Photography

2014 Superzoom Camera Comparison Guide

2014 Superzoom Camera Comparison Guide
Gizmag looks at the specifications and features of some of the best long-zoom cameras around in 2014
Gizmag looks at the specifications and features of some of the best long-zoom cameras around in 2014
View 37 Images
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 look like typical DSLRs while the Samsung WB2200F features a double-grip and dual shutter button design
1/37
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 look like typical DSLRs while the Samsung WB2200F features a double-grip and dual shutter button design
The Olympus Stylus 1 looks and feels more like a retro-styled mirrorless camera, while the Nikon S9700 is unapologetically a compact camera
2/37
The Olympus Stylus 1 looks and feels more like a retro-styled mirrorless camera, while the Nikon S9700 is unapologetically a compact camera
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 are the heaviest cameras in our comparison
3/37
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 are the heaviest cameras in our comparison
Unsurprisingly, the bigger cameras in our selection also tend to weigh more
4/37
Unsurprisingly, the bigger cameras in our selection also tend to weigh more
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 dominate this category by employing much larger 1-inch type sensors
5/37
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 dominate this category by employing much larger 1-inch type sensors
The Olympus Stylus 1 has a slightly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor than some of the other cameras
6/37
The Olympus Stylus 1 has a slightly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor than some of the other cameras
The Olympus Stylus 1 has the lowest resolution with 12-megapixels, but that's still going to be more than enough for most people, most of the time
7/37
The Olympus Stylus 1 has the lowest resolution with 12-megapixels, but that's still going to be more than enough for most people, most of the time
Most of the cameras in our selection come in around the 16 to 20-megapixel range
8/37
Most of the cameras in our selection come in around the 16 to 20-megapixel range
The Sony RX10 uses the same BIONZ X image processor that is featured in the Sony A7 cameras
9/37
The Sony RX10 uses the same BIONZ X image processor that is featured in the Sony A7 cameras
As each camera manufacturer uses its own processors in its cameras, it's hard to compare them across brands
10/37
As each camera manufacturer uses its own processors in its cameras, it's hard to compare them across brands
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can't match the zoom of their smaller-sensored competition
11/37
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can't match the zoom of their smaller-sensored competition
The Canon Powershot SX60 HS can zoom to a massive 1365-mm equivalent
12/37
The Canon Powershot SX60 HS can zoom to a massive 1365-mm equivalent
The Panasonic FZ1000 uses Depth from Defocus technology, which evaluates two images with different sharpness levels, to achieve shorter focus times
13/37
The Panasonic FZ1000 uses Depth from Defocus technology, which evaluates two images with different sharpness levels, to achieve shorter focus times
Our line-up of cameras all feature contrast-based autofocus detection, rather than the typically faster hybrid systems used in many mirrorless cameras
14/37
Our line-up of cameras all feature contrast-based autofocus detection, rather than the typically faster hybrid systems used in many mirrorless cameras
The Panasonic FZ1000 is the fastest camera in our line-up with a maximum shooting speed of 12 fps
15/37
The Panasonic FZ1000 is the fastest camera in our line-up with a maximum shooting speed of 12 fps
Remember that the manufacturer-stated maximum speed is often without continuous autofocus and only for a limited number of shots
16/37
Remember that the manufacturer-stated maximum speed is often without continuous autofocus and only for a limited number of shots
The cameras with bigger sensors, the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10, wipe the floor with the others when it comes to ISO range
17/37
The cameras with bigger sensors, the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10, wipe the floor with the others when it comes to ISO range
The cameras with the smaller 1/2.3-inch type sensors like the Nikon Coolpix S9700 show their limitations when it comes to ISO range
18/37
The cameras with the smaller 1/2.3-inch type sensors like the Nikon Coolpix S9700 show their limitations when it comes to ISO range
The Panasonic FZ1000 is the only camera here capable of shooting 4K video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
19/37
The Panasonic FZ1000 is the only camera here capable of shooting 4K video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
All of the cameras in our comparison are capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video
20/37
All of the cameras in our comparison are capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video
Built-in Wi-Fi capability makes sharing images from any of these cameras easy
21/37
Built-in Wi-Fi capability makes sharing images from any of these cameras easy
The Nikon S9700 features built-in GPS for geotagging images and logging travel routes
22/37
The Nikon S9700 features built-in GPS for geotagging images and logging travel routes
The EVF on the Samsung WB2200F is the weakest of the bunch
23/37
The EVF on the Samsung WB2200F is the weakest of the bunch
The Nikon Coolpix S9700 is the only one of our cameras not to feature an electronic viewfinder
24/37
The Nikon Coolpix S9700 is the only one of our cameras not to feature an electronic viewfinder
The monitors on the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can be angled to make it easier when shooting in awkward positions
25/37
The monitors on the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can be angled to make it easier when shooting in awkward positions
The screen on the Olympus Stylus 1 is also a touchscreen, which can be used for navigating menus and touch AF
26/37
The screen on the Olympus Stylus 1 is also a touchscreen, which can be used for navigating menus and touch AF
The Samsung WB2200F lacks a hot-shoe
27/37
The Samsung WB2200F lacks a hot-shoe
The Nikon Coolpix S9700 lacks a hot-shoe
28/37
The Nikon Coolpix S9700 lacks a hot-shoe
Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only
29/37
Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only
Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only
30/37
Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only
You can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these, but the Sony RX10 also has the ability to accept Memory Stick Duo cards in its dual compatibility slot
31/37
You can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these, but the Sony RX10 also has the ability to accept Memory Stick Duo cards in its dual compatibility slot
As with most cameras nowadays, you can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these
32/37
As with most cameras nowadays, you can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these
The battery on the Samsung WB2200F is said to be good for an impressive 600 shots
33/37
The battery on the Samsung WB2200F is said to be good for an impressive 600 shots
Most of these cameras will last from somewhere around 300-400 shots on a full battery charge
34/37
Most of these cameras will last from somewhere around 300-400 shots on a full battery charge
At $1,000 the Sony RX10 is the most expensive camera in our comparison
35/37
At $1,000 the Sony RX10 is the most expensive camera in our comparison
The cheapest camera of the bunch is the Nikon S9700 at $350
36/37
The cheapest camera of the bunch is the Nikon S9700 at $350
Gizmag looks at the specifications and features of some of the best long-zoom cameras around in 2014
37/37
Gizmag looks at the specifications and features of some of the best long-zoom cameras around in 2014
View gallery - 37 images

You don't need an interchangeable lens camera to have versatile shooting options. A new breed of long-zoom lens cameras can now have you photographing a wide scene one minute, and zooming in on a distant subject the next, all without making vast compromises in image quality. Gizmag compares the specifications and features of some of the best superzoom cameras on the market.

Because the category of fixed long-zoom lens cameras encompasses a variety of camera types, so does this comparison. We have big-sensored zoom cameras, more traditionally specified bridge-cameras with monster zooms, and smaller cameras which will still get you close to the action. All of the selected cameras feature a fixed lens covering a range from wide angle to at least 200-mm equivalent.

This might mean that some categories initially look like a mismatch of epic proportions. But all of these devices have a place in the superzoom camera market, and people can have very different requirements and priorities alongside wanting a big built-in zoom.

The cameras we'll be looking at are:

  • Sony Cybershot RX10
  • Samsung WB2200F
  • Canon Powershot SX60 HS
  • Olympus Stylus 1
  • Nikon Coolpix S9700
  • In each category the cameras will appear in the the same order as the list above, so if you get lost, you can always nip back up here to double-check what is where.

    Size

    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 look like typical DSLRs while the Samsung WB2200F features a double-grip and dual shutter button design
    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 look like typical DSLRs while the Samsung WB2200F features a double-grip and dual shutter button design

    The Olympus Stylus 1 looks and feels more like a retro-styled mirrorless camera, while the Nikon S9700 is unapologetically a compact camera
    The Olympus Stylus 1 looks and feels more like a retro-styled mirrorless camera, while the Nikon S9700 is unapologetically a compact camera

    There's a massive difference between the sizes and styles of these cameras. The Samsung WB2200F features a double-grip and dual shutter button design which emulates the handling of pro-DSLRs, while the Panasonic DMC-FZ1000, Sony RX10, and Canon Powershot SX60 HS look, and are sized, like entry to mid-range DSLRs.

    But just because you want a big zoom, doesn't mean you necessarily want a big camera. The Olympus Stylus 1 looks and feels more like a retro-styled mirrorless camera, while the Nikon S9700 is unapologetically a compact camera.

    The Olympus Stylus 1 and Sony RX10 both feature metal in their construction, with the Olympus featuring a metal exterior, and the Sony, which is also dust-and-moisture-resistant, boasting magnesium alloy top and front casings. Interestingly, Panasonic has opted not to shout about the construction of the rival FZ1000.

    Weight

    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 are the heaviest cameras in our comparison
    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 are the heaviest cameras in our comparison

    Unsurprisingly, the bigger cameras in our selection also tend to weigh more
    Unsurprisingly, the bigger cameras in our selection also tend to weigh more

    Unsurprisingly, the bigger cameras also tend to weigh more. However, it's worth noting just how much more the Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 weigh than their similarly proportioned competition. This is because, as we'll see next, they have bigger sensors which require bigger and heavier lenses.

    * While we've tried to give the weights of these cameras loaded and ready to shoot, Samsung has only provided the weight of the WB2200F without its battery, so there's probably another 90 g or so to add on to that one.

    Sensor size

    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 dominate this category by employing much larger 1-inch type sensors
    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 dominate this category by employing much larger 1-inch type sensors

    The Olympus Stylus 1 has a slightly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor than some of the other cameras
    The Olympus Stylus 1 has a slightly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor than some of the other cameras

    Cameras with fixed superzoom lenses have traditionally tended to use sensors around the 1/2.3-inch size. This is because it allows cameras like the Samsung WB2200F, Canon Powershot SX60 HS and Nikon S9700 to remain relatively small for their respective zooms. The big drawback is that smaller sensor size, also limits overall image quality.

    The Olympus Stylus 1 has a slightly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor. But it's the Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 which dominate this category by employing much larger 1-inch type sensors. This means they can deliver far greater image quality and will perform better in a variety of conditions, but also that zoom range has had to be limited to control size.

    Megapixel count

    Most of the cameras in our selection come in around the 16 to 20-megapixel range
    Most of the cameras in our selection come in around the 16 to 20-megapixel range

    The Olympus Stylus 1 has the lowest resolution with 12-megapixels, but that's still going to be more than enough for most people, most of the time
    The Olympus Stylus 1 has the lowest resolution with 12-megapixels, but that's still going to be more than enough for most people, most of the time

    Most people have realized now that they don't need a massive megapixel count to get better images, and that sensor size is far more important.

    Of these cameras the Olympus Stylus 1 has the lowest resolution with 12-megapixels, but that's going to be more than enough for most people, most of the time. The other cameras all come in around the 16 to 20-megapixel range, which again is going to be plenty unless you plan to crop heavily or produce massive prints.

    Processor

    The Sony RX10 uses the same BIONZ X image processor that is featured in the Sony A7 cameras
    The Sony RX10 uses the same BIONZ X image processor that is featured in the Sony A7 cameras

    As each camera manufacturer uses its own processors in its cameras, it's hard to compare them across brands
    As each camera manufacturer uses its own processors in its cameras, it's hard to compare them across brands

    As each camera manufacturer uses its own processors in its cameras, it's hard to compare them across brands. Therefore, it doesn't overly concern us that Samsung fails to shout about what sensor is in the WB2200F.

    That said, looking at which other cameras in a manufacturer's line-up use the same processor can give an indication of performance. For example, Sony also uses the BIONZ X in its A7 cameras, and the Olympus TruePic VI previously featured in the high-end OM-D E-M5.

    Lens focal range and aperture

    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can't match the zoom of their smaller-sensored competition
    The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can't match the zoom of their smaller-sensored competition

    The Canon Powershot SX60 HS can zoom to a massive 1365-mm equivalent
    The Canon Powershot SX60 HS can zoom to a massive 1365-mm equivalent

    As we can see, the cameras with the smaller sensors have lenses which are able to zoom considerably more (in 35-mm format equivalent terms) than the large-sensored competition. While the Sony and Panasonic max out at 200-mm and 400-mm equivalent, the Samsung and Canon extend well beyond 1,000-mm equivalent. Even the diminutive Nikon reaches 750-mm equivalent.

    At the wide end of the zoom lenses, and potentially as important depending on the subject of your photography, all of these cameras are able to take in a wide scene. But it's the Samsung and Canon which go widest with their 20-mm and 21-mm equivalent lenses.

    But focal lengths are just one of the lens measurements that needs to be considered, another key one being maximum aperture. Here the Sony RX10 and Olympus Stylus 1 stand out as the only cameras here to feature a fixed F2.8 aperture. Though, to its credit, the Panasonic is has a longer zoom range and its maximum aperture is still only F2.8-F4. The other cameras all have maximum apertures of F5.9 or more by the time the reach their maximum zooms.

    As you would hope from cameras with long-zoom lenses, all of these cameras also feature optical image stabilization to help reduce the number of blurred images.

    Autofocus

    The Panasonic FZ1000 uses Depth from Defocus technology, which evaluates two images with different sharpness levels, to achieve shorter focus times
    The Panasonic FZ1000 uses Depth from Defocus technology, which evaluates two images with different sharpness levels, to achieve shorter focus times

    Our line-up of cameras all feature contrast-based autofocus detection, rather than the typically faster hybrid systems used in many mirrorless cameras
    Our line-up of cameras all feature contrast-based autofocus detection, rather than the typically faster hybrid systems used in many mirrorless cameras

    Our lineup of cameras all feature contrast-based autofocus detection, rather than the typically faster hybrid systems used in many mirrorless cameras. They're each capable of various focus modes including subject tracking and face detection. Cameras like the Sony RX10 are even able to automatically focus on the eye of a subject.

    It's also worth noting that the Panasonic FZ1000 uses Depth from Defocus technology, which evaluates two images with different sharpness levels, to achieve shorter focus times.

    Continuous shooting

    The Panasonic FZ1000 is the fastest camera in our line-up with a maximum shooting speed of 12 fps
    The Panasonic FZ1000 is the fastest camera in our line-up with a maximum shooting speed of 12 fps

    Remember that the manufacturer-stated maximum speed is often without continuous autofocus and only for a limited number of shots
    Remember that the manufacturer-stated maximum speed is often without continuous autofocus and only for a limited number of shots

    All of our cameras are capable of rattling off a quick succession of shots, at speeds which initially appear to give much more expensive DSLRs a run for their money. However, remember that the manufacturer-stated maximum speed is often without continuous autofocus and only for a limited number of shots.

    For example, the 12 fps of the Panasonic FZ1000 is reduced to 7 fps if shooting in AF-C, and the Olympus Stylus can only continue at its 7 fps for a total of 25 RAW shots. Similar limitations apply to most cameras.

    ISO range

    The cameras with bigger sensors, the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10, wipe the floor with the others when it comes to ISO range
    The cameras with bigger sensors, the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10, wipe the floor with the others when it comes to ISO range

    The cameras with the smaller 1/2.3-inch type sensors like the Nikon Coolpix S9700 show their limitations when it comes to ISO range
    The cameras with the smaller 1/2.3-inch type sensors like the Nikon Coolpix S9700 show their limitations when it comes to ISO range

    It's no surprise that the cameras with bigger sensors wipe the floor with the others when it comes to ISO range. This means they will perform better in lower light situations and produce cleaner images with much less noise than their rivals with smaller sensors.

    We've tried to stick to the manufacturers' published native ISO ranges, but many of these can be extended when needs must, an example being the Panasonic FZ1000 which can shoot at an extended ISO 25,600.

    Video resolutions

    The Panasonic FZ1000 is the only camera here capable of shooting 4K video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
    The Panasonic FZ1000 is the only camera here capable of shooting 4K video (3840 x 2160 pixels)

    All of the cameras in our comparison are capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video
    All of the cameras in our comparison are capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video

    The Panasonic FZ1000 is the stand-out winner in terms of sheer video resolution as it is able to shoot 4K video (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) at 30/25 fps, something none of the other cameras in our selection are able to match.

    Once resolution demands are lowered to Full HD 1080p recording, the Sony RX10 and Canon SX60 HS are able to equal the 60 fps of the Panasonic, while the other cameras can only record it at a maximum of 30 fps.

    Wireless

    Built-in Wi-Fi capability makes sharing images from any of these cameras easy
    Built-in Wi-Fi capability makes sharing images from any of these cameras easy

    The Nikon S9700 features built-in GPS for geotagging images and logging travel routes
    The Nikon S9700 features built-in GPS for geotagging images and logging travel routes

    With built-in Wi-Fi capability across the board, sharing images from any of these cameras should be easy. They can all also be controlled remotely via a smart-device running the respective app. NFC makes the pairing process easier with suitably enabled devices for all of the cameras other than the Olympus Stylus 1 or the Nikon S9700.

    Interestingly, of our selection it's only the Nikon S9700 which features built-in GPS for geotagging images and logging travel routes.

    Viewfinder

    The EVF on the Samsung WB2200F is the weakest of the bunch
    The EVF on the Samsung WB2200F is the weakest of the bunch

    The Nikon Coolpix S9700 is the only one of our cameras not to feature an electronic viewfinder
    The Nikon Coolpix S9700 is the only one of our cameras not to feature an electronic viewfinder

    Electronic viewfinders on all but the Nikon S9700 mean users have the option of composing shots in a more traditional way with the camera raised to their eye. This could be important when shooting at longer zooms as it often makes the camera steadier than holding it out to see the rear monitor.

    Of the viewfinders, the 2,359k dot one on the Panasonic FZ1000 has the highest resolution followed by the Sony RX10 and Olympus Stylus 1 (both 1,440k dots) and the 922k dots of the Canon SX60 HS. The viewfinder on the Samsung WB2200F has just 200k dots.

    Monitor

    The monitors on the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can be angled to make it easier when shooting in awkward positions
    The monitors on the Panasonic FZ1000 and Sony RX10 can be angled to make it easier when shooting in awkward positions

    The screen on the Olympus Stylus 1 is also a touchscreen, which can be used for navigating menus and touch AF
    The screen on the Olympus Stylus 1 is also a touchscreen, which can be used for navigating menus and touch AF

    While 3-inch monitors appear to be order of the day, there are a number of key differences which are worth highlighting. Most of the cameras feature comparable resolutions, but again it's the Samsung WB2200F which lags behind with its 460k dots. The Sony RX10 monitor may have a higher dot count, but this is because it uses additional white sub-pixels to improve brightness.

    The monitors on the Panasonic FZ1000 and the Canon SX60 HS are fully articulated while those on the Sony RX10 and Olympus Stylus 1 can be tilted to help out when shooting in awkward positions. The screen on the Olympus is also a touchscreen, which can be used for navigating menus and touch AF. The Samsung WB2200F and Nikon S9700 have fixed monitors.

    Flash

    The Samsung WB2200F lacks a hot-shoe
    The Samsung WB2200F lacks a hot-shoe

    The Nikon Coolpix S9700 lacks a hot-shoe
    The Nikon Coolpix S9700 lacks a hot-shoe

    Most of these cameras feature both a built-in flash and a hot-shoe for use with an external one. However, it looks like the size limitations of the Nikon S9700 meant there was no space for a hot-shoe … though we don't know what excuse Samsung would give for omitting one from the much-larger WB2200F.

    File-type

    Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only
    Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only

    Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only
    Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, the Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only

    Not all of these cameras can shoot both JPEG and RAW images, which is likely to be a deal-breaker for some photographers. The Nikon S9700 and Samsung WB2200F are JPEG only, so if you are someone who likes the ability to make more adjustments in post-processing, they might not be best for you.

    Storage media

    You can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these, but the Sony RX10 also has the ability to accept Memory Stick Duo cards in its dual compatibility slot
    You can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these, but the Sony RX10 also has the ability to accept Memory Stick Duo cards in its dual compatibility slot

    As with most cameras nowadays, you can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these
    As with most cameras nowadays, you can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these

    As with most cameras nowadays, you can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with any of these. The Sony RX10 also has the ability to accept Memory Stick Duo cards in its dual compatibility slot.

    Battery

    The battery on the Samsung WB2200F is said to be good for an impressive 600 shots
    The battery on the Samsung WB2200F is said to be good for an impressive 600 shots

    Most of these cameras will last from somewhere around 300-400 shots on a full battery charge
    Most of these cameras will last from somewhere around 300-400 shots on a full battery charge

    While most of these cameras will last from somewhere around 300-400 shots on a full battery charge, the Samsung WB2200F is the standout performer and is said to be able to carry on shooting for up to around 600 shots.

    Price

    At $1,000 the Sony RX10 is the most expensive camera in our comparison
    At $1,000 the Sony RX10 is the most expensive camera in our comparison

    The cheapest camera of the bunch is the Nikon S9700 at $350
    The cheapest camera of the bunch is the Nikon S9700 at $350

    As you've probably guessed as we compared various specifications, these cameras come in at a selection of price-points, from the Nikon S9700 which will set you back just US$350, to the Sony RX10 which now sells for around $1,000. When we initially compared it with the Panasonic FZ1000, the Sony was $1,300.

    Summing up…

    If you want a long-zoom camera which doesn't compromise on image quality, and you don't mind carrying around a reasonably large device, it's the Panasonic FZ1000 or Sony RX10 for you. Of the two, the ability to shoot 4K video or the extra reach of the 25-400-mm equivalent lens could be enough to swing it in favor of the Panasonic, while a liking for the dust-and-moisture-resistance, or magnesium alloy construction of the RX10, could see you opting for the Sony.

    For those who want a longer zoom, and don't mind image quality taking a bit of a knock, there's the Canon Powershot SX60 HS or Samsung WB2200F, which zoom to almost ridiculous levels. The Canon is a solid-performing traditional bridge-camera with a massive zoom, while the double-grip of the Samsung WB2200F could be enough to sway people who enjoy that handling experience.

    The Olympus Stylus 1 is also an intriguing proposition with its slightly larger sensor and F2.8 fixed maximum aperture zoom lens. It doesn't hurt that the Stylus 1 also looks more stylish than most of its rivals in this category, and is small enough to be portable. Finally, if you're looking for a big zoom that fits in your jacket pocket, and don't mind making the compromises that go with that, there's the Nikon S9700.

    Ultimately there's no one long-zoom camera to rule them all, instead it's about identifying what features are important to you and the way you want to shoot, and finding the camera which ticks the most boxes.

    View gallery - 37 images
    2 comments
    2 comments
    Brad Lowe
    I just got a craving for a high zoom camera by watching this video.. its the Canon SX60 (I believe)
    http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9ca_1415301229
    Emile Viljoen
    The claims made that these cameras can compare with pro-like DSLR's are ridiculous when it comes to focal length/apertures. You cannot scale down focal length only because you have a smaller sensor. You need to crop the aperture as well. There is now way you can have f2.8 with such a small lens. f stop = f/D where f = focal length and D the diameter of the iris. Go watch Tony Northrup's detailed explanation crop factors on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtDotqLx6nA. For this specific topic, watch from 20:20