The Olympus C-725 that I have has a Max Optical Zoom of (8X) that can be extended even more by the 3X Digital Zoom, Making possible up to approx 24X Zoom.......I would go for the 30X Zoom if it was me buying it... that zoom on MD'S camera looks pretty good.
I will correct myself on my previous statement some of the pic's were as close as 22 yards.