As more and more digital SLR cameras are becoming attractively priced, the market for high-end 
compact cameras seems to have shrunk significantly. Undeserved perhaps, as the top class segment offers first-rate compact cameras that can almost compete with a digital SLR as far as quality is concerned, and offer the additional bonus of being considerably more compact. Moreover, there are plenty of interesting, perky models, such as -for instance- the so-called Megazoom cameras, which certainly have an identity of their own. Although we must say these too seem to have suffered a recent loss of popularity. Panasonic, however, remain an advocate for the super zoom, and the brand recently introduced the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50.
Panasonic FZ50 Megazoom camera - 12x Optical zoom
The Panasonic FZ50 is a Megazoom camera in its truest form. The 12x optical zoom provides a range of 35 up to 420mm, when compared to a 35mm camera. All in all, a considerable range. A pity, however, that we do not find a little more wide-angle, especially now that Panasonic are strongly asserting themselves with the 28mm campaign. Let’s hope Panasonic will start to take notice of the demand for this type of range, especially considering the fact that there seems to be quite a bit of wide-angle interest amongst the Lumix FZ-users. Although creating a proper wide-angle on a small sensor in addition to a sizeable tele remains a somewhat tricky job, we have already seen plenty of proof that it can indeed be done. Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ50 Digital Camera Review