Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom): Ratings of Sources
Total of 14 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Dave's Picks
by Editors of Imaging-Resource.com
Our AssessmentImaging-Resource.com tests cameras in extraordinary detail. In lab tests, each camera photographs the same subjects under standardized conditions. Experts here also field-test each camera, shooting in a variety of conditions and posting lots of sample shots. This page lists the editors' top picks, with a section dedicated to the best long-zoom models.
Reviews / Previews
by Editors of DPReview.com
Our AssessmentDPReview.com ties with Imaging-Resource.com for the most thorough camera reviews you'll find online. The multipart camera reviews go into exhaustive detail, complete with sample photos. Each camera receives an overall rating, with awards for the best cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 is the only ultra-zoom camera that earns the site's Gold Award.
Compacts
by Editors of Amateur Photographer
Our AssessmentThis British website also publishes extremely thorough, up-to-date camera tests. Editors judge each camera's build quality and handling as well as all aspects of performance, testing both in the lab and in the field.
Camera Equipment Reviews
by Editors of WhatDigitalCamera.com
Our AssessmentTesters here don't do extensive lab tests like the top sites, but they do test cameras in a variety of shooting situations, with plenty of test photos and videos. Editors clearly outline each camera's pros and cons and compare it with rivals. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is the highest-scoring ultra-zoom. It wins WhatDigitalCamera.com's Gold Award.
The Best Digital Cameras
by Editors of PhotographyBlog.com
Our AssessmentThis British site reviews a lot of digital cameras, most of which are available in the U.S. Editors test each camera and rate its design, features, ease of use, image quality and value. Each camera gets a star rating, and the top picks make this Best Digital Cameras list. Editors recommend nine ultra-zooms in a range of prices.
2012 DigitalCameraInfo Best of Year Awards
by Editors of DigitalCameraInfo.com
Our AssessmentThis easy-to-navigate site is an offshoot of CamcorderInfo.com, and the editors apply the same thorough analysis to digital cameras that they do to camcorders. Detailed reviews include weighted scores for many key features. The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS wins Best Super-Zoom Camera for 2012, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 as the runner-up.
The 10 Best Digital Cameras
by Wendy Sheehan Donnell
Our AssessmentPCMag.com tests digital cameras both with lab software and real-world scenarios. Editors rate each camera on a 5-point scale and pick Editors' Choice models. Written reviews are relatively short and easy to digest, which is good if you need a quick overview instead of a lengthy analysis. Two ultra-zooms make this list of the 10 best digital cameras: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V.
Best 5 Digital Cameras
by Lori Grunin
Our AssessmentCNET regularly reviews all types of digital cameras. Cameras are evaluated on four factors -- design, image quality, performance and features -- but write-ups are not as detailed as those on photography sites. The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is the only ultra-zoom on CNET's list of the top five digital cameras. A link leads to the "best megazoom cameras" page that names the runners-up, including the Panasonic FZ200 (the only one that wins an Editors' Choice award).
Photography Equipment Reviews
by Editors of EPhotoZine.com
Our AssessmentCamera reviews at this British site are very up-to-date, although not as extensive as the best sites. They're still thorough, however, with sample photos from outdoors, in the studio and in the lab, as well as video samples. A clear Verdict section summarizes each camera's pros and cons and adds a star rating. Seven ultra-zooms have earned EPhotoZine.com's 4.5-star Highly Recommended tag.
Point and Shoot Digital Camera Ratings and Reliability
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
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 the results are easy to discern. Editors test 44 super-zoom 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 individual camera write-ups are brief, and several of the recommended cameras have been discontinued.
Compact Digital Camera Reviews
by Chris Ruggles
Our AssessmentWhile not as comprehensive as sites geared toward photo aficionados, Australian-based Choice magazine (similar to Consumer Reports in the U.S.) publishes unbiased ratings of 157 digital cameras, and its tests are up-to-date. Test methodology and rating criteria are clearly spelled out. Editors recommend the nine best cameras, including three ultra-zooms.
Best Cameras for Different Needs
by Tim Moynihan
Our AssessmentTim Moynihan, PC World's longtime camera critic, posts this roundup of the best digital cameras at TechHive.com. Only one ultra-zoom makes the cut: the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS. A link leads to Moynihan's full test at PC World, where he declares the Canon SX260 "our top-rated pocket megazoom camera of the past year." Moynihan hasn't tested many of the latest mega-zooms, but he does also test the Canon's biggest rival, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, and he finds its image quality lacking.
Digital Cameras
by Contributors to Amazon.com
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. Four ultra-zooms maintain 4.5-star ratings (out of 5) with more than 100 owner reviews posted.
Long Zoom Cameras
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Our AssessmentBestBuy.com doesn't have nearly as many user reviews as Amazon.com, but the site is worth checking -- especially if you already have a camera in mind. Reviews tend to be brief, but they do carry star ratings. Three ultra-zooms maintain 4.8-star ratings (out of 5) with 70 to 140 owner reviews each.