Superzoom product comparison Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm cameras

Superzoom cameras are increasingly popular with consumers. I enjoy my Fujifilm 18x superzoom. It gets the shots and want and delivers almost every time. Recently, I've been hearing about cameras the 24x, 30x and even 35x telephoto capabilities. These really sound intriguing enough to make me consider upgrading.


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After taking a careful look at the superzoom cameras below I've decided to keep my Fujifilm – for now. I will be waiting until after my daughter's wedding expenses are covered. After that, who knows? Here are the three of the superzoom cameras that kept my attention and some of the features involved.

There are a couple of things that buyers should understand about a superzoom camera before purchasing.

The ones in this comparison offer an optical zoom lens of 24x and higher. A superzoom camera is considered by some to be a good bridge camera. They offer some of the similar features as a more expensive DSLR but have the ease of a point-and-shoot.

The price point makes the superzoom attractive to buyers. These are well below the cost of a DSLR. They eliminate the need for large bulky camera bags or extra lenses. The relatively compact superzooms make it possible to get that wide angle or distant shot without changing the lens.

\Owners give up surprisingly little to get this kind of portable power. A tripod is necessary for shooting clear shots almost anytime the superzoom is extended. The pros that shoot with high-end DSLR cameras use tripods for the same reason. While on board image stabilization goes a long way toward delivering a crisp clear image it generally won't replace the use of a tripod.

A common complaint against most superzooms is the inability to function consistently in low light conditions.
On the automatic setting, the superzooms can be sluggish or slow to operate in low light. When compared to the crispness of a DSLR, the low light comparison shots on a superzoom can show an increased amount of noise.

The graininess or noise becomes more pronounced when superzoom  photos are printed at an 8x10 or larger. However, these same superzoom photos often look fine when viewed on a computer or digital frame. The features, combined with the comparatively low cost, help make the following cameras attractive to buyers.

Fujifilm FinePix S4000 14 MP Digital Camera

Fujinon 30x Super Wide Angle Optical Zoom Lens with 3-Inch LCD Don't let the cost of this superzoom camera fool you. It holds its own among the three listed here. The camera is both durable and stable.

• Easy-to-use Motion Panorama creates streamlined panoramic shots no matter what the skill level is of the photographer.
• 4 AA batteries (included)
• HD Movies
• Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• Auto focus or manual settings
• Priced at less than $300 USD

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera

• 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD screen
• Packed with a ton of features to deliver quality superzoom shots
• 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens
• POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent resolution technology
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• DMW-BMB9 Lithium-Ion Battery
• Expect to pay $400

Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera
35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7 Inch Wide LCD

• Canon is quickly gaining in popularity. Here's why:
• Superzoom is now available while shooting video
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• Shoots 720p HD video with stereo sound
• New Zoom Framing Assist button
• Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card, HC MMC Plus Card (not included)
• Lithium ion batteries required
• Just under $500 USD

All prices are based on internet pricing and are accurate as of the date of this writing. The actual price may vary between competing markets or because of other factors.
Articles that you may enjoy include:Photos taken with Fujufilm18x
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