superzoom cameras

[Kevinh219]

whats the best superzoom camera i can get for between $300-$500, looking mainly for good quality photos, dont really care to much about video capabilities, but it is a bonus.

ive been looking at the Nikon Coolpix P510, but not sure what the best is for this price range.

im just a beginner when it comes to photography, would like good pictures when traveling or just when im out and bored.

any suggestions?? thanks!

 

[brunerww]

whats the best superzoom camera i can get for between $300-$500, looking mainly for good quality photos, dont really care to much about video capabilities, but it is a bonus.

ive been looking at the Nikon Coolpix P510, but not sure what the best is for this price range.

im just a beginner when it comes to photography, would like good pictures when traveling or just when im out and bored.

any suggestions?? thanks!

Hi Kevin, the winner of the 2012 Digital Camera Info Best of the Year Award for Best Super Zoom was the $399.99 Canon SX50 for its awesome 50x zoom, ease of use and image quality. Here is what it can do: Flickr: The Canon SX50 HS Pool

The runner-up was the Panasonic FZ200 ($549 new and $489 used from Amazon Warehouse Deals). This camera has a 24x constant f2.8 zoom that will allow you to shoot telephoto stills at higher shutter speeds, minimizing camera shake and image blurring. The FZ200 was also the "Best Point and Shoot for Video" on the Digital Camera Info list, with its superior manual controls and ergonomics. I would add its external microphone jack - unique in this class. Here is what the FZ200 can do: Flickr: The Panasonic FZ 200 - Successor to the FZ 150 Pool

I own the FZ200's predecessor, the FZ150 - and it is a great still and video camera. With its constant f2.8 lens, the FZ200 is even better. If I hadn't just bought myself another very expensive camera, I'd buy one myself

Here is a picture of my FZ150 with a microphone mounted on top (something you cannot do with any other superzoom camera):



Hope this is helpful,

Bill

 

[Kevinh219]

hey thanks for the info, thats a pretty cool feature ur FZ150 has, never seen it before, im pretty new to photography.
took a look at the Canon SX50, considering that one, i got another 2-3 weeks before i buy a camera though so i still got some time to look around.
and see what everyone else has to say

 

[Kevinh219]

Snapsort.com says the P510 is the best super zoom, and the sx50 is the 2nd best super zoom
The best recent super zooms this has the "top 35"

im sure that its more opinion based as to which is the best for which person, as everyone has different needs out of cameras.
but was just curious if this was correct in any way

 

[brunerww]

Hi Kevin - the P510 is a great camera - if you don't need ISO above 3200 or much of a zoom

My challenge with snapsort is that it is essentially a web app comparing camera specs as if they were all equal - not a human reviewer with the ability to make value judgments about which specs are important and which are not.

And, beyond pixels, snapsort tells you very little about image quality - still or video.

That said, the Nikon is less expensive than the SX50 or the FZ200. If budget is a real issue - the P510 is indeed the best choice.

Cheers and good luck with your decision,

Bill