Best megazoom digital cameras

(Updated February 10, 2012 8:17 AM PST)
Lori Grunin
Lori Grunin
Senior editor
Looking for the best megazoom digital cameras? CNET editors' review of the best megazoom digital cameras includes product photos and video and user reviews.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (Black) Editors' Choice - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (Black)

Feature junkies in search of a compact megazoom should get the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V.

Price: $328.00 - $343.93 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (Black)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 (Black)

Hobbyists and enthusiasts who want a megazoom camera with a lot of control over final results should strongly consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150.

Price: $459.99 - $499.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 (Black)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V has shooting options for solving common snapshot camera issues, but some users still won't be thrilled with the results.

Price: $328.85 - $349.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 is a very good megazoom for the money, but if you want more control over results--especially in low light--you'll want to step up to the Lumix FZ150.

Price: $309.66 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47

Canon PowerShot Elph 510 HS (Black)

The Canon PowerShot Elph 510 HS hits on design, features, and photo and video quality, but is slightly off target on shooting performance.

Price: $259.00 - $449.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Canon PowerShot Elph 510 HS (Black)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V (Black)

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V has a lot of features and a lot of lens with photo and video quality that's just good enough to back up its hefty price tag.

Price: $399.99 - $429.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V (Black)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V (Blue)

There's very little not to like about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V, as it solves common snapshot camera issues while still being relatively simple and fun to use.

Price: $227.00 - $279.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V (Blue)

Nikon Coolpix S9100 (Black)

Nikon produces another solid point-and-shoot compact megazoom with the Coolpix S9100 by offering fast performance, good photos, and an excellent feature-to-price ratio.

Price: $187.33 - $329.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Nikon Coolpix S9100 (Black)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 (Black)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 is a very good compact megazoom, as long as you don't mind paying more for features and speedy performance than photo quality.

Price: $198.98 - $349.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 (Black)

Nikon Coolpix S8100

With fast performance, good photos, and an excellent feature-to-price ratio, the Nikon Coolpix S8100 is a compact megazoom worth considering.

Price: $239.00 - $299.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Nikon Coolpix S8100

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

If you're after a wide and long lens and excellent photo quality, the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a standout. In features, design, and performance, though, it's a bit lacking.

Price: $375.95 - $444.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS (Black)

If you want a compact megazoom with manual controls, GPS, and excellent photo quality, the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a good place to start.

Price: $224.99 - $305.94 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Canon PowerShot SX230 HS (Black)