How can I calculate how far I can see with a certain zoom on a camera?

by mikebaird

I have a camera with an 18X Optical Zoom and 8X Digital Zoom. How far can i see clearly with this camera? I want to look at something 1,500ft away. So by by the full zoom capabilities would it appear to be 1500ft/(18*8) = 10ft ? That is with some digital degradation though because of the digital zoom. So for a full resolution (pure optical zoom) it would appear to be 1500ft/18 = 83ft?
I’m looking at the camera to buy. I don’t have it physically in front of me to test.

Answer by fhotoace
Why calculate?

Just take the camera out and set it at the longest optical zoom setting (18x) and see what you get?

8x digital is just a marketing tool … it crops the heck out of your already tiny sensor and produces very poor images

Your camera is really not a pair of binoculars and not used for range-finding. Just look through the lens, compose and shoot. IF you reckon you are too far away from the subject … use your feet and legs and get closer

Answer by LEM
As fhotoace said, cameras are not measured like binoculars, there is no formula. The question is not what you can see, but what you can photograph and how.

Though, since lens is an optical instrument, I estimate it IS possible to measure it up like a binocular, though I’m not sure how helpful for photographing that would be. Let’s try to derive a formula.

First, we need to know what camera you have. I’ll take upon yourself Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, as it’s 18x optical. Though it’s digital zoom is different, oh, and don’t use that at all. You can with equal or better result crop out the subject from a photo later. By digital zoom will simply spoil your images and will do nothing else.

So, our camera in question is 28-504mm in film equivalent. It is usually considered that 50mm in film equivalent would be the focal length that is equivalent in enlargement to what we see with naked eye. So, your camera’s longest zoom is 504mm equivalent, which is roughly 10 times that of 50mm equivalent. That gives you 10x enlargement over what you would see with a naked eye. So if your camera was a binoculars it would have doubtless be rated 10x.

Respectively, an object at 1500 ft would appear the size it would have been at 150 ft. or so…

I hope that will give you an thought. Never measure cameras by zoom factor, the actual focal length is the key. For example an SLR lens that’s 200-400mm, is only 2x, but it’s an incredible reach. And mounted on digital body (non-full frame) will give 300-600mm equivalent, or by your standard about 12x enlargement as compared to binoculars at long end and 6x at small end.

But once again, it’s really not a right way to measure up camera optics. You have to get used to thinking in actual mm of focal length, not in enlargement factors, whether it’s zoom range or the binocular comparison.

LEM.

What do you reckon? Answer below!

Very low budget Strobist likeness – Kara (my wife’s niece and willing victim)


Image by chemisti
WOW – ISN’T SHE SOMETHING? Shot with decidedly less-than-pro equipment!
Learn how to set alight at Strobist.
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Budget Likeness Setup:
Nikon D50 – available right now from Staples for just over 0 with kit lens
Nikon Digital 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom (kit lens)
AData 2 gb 50x SD card – (Fry’s Electronics)
SB-600 (Free for my birthday from wife, or in reality ~0 – fantastic for [Strobist blasphemy] on-camera sparkle too, but could be substituted with another SB-2X sparkle)
SB-24 (Ebay, ~)
Assorted stands, convertible umbrellas, umbrella brackets, optical triggers, Ebay wireless triggers, pc cords, etc. – Est. ~0
Wife’s laptop (Last year’s Xmas gift)
Image Edited in Picasa 2 (Free from Google – to be reedited upon return to home…)

Knowlege and Inspiration from Strobist – Priceless!
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Strobist Info:
*SB-600 triggered by optical slave, 1/4 power shot through 43" convertible umbrella, ~4 feet from subject, ~2 feet above eye-level, ~70 degrees from camera axis, camera left.
*SB-24 triggered by Ebay wireless slave, 1/8 power shot through 43" convertible umbrella, ~5 feet from subject, eye-level, ~30 degrees from camera axis, camera right.
(**^%@#&& – forgot to get pic of setup)
Exposure Mode: Manual
1/160 sec – F/8
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Camera Data:
Nikon D50
2006/12/26 14:30:17.2
Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Image Size: Large (3008 x 2000)
Lens: 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 G
Focal Length: 55mm
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1/160 sec – F/8
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 400
Optimize Image: Custom
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-C
Sparkle Sync Mode: Not Attached
Auto Sparkle Comp: 0 EV
Color Mode: Mode IIIa (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Normal
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Normal

ok so im 13 (girl) and i need help on choosing which kind of camera i should buy .
i like photography but at the same time like LOVE traveling and taking pics on adventurous trips . climbing, climbing, and so on . idk which to choose , SLR OR REG. DIGITAL ?
SLR: Nikon D3000 Black 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens, 3″ High Resolution LCD
DIGITAL: Canon PowerShot S90-IS Black 10MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Optical Zoom

Answer by Nick P
Since you are in school. If there is a possibility that you want to take a photo class or join the school newspaper or yearbook staff. I would inquire with the instructor(s) first and find out what they are by. If you go with a film camera you have the rewarding experience of the darkroom and making your own prints. If you go digital, you might get to learn photo editing programs, everywhere you can do all sorts of nice things.

Answer by fhotoace
The D3000 is a digital camera.

The D3000 has a sensor that is over 15 times larger so that means as you learn how to use your camera, the D3000 will provide superior image quality.

That said, if the D3000 is within your budget, get it.

Here is a site you may delight in … it will help you produce incredible images in your travels

http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm

Answer by Mark
I reckon you should invest a DSLR camera. It is an investment but it can be well worth it. DSLR cameras have the larger sensor so you get a higher quality images. You can change lenses which can be valuable, by allowing to adjust to different needs.

Below I provided a link to a camera review for the D3000 and it includes sample images from the camera.

Hope this helps.

Mark

Answer by PhilUKNet
Comparing the S90 with a digital SLR isn’t really honest! I have both, I use both, and they complement each other but each has its own advantages in given situations.

For the ultimate flexibility, ultimate ability to get the shot, and ultimate image quality you can’t beat an SLR. There are some situations when only an SLR will do.

Though, carrying around bodies, lenses, flashes and other accessories can be quite a load. Sometimes it’s OK but sometimes it’s a pain.

The S90 is a wonderful small camera. It’s packed with helpful features, it is competent of very high image quality (within its limitations), and the best thing of all is that you can carry it around all day and not even realise you are carrying it.

For general travel purposes the S90 should be fine, but if you want to do some more specialised photography you may find it isn’t up to the job.

Unless you are taking photos of subjects that require the speed and responsiveness of an SLR, you will doubtless find that the S90 will be excellent enough. If you reckon that your long-term photography plans will require an SLR, you might be better off starting to build up an SLR system now.

If you can afford it, buy both and have the best of both worlds!

Here’s a link with some more of my thoughts on the S90, along with some sample images:

http://phil.uk.net/photography/canon_powershot_S90.html

Answer by Ann
My choice is Canon PowerShot S90IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LITT42?ie=UTF8&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002LITT42

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

www.amazon.com Check out the buyer reviews about Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera before you buy. www.amazon.com
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