Best Super Zoom Camera

Sony is advancing the Superzoom camera with its NEX system, which greatly simplifies operation. The SLR with mode wheel, which is supported by a clearly arranged number of classic control elements, is the orientation of the super zoomers’ competitors. Sony, on the other hand, equips the Superzoom camera with modern buttons just like the latest compact cameras, and navigation through the menu is via a wheel-tilt construction. An experienced SLR photographer might find this a bit confusing, but after a period of getting used to the Sony system, it seems very logical – even if the exposure correction and the choice of the sensor sensitivity are arranged under the menu item colour and brightness.

A superzoom camera needs an appropriate lens system. There are various solutions available from individual manufacturers for its installation. On Panasonic, Olympus and Sony, a metal bayonet is used to flange the lens to the camera. The focal length and manual focus are then mechanically adjusted on the lens tube. The Micro 4.3 models are considered relatively well balanced, while the NEX system can lead to an imbalance between the camera and its lens system. In principle, the left hand supports and operates the overall construct in all systems. The index finger and thumb of the right hand only adjust individual exposure parameters when necessary and press the shutter release button. There are also exceptions to this arrangement, such as Ricoh’s GXR, which can sink its superzoom module into the guide and then function like a compact camera – so it can be operated with one hand. Other compact superzoom cameras such as the Panasonic TZ10 have a similar design. The focal length of these models can be changed by a small rocker attached at the back, it is possible to make more than 30 adjustments through all focal lengths. The balance is right in every lens position.

The sensor size clearly influences the image quality of superzoom cameras. The Sony sensor, for example, shows no annoying noise artifacts up to an ISO sensitivity of 3,200, even up to ISO 12,800 the noise is barely noticeable. Image details are retained over the entire image. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Olympus E-PL1 perform similarly well. However, they are equipped with smaller sensors whose extension factor to the full-frame sensor is larger, which slightly reduces the light sensitivity. Photographers can still rely on the sharpness of detail up to ISO 3,200. Even a possible image noise is hardly an issue. The sharpness performance of Olympus superzoom cameras is impressively high, followed by Panasonic, Sony and Ricoh. In the latter case, the comparatively tiny sensor of the modular system used leads to slight limitations starting at about ISO 1,600, which become visible even to lay photographers at ISO 3,200. Ricoh is also beaten by its competitors Panasonic, Olympus and Sony when it comes to automatic white balance.