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Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom): Ratings of Sources
Total of 14 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Imaging-Resource.com
As of Nov. 2011
Dave's Picks: Long Zoom
by Editors of Imaging-Resource.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentImaging-Resource.com conducts exhaustive testing, although cameras are not compared directly. Each camera photographs the same subjects under standardized conditions, and sample pictures are posted for gauging performance. The site also lists top-rated cameras and Editor's Choice picks, with a section dedicated to the best ultra-zoom models.
2. DPReview.com
July 2011
Compact Camera Group Test: Travel Zooms
by Barnaby Britton, Scott Everett and Kelcey Smith
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentExperts here publish extremely detailed, multi-part camera reviews complete with sample photos. Here, they round up six pocket mega-zoom cameras -- popular models representing a cross-section of the market, from low- to high-end. Two cameras tie for first place and the rare Gold Award: the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Nikon Coolpix S9100.
3. DCResource.com
Oct. 7, 2011
Our Recommended Digital Cameras
by Jeff Keller
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJeff Keller's reviews are thorough and easy to read, offering a side-by-side look at camera specifications such as size, weight and battery life, but they don't compare performance. A regularly updated list of top-rated cameras is divided by price range, and two ultra-zoom cameras make the list: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 and DMC-FZ150.
4. PhotographyBlog.com
July 25, 2011
The Best Digital Cameras
by Editors of PhotographyBlog.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis British site reviews a lot of digital cameras, most of which are available in the U.S. Editors provide objective ratings on image quality, ease of use and value. Cameras receive an overall rating, so it's easy to see how they stack up against one another. Current ultra-zooms from Canon, Panasonic and Sony nab the top spots.
5. DigitalCameraReview.com
As of Nov. 2011
Digital Camera Ratings
by Editors of DigitalCameraInfo.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis easy-to-navigate site is an offshoot of CamcorderInfo.com, and the editors apply the same thorough analysis to digital cameras as they do to camcorders. Detailed reviews include weighted scores for many key features, and review ratings are paired with sorting filters. While the reports are among the most critical we have found, and the editors are not bashful about pointing out flaws, the site is not as prolific as other publications higher on this list.
6. CNET
As of Nov. 2011
Best Megazoom Digital Cameras
by Lori Grunin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET regularly reviews all types of digital cameras. Preferred models appear in roundups, including this article on ultra-zooms. Cameras are evaluated on four factors -- design, image quality, performance and features -- but write-ups are not as detailed as those on photography sites. CNET is one of the best sources for user reviews.
7. ConsumerReports.org
As of Nov, 2011
Digital Cameras
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org covers most -- but not all -- of the factors shoppers should consider when buying a digital camera. Geared toward general audiences, the testing methodology is thorough, and results are easy to discern. Editors test 27 superzoom cameras and rank them from best to worst, with individual ratings for image quality (including low light, regular light and flash), video quality, ease of use, versatility and LCD screen quality. However, the report doesn't offer detailed write-ups of individual cameras.
8. Choice magazine
Sept. 29, 2011
Compact Digital Cameras Review
by Chris Ruggles
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile not as comprehensive as sites geared toward photo aficionados, Australian-based Choice magazine evaluates and rates digital cameras, and its reviews are up to date. Test methodology and rating criteria are clearly spelled out, and recommendations are made.
9. Which? magazine
As of Nov. 2011
Digital Cameras
by Editors of Which? magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhich? magazine -- the U.K.'s version of ConsumerReports.org -- tests and rates 285 digital cameras based on 13 measures of photo and video quality and usability. Seventy-six earn a Best Buy rating, including 17 current U.S. ultra-zoom cameras. Individual scores reveal how the cameras perform and compare. Discussion is detailed on top-rated cameras.
10. TrustedReviews.com
As of Nov. 2011
Digital Camera Reviews
by Cliff Smith
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile these standalone reviews don't match the detail of photo enthusiasts' websites, British-based TrustedReviews.com does a great job of evaluating 17 ultra-zoom digital cameras. Reviews can be filtered by type, rating and brand, and the best cameras receive an Editor's Choice or Recommended designation. Two current U.S. ultra-zoom cameras make the cut: the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS and the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS.
11. StevesDigicams.com
As of Nov. 2011
Steves Best Cameras
by Editors of Steves-Digicams.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSteves-Digicams.com publishes a list of the best digital cameras in several categories, including the top 12 super-zoom cameras. Each camera gets a highly detailed review with a helpful list of pros and cons and a summary conclusion. New cameras are continually reviewed here, but although this list has been recently updated, half of the top picks are discontinued models.
12. DigitalCameraHQ.com
May 6, 2011
Best Extended Zoom Cameras
by Editors of and Contributors to DigitalCamera-HQ.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDigital Camera HQ publishes reviews that are balanced, but don't pull any punches. Here, editors list their top four ultra-zoom cameras -- including one reluctant budget pick.
13. PC World
Sept. 7, 2011
Top 10 Pocket Megazooms
by Tim Moynihan
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World editors conduct brief lab and real-world tests of digital cameras, and evaluate their features. Reviews are comprehensive and of consistent quality, but they're not as in-depth as those at dedicated camera sites. This list of the best ultra-zoom cameras includes 10 models, but editors like the top three substantially better than the others.
14. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2011
Digital Cameras
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile the quality of user reviews varies, the most popular cameras often garner enough reviews and high ratings to make visiting this site worthwhile, especially to see how a camera holds up with long-term use.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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Ultra-Zoom Digital Cameras Runners Up:

Nikon Coolpix S9100 *Est. $200

6 picks including: Amazon.com, PC World…

Nikon Coolpix L120 Discontinued

5 picks including: Amazon.com, DigitalReview.ca…

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Discontinued

4 picks by top review sites.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 Discontinued

4 picks including: Amazon.com…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 Discontinued

4 picks including: Amazon.com, PC World…

Olympus SZ-30MR *Est. $320

3 picks including: Amazon.com…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 *Est. $190

3 picks including: Amazon.com, Choice magazine…

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