Top Ten Best Super Zoom Cameras of 2014 in the Market

• Posted By : Dad D
• July 25, 2014
• digital cameras
• Leave a comment

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When discussing the key features that photographers look for when purchasing a digital camera, there’s no doubt that ample zoom sits towards the top of the list. Optical technology has evolved to provide consumers with substantial zooming capabilities. The best super zoom cameras come in all kind of shapes, sizes, and styles, and in the following sections, we’ll talk about the top ten available on the market for 2014.

#10: Sony Cyber-Shot HX50

Specs: Point and Shoot, 30x Zoom, 20.4 Megapixels, SD Memory

The Sony Cyber-Shot HX50 is a relatively new type of breed of super zoom cameras that provides a staggering 30s optimal zoom! Plus, it can comfortably sit within the pocket of your coat. But its impressive features don’t stop there. It features a wide range of functions including Wi-Fi connectivity, a quality EXMOR R CMOS sensor (by Sony), and even a multi-accessory shoe. For premium portability, this is the best super zoom camera to own.

The HX50 offers lenses that are a real joy to take photographs with. The camera is incredibly adaptable, and is perfect for taking ultra-wide landscape shots as well as long-distance portraits. The camera’s Clear Zoom function will ensure that you retain quality photos from long distances, and the maximum ISO speed of more than 12,000 makes it ideal for low-lit areas. Professionals will probably enjoy this camera more than beginners.

#9: Canon Power Shot SX500 IS

Specs: 30x Zoom, 4.3 – 129 Millimeters Focal Length, 7.5 Centimeter Monitor

The Canon Power Shot SX500 IS provides similar features and functions as the Sony HX50, offering about 30x optical zoom, and a sleek, compact design. But what makes it different is that it handles better than most super zoom cameras. It’s also very affordable, so it’s the perfect super zoom model for photographers who are on a budget.

With its battery attached, the camera doesn’t weigh any more than 12 ounces, which is astonishing considering that most super zoom cameras weigh considerably more than this. For photographers who would like a lightweight camera that is compact and portable, this is definitely a model to consider. It features both manual and semi-manual controls, all of which are user-friendly and quick to learn.

One of the downsides to this camera is that it can be a little slow in the performance department. There have also been some complaints about the lack of shooting options as well as the need for light to take quality photos. Despite the drawbacks, it’s still a premium super zoom camera that is both affordable and visually appealing. With its 30x zooming capabilities, and lightweight design, you can’t ask for much better in a high-quality super zoom camera.

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#8: Panasonic LUMIX FZ200

Specs: 25 – 600 Millimeter Lens, F2.8 Aperture, 12.1 Megapixels

While the LUMIX might not have the longest zooming capabilities on this list – sitting at 24x zoom – it does boast one very unique characteristic: it is able to maintain a maximum aperture of about f/2.8. This makes it a prime super zoom camera for photographers who are interested in wildlife or nature-based photography.

Panasonic also claims to have improved the sensor, although I’m pleased to report it has resisted the opportunity to increase the resolution – so the FZ200 sports the same 12 Megapixel resolution as its predecessor and still allows you to record files in the RAW format too. 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 super-zoom cameras on the market.

#7: Pentax X-5

Specs: 26x Optical Zoom, AA Batteries

This is another super zoom camera that is quite easy to carry around due to its compact nature. It’s conveniently portable, and happens to be one of the smaller cameras of its type on the market today. This super zoom model will provide photographers with 26x optical zoom, as well as a firm rubber hand grip that will ensure that your camera won’t slip while in use.

If you’re like most photographers, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of times when you ran out of batteries during a crucial shot. The prime benefit associated with the Pentax X-5 super zoom camera is that it runs off of AA batteries, so even if you run out of power, you won’t be too far away from getting some replacement batteries for it.

 

#6: Nikon COOLPIC P520

Specs: 42x Optical Zoom, 1000 Millimeter in 35 Millimeter Lens

With an optical zoom of 42x, individuals won’t have any difficulty capturing far-away shots. It’s one of the more superior super zoom models that you’ll be able to find on the market in 2014. Not only is it backed by a solid lens-shift VR system, but it also includes a variety of other features including an image review tool, variable-angle LCD, and an EVF.

Measuring right around 125 x 84 x 101, this camera is a little larger than average. Nonetheless, it looks considerably different than most super zoom cameras, and features a firm hand-grip that allows the photographer to have full control over the device while taking photos. This camera has been described as being remarkably compact, and includes that “fun factor” that you can’t find in other cameras. Its ability to go from wide angles to short ones is something you must experience to truly appreciate.

#5: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX300

Specs: .08 Second Shots, 10-Shots-Per-Second Burst

For quality shooting performance and amazing image quality, be sure to give the DSC-HX300 super zoom camera by Sony a try. With this camera, you can go from off to on to taking a shot in 2.1 seconds! This guarantees photographers the best chance of capturing a spontaneous shot that otherwise would have been missed with a slow-to-turn-on super zoom camera. Just turn it on, push out the lens, adjust your focus, and take the shot – it’s that easy.

Shot-to-shot times will vary depending on the amount of processing being done, but overall, it’s exceptionally fast. Lab tests have confirmed that this camera takes less than one second between shots. Keep in mind that if you use it on the high-ISO setting, it can take a few seconds between shots since you’ll be using considerable more processing. Using the flash could also cause the camera to take about 3.5 seconds between shots.

For photographers who constantly rely on burst shooting, you’ll be happy to hear that the HX300 can take up to 10 shots per second (at full resolution). It is also worth noting that the zoom lens on this model super zoom camera doesn’t move exceptionally quick, so don’t except it to outperform other models when trying to capture faster-moving objects.

#4: Fujifilm Fine Pix S1

Specs: 24 Millimeter Lens, 50x Optical zoom, 12,800 ISO

At the heart of this beautiful super zoom camera, you will find a super-powerful 50x zoom lens. The lens on the device are incredibly versatile, and offer a focal range that starts at an ultra-wide 24mm. Add in additional features like maximum aperture and a 1-centemeter Super Macro Mode, and you’re staring at one premium camera.

To help photographers avoid experiencing blur when they’re shooting, Fujifilm made sure to add a solution that includes high ISO sensitivity – which will stretch to about ISO 12,800 when at max resolution. The camera has a mechanical stabilizer that’s built it, which is perfect for Shooting-Only or Continuous modes.

Keep in mind that this super zoom camera will automatically make the adjustments needed to keep up with increased blur while shooting. Compared to its price, the Fujifilm Fine Pix S1 will provide both amateur and professional photographers alike with a reliable, durable, and budget-friendly super zoom camera that you won’t be able to find elsewhere.

#3: Fujifilm Fine Pix SL1000

Specs: 50x Optical Zoom, 16 Megapixel Resolution, 3-Inch Tilting Screen

This is a very interesting super zoom camera that not only has the capability of shooting at 16 megapixel resolution, but it also provides full HD video, as well as eye-watering 50x optical zoom. Its 3-inch tilting screen and 920K dot EVF also make this camera very sought after within the photography community. Additional highlights include a flash hot-shoe, Super Macro Mode, and a fully-customizable function button for greater flexibility.

The Fine Pix is a very simple camera to use, and even features an LCD screen that flips out. If you’re someone who would like to take a picture of your favorite music artist from long distances, the camera’s 50x zooming capabilities will definitely help you achieve it. The remaining aspects of the SL1000 are set up for more advanced photographers.

Granite, this is a camera that can be enjoyed by both newbie and veteran photographers alike, but if you’re going to take advantage of the more advanced features, you’ll need to be more experienced. Learning photographer controls include an external flash hot-shoe, manual controls on command, and RAW recording.

#2: Nikon Coolpix L830

Specs: 1,530 Millimeters, AA Batteries

The Nikon Coolpix L830 is all about providing photographers with an affordable super zoom camera that isn’t bloated with unneeded features. Being stripped down to only what you need, you’ll be able to experience more portability. The camera’s tilting LCD provides extra zoom, and can extend to a range of about 1,530mm.

The camera offers improved battery life compared to its predecessors, and since it takes AA-sized batteries, you won’t need to worry about losing power and not being able to refill when taking crucial shots. Sitting right around mud price range, the price is considerably less than one might expect, making it a great-priced camera.

Photo quality for the Nikon Coolpix L830 is noticeably sharp, and during daytime conditions, can help photographers catch very clear photos. Keep in mind that the small-sensor compacts in the L830 do have a small amount of limitations, one of them being pixel peeping, but this drawback is small compared to the ample amount of benefits it provides. You might also notice fringing on others that are of high-contrast.

#1: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC HX400V

Specs: 50x Optical Zoom, 20.4 Megapixel Resolution, HD Recording, 10FPS Burst Shooting

The last, and arguably the best super zoom camera on this list is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC- HX400V. With 50x optical zoom, a 20.4 megapixel sensor, and Full HD video recording, consumers will be able to receive amazing value for their dollar. The camera also comes with a multi-face interface shoe, Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as built-in GPS. In doesn’t get much better than that in the world of super zoom cameras.

Another key feature associated with the Sony HX400V is its high-speed autofocusing function. Combined with its 10FPS burst shooting mode, and 3-inch tilting LCD screen, professional photographers will have an easy time capturing quality shots. Burst shooting mode will capture images in high resolution too. This camera currently sells for about $449.99, which sits on the higher end of the scale, but for good reason.

Some of the popular modes that photographers will find on this camera includes Intelligent Auto Plus, 3-Way Active Mode, Superior Auto Mode, and Full Manual Mode. The device supports both digital cards and memory sticks. The optical zoom for this camera is massive, sitting at 50x resolution and about 20 million pixels. Some other key features include a processor that is about 3x faster, as well as a visually appealing, minimal design.

The HX400V offers a relatively large handgrip, which is perfect for squeezing in your fingers comfortably. This will provide photographers with a steadier hold when they are taking pictures. To further help reduce the risk of blurred shots, the camera offers something called “Steady Shot” image stabilization. The overall build and finish of the device includes an all-black finish, as well as an angle-adjustable LCD viewfinder.