Eric wrote:

Bill Tuthill wrote:

Eric wrote:

Yes, this is what my research has turned up as well. Unfortunately,
a 3x optical zoom isn't really worth it, imho.

It is very difficult to design a 10x zoom, especially one with good
optical performance.

I have no cause to doubt that.


Optical lens design is a mature technology. There will undoubtedly be
incremental advances, but designing a 10x lens that has decent optical
performance is difficult. Designing one with good optical performance is
essentially impossible. (You can argue about what "good" means.)



However, I would doubt that it will remain true indefinitely.

I was mostly just wondering if technological advancement and consumer
demand had made it possible to design a 10x zoom, waterproof digital
camera at a price I am willing to pay (= $500). It would appear the
answer is 'no' for the moment.