The best superzoom cameras on the scenario currently are those that compel ardent photographers to look up and take notice. So we are pulling out a list of such choices that as a photography enthusiast, you may want to consider shelling out your bucks on. We have options that have been churned out from companies like Panasonic, Sony, Nikon and more. So if compact and slick designs are what you seek with a mix of enhanced features then you may want to give this roster a good look. Whether you are a budding photographer or a professional, read on to make an informed choice.
1. Panasonic Lumix FZ150
The Panasonic Lumix FZ150 may just be one of the many options that might flash in an ardent photographer’s mind. Having arrived in the latter half 2012, this 12.1MP snapper boasts of 24x optical zoom when capturing both photos as well as videos. It has been incorporated with a 25mm wide-angle Leica DC lens and offers the Intelligent Zoom feature that virtually extends the 24x optical to 32x equivalent. Furthermore, you can even dabble in Extra Optical Zoom to push the power up to 46.9x for taking snaps at a resolution of 3MP or less. Well, the other attributes read out to be the incorporation of Venus Engine for delivering 1920 x 1080 60p full HD quality images and facilitating QVGA fast 220fps video capture. Needless to say, other required presets and effects are onboard along with 3D photo mode, Creative Control, Photo Style options and more.
Price: $499
2. Fujifilm FinePix S3300
This one comes fitted with a Fujinon 26x optical zoom lens, and chances are you may not take long to type down the 14MP Fujifilm FinePix S3300 camera on your must-have list. Read on to know what more this snapper with wide a 24mm zoom lens has to offer. For starters, the back is embedded with a 3-inch LCD and the device claims to deliver high sensitivity of up to ISO 6400.
Plus, it proffers Dual Image Stabilization, allowing you to record blur free clips or images and upload them to Facebook or YouTube on the fly. Motion panorama, zoom bracketing mode and 2cm macro shooting are some of the other features that the snapper brings to you. Additionally, it also sports a mini HDMI port so you can splash the content onto an HDTV and share the cherished moments.
Price: $218
3. Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Next up in our roster is the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS which is replete with a 12.1MP CMOS sensor. For many, the attribute that it delivers 35x optical zoom could be reason enough to look up at this gadget which has more to offer than just that. It also proffers 10x digital and 140x combination zoom along with optical image stabilization. Another aspect that avid photographers may approve of is the 2.7-inch TFT color Vari-angle LCD with wide viewing angle. Full HD video capturing, an HDMI out, Intelligent IS, Zoom framing assist button and enhanced Smart Auto are some of the other attributes onboard.
Price: $379
4. Olympus SZ-30MR
Another option in our roster is the Olympus SZ-30MR which provides you with a 24x wide optical zoom. It has been integrated with a 16MP backlit CMOS sensor and also features a 3-inch 460,000 dot color LCD display. You can capture full 1080p HD videos, and the Dual Image Stabilization feature is in place to help deliver blur-free content which you can then view with your family on large HDTVs at home.
Thanks to the Dual Engine TruePic III, you can enjoy the benefits of multi-recording on this device that enables 15fps high-speed continuous shooting as well. Furthermore, you can record clips and snap photographs simultaneously or indulge in the Smart Panorama when on the go.
Price: $279
5. Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
Launched early last year, this is one offering to consider when you are looking to grab a new digital offering in this category. Why you ask? Well, it is fitted with a 27mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens and offers 30x Optical Zoom. If the 3D phenomenon appealed to you then you may give the thumbs up to the device’s ability of capturing 3D images. It also allows you to seamlessly dabble in the 3D Sweep panorama mode. The gadget is capable of recording full HD videos and it comes with built-in GPS as well as a compass to serve as decent travel companions.
Price: $429
6. Nikon Coolpix P500
Besides being available in the regular black shade, Nikon Coolpix P500 also comes draped in a hue of red that lends its form factor a stylish edge. Once you move beyond that, the first thing you will notice is that it shows off a 36x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, and next you may just be seen testing its 3-inch tilting Vari-angle monitor that aims at making capturing moments easy.
Plus, the device also has in its system a 12.1-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and dual image processors. Full HD recording, HDMI out, Scene Auto Selector, Subject Tracking as well as an ISO sensitivity of up to 3200, make it a decent option to carry when heading out.
Price: $403
We have listed some of the best superzoom cameras around to help the photographer in you select the right option. So do let us know which of the above mentioned offering you will be carrying to those long travel escapades.