I'm trying to decide on a new video camera. I'm considering the
Panasonic GS250 because it's 3CCD, but I've been spoiled by the 18x
optical zoom lens of our old Sony (love the way it pulls in wildlife).
The Panasonic only has 10X optical zoom.

I've looked around the Panasonic web site but it doesn't look like
there are any 2x telephoto extenders for their cameras (as there are
for the sony cameras I've checked on).

Does anyone know if it's possible to get more optical zoom for the
Panasonic GS250?

Is there another make/model you'd recommend as equivalent?

Thanks.

Argo
http://greenrealm.blogspot.com

In article <1127846490.930739.267***@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>,
Show quoteHide quoteTo increase the zoom you need a teleconverter, such as those made by
Kenko, Raynox, etc. A tele-extender would be a lens you put behind the
camcorder lens--not applicable to the GS250's fixed lens. You'll
probably need a step-up or step-down ring to match it to the Panasonic
thread (43mm?). There will be some vignetting at zoom-out, and some
models may not come to focus, so test first or ask around about any
particular teleconverter. Maybe try http://www.pana3ccduser.com/index.php

The cheaper teleconverters will have color fringing and will reduce
contrast. Even name brand ones (Canon, Sony, etc.) may be optically
poor, if they're too inexpensive. Century Optics seems to be good
(http://www.centuryoptics.com/products/dv/2x_tc/2xtc.htm) but it'll set
you back $525. Unfortunately, good optics aren't cheap.

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