapixels
• 12x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom (conversion lenses optional)
• auto and manual focus
• auto and manual exposure
• JPEG file format
• ISO 80-800 (High ISO auto)
• movie mode w/sound
• 4 AA batteries
• 2.0 inch LCD
• SD card storage (16MB included)

This camera is ranked

• 2nd of 56 in 6 Megapixel
• 43rd of 80 in Canon
• 28th of 79 in $350 – $600
• 23rd of 58 in Extended Zoom

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Fuji throws their hat in the long-range zoom ring with the S8000fd. The startlingly long barrell contains optics capable of acheiving 18x optical zoom, the highest zoon available on the market today, and only matched by the Olympus SP-550UZ and Panasonic’s FZ18. Naturally, with such a long zoom, you’ll need image stabiization, and the S8000fd has CCD-shift IS to ensure crisp and well-composed photos. The S8000fd also features ‘face detection’ technology (that’s what the ‘fd’ stands for) which makes sure your shots are focused on the faces that are important to you.