A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

The Best Superzoom Camera

Superzoom cameras are popular travel companions because of their versatility. Their zoom lens covers all focal lengths from wide-angle to super tele-photo. While there is no formal definition of a superzoom, it is common practice to classify all compact cameras with a 10x or larger zoom factor in this category.

Many superzooms feature a viewfinder on the center-top of the camera, which makes them look similar to DSLRs. These models are often also referred to as bridge cameras, as they combine features of point-and-shoot cameras with those of DSLRs.

Superzoom
Nikon P1000 superzoom

There is a wide and growing choice of superzoom cameras on the market. It is not easy to decide which one is best. Indeed, what does it really mean to look for the best superzoom? The camera that offers the best imaging experience? The one with the greatest tele-photo reach? The one that is most portable? The superzoom that does not break the bank? The answers to these questions come down to personal preference, but hopefully the listings below will prove to be useful for your camera decision process.

ad

The highest rated Superzoom

Top Elo
Camera with highest Elo: Leica V-LUX 5

The Camera Elo represents a comprehensive rating that takes the body, sensor and feature characteristics of digital cameras into account. It is based on the outcomes of thousands of pair-wise comparisons undertaken via the CAM-parator app.

The Leica V-LUX 5 is currently the top-ranked superzoom with a Camera Elo of 2581, followed in second place by the Panasonic FZ1000 II with a rating of 2563. The table below lists the 20 highest ranked superzoom cameras in descending order of their Elo. It also reports the cameras' DXO Mark sensor quality score, which can be taken as indicators of pure image quality. For both the Camera Elo and the DXO score, higher values represent better performance.

scroll hint
The Cameras with the Highest Elo
    Camera
Model
Lens
(FF equiv)
Camera
Elo
DXO
Score
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Video
Format
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 25-400 mm f/2.8-4.0 258165 1-inch 20.04K/30p Jul 2019 1,249 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 25-400 mm f/2.8-4.0 256365 1-inch 20.04K/30p Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
3.
 
Sony RX10 IV 24-600 mm f/2.4-4.0 249263 1-inch 20.04K/30p Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica C-LUX 24-360 mm f/3.3-6.4 237664 1-inch 20.04K/30p Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic TZ200 24-360 mm f/3.3-6.4 236064 1-inch 20.04K/30p Feb 2018 799 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic TZ95 24-720 mm f/3.3-6.4 235252 1/2.3 20.24K/30p Feb 2019 449ebay.com
7.
 
Sony HX99 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 231451 1/2.3 18.04K/30p Aug 2018 449ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2000 24-480 mm f/2.8-4.5 228570 1-inch 20.04K/30p Sep 2016 1,199 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon P950 24-2000 mm f/2.8-6.5 226852 1/2.3 15.94K/30p Jan 2020 799 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony RX10 III 24-600 mm f/2.4-4.0 226770 1-inch 20.04K/30p Mar 2016 1,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon P1000 24-3000 mm f/2.8-8.0 224451 1/2.3 15.94K/30p Jul 2018 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic TZ90 24-720 mm f/3.3-6.4 222836 1/2.3 20.24K/30p Apr 2017 449ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX95 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 221551 1/2.3 18.04K/30p Aug 2018 429ebay.com
14.
 
Canon SX740 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 220251 1/2.3 20.24K/30p Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon A1000 24-840 mm f/3.4-6.9 217152 1/2.3 15.94K/30p Jan 2019 429ebay.com
16.
 
Canon SX70 21-1365 mm f/3.4-6.5 216651 1/2.3 20.24K/30p Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony WX800 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 215851 1/2.3 18.04K/30p Oct 2018 399ebay.com
18.
 
Panasonic FZ330 25-600 mm f/2.8-2.8 214138 1/2.3 12.04K/30p Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
19.
 
Panasonic TZ100 25-250 mm f/2.8-5.9 212870 1-inch 20.04K/30p Jan 2016 699ebay.com
20.
 
Canon G3 X 24-600 mm f/2.8-5.6 212663 1-inch 20.01080/60p Jun 2015 999ebay.com
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

You can access more detail on the listed cameras by clicking on the camera's name. Alternatively, you can compare two cameras using the search boxes below. Just enter two model names into the input fields and you will promptly be taken to a respective comparison.

~
    loader

    The Superzoom with the largest tele-photo reach

    Superzooms take their name from the versatility of their lenses. These cameras are attractive because they make it possible to zoom in and out extensively. So maybe the best superzoom is the one with the largest tele-photo reach. The following table lists the 20 superzoom cameras with the longest tele-photo setting (in terms of full-frame focal length equivalence). Again, clicking on the camera's name will reveal further detail.

    scroll hint
    The Cameras with the Largest Tele-photo Reach
        Camera
    Model
    Focal
    Length
    Zoom
    Factor
    Lens
    Aperture
    Camera
    Elo
    Sensor
    Class
    Resolution
    (MP)
    Camera
    Launch
    Launch
    Price (USD)
    Street
    Price
    1.
     
    Canon SX740 24 - 960 mm 40 f/3.3 - 6.9 2202 1/2.3 20.2 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
    2.
     
    Canon SX730 24 - 960 mm 40 f/3.3 - 6.9 2017 1/2.3 20.2 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
    3.
     
    Canon SX720 24 - 960 mm 40 f/3.3 - 6.9 1760 1/2.3 20.2 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
    4.
     
    Canon SX410 24 - 960 mm 40 f/3.5 - 5.6 1130 1/2.3 19.9 Feb 2015 279ebay.com
    5.
     
    Nikon B500 22.5 - 900 mm 40 f/3.0 - 6.5 1875 1/2.3 15.9 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
    6.
     
    Sony H300 25 - 875 mm 35 f/3.4 - 6.5 1106 1/2.3 19.9 Feb 2014 219ebay.com
    7.
     
    Nikon L840 22.5 - 855 mm 38 f/3.0 - 6.5 1770 1/2.3 15.9 Feb 2015 299ebay.com
    8.
     
    Nikon A1000 24 - 840 mm 35 f/3.4 - 6.9 2171 1/2.3 15.9 Jan 2019 429ebay.com
    9.
     
    Canon SX40 24 - 840 mm 35 f/2.7 - 5.8 1334 1/2.3 12.0 Sep 2011 429ebay.com
    10.
     
    Canon SX30 24 - 840 mm 35 f/2.7 - 5.8 1106 1/2.3 14.0 Sep 2010 429ebay.com
    11.
     
    Canon SX710 25 - 750 mm 30 f/3.2 - 6.9 1682 1/2.3 20.2 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
    12.
     
    Canon SX700 25 - 750 mm 30 f/3.2 - 6.9 1593 1/2.3 15.9 Feb 2014 349ebay.com
    13.
     
    Panasonic TZ95 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.3 - 6.4 2352 1/2.3 20.2 Feb 2019 449ebay.com
    14.
     
    Sony HX99 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.5 - 6.4 2314 1/2.3 18.0 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
    15.
     
    Panasonic TZ90 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.3 - 6.4 2228 1/2.3 20.2 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
    16.
     
    Sony HX95 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.5 - 6.4 2215 1/2.3 18.0 Aug 2018 429ebay.com
    17.
     
    Sony WX800 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.5 - 6.4 2158 1/2.3 18.0 Oct 2018 399ebay.com
    18.
     
    Sony HX80 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.5 - 6.4 2071 1/2.3 18.0 Mar 2016 349ebay.com
    19.
     
    Sony HX90V 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.5 - 6.4 2023 1/2.3 18.0 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
    20.
     
    Canon SX510 24 - 720 mm 30 f/3.4 - 5.8 1385 1/2.3 15.9 Aug 2013 249ebay.com
    padding

    The most portable Superzoom

    As all-in-one cameras, superzooms often serve as travel companions. Compactness is therefore a desirable characteristic, and the best superzoom might be the one that is most portable. The following ranking lists the 20 lightest superzooms that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their weight.

    scroll hint
    The Lightest Models
        Camera
    Model
    Lens
    (FF equiv)
    Camera
    Weight
    Camera
    Size
    Camera
    Elo
    Sensor
    Class
    Resolution
    (MP)
    Camera
    Launch
    Launch
    Price (USD)
    Street
    Price
    1.
     
    Canon SX620 25-625 mm f/3.2-6.6 182 g 97 x 57 x 28 g 1619 1/2.3 20.2 May 2016 279ebay.com
    2.
     
    Canon SX610 25-450 mm f/3.8-6.9 191 g 105 x 61 x 27 g 1514 1/2.3 20.2 Jan 2015 249ebay.com
    3.
     
    Sony WX800 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 233 g 102 x 58 x 36 g 2158 1/2.3 18.0 Oct 2018 399ebay.com
    4.
     
    Sony HX99 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 242 g 102 x 58 x 36 g 2314 1/2.3 18.0 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
    5.
     
    Sony HX95 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 242 g 102 x 58 x 36 g 2215 1/2.3 18.0 Aug 2018 429ebay.com
    6.
     
    Sony HX80 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 245 g 102 x 58 x 36 g 2071 1/2.3 18.0 Mar 2016 349ebay.com
    7.
     
    Sony HX90V 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 245 g 102 x 58 x 36 g 2023 1/2.3 18.0 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
    8.
     
    Canon SX710 25-750 mm f/3.2-6.9 269 g 113 x 66 x 35 g 1682 1/2.3 20.2 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
    9.
     
    Canon SX720 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 270 g 110 x 64 x 36 g 1760 1/2.3 20.2 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
    10.
     
    Canon SX740 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 299 g 110 x 64 x 40 g 2202 1/2.3 20.2 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
    11.
     
    Canon SX730 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 300 g 110 x 64 x 40 g 2017 1/2.3 20.2 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
    12.
     
    Panasonic TZ100 25-250 mm f/2.8-5.9 312 g 111 x 65 x 44 g 2128 1-inch 20.0 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
    13.
     
    Panasonic TZ90 24-720 mm f/3.3-6.4 322 g 112 x 67 x 41 g 2228 1/2.3 20.2 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
    14.
     
    Canon SX430 24-1080 mm f/3.5-6.6 323 g 104 x 69 x 85 g 1530 1/2.3 19.9 Jan 2017 299 amazon.com
    15.
     
    Canon SX420 24-1008 mm f/3.5-6.6 325 g 104 x 69 x 85 g 1445 1/2.3 19.9 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
    16.
     
    Canon SX410 24-960 mm f/3.5-5.6 325 g 104 x 69 x 85 g 1130 1/2.3 19.9 Feb 2015 279ebay.com
    17.
     
    Panasonic TZ95 24-720 mm f/3.3-6.4 327 g 112 x 69 x 42 g 2352 1/2.3 20.2 Feb 2019 449ebay.com
    18.
     
    Nikon A1000 24-840 mm f/3.4-6.9 330 g 114 x 72 x 41 g 2171 1/2.3 15.9 Jan 2019 429ebay.com
    19.
     
    Leica C-LUX 24-360 mm f/3.3-6.4 340 g 113 x 67 x 46 g 2376 1-inch 20.0 Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
    20.
     
    Panasonic TZ200 24-360 mm f/3.3-6.4 340 g 111 x 65 x 45 g 2360 1-inch 20.0 Feb 2018 799 amazon.com
    padding

    The most affordable Superzoom

    Budgetary considerations are almost always important when deciding on a camera purchase, and the best superzoom might be the one that offers the desired zoom-versatility at the lowest price. The following table displays the 20 least expensive superzooms that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their launch prices. The latter provide a good idea on the market position of the cameras, but it is often worthwhile to check the current pricing, as all except the most recent models might be available at discounts or as great deals on the pre-owned market.

    scroll hint
    The Least Expensive Models
        Camera
    Model
    Lens
    (FF equiv)
    Launch
    Price (USD)
    Camera
    Elo
    DXO
    Score
    Sensor
    Class
    Resolution
    (MP)
    Video
    Format
    Camera
    Launch
    Street
    Price
    1.
     
    Canon SX610 25-450 mm f/3.8-6.9 249 151447 1/2.3 20.21080/30p Jan 2015ebay.com
    2.
     
    Canon SX620 25-625 mm f/3.2-6.6 279 161949 1/2.3 20.21080/30p May 2016ebay.com
    3.
     
    Canon SX410 24-960 mm f/3.5-5.6 279 113047 1/2.3 19.9720/30p Feb 2015ebay.com
    4.
     
    Nikon B500 22.5-900 mm f/3.0-6.5 299 187548 1/2.3 15.91080/60i Jan 2016ebay.com
    5.
     
    Nikon L840 22.5-855 mm f/3.0-6.5 299 177047 1/2.3 15.91080/60i Feb 2015ebay.com
    6.
     
    Canon SX430 24-1080 mm f/3.5-6.6 299 153049 1/2.3 19.9720/25p Jan 2017 amazon.com
    7.
     
    Canon SX420 24-1008 mm f/3.5-6.6 299 144548 1/2.3 19.9720/25p Jan 2016ebay.com
    8.
     
    Sony HX80 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 349 207148 1/2.3 18.01080/60p Mar 2016ebay.com
    9.
     
    Nikon B600 24-1440 mm f/3.3-6.5 349 175452 1/2.3 15.91080/30p Jan 2019ebay.com
    10.
     
    Canon SX710 25-750 mm f/3.2-6.9 349 168247 1/2.3 20.21080/60p Jan 2015ebay.com
    11.
     
    Canon SX720 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 379 176048 1/2.3 20.21080/60p Feb 2016ebay.com
    12.
     
    Canon SX740 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 399 220251 1/2.3 20.24K/30p Jul 2018 amazon.com
    13.
     
    Sony WX800 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 399 215851 1/2.3 18.04K/30p Oct 2018ebay.com
    14.
     
    Panasonic FZ82 20-1200 mm f/2.8-5.9 399 211649 1/2.3 18.04K/30p Jan 2017 amazon.com
    15.
     
    Canon SX730 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 399 201750 1/2.3 20.21080/60p Apr 2017ebay.com
    16.
     
    Canon SX540 24-1200 mm f/3.4-6.5 399 167848 1/2.3 20.21080/60p Jan 2016ebay.com
    17.
     
    Sony HX95 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 429 221551 1/2.3 18.04K/30p Aug 2018ebay.com
    18.
     
    Nikon A1000 24-840 mm f/3.4-6.9 429 217152 1/2.3 15.94K/30p Jan 2019ebay.com
    19.
     
    Sony HX90V 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 429 202347 1/2.3 18.01080/60p Apr 2015ebay.com
    20.
     
    Canon SX530 24-1200 mm f/3.4-6.5 429 137847 1/2.3 15.91080/30p Jan 2015ebay.com
    Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
    padding

    Further Reading

    Additional information on the calculation of the Camera Elo can be found on a respective Elo methodology page. Moreover, there are other rankings of cameras by category that might be of interest:

    You are here Home  »  Best Camera  »  Best Superzoom

    ad