SuperZoom Digital Bridge Cameras, Best Buys, Auction Deals!
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SuperZoom Digital Bridge Cameras
If you are looking for a digital camera suitable for sports or wildlife photography then a super zoom model could be the answer. Super zooms are digital cameras that are equipped with lenses capable of zooming in from wide angle to 10x or longer, equivalent to about 400mm (relative to film camera), the start of a super telephoto range lens.
With zoom capabilities ranging from 10x to 26x currently, you have a wide choice of make and models to choose from. These cameras are of course much bigger than your point-and-shoot compacts, have bodies that resembles SLR cameras but only comes with a fixed and un-interchangeable lens, and is best ported around in their own carrying case.
While some of the cameras can be used with additional lens adapters which can be purchased separately for specific purposes, other have built in special functions that makes them unique and specific within their genre and not easily available in other body forms.
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What Digital Camera group test: Superzoom compacts
Four compact superzoom digital cameras reviewed, from Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic
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What are we looking at
All-in-one DesignMost of the cameras are designed along the lines of a traditional SLR camera. This enables you to get a good grip on them when you take a shot. Generally they are also lighter and more compact than an SLR fitted with a tele lens, so are easier to transport, store, and carry around. Super zoom digital cameras are still relatively easy to use and are an ideal choice for capturing detailed close-ups that you simply can't get from a camera with a 3X or 4X optical zoom lens.
Versatile Focal Range
You will get a digital camera that is versatile enough not only for portraits, group shots, nearby buildings or landscapes, but also frame-filling shots of distant subjects: the goalie at a junior soccer game, an eagle on a high branch, or a tiger roaring at the zoo. The Olympus 26x zoom, for example, gives you an equivalent of a 626mm lens on a film camera, well into what is termed as super-telephoto range.
Advanced Control Functions
Almost all the super zoom cameras offer fully manual exposure and other advanced functions which are easy to use and manipulate. This includes aperture and shutter priority and a wider range of features on the more expensive models. Super zooms are suitable for people who see photography as a hobby rather than someone who is looking for a digital camera to take a few snapshots with.
Excellent Image Quality
Image from super zoom digital cameras are no slouch either. Being in a very competitive segment, most manufacturers tries their best to provide each of their products with optimum quality specification and image quality is no exception. It is worth pointing out that a few super zoom digital cameras suffer from purple fringing once the zoom lens gets close to its full extension.
What are we up against
Smaller Sized Sensor ChipsCompact digital cameras traditionally have a sense chip that's very small in size when compared to a chip from a digital SLR, even when manufacturers claim that ther cameras have 10, 12 or even 14 "megapixels" sensors. The more these cells are jammed on the chip, the more "noise" or tiny electrical charges they tend to generate. "Noise" will manifests itself as random dots, similar to the grain on film and may becomes more visible with higher ISO settings, typically from 400 ISO and above.
Electronic Viewfinder
Super zooms are normally equipped with an electronic viewfinder, a tiny LCD screen that you hold up to your eye, providing through the lens viewing for a more accurate view of the subject, just like a SLR. An electronic viewfinder, however, does not provide a view that's as crisp and bright as the one you get with a regular optical viewfinder. And the electronic image can be "jumpy." In low light situations, electronic viewfinders provide a dimmer view of the subject, making it more difficult to accurately frame the subject.
Autofocus Lag
Not all super zoom digital cameras include high-speed tracking focus system that is designed to continuously follow-focus a rapidly (or erratically) moving subject. That can be a problem when you are trying a head on shot where the subject id approaching you directly. In sports photography where you will most probably be shooting from the sidelines at a subject that is passing across your line of view, continuous autofocus will not be a problem because the camera-to-subject distance is not changing rapidly
Shutter Lag
Super zoom digital cameras may tend to have longer shutter-lag at very long focal lengths because of the longer time required to to set focus, exposure, white balance, etc.. Newer generation super zoom have tried to overcome this with special features and seting that can help reduce the problem.
Image stabilization
When you use cameras with long lenses there is a tendency for camera shake to become an issue, and is accentuated further in low light situation and any time when you are using slow shutter speeds. Manufacturers have attempted to overcome these by introducing various forms of image stabilization to help reduce camera shake, image blur and what have you. The best solution is often to use a tripod whenever you can.
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Resource Links
- Shutterbug: Superzoom Digital Cameras
- Superzoom Digital Cameras With Image Stabilizer; Are These A Viable Alternative To A Digital SLR System?
- Ultra Zoom Digital Camera Ratings, Extended Zoom Camera Ratings
- ConsumerSearch ranks reviews of ultra-zoom digital cameras. The best reviews compare extended-zoom cameras for image quality, ease of use and weight.
- Digital Cameras: A Buyer's Guide v2.0 Review - Digital Camera Reviews - TrustedReviews
- A relatively new category of digital cameras is the high-zoom compact. These share most of the same features as other compact cameras, but are often physically slightly larger and are fitted with longer zoom lenses, usually of around 7x to 10x magnification. The lenses are very compact for their power, and usually fold flush with the camera body...
Best Buys! by Max Zoom Range
- 26X Zoom - Olympus SP-590UZ
- 24x Zoom - Kodak EasyShare Z980
- 24x Zoom - Nikon Coolpix P90
- 24x Zoom - Pentax X70
- 20x Zoom - Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
- 20x Zoom - Canon Powershot SX10 IS
- 20x Zoom - Casio Exilim EX-FH20
- 20x Zoom - Olympus SP-565UZ
- 20x Zoom - Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1
- 18x Zoom - Fujifilm Finepix S8100fd
- 18x Zoom - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
- 15x Zoom - Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD
- 15x Zoom - Nikon Coolpix L100
- 15x Zoom - Sony Cybershot DSCH50
26X Zoom - Olympus SP-590UZ
12MP Digital Camera with 26X Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD
Olympus SP-590UZ 12MP Digital Camera with 26X Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.99
- 12-megapixel resolution for photo-quality, poster-size prints
- 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
- Pre-capture scene modes: Multiple Exposure, Soft Background Focus and Beauty Mode
- 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
- Compatible with xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)
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24x Zoom - Kodak EasyShare Z980
12MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0 inch LCD
Kodak EasyShare Z980 12MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0 inch LCD
Amazon Price: $529.95 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.00
- 12-megapixel resolution for stunning prints up to 30 x 40 inches
- 24x wide-angle Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon optical zoom lens (26-624mm)
- Capture beautiful HD pictures in 16:9 format; capture HD-quality video
- 3.0-inch LCD screen; Smart Capture feature
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD
Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD
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- 12.1-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
- 24x optical wide-angle (26-624mm) Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens
- 3.0-inch Vari-Angle LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
- Nikon's Smart Portrait System; Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD
Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD
Amazon Price: $405.89 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.95
- 24X wide-angle optical zoom
- 12.0 megapixel CCD
- Bright 2.7 inch LCD screen Triple Shake Reduction technology
- High-speed continuous shooting at 11 FPS
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12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD
Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD
Amazon Price: $369.00 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.97
- High-powered 20x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
- Capture 720p HD movies with stereo sound; HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV
- 2.5-inch Vari-Angle System LCD; improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor; 12.1-megapixel resolution for poster-size, photo-quality prints
- Powered by AA batteries (included); capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $414.99 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.99
- 10.0-megapixel resolution for high-quality printing and flexibility when editing
- 20x optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer; improved speed and quiet zooming
- 2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD; DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection
- MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards
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7MP 20x Zoom 3-Inch LCD Digital Camera with 26mm Wide Angle Lens
Casio Exilim EX-FH20 9.1 MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD (Black)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.99
- 9.1-megapixel high-speed CMOS sensor; shoot up to 40fps
- 20x optical zoom; High Speed Anti Shake with CMOS Shift Stabilization
- 3.0-inch Super Clear LCD
- High-speed movie capability; up to 1000 fps
- 31.9 MB built-in memory; capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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10MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom
Olympus SP-565UZ 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $399.50 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.99
- 10-megapixel image sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
- 20x optical dual image-stabilized zoom
- High-speed sequential shooting and pre-capture; manual controls plus 33 shooting modes
- Face Detection; Perfect Shot Preview and Shadow Adjustment Technology
- Capture images to xD-Picture Card and microSD memory cards (not included)
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9MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 9.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD
Amazon Price: $499.00 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $499.00
- 9.0-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor for photo-quality pictures up to 13 x 19 inches
- 20x optical zoom; 28mm wide-angle Sony G-Lens
- Capture up to 10 frames per second; HD (1080p) movie capture
- 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD tilt display; 90-degree tilt, horizontal and vertical
- 11 MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo media (not included)
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10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom
Fujifilm Finepix S8100fd 10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $699.99 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $299.95
- 10-megapixel sensor
- 18x wide-angle optical zoom; Dual Image Stabilization
- 2.5-inch Wide View LCD display
- Face Detection with Automatic Red Eye Removal
- Stores images on xD or SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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18x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP Digital Camera with 18x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $399.95
- 12.1-megapixel resolution
- 27mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens; 18x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S.
- HD movies with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution; AVCHD Lite format
- 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom
Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $219.95 (as of 11/29/2009)
List Price: $279.95
- 10-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
- 15x optical zoom; wide-angle lens
- 2.7-inch LCD screen; Dual Image Stabilization
- HD compatible
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom
Nikon Coolpix L100 10MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom
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- 10.0-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
- 15x optical wide-angle (28-420mm) Zoom-Nikkor glass lens
- 3.0-inch LCD and Electronic Viewfinder; 4-way VR image stabilization
- Nikon's Smart Portrait System; Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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9.1 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot
Sony Cyber-shot DSCH50 9.1 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot
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- Smile Shutter technology captures smiles
- Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization
- HD Photo Viewing capability
- Face Detection controls flash/focus/exposure/white balance 15x optical zoom/30x digital zoom
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Superzoom Digital Cameras on the Blogs
- A Beginners Guide To Acquiring The Most Suitable Digital Cameras ...
- These specific digital cameras are by far the tinniest on the market and are just right if portability is crucial. For more skilled shooting needs then try a super zoom digital camera. These specific models have many more features than ...
- OnTheMindSet: Why not a superzoom digital camera?
- If you were limited to carrying only a compact digital camera on your adventure outing, would you rather pack a superzoom digital camera instead of anything else? You cannot just drop one in your shirt pocket, it's a bit too bulky for ...
- Compare Digital Cameras | Ahorre | Optical, Digital, Camera ...
- Compare Digital Camera reviews help you find the right digital camera amongst the various types, including D-SLR cameras, compact cameras, superzoom cameras, and others, for your digital photography needs.
- Panasonic DMC-ZS3K LUMIX 10.1 MP Compact Digital Camera with 12x ...
- Find and share the best prices, discounts and reviews on Panasonic DMC-ZS3K LUMIX 10.1 MP Compact Digital Camera with 12x Super Zoom... at buydig.com - dealspl.us.
Superzoom Digital Cameras in the News
- Holiday shoppers prepare! Digital camera ratings
- The Olympus Stylus 9000 tops the mid-range category with its 12 megapixel sensor and super-zoom-like lens in a pocket-sized body. By Joe Tamborello Here we ...
- Fujifilm flashes FinePix F70EXR 10 x zoom digital camera
- Fujifilm is out with what they claim to be is the world's most diminutive 10 x zoom digital camera ? their FinePix F70EXR. The company has brought it to ...
- Rugged Casio EXILIM EX-G1 Camera Announced [Casio EX-G1 Becomes First Camera ...
- The Casio EXILIM EX-G1, which falls very much into the point and shoot category of digital cameras, along with boasting a durable yet particularly sleek ...
- 'Thinnest' camera attracts buffs
- Ltd. products in Saudi Arabia, has launched the much-awaited new ultra-compact superzoom digital camera from Casio. Casio Exilim EX-H10, the 12.1 megapixel ...
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