If you want a new one, a Kodak AstroZoom might be the shit superzoom camera you’re looking for. Not very light-sensitive, zero connectivity except MicroUSB for charging (thankfully, can be used while charging) and card reader mode, 20 MP but as sharp as 2 MP at 42x optical zoom. No real video or audio codecs (MJPEG at 1080p30 with companded PCM audio, at a bitrate that would only make sense at H.264/H.265 and yet struggling with some Class-10/UHS-I cards). Buggy firmware (timelapse options are 10, 30, 60 and the default -16384 s, no EV control in Auto mode, macro and burst always disabled after restart), slow autofocus that can only be locked by holding the shutter halfway down throughout the video, sensor from a midrange phone, and processor comparable to 2008 models. Only 5 full-res shots per second (or 30 in 1080p or 120 in VGA, mirroring its video “capabilities”, no 25, 24 or 23.976 support). Bonus, it’s neither compact nor upgradable with a better lens so worse of both worlds.
I mean, I have a basic 2013 compact that would beat it in everything but apparent cred, quality at 20x+ zoom, mode selection and the ability to be used while charging (without a DIY solution) if it didn’t have age-related problems like worn battery and dust in lens. It can even be remotely controlled over Wi-Fi, impressive for the time!
If you want a new one, a Kodak AstroZoom might be the shit superzoom camera you’re looking for. Not very light-sensitive, zero connectivity except MicroUSB for charging (thankfully, can be used while charging) and card reader mode, 20 MP but as sharp as 2 MP at 42x optical zoom. No real video or audio codecs (MJPEG at 1080p30 with companded PCM audio, at a bitrate that would only make sense at H.264/H.265 and yet struggling with some Class-10/UHS-I cards). Buggy firmware (timelapse options are 10, 30, 60 and the default -16384 s, no EV control in Auto mode, macro and burst always disabled after restart), slow autofocus that can only be locked by holding the shutter halfway down throughout the video, sensor from a midrange phone, and processor comparable to 2008 models. Only 5 full-res shots per second (or 30 in 1080p or 120 in VGA, mirroring its video “capabilities”, no 25, 24 or 23.976 support). Bonus, it’s neither compact nor upgradable with a better lens so worse of both worlds.
I mean, I have a basic 2013 compact that would beat it in everything but apparent cred, quality at 20x+ zoom, mode selection and the ability to be used while charging (without a DIY solution) if it didn’t have age-related problems like worn battery and dust in lens. It can even be remotely controlled over Wi-Fi, impressive for the time!