With pocket-size point and shoot cameras peaking, camera makers have emerged from their R&D labs with a new generation of hybrids: mutants with superior vision. These cameras blend the simple controls of pocket models with high quality optics and advanced features typically 
offered only on digital single-lens reflex units. The unfortunate moniker given to these cameras? Megazooms.These unit's defining features are larger tenses and high-power Optical ZOOMS. You also get manual control over ISO settings, aperture, and shutter speed. Don't expect to slip one of these behemoths into a pocket. These chunkier models fit in a camera bag or camping pack. Another contender, Nikon's new Coolpix P80, was released too late to make our tests; look for an online review.
Many megazooms add image stabilization to the lens; and if ever you need image Stabilization, it's when you're zoomed in on a far-away subject. The greater the magnification, the less movement it takes to blur a shot. Even With image stabilization, you should use a tripod, especially in low light.
Want high-end features? The slow-motion mode in Casio's Exilim Pro EX-F1 shoots 60 full-resolution photos per second and (much-lower-resolution) video at 1200 frames per second. The EX-F1 can also capture 1080i high-definition video, making it a great hybrid of a Still and video camera.
A megazoom's responsiveness (how quickly the camera takes the picture after you press the shutter release) falls short of a digital SLR's lightning fast reaction. Nevertheless, these plus size point and shoots bring you close to the experience of using a digital SLR, and they do so for much less dough.
THE OLYMPUS SP-570 UZ offers Intuitive controls and a nice range of both manual. and beginner friendlyOlympus's $500 megazoorn has the greatest magnification rating in the collection of six cameras we tested for this roundup. At 20X, photos taken 30 feet from the photographer look like close-ups. The SP-570 UZ's range is stunning: This model covers the equivalent of a 35mm film camera's range of 26MM to 520mm; it"s great for taking both wide angle pictures and very detailed macro (close-up) shots.
The zoomy monster isn't a one-trick pony by any means. It has a servo-controlled zoom; 23 scene modes: manual ISO, aperture, shutter, and focus settings; and a "guide" mode to step you through the photographic process.
Four buttons for basic functions line the left edge of the 2.7 inch screen; five additional buttons arrayed like a directional pad control the flash, the self-timer, and the macro mode. You adjust the servo-controlled zoom by turning a ring on the lens; a small motor moves the lens. I found that the motion of the lens which doesn't move exactly in proportion to your turning of the dial took a little getting used to.
In low light, the autofocus would scan from one end to the other trying to sharpen the image, and sometimes it took up to 2 seconds to lock on to a focal point. But in daylight, Olympus's iESP targeting system (which the autofocus controls use) worked remarkably well and produced clear shots even at the maximum zoom, aided by the image stabilization built into the lens.
