Compact megazooms, also known as travel zooms, are some of the most popular cameras on CNET. That's likely because they offer wide-angle lenses with long zooms, giving you a lot of shooting flexibility, but without the bulk of larger dSLR-style megazooms.
This roundup only features the flagship compact megazooms from each
of the manufacturers. Most of the category is filled with models that are at or around the 20x-zoom mark. Sony is the biggest exception, out in front this year with its HX50V, which packs a 30x, f3.5-6.3, 24-720mm lens. It's also the priciest in the category thanks in part to a deep feature set.
We're still working our way through the 2013 models, though, with reviews of the Panasonic DMC-ZS30, Nikon Coolpix S9500, Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR, and Olympus Stylus SH-50 iHS in the works.
Editors' note: This post was originally published April 10, 2012, and was updated on July 1, 2013, with the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V, and Samsung WB800F Smart Camera.
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS
The SX280 HS picks up where the excellent SX260 HS left off. It has the same 20x, f3.5-6.8, 25-500mm lens and 12-megapixel sensor, but its new processor improves the shooting options and image quality. The battery life isn't great, though. Read the full review.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V
Sony's top-of-line 2013 compact megazoom is just all-around good and loaded with shooting options. The 30x zoom is the longest you'll find in this class, and the camera also has an accessory shoe for attaching an external mic or flash or even an electronic viewfinder. Read the full review.
Samsung WB800F Smart Camera
The WB800F might not have the best photos and video here, but its wireless features make it worth considering for those addicted to sharing their shots online. It's also loaded with some fun and unique shooting modes, making the whole package a nice complement to a smartphone camera. Read the full review.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
The DMC-ZS20 was one of the best compacts from 2012, with excellent shooting performance and photo and video quality. It's still around, and if you can find it at a good price (it originally sold for around $350) it's worth considering. However, its successor, the DMC-ZS30, packs in a lot more features, including Wi-Fi with NFC for quickly pairing with an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet. Read the full review.
Nikon Coolpix S9300
The S9300 has been replaced by the Coolpix S9500, which features more megapixels, more zoom, and built-in Wi-Fi. Still, the 18x zoom S9300 is a solid choice if you're just looking to point and shoot, and can be found for $100 less than the S9500. Read the full review.
Samsung Galaxy Camera
The Galaxy Camera is basically an Android-powered version of the WB800F (so, technically, this is the flagship compact megazoom from Samsung). Backed by AT&T's or Verizon Wireless' 4G data network (for a monthly fee, of course) the Galaxy Camera is the ultimate gadget for those who love to shoot and share. A Wi-Fi-only version is also available. Read the full review.
