Best Superzoom Cameras of 2018

While no one can argue that photography technology isn't getting better and better with each new smartphone release, professional photographers are not willing to set down their Nikon or Sony camera just yet. Cameras too and growing more sophisticated and becoming even easier to use than ever before. Many can be connected to smartphone use too, so it's the best of both worlds. Here are ten of the best superzoom cameras available now and what makes them great.

“The fact that the Nikon Coolpix B700 resembles a DSLR that’s been miniaturized, yet with controls that fall between that more sophisticated class of camera and a point-and-shoot compact, ensures that it immediately feels familiar to anyone picking it up from scratch.” – Photography Blog

The Nikon Coolpix B700 bridge camera features a 20.3 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor. It has a 60x optical zoom and digital zoom up to 120x and features many shooting modes as well as the capability to shoot in raw format. In also includes Nikon’s SnapBridge technology which allows photographers the use of constant Bluetooth linked to a smartphone so that images can be send immediately after they have been taken. Other features include a 3.0-inch tilting screen, inbuilt Wi-Fi, and 4K video recording.

“There is very little that comes close to offering so much optical zoom in a bridge camera, and with Wi-Fi / NFC and GPS built in, along with a high resolution screen and electronic viewfinder... For those that want the most optical zoom available, and a camera that can capture everything from 24mm wide-angle all the way to 2000mm at the telephoto end, the Nikon Coolpix P900 is recommended.” – Ephotozine.com

The Nikon CoolPix P900 features an 83x optical zoom (equivalent to 2000mm) which is more optical zoom offered by any of the other CoolPix cameras to date. It features an easy grip and allows users to frame their shots from various angles using the LCD display. Those longing for a goof-proof entry level camera will appreciate the high-resolution electronic viewfinder that immediately turns on when the camera is lifted up to the user’s eye. This is a simple point and shoot camera with all of the bells and whistles one could dream of. The battery life is insane promising up to 360 shots per charge. The Near Field Communication technology allows users to connect the camera to a smartphone or tablet computer wirelessly, which is great when you want to share photos with others instantly. The technology can also be used to control the camera remotely. If you want to really step up your game, take one of the best online photography courses for beginners.

“In many respects the RX100 VI is one of the best compact cameras out there. Certainly there's nothing else that can touch it when it comes to performance, while the images from the 20.1-inch sensor are excellent.” – TechRadar.com

Sony’s RX100 VI features a wide 24-200 mm2 zoom range so you can get up close and personal without moving a step. Pair that along with the super-fast autofocus, rapid continuous shooting and improved video recording functions and you have one great digital camera that is still small and easy to carry as any compact cameras available. Those with shaky hands will rejoice with the RX100 VI’s optical image stabilization which image quality is great for close up shots as is just as good capturing other subject matter many feet away. The advanced image stabilization is equivalent to 4.0-stop2 faster shutter speed. The clarity of photos are increased greatly too as the Sony camera offers four advanced aspherical lenses and two extra-low dispersion glass elements than work together better than you can imagine. The high-performance 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor creates a stacked structure that boosts processing speed and the back-illumination technology creates and light collection efficiency helping the users to receive a wide sensitivity range.

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a rather modest update of last year's HX300 model, principally adding a faster Bionz X processor, useful multi interface shoe, and Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity and built-in GPS.” – Photography Blog

This premium super-zoom bridge camera by Sony features a 50x, 24-1200mm zoom lens, 20.4 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, BIONZ X processor, 1920x1080 50p Full HD video recording with stereo sound and HDMI output, multi interface shoe, and Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity and built-in GPS. Users will also enjoy other key features like high-speed autofocusing, tilting 3-inch LCD screen and an ISO range of 100-12,800, enhanced Optical SteadyShot with 3-way active mode and range of picture effects. Critics really like the camera’s ergonomic design too. Pair it with one of the best tripods for traveling and you re set for your next trip.

“The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS is a very impressive camera that’s sure to please novice and enthusiast photographers alike…But where the camera really scores is image quality. Considering the inherent limitations of its small sensor, the SX60 HS manages to produce images with impressively low noise levels at all of its ISO sensitivity settings. Color, dynamic range and exposure metering are superb too.” – Photographyblog.com

The Cannon PowerShot SX60 HS is a camera that both professionals and those brand new to the art of photography can appreciate with its 65x optical zoom (which stretches from 21mm to 1365mm) and wide-angle lens with optical image stabilizer. Budding photographers can capture close-up shots and then shoot wide angle shots easily with the help of the 16.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor which together makes Cannon’s HS system excellence for low-light photos. The Powershot SX60 HS also offers a zoom framing assist and intelligent IS that aid in capturing long shots in a clear and steady manner. Both the USM and VCM technology helps in creating fast, silent zooming and focusing. The camera also features a new first in the Powershot camera line: external microphones can now be attached to the camera as needed.

“Unlike some of the much higher-priced bridge cameras we've seen recently…the FZ80 employs a 18.1MP 1/2.3-inch chip, which in real terms is the same size as that found in many entry-level compact cameras.” – Tech Radar

While one of the most affordable cameras available, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a lesser-than camera. Sure, it looks like a compact camera but the zoom range on this bridge camera is huge (20mm to 1200mm) and features an impressive image stabilization system. For those just branching out in their photography skills, you can’t go wrong with the Lumix FZ80 as it is easy to use and has a very intuitive touchscreen. Though it can’t match cameras with a larger sensor, it is worthy rival.

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is one of the most exciting 'compact' cameras to come along in some time.” - DP Review

The Panasoic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is receiving praise from critics in that it makes for a great choice for those who want the flexibility to shoot stills as well as videos. It is a bridge camera that produces clear images with its large sensor (one inch wide) and the 16x optical zoom works wonders in bringing hard to capture images, like animals, up close and clearer than you thought possible. Both photos and videos can be taken in crisp 4X resolution. Amazingly, this camera’s new linear motor that is integrated into the focus system, helps to achieve about 275% faster focusing than other models. In addition, the LEICA CD VARIO-Elmarit lens, created just for this camera, features a F2.8-4.0 brightness that fights blurriness like a pro even with telephoto shots. In addition, the angle of view is able to extend from 25mm wide-angle to 16x optical zoom. The five aspherical glass lenses help to create beautifully smooth defocus images with and invisible edge line. The Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is also user friendly in that it can be used with a smartphone or tablet wirelessly using WiFi.

“It retains the same sensor as the excellent FZ1000 that came before it, while gaining a totally new lens, larger EVF, easy-to-adjust ND filter and even more customizable buttons.” – DP Review

The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 is considered by some to be the ideal hybrid camera. It has a large 1-inch 20.1 megapixel sensor and zooms out to 480mm super-fast and clear. The bright 20x Leica Vario-Elmart F2.8-4.5 lens is an improvement from Panasonic’s previous model and features Cinelike D and Cinelike V gradation. Though this bridge camera shoots fine stills, it excels at video shooting with its 4K capability and various capture tools. Critics are also fond of the construction stating that it is just as solid as more expensive cameras and handles well with its well-made dials and large grip. Stick it in one of the best leather camera bags and you're set.

“It’s the lens that really sets the new model apart from its predecessor, with a three-fold increase over the 200mm telephoto coverage of the earlier RX10 Mark I and II.” – Camera Labs

The Sony RX10 III is only a step up from the previous super-zoom bridge camera. While it still features the RX10 II’s I-inch 20 megapixel sensor and 4k video, this one’s bulkier and sturdier. The lens also reach three times the distance of the previous model with an equivalent range of 24-600mm. Critics says that this basically the same camera but with a longer, more versatile and better quality zoom lens and is far superior to other brands similar style of camera but at a more reasonable price.

“For those looking for a powerful all-in-one solution, the RX10 IV is the best camera out there. It comes at a price, but there's nothing else quite like it.” – Tech Radar

Sony’s new RX10 IV comes complete with a lot of new technology including the super-fast autofocus features, 25x zoom range and amazingly preceise image processing. The autofocus is smart enough to know to follow whatever subject matter you want wherever it goes within your image and will stay on moving subject matter until you tell it not to. Just tap on a next subject with Touch Focus and the camera will take it from there. The RX10 IV also features the BIONZ X image processing engine that allows for continuous shooting up to 2495 frames at a time. When you are all done with your shooting your images, you can now edit your work with Sony’s new Emaging Edge software suite.