If you’re looking for the best point and shoot camera on a budget, this is the one to buy. It’s not cheap and you may be tempted to spend more money, but don’t. This camera has everything that you need including zoom capabilities. It takes incredible photos in any lighting conditions. Best of all…it’s small and easy to carry around with you!
Look and feel the best you with this Sony DSC-RX100M III Compact Digital Camera. Its compact size and design are perfect for daily use, with a high resolution 31.5mm lens to deliver great photos.
The Sony DSC-HX90V is a 20.4 MP point and shoot camera with a massive 50x optical zoom, making it one of the best cameras for travel photos. The camera includes a 3″ LCD touchscreen, 1080p HD video recording, and built-in WiFi connectivity
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W830 is a superzoom point-and-shoot camera that can take high-quality images with a maximum resolution of 20 Megapixels and 9fps burst shooting. Its 16x optical zoom lens provides the longest zoom range of any Sony point and shoot to date, so you can capture faraway objects in sharp detail. You can also record videos in Full HD up to 60p. This ultra-compact camera has a tiltable 3.0″ (touch) LCD screen that lets you capture selfies or group photos with ease.
It’s great for selfies and group photos, as well as for your other portraits. The Sony TX55 has a huge zoom range, delivering sharp shots from both short distances and long distances.
Get big zoom power for big shots! The HX99V has a 25x, high-resolution optical zoom lens that goes all the way from wide angle to super telephoto, so you can capture everything from landscapes to wildlife without the need for a telephoto lens. High sensitivity helps you capture more detail in low light scenes, whether indoors or out.
Sony point and shoot camera
Sony Alpha a6500 is one of the best high zoom point and shoot camera available in the market. The DSLR Camera has 20.2 MP Single-lens Reflex camera with Exmor CMOS image sensor. Sony Mirrorless Alpha A6500 Body with APS-C Sensor and Translucent Mirror, this camera is a wonderful camera with all the latest technologies that are trending at present.
There’s really no reason to settle for less than the best when it comes to your point and shoot camera. Sony delivers with a premium 12.1 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, which does a great job of minimizing noise even in tricky lighting situations. All of this is packed into a design that’s as compact as it is durable, meaning you’ll have a powerful companion in almost any situation.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 is one of the most versatile point-and-shoots we’ve ever seen. With a 18x optical zoom lens, Wi-Fi and GPS for sharing photos and geotagging, and superior image stabilization that can compensate for both camera shake and motion blur from the subject, the WX350 is ready for any situation.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V is a beautifully crafted pocket point and shoot best suited for those looking to take their photography seriously without breaking the bank. Sporting a huge 35mm f/1.8 lens, which offers up to 4.2x optical zoom, this is definitely one of the most versatile cameras on the market right now. It sports a large one inch sensor, 5 axis image stabilization , and an electronic viewfinder that flips out all the way around so you can shoot from just about any position you like.
The Sony Cyber-shot HX90V is a great camera that works well in low light and high zoom modes. It can also record videos at 120 frames per second, which helps with catching action sequences. The 16MP sensor and 24x optical zooming lens will appeal to photographers and vloggers who want high quality imagery without the hassle of lugging around professional cameras.
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. Note like my other guides they’re also listed by review date, not in order of preference.
Best high zoom point and shoot camera
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS
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The Canon Powershot SX540 HS is a straightforward, simple camera that just happens to have a DSLR-esque grip and a big 50x zoom lens. Read More
Pros
Easy to use
50x zoom lens
Affordable
Cons
Screen doesn’t flip out
Average build quality
Nikon CoolPix P1000
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Pros
Incredible zoom range
RAW support
4K video
Cons
Bulky design
Expensive
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
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The PowerShot SX70 HS stands out thanks to its long zoom lens, RAW image support, and fast burst shooting. Read More
Pros
Articulating LCD screen
10 fps burst
RAW support
Cons
No weather protection
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
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Sony’s superzoom is expensive, but it offers high-end features and a durable design. Read More
Pros
Durable design
Large 1-inch sensor
Phase-detection autofocus
Cons
Expensive
Panasonic Lumix FZ80
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The Lumix FZ80 is lightweight, affordable, and offers a fantastic zoom range. Read More
Pros
Long 60x zoom range
Quick autofocus
10 fps RAW capture
Cons
LCD screen doesn’t articulate
Superzoom cameras, also known as bridge cameras, give you the portability of a point-and-shoot and the range of a telephoto lens. While they don’t match the image quality of a DSLR, a superzoom camera can be a step above your average smartphone. The most significant benefit is they feature fixed lenses with a long zoom ratio of 50x power (and beyond), making it possible to take pictures of subjects such as animals from a safe distance.
Few superzoom cameras are available today, but our list covers the best offered by Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic. These picks can shoot RAW images, record video in 4K, and capture fast-moving action with burst features. If you’re a hobbyist photographer searching for a portable, versatile camera for an upcoming vacation, a superzoom camera is an excellent option. Here are some of the best superzoom cameras on the market right now.
Editor’s Note
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS
Some superzooms ape DSLR-style controls and features, hoping to capture users who want the pro look without pesky complications like changing lenses. The PowerShot SX540 HS isn’t one of those superzooms. It’s a straightforward, simple camera that just happens to have a DSLR-esque grip and a big 50x zoom lens.
Inside you’ll find a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, a speedy Digic 6 processor, and Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy file sharing. The SX540 HS can shoot full HD video at 60 fps, which makes it a credible dual threat. But there are downsides: The screen doesn’t flip out, which we found annoying during video shooting, and the build quality wasn’t the most convincing. Still, at $399.99, it’s pretty reasonably priced.
Pros
Easy to use
50x zoom lens
Affordable
Cons
Screen doesn’t flip out
Average build quality
Buy now at Amazon
$339.00 from Walmart
Nikon CoolPix P1000
The Nikon CoolPix P1000 shares a lot of DNA with a DSLR. It’s big and heavy, and it features an articulating LCD screen. But what sets it apart from a beginner DSLR is that it offers an incredible zoom range of 24-3,000mm, allowing you to take photos of landscapes and get an up close look at distant subjects. This kind of versatility makes Nikon’s camera one of the most impressive superzoom models available.
The CoolPix P1000 packs plenty of other features, like RAW image support, 4K video recording, and the ability to shoot seven frames per second. Nikon’s superzoom also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can easily send images to your other devices and then share them on social media. All in all, the CoolPix P1000 offers the kind of features and zoom range that you want from a good superzoom camera.
Pros
Incredible zoom range
RAW support
4K video
Cons
Bulky design
Expensive
Buy now at Amazon
$799.95 from Walmart
$996.95 from Abt
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS is a prime example of why a bridge camera is a good option even today. It features a lens that offers an ultra-wide view and a 65x zoom range, the equivalent of 1,365mm when zoomed out. And it produces vivid, detailed images in a compact body, making it an excellent option for taking out on the trail. The PowerShot SX70 HS also offers an optical stabilization system, which steadies images and videos at wider angles.
In addition to extensive zoom capabilities, a compact design, and fast burst shooting, Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS is a solid pick because it can shoot 4K video at 30 fps. It also features an articulating LCD, allowing you to get more creative with your shots. The viewfinder is also sharp and bright, making Canon’s bridge model a solid camera for pictures of family, wildlife, and landscapes.
Pros
Articulating LCD screen
10 fps burst
RAW support
Cons
No weather protection
Buy now at Amazon
$588.00 from Walmart
$599.99 from Abt
$599.00 from B&H Photo Video
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
With a large one-inch sensor, 24 fps continuous shooting, and optical image stabilization, the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is one of the most powerful superzoom cameras. It features a 24-600mm zoom lens that’s excellent for various scenarios and 315 phase-detection autofocus points. This covers approximately 65 percent of the frame, ensuring you always hit focus, whether you’re taking pictures of a child’s basketball game or wildlife at your local park.
We also like the Cyber-Shot RX10 IV because it features simple controls and a big, bright LCD screen. The design is also weather-sealed, giving you enough protection to use in wet or dusty environments. While the Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is one of the most robust bridge cameras you can buy and includes a host of high-end features, it’s pretty expensive. Still, you won’t be disappointed by the camera’s grand design and fantastic image quality.
Pros
Durable design
Large 1-inch sensor
Phase-detection autofocus
Cons
Expensive
$1,698.00 from Amazon
$1,699.99 from Best Buy
$1,698.00 from Walmart
$1,698.00 from Abt
Panasonic Lumix FZ80
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a simple superzoom camera that’s affordable and offers some nice bells and whistles, including Wi-Fi, 4K video capture, and a touch LCD. It also features a long 60x zoom range, with an ultra-wide perspective that goes to an extreme 1,200mm when fully zoomed. This extensive range makes it easy to reach subjects that are far away, which is why bridge cameras can be great for vacations.
One of the highlights of the Lumix FZ80 is its 20mm equivalent lens, which is nice and wide for everyday use and excellent for landscape photography. Unfortunately, the camera features a fixed LCD panel, unlike the vari-angle LCDs offered by other options on this list. A fixed LCD panel may be more challenging to get creative with your shots. However, the fixed LCD may be fine if you use the Lumix FZ80 as a simple point-and-shoot.
Pros
Long 60x zoom range
Quick autofocus
10 fps RAW capture
Cons
LCD screen doesn’t articulate
$397.99 from Amazon
$419.99 from Best Buy
$359.49 from Walmart
$297.99 from B&H Photo Video
Sony Cyber-Shot HX400V
Offering a 50x zoom and 20.4 megapixels, the Cyber-Shot HX400V is one of Sony’s strongest superzooms. Sure, the H400 has a longer reach, but this camera has all the coolest tech and can still bring all but the most distant subjects up close. It’s been in stores for a while (we first checked it out in early 2014), but it holds up to some of the newest superzooms on the market in terms of image quality and features. Oddly, though, the price hasn’t dropped much over time—there may be better values out there.
Perhaps our favorite thing about the HX400V is the comfortable, DSLR-style design, with a chunky front grip and a surprisingly grippy and silky smooth focusing ring around the massive lens barrel. The body itself is pretty plasticky, but in actual use it just melts into your hand. Other nifty features include a tilt screen, built-in GPS for geotagging, Wi-Fi, and NFC. There’s no 4K video recording, but the camera can automatically scale your still photos for 4K displays, and will record all the 1080p60 footage you like.
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Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Panasonic Lumix TZ95 ZS80 review
With a 30x stabilised zoom, 3 inch LCD screen, 2.3 million dot viewfinder, 4k video, Wifi and Bluetooth, the Panasonic Lumix TZ95 / ZS80 is the pocket travel zoom others seek to emulate. Nikon has come within a whisker with the COOLPIX A1000 which, aside from a less detailed viewfinder, closely matches the TZ95 / ZS80’s hardware spec and manages to squeeze-in a slightly longer 35x zoom. Despite that, the TZ95 / ZS80 feels like a more sophisticated camera all round. But with only the upgraded viewfinder and Bluetooth separating it from the older TZ90 / ZS70, that’s now looking to be a real bargain, so keep a close-eye on prices. If you’re after the best of the current crop of pocket super-zooms though, the Lumix TZ95 / ZS80 is the one to beat.
Check prices on the Lumix TZ95 / ZS80 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon SX70 HS review
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a super-zoom camera with DSLR-styling, 20 Megapixel resolution and a 65x optical zoom range equivalent to 21-1365mm. Successor to the four year-old SX60 HS, the new SX70 HS inherits the zoom range, side-hinged touch-screen and much the same body as its predecessor (albeit losing the hotshoe which is frustrating if you want to mount an external flash or microphone), but upgrades the 1 /2.3in type sensor from 16 to 20 Megapixels, couples it with the latest DIGIC 8 processor to gain 10fps shooting and cropped 4k video, and upgrades the viewfinder size and resolution. In terms of the lens range, the SX70 HS lens may now be out-gunned by the 125x zoom on the Nikon P1000, but 65x still covers virtually any situation and crucially Canon’s pitching it at almost half the price which, with the updates, makes it a very tempting option. I can’t award it more than four stars, because the increase in sensor resolution is accompanied by a reduction in low light performance at high ISOs. That aside, it’s still the best small sensor / big range super-zoom out there at this price point and comes Highly recommended.
Check prices on the Canon SX70 HS at B&H, Amazon, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon COOLPIX B600 review
The Nikon COOLPIX B600 is DSLR-styled ‘bridge’ super-zoom camera which upgrades the 40x range of the earlier B500 with a longer 60x 24-1440mm zoom lens – the same one as on the COOLPIX B700. The old AA batteries are replaced with a Lithium ion EN-EL12 that can be charged in the camera via USB. As well as gains, there are losses, though, and the B500’s flip out screen is gone, replaced with a fixed 3 inch panel with the same 920k dot resolution. Most other things remain the same, including fully automatic point and shoot operation, 1080p video, unremarkable continuous shooting and the unequalled Snapbridge for seamless image transfer to your phone while you shoot. Other super-zooms, like the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS offer better performance and more sophistication – but with a higher price tag. The B600 fills a niche for novice shooters who want stonking super-zoom capability combined with simple hassle-free operation and great connectivity at a reasonable price. Recommended.
Check prices on the Nikon COOLPIX B600 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Sony RX100 VII review
The Sony RX100 VII is a high-end compact designed for travel, action, video and vlogging. Successor to the RX100 VI, it shares the same 24-200mm f2.8-4.5 zoom as well as essentially the same body with a touch-screen that can angle up to face you and small but detailed viewfinder that pops up and pushes back down again in a convenient single action. New to the RX100 VII is a faster sensor, allowing it to shoot long bursts up to 20fps without blackout, coupled with Sony’s latest autofocus and eye detection tracking for both humans and animals, so while it’s technically a tad slower than the 24fps top speed of the Mark VI, it’s more usable and ideal for capturing sports as well as active kids and pets. If you feel the need for greater speed though, a new single burst mode fires seven frames at up to 90fps, but in the absence of pre-buffering, your timing will need to be perfect. The best quality movie modes remain in 4k at 24, 25 or 30p, but are now enhanced by eye-detection, more effective stabilisation and the presence of a 3.5mm microphone input – a rarity in this type of camera, although without an accessory shoe you’ll ideally need a bracket or a lav mic. As before it’s up against tough competition from Canon’s G5X II and G7X III which both sport 4k video, brighter lenses with ND filters and flip screens while also undercutting it on price; the G5X II also has a viewfinder while the G7X III sports a mic input. But the Sony zooms much longer, boasts phase-detect AF that’s more confident whether you’re shooting stills or video, not to mention much quicker bursts and higher frame rates for super slow motion. That said, much of what makes the Mark VII compelling is available in the older RX100 VI if you don’t need the mic input, improved 4k stabilisation or latest AF modes, so keep an eye on prices, while dedicated vloggers may still prefer the earlier RX100 VA which has a shorter but brighter lens with an ND filter, albeit no mic input. Ultimately though if you’re after a do-it-all pocket travel camera that’s also great for video and action, the RX100 VII is hard to beat. It’s not cheap, but there’s nothing else that offers all of this and still fits in your pocket.
Check prices on the Sony RX100 VII at B&H or WEX. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 review
The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is undeniably the king of super-zooms. Its awesome 125x reach, extending from a 24mm wide angle to an eye-watering 3000mm, is unmatched and deserving of a new mega-zoom classification all of its own. Beyond the zoom it has more to offer, including a big bright viewfinder, a big articulated screen, Raw shooting, 4K filming, an external mic socket, in-camera battery charging and Wifi with Bluetooth. Its continuous shooting performance is a little lacklustre, so for sports and action photography it’s not the best choice. And when zoomed in to 3000mm the f8 maximum aperture means shooting at higher ISOs unless the sun is shining. Even then, you’ll either need very steady hands or some other support, such as a monopod, to stabilise the camera and keep your subject centred in the frame. Despite those reservations, the COOLPIX P1000 is a lot of fun. It allows you to capture shots that would literally be beyond the scope of any other SLR-styled super-zoom on the market. If you’re into wildlife or sports, or you just like taking pictures of far off, inaccessible subjects, there really is nothing to beat the COOLPIX P1000. But if you’re happy with a slightly shorter, more manageable zoom range, the COOLPIX P900, Canon PowerShot SX70 HS and Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82, all have plenty to offer at a fraction of the price.
Check prices on the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon SX740 HS review
The Canon Powershot SX740 HS is a pocket super-zoom with a 20 Megapixel sensor and a huge 40X zoom range extending from 24 – 960mm. If it’s the longest zoom in a pocketable compact you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed. The SX740 HS offers PASM exposure modes, fast 10fps continuous shooting, 4k video, and has a flip up screen that’s great for selfie shooting. On the downside, the 4k video involves a tight crop that may make the effective telephoto reach even longer, but makes the short-end much less wide than when filming in 1080p. To be fair the same restriction applies to the Lumix TZ90 / ZS70 and overall the SX40 HS provides a good balance between simplicity and sophistication for those who like a little bit of control, but are equally happy relying on Auto. Recommended, but also consider its main rival the Lumix TZ90 / ZS70 which may have a slightly shorter range, but offers more physical controls, a touch screen, RAW support and a built-in viewfinder, all for a roughly similar price thanks to being an older model. It’s also worth remembering if you don’t need 4k video or the 10fps bursts, Canon’s previous SX730 HS offers much the same features at a slightly lower price while stocks last.
Check prices on the Canon SX740 HS at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Panasonic Lumix TZ200 ZS200 review
Panasonic’s Lumix TZ200 / ZS200 is the new top model in its enormously popular travel-zoom series. Successor to the TZ100 / ZS100, it inherits the 1in / 20 Megapixel sensor, built-in viewfinder, non-tilting touchscreen, 4k video and Wifi, but boosts the earlier 10x zoom range to 15x, increases the viewfinder detail, adds 1080 video at 120p for slow motion, and now includes Bluetooth for seamless connectivity and location-tagging. The literally big news though remains that new 15x zoom range, equivalent to 24-360mm and easily out-gunning not just its predecessor, but all rival 1in compacts with pocket bodies. The only compromise is an aperture that’s become even dimmer at f3.3-6.4 versus the f2.8-5.9 of its predecessor, which in turn was already a lot dimmer than the f1.8-2.8 of rivals with shorter zooms. But that’s the compromise you have to weigh-up. If you want a 1in sensor with a big zoom that’s also bright, you’ll need a much bigger body like the Sony RX10 or Lumix FZ2000. Ultimately for many photographers, the TZ200 / ZS200’s combination of a big zoom and decent sensor in a pocket body is all they need to know: the lens range and feature-set are unbeatable in its class and like its predecessor it comes highly recommended.
Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Sony RX10 Mark IV review
The RX10 IV updates Sony’s high-end Bridge Super-zoom retaining its predecessor’s 24-600mm / 25x zoom, weather-proof body and OLED EVF, but inheriting the RX100 V’s sensor for phase-detect AF, 24fps bursts and 4k without binning. The fact the RX10 series inherits the latest RX100 sensor and imaging pipeline is no surprise, but having phase-detect AF with the longer 24-600mm range is so much more compelling. Coupled with the great quality video, touchscreen and Bluetooth location tagging, the RX10 Mark IV could become the ultimate all-rounder; check out my hands-on review-so-far!
Check prices on the Sony RX10 Mark IV at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 review
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 is a bridge super-zoom with a 60x optical range. It updates the Lumix FZ70 / FZ72, retaining the older model’s 20-1200mm lens, but with a new 18 Megapixel sensor, an upgraded 3 inch 1040k dot fixed touch screen, and a more detailed 0.2in 1.7 Million dot EVF. Also new are 4K video and 4K Photo modes, excellent Wifi for wireless shooting and image transfer, faster continuous shooting, improved AF with Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus technology and USB charging. It’s got just about everything you could wish for in a bridge camera at this price bar an articulated screen, so comes highly recommended.
Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 review
Panasonic’s FZ2000 / FZ2500 is the company’s best bridge super-zoom camera to date. Everyone benefits from the 20x / 24-480mm zoom range, larger viewfinder and articulated touchscreen, but movie shooters will adore having unlimited 4k recording, 10-bit HDMI output, smooth internal zooming and a built-in ND filter adjustable by 2, 4 or 6 stops. With so many enhancements and improvements over its predecessor, it’s hard not to enthuse over the Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 which packs in a huge range of features at a very competitive price. As a high-end camera I do wish it had weather-sealing, but it doesn’t hold it back from earning a Recommended award. Compare closely with the Sony RX10 series.
[Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Superzoom Cameras For The Trail
These versatile compact cameras offer incredible range in an ultra-portable packageBy Staff
Published September 16, 2021FacebookTwitterMoreOutdoor Photographer may earn a small commission if you buy something using one of the retail links in our articles. Outdoor Photographer does not accept money for any editorial recommendations. Read more about our policy here. Thanks for supporting Outdoor Photographer.
An ideal option for long hikes when you don’t want to carry your full camera system, superzoom cameras are easy to stow in a day pack along with water, snacks, sunscreen and other trail essentials.
Though their image sensors are smaller than those found in interchangeable-lens cameras, they make up for it with massive zoom ranges that can cover just about any scene. They’re also great as versatile backup cameras to hand off to family and friends for point-and-shoot photo opportunities, or for sports and wildlife photographers looking for an affordable way to get extreme telephoto perspectives.
Here are our top three superzoom camera options, each with its own unique advantages.
Incredible Close-Ups: Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS (front)
The most budget-friendly of our top superzoom camera picks, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS packs a generous 65x zoom range equivalent to 21-1365mm. This model offers the widest perspective of the cameras featured here at 21mm on the wide end of the range for photographing vast vistas. The lens has Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer built-in for up to 5 stops of stabilization, great for shooting telephoto scenes and in areas where a tripod isn’t allowed.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS (top)
The 20.3-megapixel camera is also quick, capable of continuous shooting speeds up to 10 fps when photographing wildlife. It offers RAW files for still photography and can also record 4K video, plus 4K time-lapse movies.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS (back)
Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this camera is its close-up capability. At the wide end of the zoom range, the camera can focus as close as a remarkable 0cm—yes, zero—when using AF or just 5cm (2 inches) when focusing manually. At the longer end of the range, the minimum focusing distance extends out to 5.9 feet. List price: $599.
Check the price and availability of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS at Amazon and B&H.
Breakthrough Zoom Range: Nikon COOLPIX P1000
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 (front)
If massive range is your deciding factor for a superzoom camera, the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 dominates with its 125x, 24-3000mm equivalent zoom—a wildlife photographer’s dream. And that’s just the optical zoom; you can get up to an insane 12,000mm with the 4x digital zoom also enabled. (Expect lesser image quality with digital zoom.) The lens has optical image stabilization built in and a clever “Snapback zoom” button on the side of the lens that, when depressed, zooms out to reveal the wider scene and then instantly returns to your previous zoom setting when released, a great feature when trying to track a fast-moving, distant subject. An optional DF-M1 Dot Sight accessory that attaches to the camera’s hot shoe can also assist with tracking distant subjects.
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 (top)
The lens can focus as close as 1cm (0.4 inches) when using the camera’s close-up mode. For standard shooting, the minimum focusing distance is approximately 1 foot at the wide end of the range, extending to 23 feet at the telephoto end.
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 (back)
The 16-megapixel camera offers both RAW and JPEG formats and can record 4K video. Burst shooting is possible at up to 7 fps, but the camera buffer maxes out at 7 frames. The camera also offers time-lapse shooting capabilities. List price: $999.
Check the price and availability of the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 at B&H.
The Speed Master: Sony RX10 IV
Sony RX10 IV (top)
The 20.1-megapixel Sony RX10 IV offers a 25x zoom range equivalent to 24-600mm. While that’s the smallest range of the three cameras, it’s still quite versatile considering the camera’s size, especially when you compare it to interchangeable-lens camera systems.
Sony RX10 IV (top)
What you get in the tradeoff may be more important. Though it’s the priciest of this trio of superzoom cameras, it’s also the fastest by far. The Sony RX10 IV can shoot at continuous speeds up to 24 fps for an impressive 249 frames at a time with full AF/AE tracking. Another important distinction is the camera’s sensor size. While the Canon and Nikon cameras featured here have 1/2.3-inch sensors, the RX10 IV has a 1-inch sensor, approximately 4x the surface area for light gathering.
Sony RX10 IV (back)
The camera can focus as close as 3cm (1.2 inches) at the wide end of the range and 2.4 feet at the tele end. It includes Sony’s Optical SteadyShot for up to 4.5 stops of image stabilization. In addition to stills, the RX10 IV can record 4K video as well as super-slow motion sequences that slow time up to 40x. List price: $1,699.
