[EdBrown]

I am looking for a replacement for my ageing Sharp camcorder which has a 26x optical zoom and up to 720 digital (although in reality not much good beyond 100x total). I use the camera as much (if not more) for still photos and I am dismayed at the manufacturers offerings. It seems that as soon as they introduce a half reasonable amount of Mp they desert previously offered decent optical zooms; JVC Everio GZ-MG2- (25x optical) to GZ-MG50 (15x optical) being a typical example.
The Sony DCR-HC90 has decent Mp but only a 10x optical zoom!
Having researched as much as I can I am edging toward the Canon MVX350i which does at least provide 1.3Mp stills and has a 20x optical zoom.
Does anyone know of a camcorder (current or planned) which will leave me smiling?

[rjg]

The Panasonic NVGS35B has a 30x zoom - is that enough ?

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/camcorders...9192514,00.htm

[EdBrown]

Thanks for that, failing something more interesting it could be a possibility although I was hoping 1Mp stills at least.