If you're shopping for a superzoom camera, you've come to the right place! At Camera Labs I write in-depth reviews of cameras but understand you're busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products. So here I'll cut to the chase and list the best superzoom cameras around right now.
On this page you'll find the best superzoom cameras on the market today from pocket-sized models to those which resemble compact DSLRs from the outside but pack absolutely enormous zoom ranges within. Today's pocket superzooms offer 16 or 20x ranges, while the larger models boast anything from 24 to 50x. So if you're looking for a camera with a lens that'll get you from wide landscape, interior or group shots at one minute to extreme close-ups at the next, this is the guide for you!
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| Panasonic ZS20 / TZ30 review |
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The Lumix ZS20 / TZ30 is the latest flagship model in Panasonic's enormously popular travel zoom series. It may physically resemble last year's ZS10 / TZ20, but now squeezes a broader 20x optical zoom, Full HD 1080p video and GPS mapping into a slimmer body - and like many of its 2012 counterparts, the ZS20 / TZ30 can also now be charged over USB which reduces the number of boxes you'll carry with you. The mapping is an interesting addition, and while basic compared to Google maps, is a nice enhancement over the existing database of landmarks. Most importantly though Panasonic has improved the image quality over the often patchy results of its predecessor. You still won't have noise-free images but it's a step forward which makes it comfortably one of the best pocket super-zooms around.
Pros: Broad 20x stabilized zoom, 1080p video, GPS
Cons: Hard to handhold at 20x, especially for video.
Overall: One of the best overall pocket super-zooms.
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| Panasonic ZS15 / TZ25 review |
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Panasonic's Lumix ZS15 / TZ25 is a simpler and more affordable version of the flagship ZS20 / TZ30 pocket super-zoom. Where previous pairs shared the same zoom though, the ZS15 / TZ25 employs a slightly shorter - but still extremely flexible - 16x range. The movie mode may not be 1080p like the flagship ZS20 / TZ30, but 1080i is good enough for most of us, and while the screen isn't touch-sensitive, it's still a decent 3in size. There's also no GPS on this cheaper model, but perhaps most interesting of all is the lower resolution sensor which actually delivered slightly better quality in my tests. So while the ZS15 / TZ25 may be lacking the extensive feature-set of the ZS20 / TZ30, it delivers everything most people want from a pocket super-zoom with arguably better photo quality to boot.
Pros: 16x stabilised zoom with 24mm; 1080i video.
Cons: Slow burst shooting; no GPS.
Overall: Ideal no-frills super-zoom with great quality. |
| Pocket super-zoom: Canon SX260 HS review |
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Canon's top-end pocket super-zoom comes in two versions, the SX240 HS and SX260 HS, both identical other than the SX260 HS also featuring a built-in GPS to tag images with their location. The important specification of any super-zoom is of course the lens and the Canon is up there with its rivals with a 20x range that's equivalent to 25-500mm - and thankfully the stabilization is very effective. I'm also pleased to see Canon resisting the chance to increase the resolution of the sensor, instead sticking with a sensible 12 Megapixel CMOS chip with support for 1080p video. Better still, the 16:9 widescreen of its predecessor has been swapped back to a more useful 4:3 shape that's better for framing and viewing still photos. Overall a solid update, but compare closely with Panasonic's ZS20 / TZ30 above.
Pros: 20x stabilised zoom; 1080p video; sold in two versions with or without GPS.
Cons: Fiddly / noisy zoom motor; hard to handhold for video at 20x.
Overall: A solid pocket super-zoom, but compare closely with Panasonic ZS20 / TZ30. |
| Canon SX500 IS review |
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The PowerShot SX500 IS provides an unbeatable combination of massive zoom range in a compact lightweight body that, for now at least, is unmatched by anyone else. If you want a smaller camera, you'll need to make a compromise on zoom range and if you want a longer zoom range you'll be carrying a bigger, heavier camera. With PASM exposure modes, Creative filters, and Live Control, the SX500 IS caters for the needs of point-and-shoot casual snappers as well as more demanding photographers. The latter may be disappointed at Canon's decision to opt for a 16 Megapixel CCD sensor rather than its 12.1 or 16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensors which offers better low light performance, stacking modes and avoidance of vertical streaks on bright highlights in videos. A CMOS sensor would also have addressed another of the SX500 IS's weak spots - its continuous shooting performance. It would also, of course, have increased the price. As it stands the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS provides a compelling blend of features in compact and well designed body at a price that makes it hard to ignore. I wouldn't mind betting that many people who start out with different ideas about what they wanted from a super-zoom end up buying a PowerShot SX500 IS and I highly recommend it.
Pros: 30x optical zoom in a compact, lightweight and affordable body.
Cons: Poor burst shooting and battery life. Vertical streaking on video highlights.
Overall: A compelling balance between compact size and big zoom range. |
| Panasonic FZ200 review |
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The Lumix FZ200 is Panasonic's flagship super-zoom digital camera. It replaces the best-selling Lumix FZ150 and shares the same 24x optixal zoom range that's equivalent to 25-600mm. But crucially where its predecessor had a variable aperture of f2.8-5.2, the new model boasts nothing less than a constant aperture of f2.8 throughout the entire focal range. In another welcome move away from its rivals, Panasonic has also upgraded the resolution of the FZ200's electronic viewfinder from 201k pixels to 1312k dots; it's still small, but the detail is wonderful. Panasonic has also resisted the opportunity to increase the resolution, keeping it at a sensible 12 Megapixels while maintaining support for RAW files. In terms of other headline specifications the FZ200 inherits the 12fps continuous shooting rate and 1080/50p/60p movies of its predecessor along with its external microphone input, making it one of the most highly specified superzoom cameras on the market.
Pros: 24x with constant f2.8 aperture; RAW; 1080p movies; hotshoe; mic input.
Cons: 24x is a shorter range than rival models; amazingly half that of SX50 HS.
Overall: Arguably the best all-round super-zoom around for quality and features. |
| Canon SX50 HS review |
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The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is a 12 Megapixel super-zoom camera with a massive 50x optical range. It replaces the best-selling PowerShot SX40 IS and the big new feature is of course that 50x optical zoom range, the longest in the World at the time of writing. The 50x zoom delivers an equivalent range of 24-1200mm, taking you from respectably wide-angle coverage to super-telephoto close-ups; indeed it's amazing to think it's now more than double the range of rivals like the Panasonic FZ series. Something this long needs serious stabilization and Canon claims its improved system is good for 4.5 stops. And if you're into macro, don't worry, as the SX50 HS can focus down to zero cm - that's with the subject literally touching the front element. Round the back, Canon has kept the articulated screen, but upgraded the panel to 2.8in / 460k. The hotshoe also remains, as do the manual controls, but in a very welcome new feature the SX50 HS now offers RAW recording. The longest zoomer just got longer!
Pros: 50x zoom; articulated screen; flash hotshoe; 1080p video; RAW
Cons: Lens becomes optically slow when zoomed-in. No mic input.
Overall: If you want the biggest zoom, look no further - and now with RAW!
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| Canon SX40 HS review |
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Canon's PowerShot SX40 HS takes the earlier SX30 IS with its whopping 35x optical zoom and switches the 14 Megapixel CCD for a 12 Megapixel CMOS sensor. In tests this really does allow the SX40 HS to enjoy lower noise levels than before although the JPEG image quality is roughly similar to the Panasonic FZ150. The CMOS sensor also allows the SX40 HS to support 1080p video at 24p, a pair of slow motion modes at 120 and 240fps, and fast continuous shooting bursts of eight frames at 10.3fps. The screen is fairly average at just 2.7in / 230k and the SX40 HS is also looking out-featured by the Panasonic FZ150 and FZ200, but there's no denying the draw of a 35x optical zoom range which is equivalent to 24-840mm. If having an enormous zoom range is important to you, then it's a great choice, but again do compare closely with the Panasonic FZ150 and FZ200. Fans of mega zooms should also check out Canon's latest SX50 HS with nothing less than a 50x optical zoom. The arrival of the SX50 HS should also see prices on the SX40 HS fall, so keep an eye open for bargains.
Pros: 35x zoom; articulated screen; flash hotshoe; 1080p video.
Cons: No RAW recording; average screen.
Overall: A great choice for those who value big zoom ranges.
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| Sony HX100V review |
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The HX100V is Sony's first DSLR-styled superzoom since the HX1 back in 2009, during which time Canon and Panasonic have further established their strong positions in this market. But the HX100V pulls no punches and packs the usual array of features we've come to expect from Sony, including a 30x optical zoom range, 16 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p video, 10fps shooting (for ten frames), high resolution 3in tilting screen, 1080p video and built-in GPS. You also get Sony's industry-leading iSweep Panorama mode which can assemble a good-looking panoramic image seconds after you swing the camera in an arc. Downsides? Well it unceremoniously prods the lens cap off when powering-up and there's no hotshoe or RAW recording. But it's a great all-round super-zoom with some unrivalled gadgetry. The HX200V has since been released, but its biggest new feature is a higher resolution sensor which, in my tests, compromised the quality. So given the choice I'd stick with last year's HX100V and keep an eye open for bargains.
Pros: 30x zoom; 1080p; GPS; tilting screen; auto panoramas.
Cons: No RAW or hotshoe; noisier images than rivals.
Overall: A good all-rounder for those who like gadgets. |
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