Panasonic SDR-S50 Video Handy Cam — 78 x Optical Zoom Test and Demo. Video was taken at Dawson Mine @ Moura, Queensland late 2010. It was straight out of the box, no set-up and used. Bear in mind a lot of dust around but it gives you a good idea of its Zoom capabilities as the Haul Trucks, Excavators and Water Trucks were approx. 1.5 -- 2 kms away. Stacks out the back obviously much further. The Stills of the people were taken from over 100 metres away using the Zoom and the shots of the Birds @ 5 -- 10 metres. For $400 a pretty handy piece of gear for Amateur video and photos combined in one unit. Proper settings & it would be a whole lot better. Cheers n Beers ALR