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Do you want to test your photography skills in wildlife photography? Or looking for a great camera to have a perfect shot?
You’re in just the right place.
A superzoom point and shoot camera is an exceptional device for documenting your wildlife adventures due to its high zooming capabilities. Read on to learn more about the features of the best superzoom cameras and reviews of our top picks so you can make an optimal purchase.
Contents
Review of the Best Superzoom Cameras
Now that we have examined the basic features to look for in a great camera, let’s move forward to the review of our top-listed products. This section will discuss the specifications of our favorite point and shoot cameras with their associated pros and cons. This will help you decide which one is best suited to your needs.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II
PROS
- Its bright aperture of f/2.8 makes it a perfect option when shooting in low light conditions
- With a weight of one pound, it is one of the most lightweight and compact camera on our list and ideal for shooting handheld for a prolonged period
CONS
- Without the weather resistant sealing, it is unsuitable for use in harsh weather conditions such as deserts or snowy environments
- With a maximum length of 400mm, it cannot capture detailed photos of far away subjects like the Nikon Coolpix P950
What Recent Buyers Report
If you are looking for a steady superzoom camera for shooting handheld, you can’t go wrong with the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II, thanks to the five-axis optical image stabilization mechanism that helps compensate for any unwanted camera shakes, minimizing the chances of image blurring when shooting without a tripod.
With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, this bridge camera allows you to wirelessly transfer your videos and photos to your mobile device, allowing you to instantly share photos with friends or family members.
Additionally, the wireless connectivity allows you to control your camera from your smartphone or tablet, making it ideal for long exposures where any camera shake when manually pressing the shutter button can lead to image blur.
Why It Stands Out to Us
With a 20.1 megapixels sensor and 1080 pixels full HD video resolution, this camera is capable of collecting enough light to capture high photo and video quality even when working in poorly lit conditions. With a 3-inch LCD screen, this camera allows you to preview your photos and take the best compositions.
With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the camera is ideal for shooting in low-light conditions or adding a beautiful bokeh effect when shooting portraits. With the Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology, this camera achieves an impressively quick and accurate autofocusing performance, making it ideal for capturing fast moving subjects even in low-light.
The camera is equipped with a rechargeable Lithium ion battery that offers you 290 shots per charge when using the electronic viewfinder, 440 shots per charge when using the rear LCD screen, 430 shots per charge when using the viewfinder in the eco 30 frames per second configuration, allowing you to capture time lapses without fear of the battery running out.
Who Will Use This Most
With an optical zoom capability of up to 16x and an equivalent focal range of 25-400mm, this camera is suitable for capturing distant subjects such as flying birds and wide-angle photos such as real estate exterior photos and landscapes. With a weight of one pound it is the most lightweight camera on our list and an ideal option for use when shooting handheld for an extended period.
Bottom Line
Although it is made of plastic it still retains a premium look. The rubberized hand grip on the front and a raised thumb grip on the rear of the camera body makes handling this camera and shooting for a prolonged period easy. However, unlike the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV, it’s made of plastic which is not weather resistant, making it unsuitable for use in trying situations such as snowy or desert weather conditions.
- Large sensor 1 inch 20. 1MP MOS sensor provides excellent low light and color depth performance,...
- Leica DC VARIO ELMARIT 16x optical zoom Leica DC VARIO ELMARIT F2. 8 F4. 0 lenses (35mm camera...
- 5 Axis Hybrid O. I. S. Optical image Stabilizer. I. S.) plus active mode effectively compensate for...
Runner-up: Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ80
PROS
- Can support RAW files as well
- Capable of shooting 10 frames per second
- Impressive built-in mic to record voices
- The image stabilizer in this camera allows you to achieve sharp pictures and stable video recording
- Equipped with 60x optical zoom the camera takes great landscapes shots
CONS
- Relatively small sensor versus other models
- Although you can use it to shoot distant subjects, it focal lengths are shorter compared to the Nikon COOLPIX P1000
- LCD screen is fixed and cannot be tilted at various angles
What Recent Buyers Report
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is much appreciated by its users for amazing picture quality with fast autofocus and 4k video capability. This bridge camera has an inbuilt mic that lets you record your voice along with the video. Although there are some concerns over its fixed LCD overall, it mostly gets positive reviews. In fact, recent buyers seem to be pretty fond of it and recommend it to others too.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Launched in 2013, this Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a great camera with an unbelievable 60x optical zoom. It stands out from its rivals due to its advanced features, such as 4K video, f/2.8 maximum aperture and a 0.2-inch viewfinder. Moreover, it comes with built-in mic and input for attaching headphones, a particularly handy set of features for birdwatchers.
With an image stabilization functionality, the camera helps minimize the camera shake effect for sharper images and steady video recording, making it an ideal walk around camera to use when hiking.
Who Will Use This Most
This camera is a great option for hobbyists. Unlike a mirrorless camera, its long focal range of 20-1200mm makes it suitable for capturing distant subjects such as a flying bird without the need of swapping the zoom lens. Moreover, it is quite easy to handle; thus, it can be used by beginners as well to capture some worthy shots. The f/2.8-4 aperture range creates impressively blurred backgrounds, and allows you to use lower ISO settings for cleaner, more natural-looking images in dim light.
Bottom Line
Compact and built with high-quality materials, this Panasonic Lumix FZ80 should not be missed. It comes with all great features and proves to be an ideal choice for documenting your birding adventures like a pro.
- Point and Shoot Long Zoom Camera: 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus 60X zooms DC Vario lens (20 1220...
- High Resolution View Finder and LCD Display: High resolution 1,170K dot view finder and rear touch...
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) with three unique 4K ultra HD video...
Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500
PROS
- The 20.1 megapixels sensor collects enough light for a bright image even in low light conditions.
- Unlike digital zoom, the optical zoom allows you to capture distant subjects without interfering with the image quality and resolution
CONS
- With maximum focal lengths of 24-480mm, its zoom capabilities is limited compared to 21-1365mm focal range of Canon Powershot SX70 HS and might not be the best option for wildlife photography
- Although it is 1.19 pounds lighter than Nikon Coolpix B600, the 2.13 pounds weight is still unsuitable for shooting handheld for a prolonged period
What Recent Buyers Report
Unlike mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500 is among the high-quality point and shoot cameras that features an optical zoom capability of up to 20x and an equivalent focal range of 24-480mm, making it an ideal choice for shooting both wide-angle landscape photos and extreme telephoto pictures of wildlife without having to swap lenses.
Considering that optical distortions are a common problem with a long zoom lens, this camera’s telephoto lens incorporates eight aspherical and four ED elements to help suppress chromatic aberrations and distortions, allowing you to capture high contrast and sharp images throughout the zoom range.
With 4K video capabilities, this camera allows you to continuously record 8 megapixels images at 30 frames per second, making it a perfect option for instances where you require a faster frame rate to shoot the best moment.
Why It Stands Out to Us
This point and shoot camera comes with an electronic shutter speed of up to 1/16000 seconds and a maximum mechanical shutter speed of up to 1/4000 seconds, allowing you to capture high quality images even when working with wider apertures in strongly lit conditions.
Like the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, it features a five-axis image stabilization mechanism that helps reduce the camera shake and image blurring even capturing handheld at slower shutter speeds. This camera comes with a three inch 1.04m-dot vari angle LCD screen that you can tilt or rotate to enhance live monitoring of the scene for better subject composition.
With a 20.1 megapixels CMOS sensor, this camera delivers high resolution images and videos with a native ISO of 12800, allowing you to capture bright and noiseless images in low-light. Like the other cameras on our list, this camera produces superior picture quality thanks to its 4K video, f/2.8 maximum aperture, burst shooting and quick autofocus that makes it an ideal choice for action and sport photography.
Who Will Use This Most
With built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, this camera allows you to operate it remotely using a tablet or smartphone, eliminating the camera shakes that happen when using the manual shutter button.
When it comes to macro photography, the camera features a minimum focusing distance of 1.18 inches, making it a perfect option for capturing closeups of insects and other tiny subjects. Like the Panasonic Lumix FZ2500, its bright aperture of f/2.8 allows you to capture high quality shots in low light conditions when using short focal lengths.
Bottom Line
The optical design incorporates four extra-low dispersion elements and eight aspherical elements that helps to reduce the aberrations and distortions, allowing you to capture sharp and high-quality images of both nearby and distant subjects.
However, with physical dimensions of 5.3 x 5.42 x 4.01 inches and a weight of 2.13 pounds, it cannot be listed among the most compact cameras. Additionally, using this camera without a tripod for an extended period might make your wrists hurt.
- The ideal hybrid camera choice for the advanced 4K video enthusiast and photography enthusiast alike
- Large 1-inch 20.1 Megapixel sensor and bright 20X LEICA VARIO-ELMART F2.8-4.5 lens
- 4K Ultra HD video recording plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus and internal Focus...
Nikon Coolpix B600
PROS
- The extra low dispersion elements on the camera lens suppress color fringing and chromatic aberrations, allowing you capture clear and well-contrasted images even in strongly-lit conditions.
- Like the other cameras on our list, the built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity allows you to connect it with your mobile device, allowing you to control it remotely and avoid the possible camera shakes of manual controls
CONS
- With a weight of 3.36 pounds, it is the heaviest camera on our list, making it unsuitable for carrying around when hiking or shooting handheld for long
- The camera requires you to update the firmware in order to use the remote shutter feature, which might inconvenience you if you don’t have a stable internet connection
What Recent Buyers Report
The Nikon Coolpix B600 is a high quality point-and-shoot camera that comes with an ergonomic body design that incorporates a large grip for enhanced handling and stable shooting even when shooting handheld while moving.
It comes equipped with a 4-axis hybrid vibration reduction system which helps to eliminate the camera shake effect for sharper photos and more stable video recording, making it one of the best walk around cameras that you can use during hiking and camping.
This camera comes with a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor that allows you to capture high-resolution images and full HD videos, making it ideal for shooting footage that will play on large displays, and photos for large- format prints.
Why It Stands Out to Us
One of the things that sets this superzoom camera apart is its expansive optical zoom capability of up to 60x that provides an incredible zoom range of 24-1440mm, allowing you to cover super telephoto perspectives.
When it comes to the wide-angle perspective, this camera allows you to capture a wider field of view when capturing landscapes or interior images in tight spaces, while the super telephoto perspective allows you to zoom in on distant subjects and capture their details.
Regardless of the focal length you’re using, the extra low dispersion glass elements incorporated in the optical design of the camera lens helps to combat color fringing and chromatic aberrations, allowing you to capture clearer, cleaner and sharp photos even in harsh lighting.
Who Will Use This Most
With built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity this camera is ideal for wildlife photography where you might need to set up the camera and then control it remotely with a mobile device using the nikon snapbridge system.
However, the camera requires a firmware update for you to use the remote shutter feature. This camera is also suitable for shooting videos in crowded events where live view is required, thanks to the HDMI port that allows a high-resolution playback to an HDTV.
Bottom Line:
The subject tracking function and contrast-detection autofocus system makes this camera an ideal choice for capturing fast-moving subjects such as flying birds. The camera comes with an EN-EL12 lithium-ion battery that gives a battery life of around 280 shots per charge, allowing you to capture a large collection of photos in remote areas without the need to recharge.
- Bundle Includes: Nikon COOLPIX B600 Digital Camera (Black) (26528), SanDisk 32GB Ultra Memory Card,...
- Key Features: 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor -- NIKKOR Super ED 60x Optical Zoom Lens -- 24-1440mm (35mm...
- Full HD Video Recording at 30p/60i - SnapBridge Wi-Fi & Bluetooth BLE
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
PROS
- The 40x slower motion feature makes it a suitable option for capturing events that require slow motions such as sports
- The phase detection autofocus mechanism provides a fast and accurate tracking and focusing, making it suitable for moving subjects such as action
CONS
- Its capability to cover super telephoto perspectives and zoom in far away subjects is less impressive than that of Canon Powershot SX70 HS, making it unsuitable for astrophotography
- The Bluetooth wireless connectivity does not link with an iPhone, which might inconvenience you if you are an iPhone user
What Recent Buyers Report
With a 20.1 megapixels Exmor RS CMOS sensor, the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is capable of capturing sufficient light to produce bright images when shooting in low light conditions.
This camera comes with BIONZ X image processor, which together with the CMOS sensor, delivers crisp and clear images with minimal digital noise when using high ISO settings such as 12800 when using faster shutter speeds to shoot moving subjects.
Additionally, it features an advanced focal-plane phase-detection autofocus system, which allows it to deliver fast, quiet and precise focusing, making it ideal for shooting moving subjects or for beginners who might not be familiar with manual focus.
Why It Stands Out to Us
This camera comes with an outstanding optical zoom of 25x, making it a great choice for shooting sports such as soccer that require both longer and shorter focal lengths to zoom out and capture the entire field and zoom in to capture individual players.
With a 40x super slow motion feature and a 4K video capability, this camera is ideal for continuous shooting of sports such as car racing where you might need slow motion to make the video recording aesthetically pleasing.
Keeping in mind that camera shake and image blurring can be an issue especially when using slower shutter speeds, this camera comes with an optical steadyshot image stabilization system which allows capture sharp photos even when using slower shutter speeds and high ISO settings.
Who Will Use This Most
This camera has a physical construction of moisture and dust resistant magnesium alloy design which makes it ideal for shooting in harsh conditions in the jungle, dusty deserts and snowy mountains during hiking.
Like the Nikon Coolpix P950, this camera comes with a built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity which allows you to link it with a mobile device for remote controlling or sharing the files instantly to the mobile device. However, the Bluetooth doesn’t connect with iPhones, which makes it challenging to control it remotely if you are using an iPhone.
Bottom Line
If you want a flexible zoom that allows you to quickly zoom in and out on a subject, this camera comes with a zoom assist feature which you can assign to one of the buttons, allowing you to automatically zoom out the field of view to enhance subject re-location when it gets out of the scene, and then automatically zoom back in on the subject when you release the button.
- World’s Fastest AF acquisition speed of 0.03 sec. Optical image stabilization technology developed...
- 315 phase-detection AF points covering Approx. 65% of the frame. Light etering mode- Multi pattern,...
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-600mm3 F2.4-F4 ultra-zoom Lens
Nikon Coolpix P950
PROS
- The huge zoom capabilities makes it an ideal choice for wildlife and landscape photography as you can zoom in to capture more details
- It is among the most versatile cameras, thanks to the bright f/2.8 aperture that allows you to shoot portraits with a pleasing background blur and landscapes with a deeper depth of field
CONS
- Unlike wide-angle prime lenses, the zoom lens produces some optical distortions when shooting at shorter focal lengths
- Although this camera has a minimum focus distance of 0.4 inches, it doesn’t shoot clear and sharp closeups, making it unsuitable for shooting tiny subjects
What Recent Buyers Report
The Nikon Coolpix P950 is a versatile camera that comes with a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor that allows it to capture crisp and clear video and stills. The processor is paired with an Expeed image processor which helps to improve the resolution, video sensitivity and speed, allowing you to capture sharp videos with minimal blur.
This processor also allows you to capture continuous stills at a speed of up to 7 frames per second when using full resolution, making it suitable for shooting fast moving subjects such as in action or sport photography.
This camera comes with an OLED 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder which allows you to monitor the scene especially when shooting at longer focal lengths, ensuring you capture crisp and focused images.
This camera stands out due to its expansive optical zoom capability of up to 83x, which allows you to use it as a super telephoto for capturing distant subjects such as wildlife with longer focal lengths of up to 2000mm, or as a wide-angle zoom lens for shooting landscapes and interior photos in tight spaces with a short focal length of around 24mm .
Furthermore, this camera allows you to use a maximum wide aperture of f/2.8 when using the short focal lengths, allowing you to capture better image quality in low light conditions and apply selective focus techniques and get a pleasing background blur when shooting portraits.
Who Will Use This Most
This camera is equipped with a Dual Detect Vibration Reduction system which helps to minimize and compensate for the camera shakes when shooting handheld, making it ideal for photographers shooting without a tripod such as when hiking.
However, even with this versatility the 2.2 pounds weight might exhaust you if you’re shooting handheld for a prolonged time.
The camera also comes with a built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity that are compatible with the Nikon snapbridge application, making it suitable for photographers shooting in the jungle and wants to control the camera remotely and transfer the files to linked mobile devices.
Bottom Line
Keeping in mind that optical distortions can be an issue with a long zoom camera and wide-angle lenses, the optical design of this camera’s impressive lens employs super ED glass elements which helps to eliminate aberrations and distortions, allowing you to capture sharp and clear photos of both distant subjects with longer focal lengths and nearby subjects with shorter focal lengths.
- COOLPIX P950 offers 16. 0 Megapixels of resolution
- COOLPIX P950 features an 83X optical zoom/166X Dynamic Fine Zoom
- Built-in Bird and Moon modes along with scene modes for simple shooting
Comparison of the Best Superzoom Camera
How Far Can a Superzoom Camera Zoom?
What Is a Superzoom Best For?
These days, many cameras are equipped with relatively long focal lengths compared to basic digital cameras. Additionally, they feature bright f/2.8 aperture allowing you to capture blurry free portraits and landscapes with a deeper depth of field.These are known as Superzoom cameras and have many uses:
No Swapping of Lenses
Unlike professional mirrorless cameras, a superzoom features an optical zoom capability to help you take telephoto pictures without the hassle of swapping the zoom lens. There will be no need for changing the zoom lens frequently according to different situations.
Highly Portable
Although a superzoom camera greatly mimics the design of a DSLR, they are relatively lighter, more compact, and of course, less expensive. You get to shoot amazing photographs too without spending a lot of money.
Shoot Distant Objects Like a Pro
Unlike a mirrorless camera, a superzoom camera comes with a long focal length and an optical zoom capability therefore helping you shoot distant subjects without changing lenses. You can easily take a closer shot of a distant bird without having to move closer to the subject physically.
However, with bright aperture of f/2.8, you can use most of these cameras when using the short focal lengths, allowing you to capture high quality images in dimly lit conditions
High Image quality
These bridge cameras are great for wildlife photography. Considering that most of these cameras have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 their low light performance is incredible as well. However the zoom lens produces some optical distortions when shooting at shorter focal lengths noise at maximum magnification, but overall, you get what you paid for.
How Do I Choose a Superzoom Camera?
Choosing the best camera can be tiresome, especially when you have a range of options to choose from. Therefore, you must look for some important features that make for the best model. This will ease your decision-making, and you will end up having the perfect model for you. Such features include:
Durable Design
While purchasing a camera, it is important to look for one built with high-quality material to last for a long time. The camera should be weatherproof and water-resistant in order to withstand every harsh condition.
Manual Controls
Superzoom cameras are equipped with many features, and one of them is automatic mode. This mode lets you click images without requiring human intervention. However, you must opt for bridge cameras that come with manual controls as well. This will help you adjust the exposure and shutter speed according to your choice.
The Viewfinder
A viewfinder helps in viewing your shots. The display of your shot helps you decide whether it’s worth capturing or not.
Easy Handling
If you want a camera for random photography, you must look for a model that does not have complex functioning. It should be easy to use and handle.
Reasonable Price
Not everyone wants to spend tons of cash on cameras. Therefore, you must decide your budget first and then go for a model that lies within it.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Superzoom Camera?
Whenever you decide to get a camera, it is quite important to take some factors into consideration first. This will help you in getting the right product for you. For a superzoom camera, you must know the following:
Sensor Size
The light enters the camera through a sensor, so it is quite important to understand how it works before buying a model. You must consider the sensor size relative to megapixels in order to have excellent images.
Small-sensor cameras capture quality images in good lighting conditions. However, Like a mirrorless camera, a superzoom with a bigger sensor size is the best option if you want to enlarge the images to view the tiny details.
Manual Controls
Most cameras come with automated modes in order to reduce human intervention. However, manual controls let you adjust your camera according to different situations to get the perfect shot, which is what you must look for.
Megapixels
There is a common misconception regarding the number of megapixels. Many people think that a higher number of megapixels means better images, which is not always true. It greatly depends on the sensor’s size. If your camera has higher megapixels but a small sensor, you will end up getting a picture lacking clarity.
Price
When purchasing a camera, price is a crucial factor to consider. First, decide whether you want to use the camera professionally or want to take some random shots. Then, spend your hard-earned money accordingly.
Conclusion
All these superzoom cameras vary in various aspects such as sensor size, zoom lens, megapixels, price, and much more. Therefore, you must look for an option with features that suits your demands best. Also, before heading out to buy a model, read through our buying guide once more so you can be sure to make an informed decision.
