Panasonic super-zoom camera offers massive 24x optical zoom

Mobile phone cameras have obviously got a lot better in recent times, but there’s still something nice about using a proper camera when you’re going somewhere special. The Panasonic Lumix FZ47 is a super-zoom camera that promises to get you far nearer to the action, with a massive 24x optical zoom lens.

The Lumix FZ47 looks like being the perfect choice if you want something a bit more special than a compact camera, but don’t want to stretch to a DSLR or carry a bunch of lenses around.
With a 24x zoom – the equivalent of well over 300mm – it’s perfect for shooting the great outdoors or snapping sports events where you can’t normally get close to the action.

There’s a high-end Leica lens, and the FZ47 gets a 12.1-megapixel sensor – enough to take detailed snaps without images being ruined by digital noise. The Panasonic can also shoot full 1080i HD video at 30fps, while offering full manual control – such as changing aperture settings to allow in more light – while you shoot.

Also more compact than DSLRs, it could be the perfect do-it-all camera. Available in the US in August for $400, hopefully the Panasonic Lumix FZ47 be making its way to this side of the pond in the near future.