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The best superzoom camera
By Amadou Diallo This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article here. After more than 40 hours of researching and spending several days shooting with a handful of contenders side by side, we found the Nikon COOLPIX P610 is the best superzoom camera for most people. The Nikon P610 has a 60x zoom range, built-in Wi-Fi, and GPS support. You can shoot sharp photos with lifelike colors using the electronic viewfinder or the articulated rear screen, aided by an eye sensor that automatically switches between the two, and then quickly send them wirelessly to your phone. Plus, the P60 is simple enough to use without cracking open the manual and light enough to bring on long walks without straining your neck or shoulders.
Sony's RX10 II is a powerful superzoom camera with some quirks
Remarkable superzoom cameras are hard to come by. But every now and then, there's a standout. Take Sony's RX10 II. Introduced in June, this new shooter features a 20.2-megapixel Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor (1-inch) and a Bionz X image processor, two of the latest high-end components from Sony. Naturally, the RX10 II's main attraction is that massive 24-200mm (35mm-equivalent) Zeiss zoom lens, which lives inside a DSLR-like body (looks-wise, it hasn't changed much compared to its predecessor from 2013). As it happens, though, Sony isn't just positioning this as a superzoom; it's also going after people who want a powerful video camera. Indeed, that's one of the things the RX10 II does best: It can shoot 4K (3,840 X 2,160) at up to 30 fps and 1080p at 24, 30 and 60 fps. Pair that with a low-light sensitivity ISO of up to 25,600 and slow-motion modes that range from 240 to 960 fps (NTSC), and you have a worthy option for video buffs.
Pair of unannounced Leica cameras get leaked ahead of next week's Photokina
As you may or may not know, Photokina's taking place in Cologne, Germany in a few days, which has caused a plethora of cameras to make an appearance before they're even made official. The latest round of unannounced, leaked shooters brings us a couple of Leicas, including the high-end, LX7-esque compact pictured above and a superzoom that takes a design cue from its smaller sibling. Unfortunately, details like pricing and availability are still at large, but with Photokina right around the corner, it won't be long before we know more about this sleek pair. For now, head past the break to check out an extra pic, where you'll find the larger member of the two posing for the camera -- ironic, huh?
Canon announces PowerShot SX500 IS, SX160 IS superzoom cameras ahead of Photokina
Digital imaging buffs are certain to experience a whirlwind autumn, but there's nothing on the books saying that manufacturers need wait for the biennial Photokina expo to roll out new models. Just in time for the back-to-school season, Canon is announcing two new superzoom cams -- the SX160 IS will serve as the successor to the SX150, while the SX500 IS is an entirely new camera, set to sit alongside the company's SX40 HS and SX260 HS point-and-shoots. Both new models include identical 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, intelligent image stabilization, a relatively modest ISO range of 100-800 and the ability to capture 720p video at 25 frames-per-second. As you may have guessed the SX500 IS is the higher-end flavor, offering a 30x, 24-720mm lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.4-5.8. That model boasts autofocus improvements of 32 percent and decreased shutter lag of 33 percent over the SX40 HS, Canon's former top model in this category. The SX160 IS, for its part, packs a 16x, 28-448mm f/3.5-5.9 lens and offers 22 percent faster autofocus and 46 percent less shutter lag than the SX150 it replaces. It's also powered by AA batteries, which some users may find to be an advantage, considering wide availability during trips abroad. Both cameras include 3-inch LCDs -- 461k-dot for the SX500 and 230k-dot with the SX160 -- and are set to ship in September, with the black SX500 IS priced at $330 and the SX160 IS available for $230, in both red and black.%Gallery-162904%
Panasonic Lumix FZ150 builds on FZ47 superzoom, adds CMOS sensor, 1080p video
Last month, Panasonic's Lumix FZ47 made some (rather subtle) waves with its full manual video mode, lettering you control aperture and shutter speed while capturing in 1080i. Now, the company just announced its higher-end FZ150, which replaces last year's FZ100, adding 1080p AVCHD capture, a stereo mic with noise cancellation, and a 12 fps burst mode. Image-related improvements include a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 25-600mm (24x) f/2.8-5.2 Leica lens with nano surface coating, faster autofocus, a new Venus Engine FHD Pro processor, and sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The FZ150 retains its predecessor's 3-inch LCD and 0.2-inch EVF -- both also present on the FZ47. There's also a new side-lever control, letting you adjust zoom and focus with secondary levers positioned just to the left of the lens. Panasonic's latest superzoom cam will ship in late September with a $500 sticker price. PR after the break.%Gallery-131061%
Panasonic reveals Lumix FZ47 superzoom, lets you shoot 1080i video with full manual control
Sure, these days nearly all digital cameras can shoot video, but only a small handful give you the power to manually select aperture and shutter speed while doing so. The Lumix FZ47 is Panasonic's latest high-end point-and-shoot to sport this functionality, providing full control over both video and still photo capture with its Creative Control mode. The 12.1-megapixel superzoom can shoot 1080i HD at 30 fps, though it's notably lacking in the 1080p department. There's also a 3-inch LCD, 24x Leica zoom lens with a 25mm wide-angle focal length, and an option to shoot 3.5-megapixel stills while recording video. For photographers wiling to settle for a good deal less power, Panasonic also just announced its entry-level Lumix LS5, which includes a 14.1-megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization, and 720p video, all powered by a pair of AA batteries. The $400 FZ47 will ship next month, while the LS5 hits stores in November, with pricing yet to be announced. Jump past the break for the complete rundown from Panasonic.%Gallery-128677%
