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.
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.
The highest rated Superzoom
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.
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 | 2581 | 65 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Jul 2019 | 1,249 | amazon.com | |
2. | Panasonic FZ1000 II | 25-400 mm f/2.8-4.0 | 2563 | 65 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Feb 2019 | 899 | amazon.com | |
3. | Sony RX10 IV | 24-600 mm f/2.4-4.0 | 2492 | 63 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Sep 2017 | 1,699 | amazon.com | |
4. | Leica C-LUX | 24-360 mm f/3.3-6.4 | 2376 | 64 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Jun 2018 | 1,049 | ebay.com | |
5. | Panasonic TZ200 | 24-360 mm f/3.3-6.4 | 2360 | 64 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Feb 2018 | 799 | amazon.com | |
6. | Panasonic TZ95 | 24-720 mm f/3.3-6.4 | 2352 | 52 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Feb 2019 | 449 | ebay.com | |
7. | Sony HX99 | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 2314 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4K/30p | Aug 2018 | 449 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ2000 | 24-480 mm f/2.8-4.5 | 2285 | 70 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Sep 2016 | 1,199 | amazon.com | |
9. | Nikon P950 | 24-2000 mm f/2.8-6.5 | 2268 | 52 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Jan 2020 | 799 | amazon.com | |
10. | Sony RX10 III | 24-600 mm f/2.4-4.0 | 2267 | 70 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Mar 2016 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon P1000 | 24-3000 mm f/2.8-8.0 | 2244 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Jul 2018 | 999 | amazon.com | |
12. | Panasonic TZ90 | 24-720 mm f/3.3-6.4 | 2228 | 36 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Apr 2017 | 449 | ebay.com | |
13. | Sony HX95 | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 2215 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4K/30p | Aug 2018 | 429 | ebay.com | |
14. | Canon SX740 | 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 | 2202 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Jul 2018 | 399 | amazon.com | |
15. | Nikon A1000 | 24-840 mm f/3.4-6.9 | 2171 | 52 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Jan 2019 | 429 | ebay.com | |
16. | Canon SX70 | 21-1365 mm f/3.4-6.5 | 2166 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Sep 2018 | 549 | amazon.com | |
17. | Sony WX800 | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 2158 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4K/30p | Oct 2018 | 399 | ebay.com | |
18. | Panasonic FZ330 | 25-600 mm f/2.8-2.8 | 2141 | 38 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4K/30p | Jul 2015 | 599 | amazon.com | |
19. | Panasonic TZ100 | 25-250 mm f/2.8-5.9 | 2128 | 70 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 4K/30p | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
20. | Canon G3 X | 24-600 mm f/2.8-5.6 | 2126 | 63 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 1080/60p | Jun 2015 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
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.
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.
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 | 399 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX720 | 24 - 960 mm | 40 | f/3.3 - 6.9 | 1760 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | Feb 2016 | 379 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX410 | 24 - 960 mm | 40 | f/3.5 - 5.6 | 1130 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | Feb 2015 | 279 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon B500 | 22.5 - 900 mm | 40 | f/3.0 - 6.5 | 1875 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | Jan 2016 | 299 | ebay.com | |
6. | Sony H300 | 25 - 875 mm | 35 | f/3.4 - 6.5 | 1106 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | Feb 2014 | 219 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon L840 | 22.5 - 855 mm | 38 | f/3.0 - 6.5 | 1770 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | Feb 2015 | 299 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon A1000 | 24 - 840 mm | 35 | f/3.4 - 6.9 | 2171 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | Jan 2019 | 429 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX40 | 24 - 840 mm | 35 | f/2.7 - 5.8 | 1334 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon SX30 | 24 - 840 mm | 35 | f/2.7 - 5.8 | 1106 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | Sep 2010 | 429 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon SX710 | 25 - 750 mm | 30 | f/3.2 - 6.9 | 1682 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | Jan 2015 | 349 | ebay.com | |
12. | Canon SX700 | 25 - 750 mm | 30 | f/3.2 - 6.9 | 1593 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | Feb 2014 | 349 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic TZ95 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.3 - 6.4 | 2352 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | Feb 2019 | 449 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony HX99 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.5 - 6.4 | 2314 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | Aug 2018 | 449 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic TZ90 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.3 - 6.4 | 2228 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | Apr 2017 | 449 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony HX95 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.5 - 6.4 | 2215 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | Aug 2018 | 429 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony WX800 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.5 - 6.4 | 2158 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | Oct 2018 | 399 | ebay.com | |
18. | Sony HX80 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.5 - 6.4 | 2071 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | Mar 2016 | 349 | ebay.com | |
19. | Sony HX90V | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.5 - 6.4 | 2023 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
20. | Canon SX510 | 24 - 720 mm | 30 | f/3.4 - 5.8 | 1385 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | Aug 2013 | 249 | ebay.com |
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.
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 | 279 | ebay.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 | 249 | ebay.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 | 399 | ebay.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 | 449 | ebay.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 | 429 | ebay.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 | 349 | ebay.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 | 429 | ebay.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 | 349 | ebay.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 | 379 | ebay.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 | 399 | ebay.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 | 699 | ebay.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 | 449 | ebay.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 | 299 | ebay.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 | 279 | ebay.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 | 449 | ebay.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 | 429 | ebay.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 | 1,049 | ebay.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 |
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.
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 | 1514 | 47 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 1080/30p | Jan 2015 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon SX620 | 25-625 mm f/3.2-6.6 | 279 | 1619 | 49 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 1080/30p | May 2016 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX410 | 24-960 mm f/3.5-5.6 | 279 | 1130 | 47 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 720/30p | Feb 2015 | ebay.com | |
4. | Nikon B500 | 22.5-900 mm f/3.0-6.5 | 299 | 1875 | 48 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 1080/60i | Jan 2016 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon L840 | 22.5-855 mm f/3.0-6.5 | 299 | 1770 | 47 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 1080/60i | Feb 2015 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX430 | 24-1080 mm f/3.5-6.6 | 299 | 1530 | 49 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 720/25p | Jan 2017 | amazon.com | |
7. | Canon SX420 | 24-1008 mm f/3.5-6.6 | 299 | 1445 | 48 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 720/25p | Jan 2016 | ebay.com | |
8. | Sony HX80 | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 349 | 2071 | 48 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 1080/60p | Mar 2016 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon B600 | 24-1440 mm f/3.3-6.5 | 349 | 1754 | 52 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 1080/30p | Jan 2019 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon SX710 | 25-750 mm f/3.2-6.9 | 349 | 1682 | 47 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 1080/60p | Jan 2015 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon SX720 | 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 | 379 | 1760 | 48 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 1080/60p | Feb 2016 | ebay.com | |
12. | Canon SX740 | 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 | 399 | 2202 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Jul 2018 | amazon.com | |
13. | Sony WX800 | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 399 | 2158 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4K/30p | Oct 2018 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic FZ82 | 20-1200 mm f/2.8-5.9 | 399 | 2116 | 49 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4K/30p | Jan 2017 | amazon.com | |
15. | Canon SX730 | 24-960 mm f/3.3-6.9 | 399 | 2017 | 50 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 1080/60p | Apr 2017 | ebay.com | |
16. | Canon SX540 | 24-1200 mm f/3.4-6.5 | 399 | 1678 | 48 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 1080/60p | Jan 2016 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony HX95 | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 429 | 2215 | 51 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4K/30p | Aug 2018 | ebay.com | |
18. | Nikon A1000 | 24-840 mm f/3.4-6.9 | 429 | 2171 | 52 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Jan 2019 | ebay.com | |
19. | Sony HX90V | 24-720 mm f/3.5-6.4 | 429 | 2023 | 47 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 1080/60p | Apr 2015 | ebay.com | |
20. | Canon SX530 | 24-1200 mm f/3.4-6.5 | 429 | 1378 | 47 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 1080/30p | Jan 2015 | ebay.com | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
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:
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