Ultra-Zoom Digital Camera Reviews

Updated February 2013

Ultra-zoom cameras bring you closer to the action (up to 50x zoom) than standard point-and-shoots, but they have a few drawbacks too, such as their larger size. We looked at reviews from tech magazines, consumer publications and users to determine important features and best-performing models, which cost around $200 to $400.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

Best ultra-zoom digital camera

*Est. $600

Estimated Price

It's pricey, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 blows other long-zoom cameras out of the water in reviews. Its high-quality 24x zoom lens serves up the best photos and videos in its class. Advanced users get sophisticated goodies -- like full manual controls, RAW file support and a hot shoe -- while beginners can enjoy the best Auto mode on the market.

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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

Extreme-zoom camera

*Est. $435

Estimated Price

Able to shoot photos from two miles away, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS's outrageous 50x zoom is the longest you can buy. The rest of the camera is just as impressive, experts say. Rich features like full manual controls, RAW file support and a hot shoe come standard, and photos and videos look very good for a mega-zoom.

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Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

Best compact ultra-zoom camera

*Est. $230

Estimated Price

Unlike bulky ultra-zooms, the Canon PowerShot SX260 crams its 20x zoom lens (plus robust manual controls, HD video, GPS and more) into a body that's slightly more than an inch thick. Photo quality beats other tiny ultra-zooms. You won't get a viewfinder, hot shoe or RAW support, though -- that's the tradeoff for being able to slip it into your pocket.

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