I want a low cost digital camera with some real optical zoom?

i have only had a fixed lense film camera before anyway i want one that will make the things i take pics of look about normal size like standing ten feet from a duck in the water . when i use my present camera the ducks look so small same with most things . so how much zoom is needed to solve that problem and what is a good camera at a low cost that can do this ..

The new rebel XTi is loaded with features, has interchangeable lens ability, and a whopping 10megapixels. It has the features of the 30D at a fraction of the price. ; )

Lumix 24x zoom/6x optical digital panasonicDMC-LZ2 got me through Europe and hasn't stopped and under $200

4x or more zoom will work. Most of camera have 4x zoom. Canon powershot 540. IT is cheep. I bought it for $150.

try to find it at ebay

most have optical zoom these days, depending on what other features you want and what price range you are looking at. I for one dont care too much about all the extra features , I just like to point, click and get a good quality pic. I have the samsung digimax s500. It has great features, is 5 megapixel , has 3 times optical and 3 times digital zoom. Also has video mode up to 640x480 which nice clear sound. just google the camera for more info.

IF you think this camera is too much it is soo worth it.Samsung S600, It is about 160.00 dollars. It is 15x zoom total and 3X zoom Optical which works very well. It also has great Features. I have had a Cannon Coolpix, Kodak 6.1 MP, and a HP Something, The best one I have had is my Samsung S600. I will send you the link so you can check it out. They also have a S630 which has a Auto Shake Reduction Feature which is really awesome with the 10X Digital Zoom. I will send the link for that too. It is a very amazing camera!

S600- http://www.samsungcamera.com/product/pro...

S630- http://www.samsungcamera.com/product/pro...

If you want a site to buy stuff cheap then go to B&H Photo. They sell cameras cheap and some with special kits!

B&H Photo

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controll...

here's a link on ebay where you can read reviews of them by ebay members