Buyer's Guide to Digital and 35mm Zoom Cameras

Zoom cameras, available both in 35mm and digital models, allow the photographer to adjust the magnification of a photo without moving closer to the subject. This is useful if it is unsafe or impossible to move the camera closer, such as when photographing a boat in a lake or a wild animal.

DISADVANTAGES: While zoom cameras have many positive characteristics, you should be aware of their disadvantages before deciding to buy one. The main disadvantages are that many models use non-standard batteries (see next paragraph), make noise when being used (when adjusting the lens length and/or advancing the film), and are probably more likely to experience mechanical failure because of their complexity (as compared to regular point and shoot cameras).

BATTERIES: Most (perhaps all) zoom cameras will not function without batteries. While some zoom cameras will run on "AAA" or other standard battery types, most of them use special lithium camera batteries. The most common battery used by 35mm zoom cameras appears to be the CR123A (a.k.a. DL123A); some require one of these, others require two. You might also come across
zoom cameras which use CR-P2 or CR2 batteries. Remember to look into the cost and availability of the particular battery type a camera uses before buying it, and keep in mind the value of any batteries included with a camera when purchasing it. If you purchase a model which requires a non-standard battery type, you may want to buy some extra batteries to bring with you when travelling, so that you won't have difficulty replacing them (or be overcharged) if it becomes necessary.