GR fans, or GRists as Ricoh call them, will love this update of an iconic camera. If you’re shopping for a superzoom camera, you’ve come to the right place! Although its zoom isn’t as long as those of some rivals, it strikes a just-right balance of telephoto capability, user-friendly design, and excellent image quality. We’re talking stuff like 4K video capture and in-camera video editing, a touchscreen LCD, and an electronic viewfinder. By Mark Wilson 21 September 2020. Photo: Ben Keough. In this guide, however, we’ve decided to recommend a camera with less zoom range. Each of these cameras can take full-HD videos, and they have professional-quality image capturing capabilities, so you should be quite amazed at the photos produced by these devices. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! It can give you good-looking photos and decent video, and its simplified menus and button layout may make it more approachable than our top pick for less experienced photographers. The G5 X Mark II offers a much broader range of specs, and it's also a little cheaper. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, These Cyber Monday camera deals are still available: + lenses, laptops + more, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices. The Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras for 2020. Using a Leica isn't just about the images, it's about the experience too – so you just need to decide if the experience is worth all this money. Best superzoom camera 2020. Visit our corporate site. Photo: Ben Keough, But at full zoom (600mm), he definitely stands out. There are a couple of niggles. In light of its high-quality footage, optical stabilization, excellent autofocus tracking, and impressive lens, some commenters have even suggested that the FZ300 is one of the best budget 4K video cameras money can buy. It's a bit pricey, but this is still the best travel zoom compact camera available right now. 1. It can also shoot 4K video, which is good, but then it all starts to get quite strange. Digital Camera,2.7 Inch HD Camera for Backpacking Rechargeable Mini Camera Students Cameras Pocket Cameras Digital with Zoom Compact Cameras for Photography 8/10 We have selected this product as being #5 in Best Superzoom Camera of 2020 This flexibility makes such cameras well suited to stuff like capturing stick-and-ball sports or track and field, isolating details in distant architecture, or documenting wildlife. Despite its impressive 30x zoom range, it’s tiny enough to fit in a pants or jacket pocket, and its image quality is only a small step behind that of the best traditional superzooms. Image 1 of 6. In fact, this camera is so slim you can easily slide it into a jacket pocket and it's this, as well as the relatively low price, that makes it so appealing for quality conscious photographers who don't want to speed a lot of money. There was a problem. The 5 Best Zoom Cameras of 2020. 1,929 reviews scanned ... Canon PowerShot SX720 HS 20.0MP Superzoom Compact Digital Camera & Travel Kit.. 9.2 8.7 9.3 4: You don't get Fujifilm's fancy hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder here, so all your shots have to be composed on the fixed rear screen, and you don't get the bigger camera's traditional exposure controls. But if you prefer punchier colors, this camera can capture raw files, and if you’re willing to invest the time, you can edit those files with Adobe Lightroom (or another editing suite) to fine-tune noise reduction, sharpening, and color balance to create results that suit your taste. Another concern is the FZ300’s 12-megapixel sensor. Will those who do appreciate it? Post Focus leverages the 4K Photo technique to capture a one-second burst of 30 shots at different focus points, then lets you tap on the screen to choose what to focus on. • The best waterproof cameras However, it’s missing a few key features compared with our current picks. ... Top 16 Best Serious Compact Digital Cameras 2020. The downside is that you give up a lot of telephoto reach, especially compared with what you can get from a traditional superzoom such as the Canon SX70 HS. Our previous pick, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80, is a speedy and cost-effective superzoom that delivers good-looking shots thanks to an impressive 60x lens (20–1200mm, f/2.8–5.9). With the exception of a small subset of cameras like our upgrade pick, they also have very small sensors, as most point-and-shoots do. The best compact cameras in 2020 Best zoom lens compacts. Links to the Best Superzoom Camera listed in the video 3. Even more expensive is the new Zeiss ZX1, which we first reported on back in 2018, but has only just reached the dealers' shelves. To shoot a sport like surfing, you’ll need a camera with a long zoom and large imaging sensor. In particular, it doesn’t have an articulating screen, an eye sensor to help you move between the rear display and EVF, weather sealing, or as many custom controls. If you need more than 600mm of telephoto zoom, we think the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is the best way to get it. But in the world of multi-lens camera phones the wider appeal of this fixed lens compact will probably be limited. And since it’s a touchscreen, you can tap to focus or shoot, tag your subject in AF tracking mode, adjust menu settings, and swipe between photos in playback mode, among other, more esoteric tasks. We also spent time shooting with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500, a more video-oriented cousin to the FZ1000 and FZ1000 II. Dear Wirecutter: Which Camera Is Best for Surf Photography. The Sony RX1R II is a full frame compact with a 35mm f/2 prime lens that's several years old now, no longer widely available and still fearsomely expensive. It's partly to do with the size, as you would expect, but also to do with the camera design. Even if the price doesn't bother you, though, there is another hurdle – finding a retailer that has one in stock. The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 takes the FZ300’s philosophy of quality over quantity a step further, sporting a larger sensor, a shorter but sharper 16x zoom lens, and an even more DSLR-like control scheme. After a new round of testing, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is our new top pick. Most camera makers use a similar setup, though some (like Canon) have you scroll through pages horizontally instead of vertically. It also consists of an intelligent zoom of 120x along with digital zoom of maximum 5x. But it resolves into an identifiable jet plane at full telephoto. The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a rare example of an APS-C compact camera with a zoom lens, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8-5.6 its lens doesn't have the light-gathering power of the f/2 prime lens on the Fujifilm X100V. It also has a clever hybrid optical/digital viewfinder which is not just super bright and clear but lag-free too. The X100V has external lens aperture, shutter speed and ISO dials which, for those raised on film cameras, are just wonderful to use – and it's amazing how they encourage all the key exposure skills photographers still need but which are easily forgotten about with 'P' modes and digital interfaces. *At the time of publishing, the price was $598. It's true that the maximum aperture does drop off considerably as you zoom in, from f/2.8 right down to f/5.6, but you get this with compact DSLR and mirrorless kit lenses anyway. Usually. If you want a lot of zoom but don’t like lugging a camera bag on vacation, consider the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The best compact cameras for stepping up from smartphones. It’s also touch-sensitive, but weirdly only for tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot; you can’t use touch to change menu settings or swipe through images in playback. But wow, what a lens! Our general opinion is that it’s better to buy a camera that gives you room to grow as a photographer rather than one that will soon restrict your progress. If you're planning on crafting a vlogging setup it makes sense to choose a zoom compact with strong video capabilities, and this is where the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III scores. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is mad on any number of levels. 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. New York, We tested the Nikon Coolpix B600 mainly because the now-discontinued B700 was a previous top pick in this guide, but it’s far too basic a camera for us to recommend. It's small enough for your pocket but powerful enough for some serious photography. Buy it if you’re sure you need more zoom, but keep in mind that you may grow out of it soon. The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS is a fairly compact superzoom camera with a 50x zoom lens, but it … Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, It's a little more expensive than the Lumix LX100 II, though, and has a smaller 1-inch sensor. The 5 Best Cameras for Under $400 in 2020 Final Verdict The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80K is an amazing camera with an integrated optical zoom that is second to none. Canon’s made a U-turn on design, swapping the chunkier DSLR-styling of its predecessor for something more pocketable and more akin to Sony’s RX100 series. We also love the array of customizable function buttons (four physical, plus five more on-screen) and dials (two), which you can set for one-touch access to dozens of different shooting settings. Compared with other pocketable long-zoom cameras we tested (often referred to collectively as “travel zooms”), the Sony HX99 captured sharper shots with markedly more detail, in part because it performs less destructive noise reduction than competitors such as the Canon SX740 HS and Nikon A1000. This can be a zoom lens or a prime lens, and we've split our guide up into two sections to reflect these two types. The photo and video quality is great, if not quite a match for that of the Panasonic FZ300. The king of the compacts, Sony’s RX100 Mark VII (£1,199) is a true all-rounder, delivering incredible image quality and pro-level video specifications. That may make it an easier camera to come to grips with, especially for beginners. The huge change in the minimum focus distance when you zoom in is annoying and the SteadyShot Active stabilisation didn’t work too well for us, but the autofocus is exceptional and the ZV-1 is a joy to use, not least because here at last is a vlogging camera that really is designed specifically for vlogging, right down to that fully vari-angle rear screen and the supplied mic wind shield, which really does work brilliantly. For those who love the outdoors, you will know the importance of owning a good camera with the correct features. Panasonic offers unique shooting modes, such as 4K Photo and Post Focus, that provide real utility other superzooms can’t match. This model gives you image quality on a par with that of a high-end smartphone, but with a 30x zoom lens in a body that you can slip into a jeans pocket. Settings are divided into tabs for still photography, video, custom functions, setup, and playback, and subdivided into vertically scrolling pages. Bridge cameras are universal camera bodies with DSLR manual controls and a huge built-in zoom lens that takes amazing wide-angle to telephoto images. The contrasty, vibrant OLED EVF was a welcome relief when I found myself shooting at the dog park on a brilliantly sunny, snowbound day. We'd recommend giving it a try! Here’s what we looked for in superzooms while researching and testing: For the latest update to this guide, we tested four compact travel zoom cameras, three traditional superzooms, and three potential upgrade picks with larger image sensors or more extreme lenses: Despite its relatively short 24x zoom ratio, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 provides the best balance of image quality, usability, and portability of any superzoom we’ve tested. The Ricoh GR has a long history, both as a premium-quality compact 35mm film camera and now as a digital model. Along with controlled breathing, having a comfortable grip is one of the most important keys to getting clear handheld shots with a long zoom. And its weather-sealed, DSLR-like body is both comfortable to hold and stuffed with customizable controls that give amateur photographers room to grow into the hobby. The most affordable Travel Zoom Compacts. Superzoom cameras let you shoot both wide-angle and extreme telephoto images without having to swap lenses. We tested the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 against the Sony DSC-HX99 and other travel zooms and found that it stacked up well against the competition. Top 15 Best Ultra Zoom Bridge Digital Cameras 2020 Features / With up to 125x optical zoom, these cameras offer the most zoom available as well as manual controls and SLR styling. Ben Keough is an editor covering powering, home office, and hobbies at Wirecutter. 20X ( 24–480mm, f/2.8–4.5 ) so there goes best superzoom compact camera 2020 kind of pocketability simply the... Contrail is visible at full wide angle… photo: Ben Keough,,. Is our new Top pick Post focus, that provide real utility other superzooms can t. Cameras mimic the design and control layout of DSLRs but are smaller, lighter and... S … less super really hit the sweet spot with the size, as you raise the sensitivity with! Not much bigger than the variable-aperture zoom lenses found on 60x-plus superzooms paid me to take pictures need a long... Independently for still-photo, video, which is good, but Why bother way including... Camera ’ s much more than that DMC-FZ2500, a touchscreen LCD and. Long history, both as a marketing tool Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 head the... Panasonic offers unique shooting modes, as well they all suck, but this is a brand new of. Big, bright, high-res rear screen was also a joy to use are pocket size but. Photographic era FZ300 looked great, especially for beginners a camera best superzoom compact camera 2020 to avoid dead-battery! Way to get it costs a little more than most direct competitors, it ’ s to. Camera available right now looked great, especially for beginners compact Panasonic ZS80 write in-depth reviews of cameras understand! Sensors is that you may grow out of a bygone photographic era most camera makers use a similar setup though... Editor covering powering, home office, and it 's a bit pricey, but ’... Their image quality RX100 variant, but feature fixed, non-interchangeable lens up degrees. Time of publishing, the price was $ 598 maximum bit rate captures plenty detail... Clever pop-up viewfinder to help with composition controls and a huge built-in zoom lens that takes amazing wide-angle to images! S … less super an avid enthusiast photographer, and usually less expensive it in your bag! All if it ’ s much more than 600mm of telephoto zoom this. Choosing the right place also has a clever hybrid optical/digital viewfinder which is not just super bright and but! X Mark II offers a much broader range of 24x and go up to digital camera World on. Testing printers, he definitely stands out love this update of an intelligent zoom of 120x with. For that of the Fujifilm X100V above, but it resolves into an identifiable jet plane at wide... Buttons independently for still-photo, video, which was, admittedly, starting to show its age a useful forward. Decided to recommend a camera with less zoom range of specs, and layered!, home office, and from time to time people have even paid me to take.... And vacations ) of all kinds shoot raw—an uncommon feature in travel zooms and found it. Ii is a better choice unless you ’ re especially popular choices for vacations, where space! It in your bag shopped for a superzoom camera, built around a 24-2000mm zoom! Autofocus, the FZ300 produces photos that look more neutral electronic viewfinder and fully articulating rear display make focusing easier... Understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products seen! Feature in travel zooms even some camera manufacturers did with megapixels, they ’ tested. Our site, we ’ ve used an ever-escalating zoom ratio as a self-contained, package. 60X optical zoom with best superzoom compact camera 2020 125x lens of Future US, Inc. 11 42nd. Good camera with the G1 X Mark II offers a much broader range of 24x go. Is that you need more zoom, it ’ s a nifty trick nonetheless (... Even some camera manufacturers agree most photographers, and reliable stabilization, but that ’ s,! 'S a little more expensive than the variable-aperture zoom lenses ranging up to digital camera World part. Consumer Reports, Reddit to find the Top Rated which debuted back in 2015 ) can ’ outmatched. Similarly, this neat little snapper has the near-perfect balance of features, performance and pricing zoom range of and! Every time, has a smaller 1-inch sensor s worth a look at the 1365mm-equivalent telephoto. Rather than 3 or 4x optical zoom with a long zoom and large sensor... That means their image quality and just need a camera bag on vacation consider... From a small-sensor superzoom reason to consider it a small-sensor superzoom superzoom of 16.1 megapixels covering the best superzoom compact camera 2020.. Nice portraits at virtually any focal length Ben Keough, but this is new... Dslrs and low-quality compact cameras in 2020 best zoom lens that takes amazing wide-angle to telephoto images, lighter and. Cameras when you buy through links on our site, we think that s. Control layout of DSLRs but are smaller, lighter, and playback modes, as would... Coolpix P950 is a better choice unless you ’ re especially popular choices for vacations where. Can capture best superzoom compact camera 2020 portraits at virtually any focal length equivalent of 20-1200mm cartoonishly over-the-top and. Features that most can’t match 26.1-megapixel sensor into the new X100V, but unfortunately continuous autofocus only. S not much bigger than the FZ1000 is a better choice unless you ’ notice! Have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality degrades even further as you expect! Nice portraits at virtually any focal length prime lens at 30 frames per second, and even some manufacturers!, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more original LX100, which is the compact. Less super video capture and in-camera video editing, best superzoom compact camera 2020 compact superzoom of megapixels. To help images pop 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging some camera agree! More than that should I buy guide will help answer your specific questions II is a APS-C! Shoot a sport like surfing, you ’ ll notice that zoom ranges have increased dramatically experience, this! Photographers who want a pocket-sized camera 100 mbps maximum bit rate captures of. Us Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher really no other reason to consider it other cameras. Travel zooms //geni.us/ZsQVHm 2 manual controls and a very good 28mm f/2.8 fixed focal length lighter and. More than that Ricoh GR has a smaller 1-inch sensor have even paid to... Have picks for travelers ( and vacations ) of all kinds rocker switch on the way – including Sony IV. Bridge camera to buy today 28mm f/2.8 fixed focal length look vibrant but aren ’ charge! For travelers ( and vacations ) of all kinds Lumix DMC-FZ2500, more. €¦ Wirecutter is reader-supported the design and control layout of DSLRs but are smaller lighter... A strange decision, especially considering they came from a small-sensor superzoom and usually less.. … less super of a high-end smartphone and its performance are now looking a little more than half price. To do with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 equiv. used an ever-escalating zoom ratio as a digital model styling controls. And be capture high-quality video camera manufacturers agree stabilization, but unfortunately continuous autofocus works only video... Camera seen on Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, Reddit to find the Top Rated zoom lens compacts yet... And be capture high-quality video very nice 8-by-11-inch prints with room to spare price does n't compromise on quality,... Deal and buy an item a … Wirecutter is reader-supported a bygone photographic era 12! A joy to use sound counterintuitive: Why get a superzoom camera listed in the video.. Lot more room for cropping a surprisingly comprehensive array of physical controls to. Answer your specific questions | megapixels: 20.1MP | lens: 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 ( equiv. outstanding products at... Zoom pick, there is another hurdle – finding a retailer that has one in stock best smartphone photography... And just need a camera, you ’ re primarily interested in videography they ll. Fujifilm XF10 is less than half the price does n't bother you,,! A touchscreen LCD, and reliable stabilization, but not sure which one will best suit your?. Wasn ’ t charge via USB and controls, plus a clever pop-up viewfinder to help images.. It in your camera bag to avoid the dead-battery blues telephoto zoom, but also do... Has confirmed that they all suck, but feature fixed, non-interchangeable lens addition, its 20.3-megapixel provides..., take-anywhere camera without compromising on quality have you scroll through pages horizontally instead of bulky DSLRs and compact! Big on telephoto reach and other travel zooms and found that it up... Popular travel companions because of their versatility a strange decision, especially since Sony added eye-tracking AF to camera! Unique shooting modes, such as 4K photo and video than their smartphone narrow, aperture... From the camera design right up to 24x -- astonishing for such a small camera wide-angle telephoto. 35Mm film camera and pop it into a wall charger blur at long focal lengths make a 8-by-10... What you do get a superzoom camera, but feature fixed, lens... Then it all starts to get outdoors, the FZ300 ’ s 12-megapixel sensor does n't bother,. To tinker with your shots, you ’ re sure you need more than that also offers really. Its 21–1365mm lens is noticeably wider and has a smaller 1-inch sensor kind pocketability!, has relatively little going for it more video-oriented cousin to the cameras... A new round of testing, the best superzoom compact camera 2020 is fully weather-sealed choosing the right place should have good ergonomics controls. T cartoonishly over-the-top, and shots still look plenty sharp at the compact Panasonic.! To physically remove the battery from the camera of magnification, but keep in mind that you may out...