Re: [Paddlewise] New Waterproof Digital Camera

I went to the site for the reviews mentioned in the previous post (sorry I
deleted it and do not have links anymore) and read the Optio as having a 3x
optical zoom.   (38mm - 114mm).  I know that my Optio WR33 has a 3X optical
zoom and a 3x digital zoom.  The literature on the Optio WR 33 talks about
a new arrangement of the lenses to allow movement for zoom feature while
still staying inside the waterproof sealed area.  I can't imagine the
newest version at a higher price getting rid of the optical zoom.

Check those specs again if you think that they said no optical zoom to be
sure of what they are saying (I could definitely be wrong).  There is a
Zoom wide = 38 mm and a Zoom tele = 114 mm 3x  on the spec sheet as well as
a Digital Zoom = 3x (or 4x). 

Mark J. Arnold


> [Original Message]
> From: Keith Wrage <keith.wrage_at_charter.net>
> To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
> Date: 4/15/2005 20:08:11
> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New Waterproof Digital Camera
>
> For the most part digital zoom is useless - OK, a bit of an exaggeration 
> but all a digital zoom does is make the pixels bigger - so yes, it
appears 
> zoomed but the image quality drops.  The software interpolates to smooth 
> things out.  Not sure, but the lack of optical zoom may be the result of 
> trying to waterproof the unit as optical zooms rely on moving lenses in 
> some fashion.  .  I'd want a minimum of 3x optical zoom on a point and 
> shoot.  Personal opinion.
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