Lens specification question

[scanneraddict21]

I own a Canon Powershot S2 camera. On the cameras lens, it specifies a zoom of 6.0-72.0mm. According to web sites this is a "36-432mm equivalent". I have been looking at the Nikkor 18-135mm lens and according to web sites, this is "equivalent to 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format". Comparing the two cameras, the Canon in fact had more zoom than the Nikkor lens.

I guess I am really confused as to what these equivalents mean and why would the Canon have more zoom? Hopefully you guys and girls can explain all this to me.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

So the focal range of your camera is 6.0 to 72mm...and as you found out, that is equivalent to 36-432mm. Camera companies always like to compare things back to 35mm film format. This is an equivalent for your camera & lens in combination.

So looking at the Nikkor 18-135 lens...it's meant to be used on Nikon Digital SLR cameras, which have a equivalency factor of 1.5. So that makes that lens on a a Nikon DSLR, equivalent to 27-202mm, in the the 35mm format. Again, they are comparing everything back to 35mm film format because that has been the standard for so long.

The lens on you camera has a greater magnification, so if that's what you meant by more zoom, then yes. Remember though, you are comparing your camera with built-in lens to a lens that is interchangeable onto DSLR cameras.

 

[scanneraddict21]

Ah ok. That makes sense. Thanks for the explanation and the quick response. Time to look around the forum and see what else I can get into heh. Take care.