Best megazoom digital cameras
Large zoom ranges confer clear, tangible benefits. Though many pro photographers eschew the long focal-length lens and zoom instead with their feet, we don't all have the luxury or comfort level for in-your-face photography. A large range of focal lengths dramatically increases framing options as well as makes it possible to get recognizable people shots when trapped in the crowd, high in the bleacher seats, or at the back of the auditorium. These models all offer zooms of 10x or more, for the ultimate reach.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
7.7 Very good (reviewed 5/3/06)
A very well-executed megazoom camera, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS reminds you why dSLRs still have competition for photo enthusiasts' hearts.
Read review of the Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
7.4 Very good (reviewed 6/11/07)
Though it remains a good megazoom, thanks to continued image and lens artifacts, the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is slowly losing ground to competitors.
Read review of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Leica V-Lux 1
7.4 Very good (reviewed 12/1/06)
Leica's version of Panasonic's DMC-FZ50 has slightly better JPEG compression, slightly slower performance, and a much higher price tag.
Read review of the Leica V-Lux 1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50S (silver)
7.4 Very good (reviewed 10/20/06)
If you can get past its large size, Panasonic's DMC-FZ50 is a decent choice for a superzoom.
Read review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50S (silver)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 (Black)
7.4 Very good (reviewed 6/23/08)
Though it's not perfect, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5's compact midrange megazoom feature set puts it in a class with just its sibling, the TZ4, and should deliver a satisfying shooting experience.
Read review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 (Black)
Canon PowerShot SX100 IS (black)
7.3 Very good (reviewed 10/16/07)
Though the Canon PowerShot SX100 produces excellent photos, other aspects of the camera--some performance issues and operational annoyances, to name two--dim its luster.
Read review of the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS (black)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (Silver)
7.2 Very good (reviewed 11/27/07)
A decent but not great camera, the megazoom Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 still manages to outdo its few competitors.
Read review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (Silver)
Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS
7.2 Very good (reviewed 8/2/07)
Kodak's EasyShare Z712 IS is a nice superzoom, especially for the price, though its image quality does falter at higher ISOs.
Read review of the Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 (Black)
7.2 Very good (reviewed 6/19/07)
If you shoot primarily outdoors in daytime--especially sports, children and animals--the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 is a great choice. The cheaper DSC-H7 has a smaller LCD, lacks infrared shooting, and has a few interface differences, but is otherwise identical.
Read review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 (Black)
Nikon Coolpix P80
7.1 Very good (reviewed 6/9/08)
One of the better 18x megazooms, nevertheless you should consider the Nikon Coolpix P80's sluggish performance before you commit to it.
Read review of the Nikon Coolpix P80
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 (black)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 9/14/07)
If you don't like electronic viewfinders, but want a superzoom, this Sony packs a 10x zoom lens and 8 megapixels into a tiny package, but image quality at higher ISOs is a bit lacking.
Read review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 (black)
