Best Superzoom Cameras

[Images]

I am new to the digital photography field. I understand that the so-called superzoom cameras are somewhere in between the point-and-shoot cameras and the DSLR cameras (with interchangeable lenses) in terms of price and image quality. At this point in time, I do not want to burden myself with a lot of lenses and so I am thinking of buying a superzoom.

From a quick internet search, I found that the top cameras in this group are Canon SX30 IS, Nikon Coolpix P500, Fujifilm HS22 and Panasonic DMC-FZ100. However, each of them has its good and bad features. My problem is how to decide between these cameras. Also, have I missed any other good camera ?

I would be happy to get some tips.

[gturner]

I would look at the canon G12. Far more solid than the ones you mention above, and much better IQ through its range shorter . It also allows you to mount an external flash.

Most superzooms are pretty soft and noisy in the image quality department.

[dlambert]

Back in the day, I had a Canon G3 that produced excellent photos, but was pretty limited in optical range. I replaced it with a Panasonic FZ28, which, as gturner indicated, didn't show a ton of improvement in image quality, despite being several years newer, but had a really nice optical zoom range.

If you think you won't need a huge optical range, I think Canon's G-series is an excellent choice, but if the zoom range of the FZ100 appeals to you, this looks like a killer camera. I had pretty mediocre results at ISO settings over 200 on my FZ28, but this area seems to be better on the FZ100. I also like that it's got a hotshoe and swiveling LCD (which the G3 had, and I used frequently).

A superzoom or bridge camera can't match the per-pixel sharpness of a DSLR -- the physical size of the sensor means there's just just not as much light hitting the sensor. However, when you look at the combination of cost, size and weight, there are some superzooms that offer a pretty remarkable value. You'd have to drop a lot of money to equal the zoom range of the FZ100, and you'd end up with at least two lenses (probably more).

I ended up hanging onto my FZ28 after I bought a DSLR just so I'd have something light to take when a full DSLR pack is too much. If, by any chance, you end up getting the FZ100, I'd love to hear your hands-on impressions.

[Lori Hill]

I have the FZ100 and I love it. The stabilization while zoomed way out is awesome!!

[inkista]

Try this dpreview "group" comparison:

'Super Zoom' Camera Group Test (Q2 2010) Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

While it might not be up to date, you can at least see what the differences are, and you can look and see if there are newer models in the same line in their camera database.

Personally, I prefer the top-of-the-line models that emphasize SLR-like features and image quality over the superzoom focal length coverage (I have a Canon Powershot S90 as my compact). The most common weakness of the superzooms is the smaller sensor size. Most of the top-of-the-line models like the Gs, the Lumix LXs, etc. will have a 1/1.7" sensor or thereabouts. A lot of the superzooms tend to have something more like 1/2.3".

I'd recommend looking for one that a) shoots RAW, b) has a flash hotshoe, and c) offers full Manual control. But your priorities might be different.

[Lori Hill]

The FZ100 fits all those categories, shoots raw, full manual control and has a hotshoe

[dlambert]

Originally Posted by Lori Hill

The FZ100 fits all those categories, shoots raw, full manual control and has a hotshoe

Right. The only knock against it is the 1/2.3" sensor, which won't produce the per-pixel sharpness you'll see in a camera with a larger sensor. Personally, when I used my FZ28 as my main camera, I used all of the zoom range, so I'd have a hard time foregoing that for a G12 or S90. That's the tradeoff, though.

For what it's worth, the FZ35/38 seems to have a pretty good subset of the FZ100's features for quite a bit less money. I even saw one review where they preferred the image out of the FZ38. I haven't checked out other reviews to see if this is a consensus opinion, but it's worth looking into, I guess.

[pnommensen]

Originally Posted by Lori Hill

I have the FZ100 and I love it. The stabilization while zoomed way out is awesome!!

I too have the FZ100. I just got it a few days ago and am playing with all the settings. IMO the only downfall to this camera is the over-abundance of features and settings! What have you found to be the best settings for indoor/low-light shooting?

[Izzy]

How about the Fuji HS series?

These are relatively cheap and appear to have good reviews.

These are the
HS10
Amazon.com: Fujifilm FinePix HS10 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 30x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD: Camera & Photo

HS20
Amazon.com: Fujifilm FinePix HS20 16 MP Digital Camera with EXR BSI CMOS High Speed Sensor and Fujinon 30x Wide Angle Optical Zoom Lens: Electronics

These links are for introduction purposes only. You can find them considerably cheaper than the prices on the Amazon links. I think 1/2 the price last I checked.

[Lance Leroy]

Originally Posted by Lori Hill

I have the FZ100 and I love it. The stabilization while zoomed way out is awesome!!

Hi Lori, I'm looking for a camera for my wife and it's been awhile since I've had a camera. So I was wondering if you could help me out? First question is, what brand is a FZ100?