Bridge superzoom cameras

Sony RX10 IV review | Digital Camera World

Digital Camera World Verdict

Sony hasn’t re-written its own headlines with the RX10 IV. The key talking points are still a 20MP effective resolution derived from a one-inch sensor, plus 25x optical zoom reach. Outwardly identical to the previous generation model, how this bridge camera chiefly differs is by adding touch screen functionality and a swifter AF performance to an already capable all-in-one offering. If speed is of the essence for sports and wildlife photography, and the latest and greatest version appeals, the Mark IV may just have the edge over its impressive predecessors.

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Looking to trade in that DSLR and lens collection for just the one camera that can, in theory, do it all? Sony’s RX10 super zoom bridge camera series has been running for nearly a decade at the time of writing. During that period the electronics behemoth has produced four models, with the one we’re examining here being the latest. While the original and Mark II RX10 cameras twinned their 1-inch sensors with an acceptable 8.3x optical zoom, the Mark III and Mark IV iterations stepped things up in the lens department by bolting a 25x optical zoom on the front, even if this increased overall weight and bulk.

• Sony RX10 vs Sony RX10 II vs Sony RX10 III vs Sony RX10 IV

Like its predecessors the RX10 IV is still very much a premium priced, premium feel enthusiast’s camera. It offers an alternative to a DSLR, or even high-end mirrorless, for those seeking one camera with a similar feel and operability that does it all, without the need to carry around a variety of swappable lenses. Yes it came out in 2017, which is an age when it comes to digital technology, but it still holds up remarkably well – even if its heft will come as something of a shock to those more used to smartphone photography. Its larger sensor, bigger lens and so, in theory, better light gathering ability will however deliver imagery noticeably sharper and more detailed than the average phone snap.

Well that’s the theory anyway, so how does the Sony RX10 IV deliver in practice?

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV (Black) at Amazon for $1,698

Sony RX10 specifications

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Sony part number: DSC-RX10M4

Sensor: 20.1 effective megapixels 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS

Sensitivity range: ISO100 to ISO12800

Video: 4K maximum resolution at 30fps, or Full HD video at 120fps

Lens: 24-600mm equivalent in 35mm terms, f/2.4-4

Monitor: 3-inch, adjustable 1,440,000-dot resolution touchscreen LCD

Viewfinder: Yes, 0.39-inches and 2,359,296 dots

Battery life: Up to 400 stills, or 135 minutes of video

Dimensions: 132. 5x94x145mm

Weight: 1095g with memory card and battery

Key features

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

The Sony RX10 IV is as much of a monster when held in the palm as its externally identical Mark III forebear. This is because it not only features the same sensor as its predecessor but also the same 25x optical zoom lens reach and f/2.4 to f/4 aperture range.

It’s no surprise therefore that when we glance at its list of specifications we discover the dimensions and weight of both cameras are exactly the same. A promised faster auto focus performance and touch focus facility on the Mark IV – this model introduced on-sensor phase detection autofocus, with a total of 315 phase detection points covering 65% of the frame – obviously hasn’t added any extra heft.

Sony RX10 IV at its widest setting… (Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

…and the same view at the maximum 25x telephoto zoom setting (Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Furthermore the RX10 IV is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth equipped, with a stereo mini jack provided for an external microphone, if required. Like the prior model we also get the convenience of a pop up flash, plus a vacant hotshoe for optional accessory flash. Conveniently, the camera also takes a regular SD memory card, with a single media slot provided under a flap secreted just behind the large and generous handgrip.

Versus

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Again, the nearest rivals for the Sony RX10 IV’s feature set and performance are its similarly specified predecessors, with the Sony RX10 III being the closest by virtue of it also featuring a 25x optical zoom, which was the biggest step up from the 8.3x optical zoom RX10 and RX10 II models, with the series originating in 2013.

While externally it’s clear the RX10 cameras come from the same lineage, like most new models these days, auto focus speed and accuracy is the key thing manufacturers are always looking to improve. Here one of the under-the-hood adjustments is that focusing speed is claimed to be twice as fast as on its third iteration.

Newly implemented on this model at the time of release was on-sensor phase detection autofocus. The claim at least is that the Mark IV can focus as near instantly as 0.03 seconds. Speed will also benefit sports and nature photography lovers as it boasts a continuous burst shooting speed of up to 24fps, which may for some give it the edge over the three generations of RX10 models before it.

Handling

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Sony has not tinkered at all with the looks or the layout of the RX10 IV when compared with the closest model in the RX10 III. So again that means prominent raised and ridged shooting mode and exposure compensation dials (here +/- 3EV), a top plate display window, plus an eye level viewfinder and adjustable LCD. Said display window is unusual on a consumer-level DSLR, much less a bridge camera, again marking out this one as a cut above, thereby in part justifying the premium price point. At just over a kilogram with rechargeable battery and media card inserted it also feels far less plastic-y than competing super zooms from other brands, especially entry level ones.

On the Sony RX10 IV we not only get an enthusiast pleasing eye level viewfinder, meaning we can shoot with the camera held up to our eye, but also, as on the RX10 III, an angle adjustable LCD screen. On the Mark IV, however, it’s a touch sensitive version of the latter, with users being able to manually move the camera’s focus point around the screen and thereby bias certain objects in the frame. This feels like an obvious thing to be able to do now that was perhaps not quite so obvious five years ago when it was first released.

Performance

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

In terms of operation and performance, once again with this RX10 series camera we’re getting a one-inch stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, as used in all but the very first generation of the camera, plus use of a 25x optical zoom. The zoom is controlled either via the right hand courtesy of a lever encircling the power button or the left hand via a ring on the lens itself. Rear panel LCD resolution does seem to have crept up from 1,228,800 dots to 1,440,000 between Mark III and Mark IV of the RX10, not that that’s demonstrably noticeable. As an alternative compositional aid, the view through the eye-sensor equipped EVF is so life-like we can be fooled into thinking we’re looking through an optical viewfinder. Here it’s exactly the same dimensions and resolution – 2.3 million dots – as on the Mark III model.

Battery life isn’t quite as good as the RX10 III; it’s dropped down to a maximum 400 shots from its predecessor’s 420, but that slim difference is hardly a deal breaker.

Ideally we’ll want to feel that results are ‘good enough’ here for us to be able to leave any existing DSLR at home for most general purpose image-making, and broadly that proves to be the case. Though the generous focal range obviously makes this one well suited to wildlife, sports and action photography, likewise surreptitious street photography and portraits is another possibility given the ability to enjoy a wide range of compositional choices on the fly. That said, the camera’s DSLR-style looks means it’s not really ideal for anyone looking to go unnoticed, especially as most others in the vicinity will be using smartphones for photography.

Sony RX10 IV: Verdict

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

At the time of writing the RX10 IV was often retailing for the same as, or even less than the older RX10 III . The more recent version gives you the operational speed and touch focus as well as the shared one inch sensor, and 25x optical zoom. But the price differential may change when the two models are more widely in stock - so although the Mark IV is the better camera, do check for bargain deals on the Mark III model.

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Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV: Price Comparison

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Gavin has over 30 year experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography.

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge he is well placed to recognise great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters, cameras straps and more.

Nikon Coolpix B600 review | Digital Camera World

Digital Camera World Verdict

Those seeking big zoom power from a relatively compact all-in-one set up are directed to the 16 megapixel Nikon B600. Frill-free and a little lightweight in build it may be, despite its mini DSLR type looks, but that is reflected to an extent in the price, while the simplicity of operation and handling makes it accessible to a wider audience. Some three years on from its original pre-pandemic release, this camera offers plenty of visual ‘poke’ for everyday family photography and video capture

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Pros

+
60x optical zoom reach
+
Great value for money
+
Nore practical compared to a DSLR with equivalent lens
+
Contrast-y and detailed images achievable shooting handheld at maximum zoom with plenty of light around

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Available in no-nonsense matt black or shiny maroon red, the headlines here of the Nikon Coolpix B600 a 16 megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS sensor and lens-shift Vibration Reduction. Both these help users achieve steadier, blur free photography towards the telephoto end of the camera’s lens or in lower lighting conditions. In fact the Nikon Coolpix B600’s 60x optical zoom offers the 35mm equivalent of a generous 24-1440mm along and f/3.3 maximum aperture, with images composed and reviewed via the 3-inch, 921K-dot resolution LCD screen on the backplate. Unlike a DSLR or mirrorless camera there is no separate eye level viewfinder; the location where one would usually sit instead houses the B600’s built in speaker.

From widest setting through to… (Image credit: Basil Kronfli/Digital Camera World)

the maximum 60x zoom setting with the B600's built-in zoom (Image credit: Basil Kronfli/Digital Camera World)

Nikon Coolpix B600 (Red) at Amazon for $499

If there’s a disappointment here it’s that the budget priced super zoom offers a ‘mere’ Full HD resolution video capture rather than the now more commonplace 4K, and that the LCD itself isn’t of the tilt and swivel variety. Three years old at the time of writing, unusually the camera features a modest built in memory, along with a smattering of in-camera creative modes that will appeal to those more used to selecting a filter effect for images on a smartphone. The lithium ion battery provided here is good for up to 280 shots and can be charged in camera via USB cable. There is no standalone mains charger alternatively provided.

Nikon B600 specifications

Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS

Sensitivity range: ISO125-1600 (extendable to 6400 in Auto mode)

Video: Full HD at up to 30fps

Lens: 24-1440mm equivalent in 35mm terms, 60x optical zoom

Monitor: 3-inch, 921K dot resolution

Viewfinder: No

Battery life: 280 shots or approx. 1 hour of 1080p video

Dimensions: 121.6x81.5x99.2mm

Weight: 500g including battery and SD card

Nikon B600 rivals

The fixed lens compact camera is a rare breed in the age of the smartphone, so it makes sense for manufacturers to offer customers a compelling reason to buy one – namely a device that in the case of the Nikon Coolpix B600 does what their phone cannot. The carrot dangled here is a gargantuan zoom range from something that will fit in a messenger type bag, or, with lens fully retracted, a roomier jacket pocket. In terms of other models out there, Nikon offers one itself in the previously-released 16 megapixel Coolpix B500 , which boasts a lesser specified 40x optical zoom, compared with the 60x B600, but does feature a tilting LCD screen, should users find that advantageous. Unsurprisingly it was also less expensive than its B600 successor was on launch.

If neither of those zoom ranges are quite enough for you, also check out the 125x optical zoom Nikon Coolpix P1000 , which is particularly suited to astrophotography and shooting the Moon, or the Nikon Coolpix P950 , an 83x optical zoom alternative. Be prepared to pay a premium for these models in comparison however, as attendant features for the latter two examples include 4K resolution video and vari-angle LCE screens, both improvements on the basic spec of the B600.

Build and handling

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

While it may resemble something of a shrunken DSLR there’s nothing complicated or fussy for newcomers when it comes to using the Nikon Coolpix B600; operation is pretty much point and shoot all the way. Shooting mode settings are controlled via a familiar ridged dial on the top plate, adjacent to a power button that is recessed into the bodywork to avoid accidental activation. The main shutter release and zoom lever are located on the tilted front edge of the camera’s handgrip, which is small yet feels comfortable to hold.

Images are composed and reviewed with the aid of the LCD screen, which offers 99% frame coverage. This being a budget priced super zoom, as noted in our intro the screen here is fixed rather than angle adjustable, and we don’t get touch screen control either – making the B600 feel overall quite ‘old school’ in design and operation.

A clip-on lens cap is provided out of the box for protection from scratches. Despite this being the size of a digestive biscuit we can see it getting mislaid in our camera bag, so it’s worth tethering it to one of the camera’s lugs via the loop of thread provided.

Performance

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

With a nudge of the zoom lever that ergonomically encircles the shutter release button, it takes around four seconds for the Nikon Coolpix WB600’s lens to travel from maximum wide angle to full telephoto setting. Unusually, a second side-mounted zoom lever is located on the left of the lens barrel itself, should users wish to operate it with their left hand.

For a point and shoot camera we’d have to conclude that image quality is pretty good, with a decent degree of contrast visible in the images and plenty of detail, even when shooting handheld towards the extremity of the zoom range, which is after all what anyone will be buying this camera for. In practice we found it’s best to take two or three shots if shooting towards maximum telephoto setting in order to be in with a better chance of a shake-free image and also one that is correctly framed, as holding the camera rock steady is, unsurprisingly, tricky, yet not impossible.

Nikon B600: sample images

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli/Digital Camera World)

Nikon Coolpix B600: verdict

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

This Nikon Coolpix B600 big zoom compact offers a very broad scope for image taking and at a reasonable price thanks to the 60x optical, 24-1440mm equivalent lens bolted onto the front. Its ease of use furthers the impression that this all-in-one compact is best suited to family users, for whom the ability to quickly zoom in or out and re-frame their shot when chasing kids or pets around will come in useful, while it also afford day-trippers, people watchers, or travel photographers with the chance to leave the bulky DSLR and zoom lens at home yet still be able to achieve the shots they require.

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He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and Rough Guide books.

What is a bridge camera?

Author Gleb Zakharov Reading 5 min. Views 324 Published 07/10/2019

Content

Understanding of equipment for novice photographers
Camera against DSLR
Lenses
DSLR chambers have more controls of the camera
Cost. bridge chambers
Who should use a bridge camera?

A bridge camera is a fixed lens camera that combines the body style and some of the capabilities of a digital reflex camera (DSLR) with the user-friendliness of a point-and-shoot camera. It's not a full DSLR or point-and-shoot camera, but it's a hybrid with some features unique to bridge cameras.

Bridge Camera vs DSLR

To understand what a bridge camera is, you must first understand what it is not. Many people see the shape of a bridge camera—it has an easy-to-handle body like a DSLR—and assume it's a DSLR camera. Is not. nine0005

Various types of lenses

There are two main differences between a DSLR and a bridge camera. The most important difference is that DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses . Photography can switch between 35mm and wide or zoom to ensure they get the perfect shot for every shot.

The bridge camera has fixed lens . There is one lens attached to the camera that cannot be replaced. To be fair, the lens that is attached to a bridge camera often has a lot of options. Some even offer ample opportunities. But the most notable feature of the bridge camera is the zoom capability. Bridge cameras are often referred to as super zoom or mega zoom cameras because a fixed focal length lens can zoom up to 400-600mm, which is much more than most digital zoom lenses. nine0005

DSLR cameras have more control

Another important difference between a DSLR and a bridge camera is the controls. A DSLR may have automatic control, but it will also have a greater range of manual control, including the ability to adjust every setting - aperture, shutter speed, focus, and more - to manual control, allowing experienced photographers to capture the exact photo they're imagining.

Bridge cameras often have some controls; they can usually switch between scene modes and lens capabilities, but that's where the control over image capture ends. Bridge cameras are more limited in this aspect, much like point-and-shoot cameras. nine0005

Bridge chamber restrictions

In addition to the limitations mentioned above, bridge cameras may also have some other limitations. For example, while bridge cameras often have extra long zoom capabilities, this may not be as much of an advantage as it might seem.

The longer the lens, the less stable the camera becomes. Even though many bridge camera manufacturers try to counter this with stabilization and anti-shake features, when the lens is zoomed in to maximum zoom, the image may still look slightly blurry or appear larger.0037 noise , which is incorrect pixel-level color variation than you would expect. Adding a tripod when shooting at long distances helps, but does not completely solve these problems.

Another issue reported by users is that bridge cameras are not suitable for high-speed shooting such as sports photography when the subject is moving. Shooting in these situations may result in noise or blurry images.

Bridge cameras can also have file access restrictions for photographers who prefer to use Photoshop or other image editing options to touch up their photos. Most bridge cameras cannot capture images in RAW format, which is less processed, allowing more control when editing. Instead, bridge cameras typically process images in the JPEG format, which is a compression format that reduces image size by removing pixels that the camera software deems unimportant. nine0005

Bridge camera features

While bridge cameras have some features that professional photographers might find it difficult to create great images for, for the casual photographer or for the budding photographer, they also offer a lot of useful features. For example, most bridge cameras have HD video capability, which includes two stereo microphones that allow you to record both great video and audio.

Bridge cameras also have a large LCD format that allows photographers to see what they're shooting, and often this screen tilts or rotates for a better view from different angles. This, combined with image stabilization capabilities, allows new photographers to take better pictures than they could with a point-and-shoot camera. nine0005

Cost of bridge cameras

Some beginner photographers look to bridge cameras believing they will lower the cost of taking photographs. It is not true. Bridge cameras may be cheaper than high-end DSLRs, but there are bridge cameras that cost the same as these DSLRs. And they tend to cost more than pointing and shooting cameras.

If amateur or casual photographers find the benefit of investing in a bridge camera more cost-effective than buying a DSLR, it's the cost of additional lenses. Since the bridge camera is equipped with a multifunctional fixed lens, there is no additional charge after purchasing the camera. DSLR camera users must purchase different lenses for different purposes, and these lenses often cost as much as, or more than, the camera body. nine0005

Who Should Use a Bridge Camera?

Professional photographers may limit the use of bridge cameras. The inability to manually control camera settings and the limitation to certain file formats does not allow for maximum control over the final results of the photographs taken.

Casual users – family photographers or someone who wants to have a camera around for those special occasions – and novice photographers who are just starting to learn how to compose photos will find that the bridge camera offers a nice transition from a point-and-shoot camera. This allows the photographer to have some control and adjust the focal length of the shots without resorting to other adjustments needed to get a great photo. nine0005

Best Bridge Camera 2022-2023

If you can't decide between the convenience of a compact or ergonomic interchangeable lens SLR or mirrorless camera, consider the best bridge cameras. These fixed lens cameras are built to look and feel like a DSLR, with the range of the best super zoom lenses, and best of all, many of them are available at fantastic prices!

The huge zoom range of the bridge cameras means they can capture almost any subject in a photograph. Super-telephoto settings mean they are especially popular for shooting distant subjects such as birds, wildlife on safari and the moon, helping to capture a shot that fills the frame. nine0005

So, you might ask, why don't all photographers use bridge cameras all the time? Well, while bridge cameras are great for a lot of applications, they do have a few downsides that you should be aware of before taking the plunge.

First of all, this is the already mentioned fixed lens. While many bridge cameras have excellent super zooms attached to the front, you will always be limited by the length and quality of the lens on the box. With a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you have the option to switch to Prime if you want a sharper image, but you're out of luck with bridge cameras. There's also no way to zoom in with a teleconverter, or switch to something fancy like a fisheye, macro, or tilt-shift lens. What you see is what you get. nine0005

The other half of the image is inside the camera: the sensor. Bridge cameras have smaller sensors than what you'll find in DSLRs or most mirrorless cameras. This even applies to newer bridge cameras such as the Nikon Coolpix P950; this camera boasts raw capture and 4K video, but its sensor is still the 1/2.3-inch sensor that many bridge cameras use.

What is a bridge camera?

A simple definition of a bridge camera is: big lens, big body, small(ish) sensor. But in reality, everything is a little more complicated. Once upon a time, manufacturers could only make those huge in-body zoom ranges work if they had a small 1/2.3-inch sensor like you find on point-and-shoot cameras. nine0005

However, that all changed when Sony, Panasonic and Canon figured out how to build bridge cameras with 1-inch sensors that are much closer to those of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and the jump in quality is as noticeable as the jump in size. price.

A larger sensor also means a smaller zoom range, so your priorities are up to you. That's why we've split our bridge camera guide into two halves: the first section looks at advanced, relatively expensive bridge cameras with 1-inch sensors (although many of them are a few years old and can be bought much cheaper than when they launched). . The second half of our list includes:

But larger sensors mean smaller zoom ranges and higher price tags, dividing the bridge camera market in half. The pricier 1-inch models at the top of our list have a smaller zoom range, but we think it's worth the extra image quality. The cheaper 1/2.3-inch models in the bottom half of our list have impressive zoom ranges and convenient price tags, but only average image quality. nine0005

Start at the top of our list if you want only the best, and work your way down if your budget is a bit smaller. We pay more attention to value for money and only recommend models that we think are worth buying!

The best bridge cameras 2022-2023

1. Sony RX10 IV

is expensive, but RX10 IV is our favorite productivity and quality. nine0005

+ 9 phase detection autofocus system0010

+ Excellent photo/video quality

+ Excellent lens

- Very expensive

The RX10 IV is the latest incarnation of Sony's RX10 series of bridge cameras and represents a useful step up from the RX10 III. The highlight is the inclusion of a 315-point phase-detection AF system that makes it much better suited to tracking moving subjects, as well as the introduction of a touchscreen, a feature that was, oddly enough, missing from the RX10 line - and indeed, many of Sony's other lines. until recently - also deserve attention. Its 24fps burst shooting, a massive improvement over the Mark III's already supported 14fps, along with Bluetooth connectivity, moves it further away from the camera it's upgrading. Because of all this, this is a much more capable sports and action camera and the best bridge camera you can buy right now, but it comes at a significant premium over the Mark III and competing cameras. nineSony RX10 III

If the RX10 Mark IV is too expensive, the RX10 III might be tempting.

+ Excellent image and video quality

+ Quality stabilized lens

+ Cheaper than the RX10 IV

- RX10 IV is better for action

Sony has released four more RX10 models on sale and older models, so while the RX10 Mark III isn't the newest, it still ranks second on our list. It introduced an impressive 600mm maximum zoom setting and a very respectable f/2.4-4 maximum aperture range. While it's not a replacement for the Mark II (still on sale), it boasts slightly better battery life and a nine-blade aperture compared to the seven-blade Mark II alternative, though it doesn't have ND. filter, which appeared in both previous models. The camera is now available at great prices, so if you don't need the high-speed autofocus and shooting of the RX10 IV, this model can save you a lot of money. nine0005

3. Panasonic FZ1000 II

We like the RX10, but we voted for the Panasonic FZ1000 II.

+ Excellent value for money

+ Excellent image quality

+ Good burst mode

- No Raw processing in the camera

FZ1000 II is a long awaited upgrade of the original Panasonic bridge camera FZ10. Take a closer look and you'll see that you're still getting a heck of a lot of modern technology for the money. The 20.1MP Leica sensor and 25-400mm (equivalent) f/2.8-4 lens work together to deliver 4K UHD video and 5-axis Power O.I.S. stabilization, a 2.36 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, Wi-Fi and NFC, as well as many additional video features such as zebra crossing. Definitely one worth picking up if you don't want the fancy gimmicks of the later FZ2000/FZ2500. nine0005

4. Panasonic FZ2500 / FZ2000

2 The older brother FZ1000 is better, but it costs more than

+ Excellent Video Control

+ Excellent Overall Image Quality

+ Good Burst Mode

- Better Sony RX10 Lens

sensor, 25-400mm (equivalent) f/2. 8-4 zoom lens, 4K video and mass control, making it a great DSLR alternative. The FZ2500 (sold as the FZ2000 in Europe) offers a lot more, including a slightly longer lens, touch controls, and an EVF with slightly more magnification than before, but it's in video where Panasonic has made the most significant improvements. So here we get, for example, DCI 4K video and a variable ND filter, although the latter can of course be used for photos as well. The lack of weather protection is unfortunate, but its falling price along with the occasional cashback deal makes it a great competitor to Sony's RX10 series models. However, if you need something more for photos than video, you may find the FZ1000 II (above) more reasonable, especially when you only see what you get for the money. nine5. Panasonic FZ330

If you don't mind a smaller sensor, the FZ330 has a great lens.

+ Amazing features for the price

+ Constant f/2.8 aperture

+ Good zoom range

- No in-camera RAW processing

From low-end models to various flagships - Panasonic has always offered various features generously . This has allowed its models to remain attractive in the face of new competition, and the 2015 FZ330 exemplifies this perfectly, with a sub-£500/$500 camera with 4K video recording, a splash-proof body, and a 25-600mm (equivalent) lens with a constant aperture of f/ 2.8. You just won't get it anywhere right now! On top of that, there's a tilting touch screen, 1.44 million-dot EVF, Wi-Fi and image stabilization that round out the specs and are a great proposition for advanced beginners or enthusiasts on a budget. nine0005

+ Raw Capability

+ Improved EVF

- Sharpness drops at full zoom

the world. Accordingly, the P950 boasts an impressive 83x optical zoom with a 24-2000mm equivalent focal length range, and if that's not enough for you, it can be digitally extended to 4000mm with a 166x dynamic fine zoom. P950 adds a lot of features that people thought were missing or inferior to the P900: it improves the viewfinder, adds RAW capture, and increases the maximum video resolution to 4K. The only reason it didn't move further up the list is its small sensor size - the 83x zoom range is great, but we think a larger sensor is more useful overall.

Review Nikon Coolpix P950

7. Nikon P1000

Do you think the 83x P950 is great? The P1000 will amaze you

+ five -speed system VR

+ range of interplanetary scaling

+ 4K video

- loses its sharpness with a full increase in

- huge size

Coolpix P900 with its zoom -object 24–2000 mm (its zoom -object ( equiv. ) made headlines, but the new P1000 gets around it all with an amazing 125x zoom range, offering the equivalent of a 3000mm telephoto lens at full stretch. However, this is a stretch because at this setting, the maximum aperture of the lens loses as much as three stops from the maximum f/2.8 to the rather miserable f/8. the general softness of the lens, which becomes apparent at longer focal lengths. He really is better than P900 in some key areas, offering raw-format shooting, a higher resolution electronic viewfinder and 4K video. However, its asking prices are nearly as astronomical as its zoom capabilities - that's a lot of money for a bridge camera with a small 1/2.3-inch sensor. But if you want the biggest zoom range the camera world has ever seen, don't expect it to be cheap.

Review Nikon P1000

8. Panasonic FZ82

Check what you get versus what you pay - FZ82 is a bargain

+ 4K Video / 4K Photo Modes

+ Ultra Wide Zoom

+ Value for money

- Average road performance

After the excesses of the Nikon P900 and P10002, the Nikon P900 and P1002 look pretty Fman. In comparison, its 60x optical zoom range is somewhat conventional, its maximum f/2.8-5.9 aperture range is unimpressive, and it uses a small 1/2.3-inch sensor that limits the image quality you can expect. But three things take the FZ82 higher than usual. First, the price: this camera easily outperforms all of its competitors on this list, giving them real value for their money in features. Secondly, it shoots 4K video and has Panasonic's handy 4K Photo modes for high-speed shooting. Thirdly, its 60x zoom offers a wider 20mm-equivalent angle than any of its competitors, so it's much more comfortable for shooting in tight spaces - a big advantage in travel photography. nine0005

9. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

It's a well-known brand, but its price and performance put it in the middle of the field.

+ Very good zoom range

+ Relatively compact for its type

+ Vari-angle screen

- Only 5.7 fps with Servo AF

Looks like an SX70 HS on paper a close competitor to the Panasonic FZ82 (above), offering a slightly larger maximum zoom and nearly matching Panasonic's wide-angle setting.