Best compact camera with good zoom lens..
 

Can I get some suggestions for a compact camera that has a good built in zoom lens. Typically the pic would be to zoom in on something about 200-300 yards away.
Is is possible to get this feature in a compact camera?
Thanks all.

What is your price range (gotta watch it with this crowd, they will start throwing $2000 cameras at you :D)? New or used?

I can't imagine any small compact, reasonably priced camera will have an optical zoom that reaches out that far, but I don't know squat. Digital zoom doesn't count IMO...do that after the pic is taken...

I am thinking $200-300 us. Perhaps I should go to the Miata forum?!:eek:
Tops $400 us. Need something small enough to take on carry on. :)

You might want to check my thread on affordable digi cameras (as expected I asked for a $200 camera and a few $300-$400 got suggested) :D.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/909399-recommend-decent-digi-under-200-a.html

Let me add $200 will get you a nice Nikon with changeable lens... but to go out to 300-400 yards? You are going to have to buy a big mofo lens! Or if you get a high MP camera you can always zoom into the picture with a photo editor after the fact.

I have checked your thread on affordable digi cameras...
Just wanted more info ....

Snoop around at fredmiranda.com

Get a Hi Rez Compact and manipulate afterwards. I use the free Picasa program and the Casio 12.1.

I have a Ricoh GR. No zoom. 24mm fixed. Out of your price range but WOW. I am taking it to photograph alpine wildflowers today. Image quality is great. Fixed lens is a limit. Sort of a one trick pony but it is very good at what it does.

On the other hand, there are many high quality cameras that do very well now. iPhones included.

I am interested to see what others say.
Larry

Well, a bit outside of your price range, but I think this would fit the bill.

Nikon COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera with 83x Optical Zoom $600.
24-2000mm optical zoom
Amazon.com : Nikon COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera with 83x Optical Zoom and Built-In Wi-Fi(Black) : Camera & Photo

Well, the soundtrack is crap, but....

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-0X3xJf-kg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For the more pervy at heart, hahaha, but without the soundtrack.
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2xQeoyWLoNg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I suspect it's got competition, but I bet to get something like this, the price is going to be closer to $500 and up.

I don't have experience with any of these.
In your price range, but only 600mm lens compared to the 2000 above.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 review - CNET

Other options.
Best megazoom digital cameras of 2016 - CNET

Yes Steve you are hitting all the right buttons with the above. Thanks for that:D

My Nikon L830 will zoom pretty well and was less than $200