Its about giving you the choice and freedom to capture the scene from different perspectives without having to use digital zoom which losses you quality.
The x3 optical zoom for me is really exciting versus the x5 on my wifes Note 20. Its the most 'natural' zoom range for the human eye, and has enough reach to get shots the main camera at 26mm could never get. These shot are 70mm so roughly x3 optical zoom, very hard to replicate even with croping at 26mm.
Wide angle zooms have their uses too, they bring drama to a shot but they also distort the image making everything look far when its not. This shot is at 10mm so only a bit wider than the x0.6 zoom on the 21 Ultra.
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The x10 optical zoom I'm intrigued by, because 240mm is a range 99% of photographer never use, mainly because there is no need and a 200mm+ lens is usually massive.
This is at 260mm equivalent from track side and 300mm of the Olympic flame from distance. The issue is at these massive zooms unless you have razor sharp AF and no shutter lag you will miss the shot. It will be interesting to see how the S21 can do. I would be amazed if it can get anything close to these shots, though the ability to capture 4k video at 60fps even on the x10 optical lens suggests image quality must be at least usable.
Infact 'zoom' really isn't what will get you the clear shot, this is at 'only' 200mm, so around x8 optical zoom. But I suspect there is zero chance any smart phone will ever be able to get this shot due to the need for fast and pin point accurate AF - these cars are doing around 100mph through Eau Rouge in the wet with a fence between me and the cars.....I'll have a go though with the S21
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As someone who enjoys photography as a hobby the S21 Ultra is really exciting. Am far too old and inpatient these days to carry around a DSLR camera body + wide angle lens + normal lens +200mm+ lens, and than batteries etc.
What Samsung is promising by giving us so much optical zoom lens choice is creative photography freedom but wrapped up in a device that I can also edit photos on, share photos, use as a phone, and play games........Can they deliver on that promise? Am willing to pay the asking price to find out
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