Full-size megazoom cameras compared

Want a long lens, lots of features, and a dSLR-like design? You've come to the right roundup.

CNET - Call them bridge cameras, longzooms, superzooms, or megazooms (as we do), they're all pretty much the same thing: a large lens slapped on the front of a point-and-shoot camera.

While that's a bit of an oversimplification, the fact remains that though these are full-featured models with digital SLR-style bodies, they still have the shooting performance and photo quality of a compact camera. That said, if you're after a long lens, point-and-shoot simplicity, and an affordable price (at least compared with a dSLR that has comparable lenses), you've come to right roundup.

Editors' note: This post was originally published October 26, 2011, but is updated frequently. It was updated February 4, 2013, to include the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS.

 

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) 

 

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

If you're looking for a fast camera with a ton of features including raw capture and a hot shoe, and the best -- if not the longest -- zoom lens in this category, you'll want the Panasonic FZ200. Read the full review.

 
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS

The SX500 IS provides a lot of zoom for its small size and price. As long as you don't need great low-light photos or fast shooting performance, it's worth checking out. Read the full review.

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