Thought I'd add this ...
My Canon SX10 IS is surely not compact, nor a hip case camera. But the 20 x zoom is a treat. No interchangeable lens. But fairly wide angle, and nice zoom.
Here is a shot .... hand-held on uneven ground .... of the top of a 350 foot tall coast redwood, below.
Its nice to reach animals and scenery etc..
There are several brands with this kind of affordable zoom now.
![](https://www.city-data.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=60179&stc=1&d=1269705738)