Long shots: Full-size megazooms compared (roundup)
Want a long lens, lots of features, and a dSLR-like design? You've come to the right roundup.
Call them bridge cameras, longzooms, superzooms, or megazooms (as we do), they're all pretty much the same thing: a large lens slapped on the front of a point-and-shoot camera.
(Credit:
Sarah Tew/CNET)
While that's a bit of an oversimplification, the fact remains that though these are full-featured models with digital SLR-style bodies, they still have the shooting performance and photo quality of a compact camera. That said, if you're after a long lens, point-and-shoot simplicity, and an affordable price (at least compared to a dSLR with comparable lenses), you've come to right roundup.
Editors' note: This post was originally published October 12, 2011, but is updated frequently. It was updated April 10, 2012, to include the Nikon P510.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
If you're looking for a fast camera with a ton of features including raw capture and a hot shoe, you'll want the Panasonic FZ150. Read the full review.
(Credit:
Canon)
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
The SX40 HS bests its predecessor's, the SX30 IS, photo quality and shooting performance. Those looking for lots of gadgety shooting modes or raw capture will be disappointed, though. Read the full review.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V
The HX100V is part gadget, part camera, and a whole lot of fun to use. It and the FZ150 are good choices for cameras that do photos and movies very well. Read the full review.
Nikon Coolpix P510
Despite its debatably useful 42x zoom lens, the P510's image quality is better than its predecessor's, making this one worth considering.Read the full review.
(Credit:
Sarah Tew/CNET )
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
The FZ47 is the stripped-down version of the FZ150 and it shows. If you can find it for $250 or less, it's an excellent camera, but the FZ150 is definitely worth ponying up the extra cash. Read the full review.
Looking for specs and pricing? Compare this group of cameras head-to head.
And if you're wondering about Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR, we'll hopefully have a full review posted soon.
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