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The 12 Best Compact Cameras of 2024

Our favorite small cameras come from brands like Sony, Canon, and Panasonic.

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

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Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

If you’re hoping to capture memories with a higher quality than what your smartphone camera allows but you aren’t looking for a bulky camera setup, a compact camera may be what you need. Compact cameras, which are also commonly referred to as point-and-shoot cameras, are small and portable, making them perfect for travel and everyday use. Their sleek, lightweight design makes them pocket-friendly, ensuring travelers are not weighed down while exploring. There’s a compact camera fit for every interest, whether it be a beach or ski trip, or simply capturing portraits of your adorable pup.

Compact cameras generally don’t have interchangeable lenses like larger cameras, though there are now some more expensive models emerging with this capability. Many do have zoom lenses and large sensors for producing high-quality images, though — and these cameras typically won’t break the bank.

With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right camera for your needs. That’s why we’ve researched dozens of options and spoke to renowned photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery Ira Block for recommendations and tips for capturing photos.

Best Overall

Sony rx100 iii 20.1 mp premium compact digital camera.

It’s a versatile, compact camera that produces high-quality imagery for almost any situation.

Image quality diminishes with the use of the optical zoom feature.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100M3 snagged the top spot on our list for many reasons, but the low light capabilities and fast processing are a solid start. The F1.8-2.8 24-70 millimeter Zeiss lens not only performs well in lower light situations but also provides a versatile focal length appropriate for all types of photography. Whether you want portraits with beautiful bokeh blurring, macro of flora and fauna, or wider landscape photos, this camera can seemingly do it all — and fast, with the Bionz X processor.

Another exciting highlight of this Sony model is the revolutionary pop-up electronic viewfinder, something not found in compact cameras until now. Battery life is approximately 320 shots, which is sufficient for most shooting opportunities before a recharge is needed. Another major highlight is the built-in 3-stop neutral density filter, which helps in harsh light conditions to avoid overexposing and a shallow depth of field. The tilting LCD screen is great for selfies and video, and afterward, you can easily transfer the content to your phone via the built-in Wi-Fi with the use of an app. This travel-friendly compact camera packs a punch when it comes to features and quality, all while remaining small and lightweight. It’s ideal for beginner photographers looking to branch out into manual shooting.

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1.0 inch Exmor R® CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2 | Zeiss Vario-sonnar T* 2.9 x 24-70 millimeter F1.8-2.8 lens | 180-degree tiltable LCD | HD / 60p | 10.2 ounces with battery and memory card | 4 x 2.4 × 1.7 inches | Built-in OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder (EVF) and optical

Best Budget

Canon powershot elph 360.

It’s a classic, thin, compact camera that still offers versatile features at a reasonable price.

At 180 shots per charge, the battery life isn’t as long lasting as other models.

We like the focal range length of 25-300 millimeters on the Canon Powershot ELPH 360 for its versatility in a variety of shooting situations, from wider angle to telephoto. It offers fantastic value for the price point, and its small, compact body makes it incredibly easy to tote around on all your adventures. And according to experts, this camera style is ideal for beginners and traveling photographers.

“You don’t need to buy the newest and most expensive piece of equipment,” Block shared. “Buy what you will be comfortable with and really learn how to use it."

The optical image stabilizer is helpful in almost every situation — particularly low light since there’s also a specialized nighttime setting that produces photos with minimal noise. You can even capture 1080p HD video with this camera. Built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing easy, whether it’s to your own phone or with family and friends. This budget-friendly, compact camera is a great choice for novice photographers thanks to an easy-to-navigate operating system and fun modes like Hybrid Auto Mode, which captures a few seconds of video before taking a photo.

The Details: 20.2 megapixels | 2.3-inch CMOS sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ image processor | 12 x 25-300 millimeter (35 millimeter equivalent) optical zoom lens | 3-inch fixed LCD | 1080p HD | 5.18 ounces | 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.6 inches | No viewfinder

Best Splurge

Leica q3 digital camera.

It’s fast and performs well in most lighting conditions.

The front of the camera has a flat design, making it tricky to grip at times.

An upgrade to the Leica Q2 version of the company’s classic rangefinder camera, we love how easy to use and versatile the Leica Q3 is across a wide array of shooting conditions. This fresh model allows for in-camera charging, which is a worthy upgrade from the previous one. The same full-frame capabilities are now paired with a powerhouse 60MP high-resolution sensor, hybrid AF (autofocus) system, and 8K video recording ability. The processing is speedy for both shooting stills and video, and boasts continuous shooting up to 15fps (frames per second). The fixed 28mm f/1.7 prime lens is impressive even in low light conditions, and a full battery charge will score you approximately 350 shots. The Leica Q3 is a great choice for intermediate to advanced photographers seeking high-end equipment for everyday purposes and professional jobs.

The Details: 60.3 megapixels | 35.8 x 23.9 mm (full-frame) CMOS | 28 millimeter fixed lens | tiltable LCD | 8K,4K | 1.6 lb / 743 g (with battery) | 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches | Electronic and optical viewfinder

Best Retro Look

Fujifilm x100v.

It’s a throwback design with all the modern features you’d want in a compact camera.

It has a fixed lens of 23 millimeters.

There’s more to love about the Fujifilm X100V than its retro-inspired design, though that is one of its coolest features. It’s also a high-performing compact camera with pretty much all the bells and whistles you could want, right in your pocket. Get professional quality photos in JPEG or RAW and 4K video with fast processing, superior auto-focus, and top-notch low-light performance. The touch screen, electronic viewfinder, user-friendly controls and settings, and battery life of 350 images makes it a treat to shoot with. Play around with the 17 fun “film simulation” modes, like classic chrome, sepia, and classic negative, too.

The Details: 26.1 megapixels | 23.5 x 15.6 millimeter (APS-C) X-trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter | 23 millimeter F2 fixed lens | 3-inch 2-way tiltable LCD | 4K | 16.9 ounces including battery and SD memory card | 5.04 x 2.94 x 2.10 inches | Electronic and optical viewfinder

Best Full-frame Compact

Sony full-frame interchangeable lens camera.

It boasts a full-frame with incredible low-light performance.

There’s only one SD card slot.

The newest addition to the Sony Alpha 7 series, the 7C II is a full-frame camera that’s lightweight and compact — perfect for travel and everyday use. That’s not all though; awesome upgrades have been made from the first-generation model, with better resolution, autofocus, video capabilities, and in-body stabilization when shooting. A new front dial control makes it more user-friendly, now featuring easily adjustable exposure settings and a small hand-grip. Autofocus subject recognition, tracking, and auto framing mode saw upgrades as well, and AI algorithm assistance keeps subjects in focus. This is especially handy for content creators who are in front of the camera just as much as behind it. The Sony Alpha 7C II is an excellent everyday option for hobbyist and professional photographers looking for a full-frame camera. Wildlife photographers will find the 759-point phase-detection autofocus system especially helpful, as it has specification options for animals including birds and insects, as well as humans, cars, and airplanes.

The Details: 33 megapixels | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (full-frame) CMOS | Sony E mount interchangeable lenses (purchased separately) | 3-inch tiltable LCD | 4K | 1.1 pounds including battery | 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 inches | Electronic viewfinder

Panasonic 4K Digital Camera

It has a 30x zoom lens, giving photographers a wide range in a compact camera.

It has a small camera grip.

We love the travel- and user-friendly Panasonic Lumix ZS80D Digital Camera for its pocket-sized profile and zoom capabilities. With a built-in 30x zoom lens, it offers photographers a range stretching from 24-720mm, meaning it’s capable of shooting everything from portraits and landscape to cityscapes and wildlife. Camera shake is no problem with the built-in image stabilizer, and video shooters don’t need to sacrifice quality thanks to 4K photo mode. The handy flip-up screen is ideal for taking selfies, and resolution on the display screen is impressive. The maximum aperture is f/3.3 so it can handle semi-low light conditions well, but it’s not ideal for very low-light. This camera offers the ability to shoot in JPEG or RAW formats as well. This is a fantastic option for beginner to intermediate photographers in need of a travel-sized camera that shoots in everything from wide angle to telephoto lens.

The Details: 21.1 megapixels | 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch MOS Sensor | Leica DC Vario-elmar 30x zoom lens (24 to 720mm) | 180° tilting touchscreen OLED | 4K | 11.57 ounces including battery | 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches | Electronic viewfinder

Best Waterproof

Olympus tough tg-6.

It’s great for all outdoor activities.

With a 12-megapixel lens, the quality of photos won’t be as high as other models.

For a rugged, waterproof, and shockproof point-and-shoot camera, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is a fantastic choice. Its excellent versatility allows users to capture everything from underwater photos while snorkeling to videos while snowboarding. The hearty handgrip makes it easy to hold onto while enjoying your adventures, but it’s also durable enough to withstand drops. Rated as waterproof in depths up to 50 feet, it’s ideal for snorkeling, free diving, getting caught in the rain, and worry-free days spent at the beach. The internal zoom includes an F2 25-to-100-millimeter lens within the watertight body, while RAW shooting and 4K video are proof that you don't have to skimp on quality photos to get the protection this camera offers. This is a great option for amateurs and enthusiasts alike, though the manual shooting options are a bit limited. For those looking to shoot underwater without the fuss of adjusting too many settings, this fits the bill almost perfectly.

The Details: 12 megapixels | 2.3-inch CMOS | Macro 25-100 millimeter | 3-inch fixed LCD | 4K | 9 ounces | 2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches | No viewfinder

Best for Action/Sports

Panasonic lumix dmc-zs200k.

The 5-axis image stabilization makes sports photography and videography a breeze.

The LCD screen doesn’t tilt.

The second generation model of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS series, the 200K offers the same compact profile with internal stabilization for sharper image production that we loved from the 100K. For quick movement shooting situations, such as action sports and wildlife photography, it performs well despite fitting in your pocket. This version has an upgraded lens with 15x zoom (equivalent to 24-360mm) compared to the previous model’s 10x zoom. It also produces clearer images when zoomed in all the way. The camera’s 4K video at almost 20fps and still shooting burst captures at 9.4fps aid in quick action photography — and it works so well, you can even grab still shots from videos you take. Built-in Wi-Fi connection makes it easy to transfer images to your phone or computer, and you can charge via a USB cable. This is an excellent option for photography enthusiasts to capture action shots using a portable camera.

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch high-sensitivity MOS sensor | 24-260mm | 3-inch fixed touch screen OLED | 4K | 11.9 ounces (with battery) | 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches | Electronic viewfinder

Best With Film

Canon ae-1 35mm camera.

It’s a classic Canon that delivers quality photography nostalgia.

Since these are older models, it’s a good idea to make sure the camera has been tested and works.

Film photography is back in a big way, and the Canon AE-1 is one of the best for getting into the world of 35-millimeter film. A film camera is a fantastic way to slow down with photography and carefully choose shots, creating more meaningful art. Celebrated for being the first SLR to feature a CPU (central processing unit), it was also the first to offer shutter speed-priority mode, which is great for beginner photographers. This model is an excellent way to practice shooting in manual mode, too, since shutter, aperture, and ISO settings span from 12 to 3200. The focus is manual only; there is no autofocus available. Although this model is a compact camera, it is still a touch heavy and bulky, as many older cameras tend to be. Still, we love its unique, vintage look and revolutionary-for-its-time features.

The Details: 35 millimeter megapixels manual focus SLR | CPU | 50 millimeter/FD lens mount | 11.04 ounces | 6 x 4 x 5 inches | Optical viewfinder

Best for Videos and Vlogging

Sony zv-1 ii vlog camera.

It has superior real-time tracking autofocus and a new ‘cinematic vlog’ setting.

It has a fixed lens.

This camera is everything we loved about the Sony ZV-1F, but better. The fresh addition to Sony’s ZV collection, made specifically for content creators, captures high-quality photos and videos. It performs excellently in low-light situations thanks to the large sensor and wide aperture f/1.8 lens that expertly achieves an amazing bokeh effect. The included fixed lens still offers versatility, with a wide 18-50mm zoom, ideal for everything from landscapes to stunning portraits. This newer model’s lens even has a built-in ND filter (neutral density) to control light exposure. An included 3-capsule mic and wind-screen accessory assist in producing clear audio for professional-grade creator film clips. Active mode stabilization reduces shake even when walking, and superior auto-focus tracking keeps the subject in focus. Features like the “soft skin effect” and a separate background defocus (bokeh) button are fantastic for video filming, particularly vlogging.

“If you intend to only do simple vlogging, you can use a small, fixed lens camera like this one,” Block shared. “[It’s] very light and has a very wide fixed lens, so you can hand hold it when you film yourself.”

The Details: 20.1 | 1.0-type (13.2 mm x 8.8 mm) exmor RS CMOS sensor | Articulating touch screen LCD |18-50 millimeter lens | 10.3 ounces | 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.84 inches | No viewfinder

Best Instant

Polaroid instant mini camera.

It prints photos immediately and comes with a wrist strap.

It’s compatible with only Polaroid instant film.

Cue the nostalgia when shooting with the Polaroid Go Generation 2 Instant Mini Camera. We love how portable this model is; in fact, it’s the smallest instant camera in the world. Crafted from 30 percent recycled materials, this tiny camera offers an upgraded aperture range (f/9-f/42) and light sensor for better exposure settings. Fun features such as a self-timer, double exposure, and color filters make this a dream for creative shooters looking to capture real-time memories that can be shared the traditional way vs. digitally, but still instantly. Choose from classic white or matte black-framed film to match the mood of your photos, and charge the camera up using the internal USB charging system with a lithium-ion battery. This instant camera is a delight for photographers of all levels to use at parties, while traveling, or during a weekend at home.

The Details: Polycarbonate resin fixed focus lens, 51.1-millimeter focal length | 11.3 ounces | 4.13 x 3.3 x 2.42 inches | Optical viewfinder

Best Disposable

Kodak funsaver disposable camera iso-800.

It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and it’s easy to use, too.

The flash is manually operated.

We love the compact size of the Kodak FunSaver disposable camera as well as the sharp photos and bright colors it produces. Perfect for capturing candid moments and extra special events, the pocket-sized, single-use camera is ideal for nearly any occasion, from birthdays to vacations to weddings.

The ISO 800 Kodak Max film’s high exposure range means this preloaded camera is a great option for a wide array of lighting settings. Images come out clear with excellent contrast, but you’ll need to remember to click to turn on the flash as needed. Simply advance the wheel to continue taking pictures. The FunSaver is easy for photographers of all skill levels and quite fun, indeed.

The Details: 35 millimeters | Color | ISO 800 | 27 Exposures | Flash | Optical viewfinder

Tips for Buying a Compact Camera

Prioritize quality.

The lens and sensor are the most important things to consider when shopping for a compact camera. If you’re dreaming of high-quality images and videos that you'd be proud to share and display on digital picture frames , it’s worth spending more on a camera that you’ll have for years to come.

“Typically, the more megapixels a sensor has, the better the quality,” Block said. “Full-size sensors are typically better than aps-c sensors, and those are better than a 1-inch sensor. Keep in mind the quality goes up with more megapixels, but so does the price and the amount of storage you need. So, the best camera will depend on how you plan on using it and what your budget is.”

Pick a camera based on your skill level and goals 

Are you a novice shooter, an expert, or somewhere in between? Choose a camera based on your experience as well as how, when, and where you plan to use it. Consider if you’ll be taking it on outdoor adventures, using it underwater, or shooting portraits.

Understand the specs

It’s wise to be familiar with megapixels, sensor size, lenses, LCD screens, video resolution, and camera weight and size before making a purchase. This will help you make the most informed decision based on your skills and needs. Block explains that megapixels refer to the number of light-gathering sites, while a sensor is where the photo sites reside. The lenses gather and focus the light and image onto the sensor, and the LCD is the liquid crystal display, which is the screen on the back of the camera where you see what you’re shooting. Video resolution is the quality of videos (and 4K is superior to HD).

“A point-and-shoot has a small sensor, usually about 0.35 by 0.47 inches, while a full-frame camera’s sensor is 1 by 1.5 inches,” Block said. “It makes sense that the larger sensor will be clearer and sharper under more difficult photographic situations. But you pay for this larger sensor in both the size and weight of the camera and in cost. The point-and-shoot cameras also have fewer controls, or controls that are more difficult to get to.”

“First, hold it in your hand and see how it feels,” Block advised. “Then think about what you will be using the camera for: still photos, videos, vlogging, family vacations, or pictures of your children. Will you be shooting a lot under low light-level situations? Pick a camera that works for you.”

“Absolutely!” Block said. “As you become more skilled as a photographer and understand how your camera works, you can get better-quality photos. I have done prints that are 10 feet across, taken with a 24-megapixel camera. I use the Sony Alpha 7C a lot and have no issues making large prints from its files. I don’t hesitate to take a compact camera with me wherever I go — the best camera is the one you have with you.”

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

A travel photographer herself, T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove used her personal experience, internet research, and advice from photographer Ira Block to gather expert insights. She then curated this list of the best compact cameras based on her findings.

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Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 review

The most advanced travel zoom camera you can buy right now.

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

TechRadar Verdict

If you're looking for a brilliant all-in-one travel compact camera that offers a excellent zoom range and great image quality, this is it.

15x optical zoom range

Large 1.0-inch sensor

Touchscreen control

4K video and photo modes

Built-in EVF

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Manual control

EVF still feels pretty cramped

Image smoothing at high ISOs

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Essential Review

This is TechRadar’s review summary that gives you all the key information you need if you’re looking for quick buying advice in 30 seconds – our usual full, in-depth review follows.

What separates the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (known as the Lumix TZ200 outside of the US, except in Australia where it's called the Lumix TZ220) from other travel zoom compacts that cost half the price is the sensor at the heart of the camera.

One of the best cameras for beginners , this is a 1.0-inch sensor with a resolution of 20.1MP, and that surface area is about four times the size of the sensors in most other travel zoom compacts. This means image quality is much better, with much greater detail.  

It's not the first time we've seen a 1.0-inch sensor in a travel zoom compact – that accolade goes to the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, but whereas that camera sported a pretty modest (for a travel zoom camera) 10x zoom range, the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 sees Panasonic squeeze a 15x zoom into a similar sized body. The 24-360mm range makes the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 incredibly versatile, suited to capturing everything from sweeping vistas to tightly cropped details. 

There's a large 3.0-inch touchscreen on the rear of the camera (although it sits flush with the body and can't be angled outwards), while the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 follows on from the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100 and sports a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF); this gets a small bump up in resolution over its predecessor, but it still feels pretty small and claustrophobic to look through, so while it's handy for composing shots in bright sunlight, the rest of the time you'll find yourself using the excellent rear display.

For hassle-free photography there's a range of auto modes and features, but the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 also features more advanced controls too, including aperture priority and shutter priority modes, as well as full manual control. There's also raw capture to help achieve the best quality results from your images, while the handy control wheel round the lens offers quick adjustment for a range of settings.

If you want to capture videos on your travels the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 features 4K capture up to 30p, while Panasonic's 4K PHOTO mode lets users extract single still frames from 4K burst files shot at 30fps before saving them as 8MP-equivalent images.

It's the most expensive compact camera out there right now, but there's no other camera out there that offers a 15x optical zoom and 1.0-inch sensor in a compact body, making it one of the best travel cameras you can buy right now.

Who’s it for and should I buy it?

The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 is a great option if you're looking for a compact all-in-one camera that you can take on your travels. The large 1.0-inch sensor delivers great results, while the 15x zoom range means you should be able to shoot anything from landscapes and architecture to tight portraits and details.

It's easy to use, but there are also plenty of manual controls should you want to get a bit more creative, while the compact metal body shouldn't weigh you down. 

If the 15x zoom isn't quite the deal-breaker, then take a look at the older Lumix ZS100 / TZ100. It delivers similar image quality, the 10x zoom still offers plenty of versatility and it's that bit more affordable. But if you want the ultimate travel compact camera, the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 ticks pretty much every box.  

Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 price

  • Current price: £729 / $799.99 / AU$1,199

The Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 is unique among travel compacts

  • Light Speed AF delivers snappy focusing
  • 15x optical zoom is incredibly versatile
  • Electronic viewfinder is a nice addition

Sensor: 1.0-inch, 20.1MP

Lens: 24-360mm, f/3.3-6.4 

Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,240K dots 

Viewfinder: EVF 

Continuous shooting: 10fps

Battery life: 350 shots

User level: Beginner/intermediate

While Panasonic managed to squeeze a 10x optical zoom into the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, with a range of 25-250mm and a maximum available aperture of f/2.8-5.9, the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 incorporates a 15x optical zoom with a coverage of 24-360mm and a maximum aperture of f/3.3-6.4; a touch wider at the start of the zoom range then (although with a slightly narrower/slower maximum aperture), but noticeably more reach at the long end. The new lens design also enables the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 to focus down to 3cm to enable the capture of close-up macro shots.

 With such a large 15x zoom comes the risk of camera shake ruining shots, so Panasonic's Power OIS stabilization system is on hand to counteract unwanted movement for stills photography, and there's five-axis hybrid OIS stabilization for video.

Click here to see the full-size image

What made the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100 unique among travel zoom compacts was its relatively large 1.0-inch sensor , and the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 features a similar 20.1MP 1-inch sensor offering an ISO range from 125-12,800 (expandable to 80-25,600). 

The Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 boasts Panasonic's Light Speed AF technology, and we found focus speeds to be pretty snappy throughout the zoom range in good light; the AF system will struggle when light levels are really poor, but this isn't unique to the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200. The camera isn't really suited to fast-paced action, but the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200's focus tracking will do a solid job for general subjects.

These improvements to the EVF make framing shots in bright light that much easier, but it's still pretty cramped, and you'll be better served using the rear display in most situations

As well as a rear 3.0-inch touchscreen display, which has a decent resolution of 1,240,000 dots, there's also a small built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200.

Compared to the EVF found on the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, the newer model gets a decent boost in resolution, from 1.17m dots to an impressive 2.3m. It's also a little larger at 0.21 inches (compared to 0.2 inches on the older model), and offers slightly better magnification, at 0.53x compared to 0.45x.

These improvements make framing shots in bright ambient light that much easier, but it's still pretty cramped, and you'll be better served using the rear display in most shooting situations.

The battery in the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 / TZ220 is rated for 350 shots, or 300 if you use the EVF. The camera also features a new eco30fps mode, which reduces the Live View refresh rate and which should see the camera good for around 370 shots (if you're using the rear LCD) per charge. The battery can be charged via AC or USB, although if you're not going to be near a power supply for a while, you might want to invest in a second battery. 

Finally, there's a Bluetooth Low Energy connection to enable a consistent connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption, alongside the usual Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for quick transfer of images.  

Sleek design is a subtle improvement on predecessor

  • Both auto and manual controls
  • Solid metal construction
  • Weighs 340g

Despite the extra reach of its lens over the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 is hardly any bigger. In fact, it's only 1mm wider at 112mm, 1mm thicker at 45mm and 2mm taller at 66mm; that's pretty impressive considering the 15x zoom and 1-inch sensor it packs into its body. 

While it's probably a bit too big to slip into a jeans pocket comfortably (although you could probably cram it in at a push), it'll hardly take up any space in a day bag, while the smooth metal exterior finish gives it a premium and durable feel.

A welcome addition over its predecessor is the addition of a modest textured grip on the front of the camera

The sleek design follows on from the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, but a welcome addition over that camera is a slightly textured grip on the front of the camera to give you a bit more of a reassuring hold – we still reckon the supplied wrist strap is worth using for the extra security though. 

The controls on the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 are pretty straightforward, and are grouped in such a way that you can use the camera one-handed if you wish. There's a dedicated mode dial on the top (there are a selection of automated modes, along with more advanced program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual options), and there's an additional dial that offers control over different functions depending on the shooting mode you're in; if you're working in aperture priority mode, for example, you can use it to alter the aperture, while it can also be used for toggling exposure compensation .

The controls on the rear of the camera are clearly marked, while the Fn3 button provides access the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200's quick menu, enabling you to adjust common settings such as ISO, metering and white balance without the need to dive into the main menu. The speed of adjustment is helped by the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200's touchscreen interface, as you can tap your desired setting on-screen rather than having to physically select it.

The control ring around the lens facilitates quick adjustments to a variety of settings, depending on the mode you're in. For instance, if you're in aperture priority mode its default setting is to control the lens aperture. If you prefer, though, you can set it to control other settings, including zoom, exposure compensation and white balance.

Image quality

  • Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 delivers nicely detailed images
  • Good dynamic range
  • ISO125-12,800 (expandable to 80-25,600)

As we've seen with other cameras that feature a 20.1MP 1.0-inch sensor, the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 is capable of delivering nicely detailed shots which have a natural, yet bright and vibrant look; if you're going to be printing images at A4 or below these certainly stand up very well compared to cameras that enjoy larger sensors.

When it comes to image noise (the grain-like effect that encroaches on images as you increase the ISO ), the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 performs very well for a travel zoom compact. At lower sensitivities images (both JPEG and raw) handle noise well, but inevitably the quality of JPEGs in particular suffers as you boost the ISO.

If you're shooting JPEGs, be prepared for images to display signs of detail smoothing as the camera tries to reduce the effects of noise. Raw files are a lot more pleasing at higher sensitivities – while image noise is present, more detail is retained, and you'll ultimately get a better result if you're prepared to process your images once you're back home.

If you're traveling, chances are you're going to be shooting in some pretty high-contrast conditions (bright sunlight and shade for example). This can cause cameras to struggle, either producing images that are too dark or too light, as the sensor doesn't have the dynamic range to cope with the wide tonal range. 

While it's possible to recover some lost detail with JPEG files, the ability to capture raw files with the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 means that at lower ISOs you can claw back a good deal of detail in the shadows for a much more pleasing final image; try and avoid shooting at higher ISOs if you intend to do this, though, as you don't get quite the same flexibility.

Lens performance is good considering that Panasonic has managed to squeeze a 15x optic into such a compact body. Sharpness does suffer a little at the long end of the range, but vignetting and distortions are well controlled at the wider end. 

Not convinced? Try these...

If the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 isn’t for you, we’ve picked three excellent alternatives for you to consider.  

Panasonic Lumix ZS100 / TZ100

Like the idea of a 1-inch-sensor travel zoom compact but can't stretch to the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200? The Lumix ZS100 (known as the TZ100 outside the US) is a great option despite being superseded by the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200. The 10x optical zoom isn't quite as broad but it still offers a decent reach, while image quality is very good.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix ZS100 / TZ100 review

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V

While not offering anywhere near the zoom range of the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200, the RX100 V is still one of our favorite compact cameras. The zoom range is modest, but it has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.8, while the performance and AF are excellent. There's also a brilliant pop-up EVF. Pricey but brilliant.

Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V review

Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500

Like the idea of an all-in-one camera, but want a bigger zoom? While there are plenty of other compacts out there that offer this, they have smaller sensors. The Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 (known as the FZ2500 in the US) is a bridge compact, so it's slightly chunkier proposition, but it uses a similar 1-inch sensor to the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200, and offers a bigger and faster zoom that tops out at 480mm.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 review

  • Best travel camera 2020: 10 vacation-friendly models for your next holiday

Phil Hall

Phil Hall is an experienced writer and editor having worked on some of the largest photography magazines in the UK, and now edit the photography channel of TechRadar, the UK's biggest tech website and one of the largest in the world. He has also worked on numerous commercial projects, including working with manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm on bespoke printed and online camera guides, as well as writing technique blogs and copy for the John Lewis Technology guide.

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The 12 Best Cameras for Travel Photography in 2024

A Post By: Matt Murray

The best cameras for travel photography

This article was updated in February 2024 with contributions from Matt Murray and Jaymes Dempsey.

Need a top-notch travel camera so you can capture gorgeous photos of your next adventure? You’ve come to the right place.

Picking the best camera for travel photography can be hard work, considering the array of options on the market. Fortunately, I’ve spent decades traveling with dozens of cameras (film, instant, and digital), and below, I share my top 12 favorite models.

Note that I’ve offered a variety of choices, including models for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between – as well as cameras at every price point, from affordable point-and-shoot models all the way up to pro-level full-frame cameras. (In other words: No matter your requirements, we’ve got you covered!)

So if you’re ready to find the perfect camera, then let’s dive right in, starting with our top choice:

1. Sony a7C II

Sony a7C II camera

The original a7C was an excellent travel photography camera in its own right, thanks to the full-frame sensor and compact body – but the Sony a7C II , which debuted in the fall of 2023, is even better than its predecessor.

Sony’s latest full-frame offering is an all-around great camera, but travel photographers in particular will appreciate the extremely compact body combined with the impressive 33 MP full-frame sensor. Expect outstanding low-light capabilities for interior architecture and nighttime street shots as well as amazing autofocus performance when capturing travel portraits and action scenes. Plus, if you like to do a mix of photo and video shooting while exploring distant countries, you’ll love the beautiful 4K/60p video.

The in-body image stabilization ensures sharper handheld shots when working at slower shutter speeds, such as when shooting at restaurants and in churches (where tripod use is often restricted), and the camera also includes access to a tremendous line of travel photography lenses. My biggest gripe is the lower-resolution electronic viewfinder, which is on par with the old a7C as well as the Sony a7 III. But it’s still highly usable, and for serious travel shooters looking for top-notch image quality in a compact body, the a7C II is a stellar pick.

  • Ultra-compact body
  • Excellent 33 MP full-frame sensor
  • Amazing low-light performance
  • In-body image stabilization
  • 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder
  • Somewhat pricey

2. Nikon Z fc

Best camera travel photography

Looking for solid image quality in a portable, easy-to-use camera? Then check out the Nikon Z fc , which offers plenty of handy features, not to mention a retro-style, streamlined camera body.

The Z fc boasts a high-quality APS-C sensor , so you’ll have no problem capturing beautiful images of landscapes, cities, and any other subject you might encounter on your travels – yet the camera is relatively small and inconspicuous, so you won’t need to worry when photographing in busy areas or carrying the camera for long hours on buses, planes, or trains.

The film-type dials on the top of the camera promise a tactile shooting experience, and the articulating screen makes it easy to capture photos and videos of all kinds. Speaking of video, the Z fc does offer 4K recording, so if you also like to vlog or shoot cinema-type footage while traveling, you’ll be thoroughly impressed by the results.

And did I mention that you can grab the Z fc for under $1000? In other words, it’s a great option for travel photographers on a budget!

  • Great image quality
  • Reasonable price
  • Beautiful design
  • Retro style doesn’t suit all photographers
  • Not as small as point-and-shoot options

3. Fujifilm X-T30 II

Best camera travel photography

The X-T30 II is the latest model in Fujifilm’s midrange APS-C lineup, which successfully packs high-level features into smaller, lighter bodies. The X-T30 II boasts a capable 26-megapixel APS-C sensor (so you won’t struggle to capture printable images even in low-light scenarios), and it can shoot up to a whopping 30 frames per second (so you don’t need to worry about capturing those split-second moments on your travels). Like other Fujifilm cameras, the X-T30 II has face- and eye-detection autofocus, which is a big help for travel portraits and street shots . It also includes Fujifilm’s renowned film simulations .

When you buy into the Fujifilm system, you’ll gain access to dozens of great travel photography lenses ; in fact, the hard part is actually deciding which is right for you! My personal go-to lens for travel photography is the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens . While the X-T30 II doesn’t include in-body image stabilization, the technology is included in several of Fujifilm’s best travel lenses, so as long as you choose your lenses carefully, you won’t have problems handholding indoors or at night.

The X-T30 II offers a uniquely tactile shooting experience thanks to a shutter speed and exposure compensation dial, so if you’re a fan of film-camera ergonomics, this camera will make you feel especially at home. It offers surprisingly great value, too; at the time of writing, you’ll pay just $900 for the camera body (though you will need to buy a lens separately).

  • Excellent lens lineup from the affordable XC lenses to enthusiast and professional XF lenses
  • Stunning image quality with a range of JPEG film simulations
  • Many amazing features
  • Not as robust as Fujifilm’s higher-end models

4. Sony RX100 VII

Best camera travel photography

Sony keeps improving the RX100 line, and the RX100 VII is its best model yet. It may have a smaller sensor than the Nikon Z fc featured above, but the RX100 VII is still a powerful performer. It boasts impressive autofocus, a flip-screen for vlogging and selfies, a mic socket, and a huge zoom range (equivalent to 24-200mm in full-frame terms).

The RX100 VII also borrows tech from Sony’s flagship models, which is why it can shoot up to 20 frames per second with no viewfinder blackout.

If you’re a watersports fan, there’s an added bonus: the RX100 has underwater housing available for surfing, diving, and snorkeling photos. At around $1300 USD, the RX100 VII is on the pricier side, but for serious travel photographers, it’s an excellent choice.

  • Impressive autofocus
  • Handy zoom range
  • Up to 20 frames-per-second shooting
  • Expensive for a compact camera
  • Smaller 1-inch sensor

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best camera travel photography

Olympus may not be the world’s most popular camera brand, but that’s okay – especially if the company continues to develop outstanding models like the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV .

In many ways, the E-M10 Mark IV is an ideal travel photography camera. It offers amazing image quality – thanks to a 20 MP Four-Thirds sensor – yet it’s remarkably compact, so you can literally slip it in your pocket or handbag while traveling and only pull it out as needed. And the lenses are designed with portability in mind, too; a perfect choice for a lightweight setup is the 14-42mm EZ lens , though if you want more range, take a look at the 14-150mm .

Other features include a tilting 3-inch screen (so you can capture low-angle shots as desired), a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder (for a DSLR-like shooting experience), and in-body image stabilization (so you can work handheld even in low-light travel scenarios). Plus, the price is incredible; you can grab the E-M10 Mark IV for just $700, and if you want to add a capable kit lens, you’ll pay just $799. How’s that for a bargain travel camera?

  • Compact and light
  • Excellent image quality
  • Good range of lenses
  • Smaller sensor
  • Lower-resolution EVF

6. Sony a7 IV

Best camera travel photography

If you’re an advanced travel photographer in need of a do-everything camera, consider the Sony a7 IV , a full-frame, pro-level model that combines incredible autofocusing, beautiful image quality, and capable video into one reasonably priced package. 

The a7 IV isn’t designed specifically for travel, so while it’s not big , it’s not especially compact, either. But you can comfortably travel with it in a backpack or even around your neck, and for serious shooters, the bevy of top-notch features will make up for the extra bulk.

The a7 IV’s incredible sensor and in-body image stabilization allow you to capture sharp handheld photos indoors (e.g., at museums and churches) and at night. And thanks to the 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder, you can expect a lifelike shooting experience (along with other cool perks like exposure simulation), while the fully articulating screen makes it easy to create unique low- and high-angle shots of popular landmarks. Finally, the 4K/60p recording capabilities make the camera a top option for hybrid shooters; you can vlog, shoot video, and capture beautiful images all on the same day.

  • Astonishingly good image quality
  • Great video features
  • Fully articulating screen
  • Beautiful EVF
  • Pricey compared to other models on this list
  • Larger than other options

7. Nikon D5600

Best camera travel photography

This next model needs no introduction; Nikon SLRs were favored by many famous travel photographers in the 1980s and beyond. The D5600 is the latest camera in Nikon’s midrange APS-C series, and it’s a perfect choice for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.

The D5600 boasts Nikon’s excellent ergonomics, and the camera feels reassuringly comfortable in your hand, although it’s not as compact as other models on this list. Image quality is superb and low-light shooting is very impressive. Plus, you get a fully articulating screen (for selfies, vlogging, and tough compositions) along with excellent battery life.

These days, you can purchase a new D5600 for a great price, and it’s even cheaper if you buy it used – so if you’re in need of a reasonably high-level camera with a bargain price tag, it’s definitely a model worth checking out.

  • Good ergonomics and handling
  • Good battery life
  • No 4K video
  • On the larger side

8. Ricoh GR III

Best camera travel photography

Ricoh has been producing super-compact GR cameras since the film heydays of the late 1990s. Those classic point-and-shoot GR models were known for their sharp wide-angle lenses and minimalist controls, and the digital line of GR cameras is no different.

The Ricoh GR III is a perfect mix of portability, optical quality, and impressive features. You get a fixed 28mm full-frame equivalent f/2.8 lens capable of producing great images, and four-stop shake reduction that ensures sharp files even in challenging light.

The GR III is often compared to another camera in this list, the Fujifilm X100V, but I’d encourage you to grab the Ricoh if you prefer a smaller camera with a wider angle of view.

  • Truly pocketable
  • Four-stop shake reduction
  • Fantastic wide-angle lens
  • The straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are not as good as Fujifilm’s
  • Battery life could be better

9. Sony a6700

Sony a6700 for travel photography

It’s easy to see why Sony has grabbed a big share of the mirrorless camera market in recent years: The company produces an impressive range of cameras that appeal to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Sony a6700 may not have a full-frame sensor like some of its stablemates, but its compact body and impressive specs make it a strong candidate for the best enthusiast travel photography camera on the market. The a6700 features a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, outstanding autofocusing for photography and video, and five-axis optical image stabilization. The 180-degree flip screen also makes the a6700 handy for vlogging and selfies.

And speaking of vlogging and video: While the a6700’s predecessor, the a6600, only offered 4K/30p, the a6700 now offers 4K/60p and can even capture 4K/120p video (albeit with a heavy crop) for those epic slow-motion travel clips!

I do think the layout and controls could be improved, but it’s one of the only drawbacks to an otherwise excellent product. Quick note: If you like the look of the a6700 but you’re on a tighter budget, also consider the a6400 . It may not be as impressive as the a6700, but it offers excellent value for money.

  • Small and light
  • Great lens lineup
  • Good image quality
  • Handling and ergonomics could be improved

10. Olympus Tough TG-6

Best camera travel photography

Going on an extreme adventure? The Olympus Tough TG-6 could be the best travel camera for you. This compact point-and-shoot model can withstand a lot of punishment, thanks to its shockproof, dustproof, and crushproof body.

The TG-6 can also work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), and it’s fogproof, even during sudden changes in temperature. As I found out on a recent trip to Indonesia – where I was frequently moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to the outside heat and humidity – a foggy camera can be a real inconvenience.

For snorkeling and diving fans, the Tough TG-6 will love being underwater almost as much as you. It’s waterproof up to 49 ft (15 m), and it boasts several nifty underwater modes, including a microscope mode that can focus on objects 0.39 in (1 cm) away.

  • Super tough
  • Only 12 megapixels
  • More suited to adventurers than enthusiast photographers

11. Fujifilm X100V

Best camera travel photography

I’m a huge fan of the Fujifilm X100 series cameras (I’ve owned three of the five models released over the last decade). In fact, many photographers loyal to other brands buy an X100-series camera as their “take-everywhere” body.

The X100V is small and light, yet it boasts an incredible 35mm f/2 fixed lens. Other useful features include its leaf shutter (good for photographing in quieter places like museums and churches ) as well as a built-in neutral density filter (perfect for beautiful long-exposure landscapes and wide-aperture shots in bright light). And of course, you get a range of stunning JPEG film simulations that are ready to go as soon as you turn on the camera.

While the entire X100 series is great, note that the latest model, the X100V, does have an important improvement over its predecessors: it’s weather-resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot in sand, rain, snow, and more.

  • Excellent lens
  • Built-in ND filter
  • Fujifilm JPEGs
  • Weather-resistant
  • No in-body image stabilization
  • More expensive than its predecessors

12. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III

Best camera travel photography

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is the third iteration of a popular point-and-shoot series from Canon. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it almost looks like a mini DSLR.

Many compact cameras have a tiny sensor – one inch or smaller – but the G1 X Mark III is an exception; it boasts an impressive APS-C sensor, which is one of the biggest sensors offered in such a portable camera. It also features a handy zoom range of 24-72mm and an optical stabilizer for shooting in low light, so you’ll be ready to handle any travel photo scenario you encounter.

The G1 X Mark III is easy to use and produces images with high clarity and outstanding colors. The only downside is the price tag: At around $1000 USD, it may be on the high end for some enthusiast photographers, but for intermediate shooters, it’s certainly worth the extra cash.

  • Large APS-C sensor
  • Compact size
  • Articulating screen
  • Premium price

What is the best camera for travel photography?

Choosing the perfect travel photography camera is a difficult task, one that depends on many factors. Before you hit that “Buy” button, try to determine what you value most, then evaluate the different cameras I’ve discussed based on those criteria.

So what is the best camera for travel photography? Only you can answer that question! Read my list carefully, think about what matters to you – and, if you’re still struggling, go to a camera shop, where you can talk to the staff and hold each camera in your hands.

Then, when you’re ready, grab a camera and hit the road!

Now over to you:

What travel photography camera do you plan to buy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The 12 Best Cameras for Travel Photography in 2024

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Matt Murray

Matt Murray is a travel, portrait and stock photographer from Brisbane, Australia. Matt publishes Fujifilm X-series body reviews, lens reviews and photo galleries on his website Matt Loves Fuji . Matt also hosts an analogue photography podcast Matt Loves Cameras featuring reviews of classic film and instant cameras.

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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 5 best bridge cameras - winter 2024 reviews.

Best Bridge Cameras

Generally speaking, the best camera with a zoom lens will be an interchangeable lens model paired with a compatible telephoto lens, but going that route can also be expensive. If you aren't a pro but still want a lot of zoom range in a convenient all-in-one package, a bridge camera (so-called because they're meant to "bridge" the gap between point-and-shoots and DSLRs ) can be a good solution. While their smaller sensors don't offer the same image quality as crop sensor and full-frame cameras, they combine the simple usability of point-and-shoot cameras with unparalleled zoom range, making them a good fit for casual wildlife and sports photography or family and travel photos.

Below, you'll find our recommendations for the best cameras with zoom lenses built-in, narrowed down from over 100 cameras we've bought and tested in our lab. If you're looking for more compact fixed-lens cameras, check out our recommendations for the best compact cameras . If you're a beginner looking for your first camera, try the  best cameras for beginners instead. Or, if you're interested in a camera specifically for birding or nature photography, you can check out our picks for the  best cameras for wildlife photography .

Best Bridge Camera

Sony RX10 IV Design Photo

The Sony RX10 IV is undoubtedly the Rolls-Royce of bridge cameras. While it isn't cheap, it's one of the most impressive bridge cameras on the market, thanks to a larger-than-average 1-inch type sensor. The sensor also has a stacked design that keeps rolling shutter effect to a minimum and makes it possible to shoot at a blistering 24 fps. On top of that, you get Sony's typically reliable real-time autofocus tracking, making this a great choice for birding and wildlife.

That aside, it's also a very well-built camera, with weather-sealing, a generous handgrip, and premium touches like a top display to check your settings and battery life at a glance. Image quality is great straight out of the camera, with RAW shooting and manual controls for more advanced users. The camera's built-in Zeiss zoom lens also covers a fairly wide-ranging full-frame equivalent focal length of 24–600mm, meaning you can shoot everything from landscapes to far-off wildlife. The dense feature set, build quality, and excellent sensor make this one of the most capable bridge cameras we've tested.

See our review

Best Mid-Range Bridge Camera

Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II Design Photo

If the Sony RX10 IV is out of your price range, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II is an excellent mid-range option. It's an especially good choice if you don't need some of the Sony's more premium features, like weather sealing or a 24 fps burst rate. It still has a relatively large 1-inch sensor, allowing for better image quality than most bridge cameras. That said, it isn't a stacked sensor, meaning the camera isn't as speedy as the RX10 IV, particularly when it comes to burst shooting. However, the camera's 11 fps shooting speed is still very quick and will suit most photographers just fine.

At 25-400mm (full-frame equivalent), the FZ1000 II's focal length range is quite versatile while keeping the camera relatively portable. It also comes with a ton of extra features, including a '4k PHOTO' mode that lets you pull stills out of 30 fps video clips, along with features like Focus Stacking and Post-Focus, which, respectively, allow you to expand an image's focal plane or adjust the focus point after the fact. That said, the camera uses slower contrast-detection technology for its autofocus system, so it isn't as quick or reliable for faster-moving subjects. Despite that, the FZ1000 II offers a lot of value for its price.

Best Budget Bridge Camera

Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 Design Photo

If you're on a tight budget, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is one of the best cheap bridge cameras you can get. Build quality isn't as good as the pricier models above, and the camera uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, meaning worse overall image quality. However, this camera still has plenty to offer for the casual photographer who wants a lot of zoom range. Its 20-1200mm full-frame equivalent field of view gives you lots of flexibility to zoom in on far-away subjects like birds or other wildlife.

Like the higher-end Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II , the FZ80 comes with a ton of extra features, including a '4k PHOTO' mode and creative shooting modes for nighttime and macro photography. While the electronic viewfinder doesn't have a very high resolution, it's something you don't always see on budget bridge cameras and is nice to have for framing and stability. On top of that, the camera shoots at a quick 10 fps burst rate and has a decent battery life, making it a well-rounded choice for birding or family photos on a budget.

Best Superzoom Bridge Camera

Nikon COOLPIX P1000 Design Photo

While every camera on this list has a zoom lens, the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is the bridge camera to buy if you're looking for the longest possible zoom range on the market. Its built-in lens has a remarkable 125x zoom, allowing you to zoom in to a max equivalent focal length of 3,000mm, blowing all other bridge cams out of the water. It's so long that it can capture details on the moon's surface, though it's also suitable for landscapes or everyday photos at shorter focal lengths.

The trade-off of having such a long zoom lens is that the camera is very heavy and bulky, so it isn't very portable or well-suited to travel. While it has an electronic stabilization feature, you'll still need to use a tripod when shooting at the tail end of its zoom range to avoid camera shake. Its small sensor also means that image quality won't be as out-of-this-world as the potential subjects you can capture with the camera, though images taken in broad daylight can still look good, and you won't find this kind of zoom capability on any other bridge camera.

Best Portable Bridge Camera

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Design Photo

Though bridge cameras aren't known for their portability, you might still want an all-in-one camera with a long zoom lens and comfortable ergonomics without necessarily giving yourself neck strain. The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a good option if that's the case. Though it isn't the most compact bridge camera on the market, it's relatively small, lightweight, and comfortable to shoot with, thanks to an intuitive menu system and a simple control scheme.

Unlike some cheaper bridge cameras, it has a viewfinder, which can help with framing and is nice to have on sunny days when it might be harder to see the screen. Its built-in lens also has a long 21–1365mm equivalent focal length, so you can easily go from wide-angle shots and landscapes to close-ups of far-away subjects. That said, like most superzoom cameras, it uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor, meaning that image quality is notably worse than pricier options like the Sony RX10 IV or the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II that use 1-inch type sensors. Still, this is a solid bridge camera for the price, especially if you want something lightweight.

  • Nikon COOLPIX P950: The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is similar to the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 but has a shorter maximum full-frame equivalent focal length of 2,000mm. While this is still a substantial amount of zoom and may be enough for you, it falls considerably short of the P1000 and is only marginally more portable. In this case, go big or go home. See our review

Jan 23, 2024: No changes to recommendations after reviewing that the picks were still the best choices for users.

Nov 24, 2023: Removed the Leica V-Lux 5 from the Notable Mentions because of price and lack of benefits over similar models.

Sep 29, 2023: Checked article for accuracy and clarity; no change to recommendations.

Aug 03, 2023: Reviewed article to ensure that picks are still relevant to users.

Jun 08, 2023: Verified that picks were still accurate and relevant for users.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best cameras with zoom lenses built in. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for bridge cameras. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.

  • Electronics

The Best Superzoom Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Canon PowerShot SX70 HS shown side-by-side.

If your camera (or smartphone) doesn’t have the reach to capture the subjects you like to shoot—think nesting birds, airplanes, or the moon’s craters—a superzoom might be the solution. We’ve tested dozens of these versatile point-and-shoots over the past decade, and our current favorite is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 . Although its zoom isn’t as long as those of some rivals, it strikes a just-right balance of telephoto capability, user-friendly design, and excellent image quality.

Everything we recommend

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300

Superior image quality with just enough zoom.

This powerful point-and-shoot doesn’t have the most zoom or megapixels, but it does provide the best balance of reach, image quality, and features of all the superzooms we tested.

Buying Options

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

More zoom, fewer features.

Canon’s user-friendly superzoom is short on customizability but big on telephoto reach. Buy it if you’re sure you need more zoom, but keep in mind that you may grow out of it soon.

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99

Big reach, little camera.

This model gives you image quality on a par with that of a high-end smartphone, but with a 30x zoom lens in a body that you can slip into a jeans pocket.

May be out of stock

Upgrade pick

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000

Premium image quality, premium price.

The FZ1000’s comparably huge sensor provides excellent overall image quality, and its relatively short lens is very sharp and provides beautiful bokeh.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 ’s 24x zoom lens (25–600mm) is shorter than those of other superzooms but still provides ample reach for wildlife and travel photography. Its image quality is superior to what you can get from similar superzooms thanks to its f/2.8 constant-aperture lens, and its blazing-quick autofocus and burst shooting make it a great candidate for sports and action photography. We love its big, high-resolution electronic viewfinder and touch-enabled display, which can swing out and around to help you shoot selfies or capture shots at odd angles. And its weather-sealed, DSLR-like body is both comfortable to hold and stuffed with customizable controls that give amateur photographers room to grow into the hobby.

If you need more zoom than the Panasonic FZ300 provides, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS has a 65x lens that goes both wider (21mm) and longer (1365mm). It can give you good-looking photos and decent video, and its simplified menus and button layout may make it more approachable than our top pick for less experienced photographers. Overall, though, we don’t think its photos look as good as what you can get out of the Panasonic, so don’t bite unless you’re certain you need more zoom.

If portability is paramount—on a quick business trip, say, or a backcountry hike where you need to travel light—we think the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 is your best bet. Despite its 30x zoom lens and truly tiny body (just a little bigger and thicker than a pack of playing cards), it includes features many bigger cameras leave out, such as a nifty pop-up electronic viewfinder, customizable controls, and a flip-up selfie screen. The photo and video quality is great, if not quite a match for that of the Panasonic FZ300.

If you want even better image quality than the FZ300 provides—and are willing to sacrifice a little more zoom to get it—the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 delivers. Its 1-inch sensor captures far more detail than the tiny 1/2.3-inch sensors found in our other picks; that means images from this camera will still look great at 100 percent magnification on a monitor and will make beautiful prints. Sure, the FZ1000 has only a 16x zoom lens (25–400mm), but its f/2.8–4 aperture range creates beautifully blurred backgrounds that make the subject pop, and it lets you use lower ISO settings for cleaner, more natural-looking images in dim light.

The research

Why you should trust me, who should buy this, how much zoom do you really need, how we picked, our pick: panasonic lumix dmc-fz300, flaws but not dealbreakers, more zoom, fewer features: canon powershot sx70 hs, small camera, big reach: sony cyber-shot dsc-hx99, better image quality, less zoom: panasonic lumix dmc-fz1000, the competition.

I’ve been writing about cameras and the camera industry since 2006 for sites such as Digital Camera HQ, Reviewed.com, and Pentax Forums. I’ve spent time with virtually every DSLR, mirrorless camera, and point-and-shoot that has been released in the past decade, so I know each manufacturer’s lineup inside and out. More important, I know which features are essential in real-world situations. I’m an avid enthusiast photographer, and from time to time people have even paid me to take pictures.

Superzoom cameras let you shoot both wide-angle and extreme telephoto images without having to swap lenses. A single superzoom camera can capture a sweeping mountainous landscape and also zoom in on a single bird perched atop a tree thousands of feet away. This flexibility makes such cameras well suited to stuff like capturing stick-and-ball sports or track and field, isolating details in distant architecture, or documenting wildlife. They’re especially popular choices for vacations, where bag space is at a premium.

Most of these cameras mimic the design and control layout of DSLRs but are smaller, lighter, and usually less expensive. With the exception of a small subset of cameras like our upgrade pick, they also have very small sensors, as most point-and-shoots do. That means their image quality is only marginally better than what you can get out of a high-end smartphone. These photos will look great on Facebook or in an email, but view them at 100 percent screen magnification, and you’ll see excessive image noise, artifacts, and blurred details due to the cameras’ noise-reduction algorithms—even at the lowest ISO settings. Image quality degrades even further as you raise the sensitivity.

Shooting in good light with these small-sensor cameras, you can usually capture enough detail to make a nice-looking 8-by-10 print. But if you like to enlarge images when you view them to examine tiny details (or make large prints), you’ll be disappointed every time; buy our upgrade pick or an affordable mirrorless camera and a nice zoom lens instead. With a superzoom, you’re paying for the convenience of leaving a bunch of lenses at home, not for pro-level image quality.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Canon PowerShot SX70 HS shown side-by-side, from a side view.

If it’s been years since you shopped for a superzoom camera, you’ll notice that zoom ranges have increased dramatically. Way back in 2012, Canon made news by launching the first 50x zoom. Today, 60x superzooms are commonplace, and the Nikon Coolpix P1000 has taken the arms race to ludicrous heights with a 125x lens.

In this guide, however, we’ve decided to recommend a camera with less zoom range. That may sound counterintuitive: Why get a superzoom at all if it’s … less super? But here’s the thing: Most people don’t really need a 60x zoom (let alone a 125x zoom), even if they think they do. As camera manufacturers did with megapixels , they’ve used an ever-escalating zoom ratio as a marketing tool. That’s not to say there aren’t uses for more zoom (or more megapixels), but rather that the benefits of added zoom are vanishingly small beyond a certain point.

Our pick, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 , has a relatively short zoom range of 24x, but it’s a better camera than the more extreme superzooms thanks to a fantastic wide-aperture lens and ample controls that make it more customizable and arguably more versatile than the competition. Its maximum telephoto focal length of 600mm still provides close-ups of distant subjects that you can’t get on a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera unless you spend five figures on an exotic, extremely heavy lens. For years, pros and enthusiasts got by with less than 600mm, and chances are, you’ll also be pleased with the flexibility the FZ300’s 25–600mm zoom provides.

But if you really need the bonkers magnification that traditional superzooms offer—if you love shooting photos of the moon’s craters, for instance, or California condors nesting half a mile away—we have a pick (and a few competitors that we like ) for you, too. These cameras aren’t as full-featured as the FZ300, and the pictures they turn out don’t look as good, but they’ll give you shots no other camera can.

Here’s what we looked for in superzooms while researching and testing:

  • A powerful lens: In past iterations of this guide, “powerful” meant a lens with 60x or greater zoom. This time around, we extended the category to include shorter (yet still long) lenses with other desirable attributes, such as a wide aperture throughout the zoom range.
  • Effective image stabilization: Since it’s very difficult to shoot clear photos at long focal lengths, superzooms require sophisticated image-stabilization systems. Most of these systems are optical, meaning they use gyroscopes and moving pieces of glass within the lens to counteract your hand movement, but some combine optical image stabilization (OIS) with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for even more powerful results.
  • Fast autofocus: The contrast-detection autofocus systems that many superzooms employ sometimes struggle to focus at their longest zoom settings, where contrast can be reduced. Imagine the frustration of lining up a perfect shot of a bald eagle atop a distant pine tree only to see it fly away as your camera struggles to lock on. Some models have introduced different systems, such as Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus , to achieve quicker, more consistent results.
  • Manual controls and comfortable ergonomics: Superzooms are shaped like DSLRs, so they might as well make use of that real estate to give you useful buttons and dials. It’s even better if a camera is customizable, so you can better set it up for your own shooting preferences, and if its controls are laid out logically for easier access on the fly.
  • A sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF): Holding these tiny, built-in displays up to your eye makes it much easier to stabilize shots when you’re using a superzoom’s longest focal lengths. Even if you prefer to use the rear screen, a good EVF can be a real shot-saver when bright sun washes out the main display. The best electronic viewfinders use OLED displays for superior color and contrast.
  • Fast burst shooting with a deep buffer: Thanks to their telephoto capabilities, superzooms are popular choices for action and sports photography, so we prefer cameras that are capable of shooting fast bursts—say, 10 frames per second or faster. We also like to see a deep buffer—meaning a lot of onboard memory and a fast processor—so those bursts can last for more than a split second before continuous shooting grinds to a halt.
  • High-quality video, preferably in 4K: Most superzooms capture video with at least 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second, but we prefer models with 1080/60p and especially 4K/30p options, since lots of people now have 4K TVs in their living rooms. We give bonus points to cameras with smooth, silent video zoom and autofocus.
  • Easy-to-navigate menus: In general, we prefer cameras with user interfaces that don’t require paging through tons of screens to get to the setting you need, and those that provide convenient “quick menus” that collect the most-used settings in one place for easier access. A touchscreen interface is helpful, too.
  • Lots of connectivity options: It’s 2020, so pretty much every camera has Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control. Some go further, with Bluetooth or NFC for simple pairing and passive, background image transfer. The best superzooms go beyond that, providing HDMI-out and ports for external mics and headphones.
  • Reasonable battery life: Most point-and-shoots have bad battery life, and superzooms are no exception. DSLR-shaped models tend to get around 350 shots on a charge, while smaller travel zooms have smaller batteries that last for only around 300 shots. We cast a skeptical eye on any camera that does significantly worse than that, and we heap praise upon those that overshoot the average.
  • Solid build quality: Superzooms may look like DSLRs, but they’re generally not built like them. The materials tend to be cheaper, and the cameras can sometimes feel hollow and plasticky. We prefer cameras that feel more solid in our hands, use more luxurious-feeling rubber and polycarbonate, and have some kind of dust- or waterproofing.

For the latest update to this guide, we tested four compact travel zoom cameras, three traditional superzooms, and three potential upgrade picks with larger image sensors or more extreme lenses:

Travel zooms:

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
  • Nikon Coolpix A1000
  • Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80

Superzooms:

  • Nikon Coolpix B600

Upgrade superzooms:

  • Nikon Coolpix P1000
  • Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II (DC-FZ1000M2)
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300, our top pick superzoom camera.

Despite its relatively short 24x zoom ratio, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 provides the best balance of image quality, usability, and portability of any superzoom we’ve tested. Its f/2.8 constant-aperture lens lets in more light than the variable-aperture zoom lenses found on 60x-plus superzooms. That translates into sharper, cleaner-looking photos in dim conditions and more pleasing background blur at long focal lengths. The FZ300’s stabilization is effective, its autofocus is quick and accurate, its 4K video looks great, and we love its comfortable grip and arsenal of customizable buttons and dials. We think its 600mm maximum telephoto focal length is plenty for most people, but if you know you need more than that, we have a recommendation for you, too.

An image of a hill with a hiker walking on it, taken at full wide-angle with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300.

The images we got from the FZ300 looked great, especially considering they came from a small-sensor superzoom. Thanks to the wide-aperture lens and its relatively conservative zoom range, the FZ300’s JPEGs appeared sharper, showed more detail, and exhibited less image noise than those from cameras with longer zooms such as the Canon SX70 HS. While competing cameras tend to pump up color saturation and contrast, the FZ300 produces photos that look more neutral. But if you prefer punchier colors, this camera can capture raw files, and if you’re willing to invest the time, you can edit those files with Adobe Lightroom (or another editing suite) to fine-tune noise reduction, sharpening, and color balance to create results that suit your taste.

Video footage is similarly impressive and similarly neutral. The FZ300 can shoot 4K clips at 30 frames per second, and the 100 mbps maximum bit rate captures plenty of detail. In light of its high-quality footage, optical stabilization, excellent autofocus tracking, and impressive lens, some commenters have even suggested that the FZ300 is one of the best budget 4K video cameras money can buy. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, since Panasonic has long been known for making still-photo cameras with excellent video modes, but it’s nice to see the capability trickle down even to inexpensive models like this.

Speaking of autofocus, the FZ300’s is both speedy and accurate. In testing, its continuous autofocus mode with subject tracking was able to keep my dog’s face in perfect focus as she ran at full speed toward the camera; other cameras in this price range missed at least 25 percent of their shots in the same situation. When shooting still subjects, the FZ300 was quick and decisive, intelligently choosing the right object to focus on nearly every time. Whereas other cameras would often hunt for focus at their longest focal lengths, the FZ300—perhaps thanks in part to its shorter zoom design—consistently locked on without hesitation.

The FZ300’s large, high-resolution electronic viewfinder and fully articulating rear display make focusing even easier. The contrasty, vibrant OLED EVF was a welcome relief when I found myself shooting at the dog park on a brilliantly sunny, snowbound day. When it wasn’t outmatched by the sun, the big, bright, high-res rear screen was also a joy to use. Since it swings out and rotates 180 degrees, you can use it for taking selfies, vlogging, or simply grabbing shots over a crowd. And since it’s a touchscreen, you can tap to focus or shoot, tag your subject in AF tracking mode, adjust menu settings, and swipe between photos in playback mode, among other, more esoteric tasks.

A bird sitting on a branch, shot with the FZ300 with zoom.

Along with controlled breathing, having a comfortable grip is one of the most important keys to getting clear handheld shots with a long zoom. The FZ300’s grip is beautifully sculpted, and the camera’s generally well-balanced overall design made it more comfortable to hold—at least with my large-ish hands—than any other camera in our test group. We also love the array of customizable function buttons (four physical, plus five more on-screen) and dials (two), which you can set for one-touch access to dozens of different shooting settings. A rocker switch on the lens barrel provides ultrasmooth zoom action for video recording, as well.

A top view of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Canon PowerShot SX70 HS shown side-by-side.

The FZ300’s menu system is classic Panasonic, which is to say it’s deep yet well organized, providing tons of options without being overwhelming. You do need to dig a little to find the precise settings you need, but once you’ve looked them up a few times finding them again is easy. Settings are divided into tabs for still photography, video, custom functions, setup, and playback, and subdivided into vertically scrolling pages. Most camera makers use a similar setup, though some (like Canon) have you scroll through pages horizontally instead of vertically.

Panasonic offers unique shooting modes, such as 4K Photo and Post Focus, that provide real utility other superzooms can’t match. 4K Photo mode augments the camera’s already impressive 12 fps burst capabilities, shooting 4K video clips at 30 fps and then letting you extract the best frames as 8-megapixel still photos. Post Focus leverages the 4K Photo technique to capture a one-second burst of 30 shots at different focus points, then lets you tap on the screen to choose what to focus on. Obviously, this really works only with static subjects, but it’s a nifty trick nonetheless. Other potentially useful options include a stop-motion animation mode, time-lapse, and multi-shot layered exposures.

Although it’s not much bigger than the other traditional superzooms we’ve tested, the FZ300 has noticeably longer battery life. It’s rated for 380 shots when you use the rear display and 360 when you use the EVF, and in our experience we found those claims to be accurate (and possibly even conservative, depending on how often you power your camera on and off). The Canon SX70 HS, in comparison, is rated for just 325 shots with the main display and a truly disappointing 255 shots with the viewfinder.

Last but not least, especially for photographers who like to get outdoors, the FZ300 is fully weather-sealed. That means you can use it in the rain-soaked forests of the Olympic Peninsula or the desert of Death Valley without concern over water or dust getting into the sensor and other sensitive components. Other superzooms—such as the Canon SX70 HS and our previous pick, the Panasonic FZ80—make no such claims.

The FZ300’s greatest shortcoming is tied to its greatest strength: Its zoom is relatively short in exchange for its impressive f/2.8 constant aperture. We think most people will be more than happy with the 600mm zoom of the FZ300, but those who need more telephoto reach would be better served by the Canon SX70 HS ’s 1365mm lens, even considering that camera’s many drawbacks.

Another concern is the FZ300’s 12-megapixel sensor. In general, we think that’s plenty of resolution for most photographers, and even some camera manufacturers agree . That’s enough to make very nice 8-by-11-inch prints with room to spare . But it doesn’t leave much space for cropping, and combined with the “short” 600mm maximum telephoto focal length, that means you need to be meticulous with framing and in some cases may need to zoom with your feet to get your subjects to fill the frame.

Unlike newer Panasonic cameras, the FZ300 (which debuted back in 2015) can’t charge via USB. You need to physically remove the battery from the camera and pop it into a wall charger. That can be a downer on a vacation, as I discovered when I brought the wrong Panasonic charger on a Christmas trip to New Mexico. We suggest buying a spare battery and keeping it in your camera bag to avoid the dead-battery blues.

Finally, though we love the depth of control the FZ300 provides, the sheer variety of settings and modes may be overwhelming for beginners. Our general opinion is that it’s better to buy a camera that gives you room to grow as a photographer rather than one that will soon restrict your progress. That said, people buying their first “real” camera should be aware that the FZ300 comes with a more difficult learning curve than alternatives like the Canon SX70 HS.

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS.

If you need more than 600mm of telephoto zoom, we think the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is the best way to get it. The SX70 HS is a less impressive camera than the Panasonic FZ300: Its image quality lags in sharpness and detail, the controls are more limited, we don’t like the ergonomics as much, and its battery life isn’t as long. But its 21–1365mm lens is noticeably wider and has more than twice the telephoto reach. In addition, its 20.3-megapixel sensor provides a lot more room for cropping. If shooting wildlife and other distant subjects is most of what you do, it’s probably worth the trade-offs.

Although the image quality you can get out of the SX70 HS doesn’t match up to what the FZ300 offers, that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Compared with other extreme-zoom cameras, it’s near the head of the pack. It’s simply that the narrow, variable aperture necessitated by the ludicrously long zoom design demands compromises. In general, photos from the SX70 HS look fine at typical viewing sizes on a computer monitor, but at 100 percent magnification they show more noise reduction that destroys detail with watercolor-style smearing. Smaller prints will still look okay, though.

A snowy yard, shot at full wide angle with the SX70 HS.

Canon’s control scheme is simpler than Panasonic’s, both in the number of physical controls and in the number of menu options you can adjust. That may make it an easier camera to come to grips with, especially for beginners. In general, we prefer cameras that give you room to grow, but if you want a camera that you can just turn on and fire away with—no manual reading required—the SX70 HS could be a better fit than the FZ300.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99.

If you want a lot of zoom but don’t like lugging a camera bag on vacation, consider the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 . Despite its impressive 30x zoom range, it’s tiny enough to fit in a pants or jacket pocket, and its image quality is only a small step behind that of the best traditional superzooms. It also delivers a surprisingly comprehensive array of physical controls, plus a clever pop-up viewfinder to help with composition.

Compared with other pocketable long-zoom cameras we tested (often referred to collectively as “travel zooms”), the Sony HX99 captured sharper shots with markedly more detail, in part because it performs less destructive noise reduction than competitors such as the Canon SX740 HS and Nikon A1000 . Colors look vibrant but aren’t cartoonishly over-the-top, and there’s plenty of contrast to help images pop. If you like to tinker with your shots, you can even shoot raw—an uncommon feature in travel zooms. The HX99 records beautiful 4K video clips at 30 fps and 100 mbps, and it can even handle 120 fps slow-motion if you step down to 1080p. In our tests, Sony’s optical SteadyShot stabilization was effective across the board; we didn’t see motion blur in any of our shots, and videos were pleasingly smooth.

The HX99’s autofocus was impressively quick and accurate in our experience, but unfortunately continuous autofocus works only with video. It’s a strange decision, especially since Sony added eye-tracking AF to this camera. If you need great tracking autofocus for action photography, consider the Panasonic FZ300, or take a look at the compact Panasonic ZS80 .

Santa Fe from afar, shot at full wide angle with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99.

The HX99’s pop-up EVF is similar to the one we love in the Sony RX100 series—just smaller and not as high-res. It makes the camera blessedly easy to use on bright days, and when you don’t need to use the EVF, it retracts into the camera body so it doesn’t take up space. The tilting rear screen flips up 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging. It’s also touch-sensitive, but weirdly only for tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot; you can’t use touch to change menu settings or swipe through images in playback.

A portrait of a dog, shot with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99.

While the HX99 doesn’t have as many external dials and buttons as the FZ300, it’s jam-packed for such a small camera. In addition to the custom button on the back and the multipurpose ring around the lens, the left, right, and center buttons on the directional pad can all be set to something other than their stated purpose. You can set the function of each of these buttons independently for still-photo, video, and playback modes, as well. Due to its compact dimensions, the HX99’s buttons are small and finicky to hit, but we think that’s an acceptable trade-off for people who want a small yet powerful camera.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 takes the FZ300’s philosophy of quality over quantity a step further, sporting a larger sensor, a shorter but sharper 16x zoom lens, and an even more DSLR-like control scheme. Aside from its superior still-image quality, comfier grip, and extra controls, the FZ1000 replicates most of what we love about the FZ300, including a high-resolution OLED viewfinder, 12 fps burst shooting, and gorgeous 4K video. If you prioritize high image quality and just need a “long enough” zoom, it’s worth a look.

The FZ1000—along with the Canon PowerShot G3 X , the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 series, and the more video-oriented Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 —is part of a class of extended-zoom cameras equipped with the bigger (1-inch) sensors found in high-end compact models like the Panasonic LX10 and Sony RX100-series cameras. This type of sensor is four times larger than those typically used in superzooms, so it captures much more detail in both the bright and dark areas of a scene. DxOMark’s sensor comparisons show the FZ1000 to be four to five times as effective at capturing low-light images as a traditional superzoom like the Panasonic FZ300. Images from the FZ1000 will still look great when you view them full-screen on your monitor, and they’ll make nice prints, as well. The downside is that you give up a lot of telephoto reach, especially compared with what you can get from a traditional superzoom such as the Canon SX70 HS.

The FZ1000 has a 16x (25–400mm) zoom lens, which is a little shorter than the FZ300’s 24x (25–600mm) range and a far sight from the SX70 HS’s 65x (21–1365mm). But its maximum aperture range—f/2.8 at the wide end and f/4.0 at the telephoto end—combined with the larger sensor area will help blur backgrounds to make your subject stand out, and it will also allow you to use lower ISO settings in dim lighting, helping you produce cleaner, more natural-looking images.

Cameras we liked

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 isn’t exactly a good camera: It’s extremely expensive yet missing a lot of features we’d consider no-brainers in 2020, such as a quick menu, customizable controls, and a self-timer that doesn’t reset itself after every use. But wow, what a lens! The P1000’s 125x zoom offers an amazing range of 24–3000mm, enough to capture close-ups of the moon’s craters or fleeing suspects’ license plates. Do most people need that kind of reach? Certainly not. Will those who do appreciate it? Absolutely, and they’ll overlook the camera’s other shortcomings to get it.

We tested the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II (DC-FZ1000M2) and loved it, which is no surprise considering it’s an upgrade to the FZ1000, which we recommend in this guide, and performs similarly overall. We simply don’t think the upgrades it offers—including a higher-res touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and added modes like Post Focus and Focus Stacking—are worth the huge price jump while the original FZ1000 is still available.

We also spent time shooting with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 , a more video-oriented cousin to the FZ1000 and FZ1000 II. Its lens is very slightly wider and a bit longer than the FZ1000 twins’ at 20x (24–480mm, f/2.8–4.5). It also provides a headphone jack, extra video resolutions (including 4:3 4K), and video bit rates of up to 200 mbps. Useful extra controls include a built-in neutral density (ND) filter to help with overly bright shooting conditions and two customizable lens rings, and like the FZ1000 II, it has a touchscreen display and all of Panasonic’s latest shooting modes. But we still think the FZ1000 is a better choice unless you’re primarily interested in videography.

Our previous pick, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 , is a speedy and cost-effective superzoom that delivers good-looking shots thanks to an impressive 60x lens (20–1200mm, f/2.8–5.9). However, it’s missing a few key features compared with our current picks. In particular, it doesn’t have an articulating screen, an eye sensor to help you move between the rear display and EVF, weather sealing, or as many custom controls.

We tested the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 against the Sony DSC-HX99 and other travel zooms and found that it stacked up well against the competition. Its 30x zoom matches the HX99’s millimeter for millimeter, and in our tests the sensor cranked out generally high-quality images with pleasingly neutral color and contrast—perfect if you’re into editing photos to suit your taste. Video quality was also excellent. However, the ZS80 is bigger and heavier than the HX99, and we found its LCD EVF (while higher-res) to be far less accurate than the HX99’s OLED finder.

Cameras we didn’t like

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a few things going for it: We found it simple to use, it has a long 40x zoom, and it handled continuous tracking focus better than the other travel zooms we tested. However, it’s too stripped down compared with the Sony HX99 and Panasonic ZS80: no raw capture, no viewfinder, no customizable controls, and comparably paltry battery life. Although it’s typically cheaper than our travel zoom pick, there’s really no other reason to consider it.

The Nikon Coolpix A1000 , meanwhile, has relatively little going for it. The A1000 shoots raw, has a solid EVF, and reliable stabilization, but that’s where our praise ends. In our testing, image quality from the 35x zoom was clearly worse than what we saw from competing models such as the Sony HX99 and Panasonic ZS80, with watercolor-like noise reduction smearing away detail even at the lowest ISO settings. We saw noticeable focus lag, missed focus in single AF mode, and horrendous tracking AF performance, and the particularly shallow buffer allowed only 10 JPEGs or five raw captures in a burst before the camera locked up to process them. Avoid.

We tested the Nikon Coolpix B600 mainly because the now-discontinued B700 was a previous top pick in this guide, but it’s far too basic a camera for us to recommend. The list of missing features is surprisingly long: Common stuff like an articulating screen, an electronic viewfinder, raw recording, and control dials (let alone custom controls) are nowhere to be found. Sure, the 60x zoom offers plenty of magnification, but why bother?

Meet your guide

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

Ben Keough is the supervising editor for Wirecutter's working from home, powering, cameras, and hobbies and games coverage. He previously spent more than a decade writing about cameras, printers, and other office equipment for Wirecutter, Reviewed, USA Today, and Digital Camera HQ. After four years testing printers, he definitively confirmed that they all suck, but some suck less than others.

Further reading

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The Best Camera for Your Dream Vacation Isn’t a Smartphone

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Packing for the vacation of a lifetime? Don’t forget to put a good camera in your bag. We have picks for travelers (and vacations) of all kinds.

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Dear Wirecutter: Which Camera Is Best for Surf Photography?

by Phil Ryan

To shoot a sport like surfing, you’ll need a camera with a long zoom and large imaging sensor.

A person holding our pick for the best point-and-shoot camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10, while shooting a photograph.

The Best Point-and-Shoot Camera

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The Panasonic LX10 remains the best choice for people who want a compact camera that produces significantly better photos and video than their smartphone.

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The best ultra zoom camera in 2024

Want an all-in-one camera with a powerful zoom lens.

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

Want an all-in-one camera with a powerful ultra-zoom lens? Geoff Harris and the AP team reveal the best ultra-zoom cameras you can buy in 2024.

With the best ultra-zoom camera , there’s no need to worry about changing lenses. These impressive compact cameras sport lenses can go from a wide perspective to a super telephoto in an instant, maintaining an impressive level of optical quality throughout the entire range. They’re designed for travel, for day-to-day photography, and for those who prioritise simplicity over ultimate versatility.

Ultra-zoom cameras are also known as bridge cameras and superzooms . They’re not as popular as they once were, but there’s still a place for them, and there are some fantastic ultra-zoom cameras out there from Panasonic, Sony, Nikon, Canon and Leica. The tricky part is picking between them and figuring out which model is right for you.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ve classified ultra-zoom cameras as those with lenses that run from a significantly wide angle like 25mm to as long as 400mm at the telephoto end. This means plenty of great cameras with decent zoom lenses didn’t quite make the cut – you can check out our guide to the best compact cameras for more options.

We also have a useful guide to the best cameras for wildlife photography , which features a few of these ultra-zoom beauties. And if you want more information on how to choose the best ultra-zoom camera, see our guide at the end of this article.

So without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best cameras for zoom: 

Best ultra zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P950

Best ultra-zoom cameras: Nikon CoolPix P950

Nikon CoolPix P950

At a glance:

  • 16MP 1/2.3-in.type, CMOS sensor
  • 24-2000mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-6.5
  • Up to 15fps shooting
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • Weight: 1,005g (including battery and card)
  • Price: £849 / $796

Launched in January 2020 the P950 is built around a 16MP sensor and boasts an 83x optical zoom magnification. This gives a huge equivalent focal length of 24-2000mm – yes, you did read that correctly – from a lens that features a variable maximum aperture of f/2.8-6.5. This huge focal length range is obviously the headline features, but there’s a lot more to this camera too…

The P950 benefits from Optical Vibration Reduction to help keep shots steady – especially at longer focal lengths and those shooting stills will be pleased to hear you can capture RAWs as well as JPEGs, affording more potential when editing the files in software such as Lightroom.

Scenes can be lined up using the 3.2-inch LCD , which benefits from a vari-angle design and the P950 is fairly speedy, offering a maximum burst rate of 7fps. What’s more, those wanting to capture film as well as stills will be pleased to hear the P950 records videos in ultra high-quality 4K.

What we like:

  • Huge focal length
  • Vari-angle LCD
  • Fast burst rate

What we don’t like:

  • Smaller sensor
  • Aperture drops significantly at tele end

Fastest shooting: Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV - Image: Andy Westlake / AP

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV on test. Photo credit: Andy Westlake

  • 20.1MP 1inch, Exmor RS CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2
  • 24-600mm equivalent lens, f/2.4-4
  • Up to 24fps shooting
  • 4K video recording
  • Weight: 1,095g (including battery and card)
  • Price: from £1499 / $1,698

Although it sits at the higher end of the price scale, the RX10 IV is the perfect example of how new technology can supercharge a bridge camera. At the heart of the RX10 IV is a 1.0inch-type sensor that delivers an impressive 20-megapixels of resolution, and up to 24fps continuous shooting . So not only do you get high-quality images, but you can capture fast moving subjects!

A 25x optical zoom results in an equivalent focal length of 24-600mm – more than enough to prove effective in the bird hide although not as long as Nikon’s P950 and P1000. That said, the fixed lens is fairly fast, with the fastest aperture on offer here, with a variable aperture of f/2.4 at the wide end and f/4 at the telephoto end.

  • High resolution
  • Impressive video functions
  • Expensive for a bridge
  • Screen not fully articulated

Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV Review

Best cheap ultra-zoom: Panasonic Lumix FZ330 / FZ300

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330

  • 12.8MP MOS, 1/2.3inch sensor
  • 25-600mm equivalent lens, f/2.8
  • Up to 30fps shooting (in 4K Photo Mode)
  • Weight: 691g (with battery and card)
  • Price: £479 / $447

Panasonic’s Lumix FZ330 is the one of the cheapest ultra-zoom bridge cameras that is still widely available. This means that you have to live with a few compromises – the most significant one being the fact that the smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor carries a modest 12MP of resolution . If you want to print big images in high quality this isn’t the camera for you. Then again, if that’s the case, ultra-zoom bridge cameras probably aren’t right for you. So let’s talk about what we  do get.

The Lumix FZ330, which made its debut in 2015, is equipped with 4K 25p video recording , as well as Panasonic’s famous 4K Photo modes, which allow you to extract 8MP stills from 4K footage. This effectively gives you a 25fps burst rate, and in a camera where your top resolution is 12MP anyway, going down to 8MP is hardly a big loss. Then there’s also the zoom itself – at 25-600mm equivalent , it’s bigger than some of Panasonic’s pricier bridge cameras, and it boasts a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.

  • Lot of zoom for your money
  • 4K Photo features
  • 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilisation

What we don’t like:

  • Low resolution
  • No stabilisation when shooting 4K

Read our Panasonic Lumix FZ330 review .

Best second-hand ultra-zoom: Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III

  • 20.1MP 1-inch sensor
  • 14fps shooting
  • Weight: 1,095g (with battery and card)
  • Price: around £844 / $849 (used, excellent condition)

Widely available on the second-hand market , the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III is a solid alternative if you liked the sound of the RX10 IV but felt it was a little out of your budget. It was originally priced at £1,249 / $1,499, and these days can be pretty consistently picked up at around the £850 / $850 mark . That’s a pretty significant discount for a premium superzoom camera – with a 24-600mm equivalent lens , the RX10 III offers the same focal range as its more expensive successor.

The resolution is the same too – the main difference between the III and the IV is the stacked sensor on the IV, which enables fast readout speeds and all sorts of high-end features like 24fps with continuous autofocus. The III version can’t do that, though its burst tops out at a still-impressive 14fps . There’s also a 1/32,000sec shutter option , and the sensor captures an excellent level of detail. If you don’t need the super speeds of the RX10 IV, this is an excellent way to save yourself some cash.

  • Price has come down significantly
  • Great image quality
  • Excellent for stills and video
  • No touchscreen
  • Fiddly menus and UI

Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III review .

Widest lens: Canon Powershot SX70 HS

Longest Canon Zoom: Canon Powershot SX70HS

  • 20.3MP, 1/2.3inch sensor
  • 21-1365mm equivalent lens, f/3.4-6.5
  • 10fps shooting
  • Weight: 610g (including battery and card)
  • Price: £579 / $669

If you’re on the lookout for a bridge camera that gives maximum bang for your buck, the Canon SX70 HS should definitely be on your shortlist. This sub-£600 camera offers a decent 63x optical zoom , which results in an equivalent focal range of 21-1365mm from the f/3.4-6.5 fixed lens.

With a 20-megapixel sensor and Canon’s powerful DIGIC 8 processor, the SX70 HS is an impressive all-rounder and also features an ISO range of 100-3200 along with a fast burst rate of 10 frames per second (5.7fps with continuous AF).

What’s more, the SX70 HS is also a lot more portable than other bridge cameras, tipping the scales at just 608g and the design and shape of the SX70 HS is a lot more like a typical DSLR. Photographers can line up compositions using the 3-inch vari-angle LCD , which also comes in useful when capturing 4K video and users can quickly transfer content to smart devices thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi.

  • Value for money
  • Lightweight dimension
  • Struggles in low light
  • Out-zoomed by Nikon

Best Panasonic Lumix: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II

  • 20.1MP MOS, 1inch sensor
  • 25-400mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-4.0
  • Weight: 810g (with battery and card)
  • Price: £729 / $847

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II was launched back in early 2019 – yet this interesting bridge camera still has a lot to offer.

The 1-inch MOS Sensor delivers 20-megapixels of resolution while a 16x optical zoom offers an equivalent focal length of 25-400mm . This is at the lower end of what you would expect from a bridge camera’s focal length, but is still enough to help capture wildlife imagery without the need to get up close to subjects.

As you’d expect from Panasonic who have a rich pedigree in stabilising technology, the FZ1000 II benefits from a 5-axis In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) system that helps keep shots sharp, particularly at longer focal lengths where shake can be more prevalent.

Image can be lined up via the 3-inch touch-sensitive vari-angle LCD or by using the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), which features a 2360k-dot resolution . With 4K video specifications , the FZ1000 II is also fairly lightweight and portable, tipping the scales at only 810g.

  • Advanced stabilisation
  • Lightweight
  • On the pricey side
  • Zoom shorter than others here

Longest optical zoom: Nikon Coolpix P1000

Longest optical zoom: Nikon Coolpix P1000

  • 16MP, 1/2.3inch sensor
  • 24-3000mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-8
  • Up to 7fps shooting
  • Weight: 1415g (including battery and card)
  • Price: £1,049 / $996

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 can rightly hold claim to the ‘king of focal lengths’ title as this impressive camera offers an incredible 125x optical zoom that delivers an equivalent focal length of 24-3000mm – that is a remarkable feat. It also opens up new creative possibilities as the P1000 can be used to excellent effect when capturing the moon , along with wildlife imagery, travel photography and pretty much everything in between.

Granted, the 16-megapixel sensor isn’t as high a resolution as other cameras in this round up, but this is a camera for somebody who prefers focal length over resolution. The P1000 benefits from a big, 3.2-inch LCD that employs a vari-angle design to aid low/high compositions and there’s also an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36m-dot resolution .

Vibration Reduction to help keep shots steady while movies can be captured in 4K quality . Stills can be captured in RAW and JPEG format and, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi , content can be quickly transferred to smart devices such as phones or tablets. It’s worth taking a look at the size and weight of this camera in person, as this camera is LARGE!

  • Incredible focal length
  • Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
  • Big and heavy
  • Lower resolution than others

Read our Nikon Coolpix P1000 Field Test

Best cheap ultra-zoom: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

  • 25-400mm f/2.8-4 lens
  • Up to 12fps shooting
  • Weight: 830g (with battery and card)
  • Price: around £380 / $520 (used, excellent condition)

The original Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 of the cheapest ultra-zoom cameras out there, thanks to its significant reductions on the second-hand market. It sports a familiar combination: a 20.1-million-pixel 1-inch MOS sensor and a 25-400 equivalent lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4. The lens achieves decent sharpness across the board – not as good as that of a Sony RX10 camera, but still respectable – and the sensor produces images full of detail even in low light.

This was actually the first bridge camera to offer 4K video capture , and it also included a feature that these days is ubiquitous on Panasonic cameras – 4K Photo, which allows for the extraction of high-quality stills from 4K footage . Of course, the 4K quality would go on to be much improved in another successor to this camera, the Lumix FZ2000 (see below), so if video is your priority, this is a better buy. For those working to a strict budget however, a second-hand Lumix FZ1000 is a fantastic choice.

  • Great value second-hand
  • Does well in low light
  • 4K video options

Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 review .

Best ultra-zoom for video: Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500

Best ultra-zoom cameras - Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ2000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ2000 uses a 1-inch sensor.

  • 24-480mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-4.5
  • Weight: 966g (with battery and card)
  • Price: £899 / $997

At the premium end of Panasonic’s ultra-zoom stable, we have the Lumix FZ2000. Equipped with a high-quality 1-inch MOS sensor , the FZ2000 is one of the most versatile cameras around. It sits alongside the FZ1000 cameras rather than being a direct replacement, and is more of a video/stills hybrid than other bridge cameras. Chief among its video specs is unlimited 4K video recording . With time limits of around 30 minutes common even on high-end cameras, this is a very interesting feature indeed.

You’ve got plenty of other impressive features to play with, including 5-axis optical image stabilisation , dial-based physical controls, a 9-bladed aperture for smooth bokeh, and lots more. Panasonic clearly set out to make a ‘do-everything’ camera here, and came about as close to succeeding as anyone has. We were very impressed by the FZ2000 in our first-look review, pegging it both as a potentially useful second camera for GH users, and a credible rival to Sony’s RX10 range.

  • High-quality sensor
  • Unlimited 4K recording
  • Excellent stabilisation
  • On the pricier end
  • Shorter zoom range than others

Read our full Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 review

Best Leica Ultra-Zoom: Leica V-Lux 5

Classy Bridge Camera: Leica V-Lux 5

  • 20MP, 1-inch sensor
  • 25-400mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-4
  • 30fps shooting (4K Burst Mode)
  • 4K video at 30fps
  • Weight: 812g (with battery)
  • Price: £1,150 / $1,595

Be honest, did you know Leica made a bridge camera? Well, they do and the V-Lux 5 not only benefits from that classic Leica design, but also offers a 1-inch sensor that delivers 20-megapixels of resolution . The fixed lens serves up a 16x optical zoom which results in an equivalent focal length of 25-400mm , with a variable maximum aperture of f/2.8 to f/4.

The advanced autofocus system enables photographers to lock onto subjects in 0.1 seconds and images can be lined up via the 3-inch vari-angle screen or using the Electronic Viewfinder. The V-Lux 5 can be charged on the go, via a USB connection , which will appeal to photographers who are traveling and therefore away from mains power for lengthy periods.

Other noteworthy features include an impressive maximum burst rate 12 frames per second , which will help wildlife photographers capture split-second moments and the ability to shoot 4K video . You’ll need to search far and wide to find one though, as they’re getting rare now!

  • Two-year warranty
  • Very expensive
  • It’s essentially a reskinned FZ1000 II

How to choose the best ultra-zoom camera

Ultra-zoom cameras are not perfect of course, otherwise everyone would be exclusively using them. One way these cameras pack so much optical zoom in is by using a smaller sensor than your typical DSLR or mirrorless camera. This can mean low-light performance isn’t the best, but if this is of concern, then look out for a zoom camera with a larger 1inch sensor, as these often offer better image quality (albeit without as much telephoto zoom).

Things to look for in an ultra-zoom camera:

Sensor – size and resolution , a smaller sensor means that the camera can often offer more zoom, but low-light performance may suffer. Most models offer between 16 and 20MP (or megapixels). A 1/2.3inch sensor is smaller than a 1inch-type sensor, and a smaller sensor often results in lower image quality in low-light conditions.

Optical zoom – How much optical zoom does the camera offer? Don’t just look at the telephoto reach on offer, which is obviously important, but also consider where the wide-angle starts, most start at 24mm equivalent, but some go even wider, which will help for vast landscape images.

Image stabilisation – When using a lot of optical zoom, image stabilisation becomes all-important. If you want a sharp shot, with a lot of zoom then a good image stabilisation system will definitely help here. Nikon’s image stabilisation system is known as VR, standing for Vibration Reduction.

Screen and viewfinder – As well as a large touch-screen, many cameras offer a screen that can be tilted up and down, with some letting you turn them to face forwards, which is great for selfies or group shots. If you prefer “DSLR” styling, then look for a model with an electronic viewfinder, as this can help get steadier shots, and help you compose shots when shooting in bright light.

Video recording – The majority of these cameras will record 4K video, but some only offer FullHD video, so this could be a deciding factor for you. You may also want to check if the screen can be turned to face forwards, particularly if you want something for vlogging.

After you’ve looked through all of this, you’ll be well informed to make a decision about what zoom camera to buy, and we’ve selected some of the best models available, featuring manual controls, DSLR-like styling, and lots of optical zoom.

The ultra zoom camera offers a whole lot of versatility in an all-in-one camera, and there should be something here to suit all budgets and shooting needs. For example, if you’re looking for a high-speed camera for shooting fast moving subjects, then look at some of the cameras here with a 1inch sensor, as some offer up to 24fps continuous shooting!

Text by Geoff Harris, with contributions from Jon Stapley.

Further reading

Check out more of our buying guides , as well as our latest reviews . Or why not have a look at the best DSLRs , or the best compact cameras  particularly if you’re looking to get better quality images than your smartphone.

Follow AP on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube .

Profile image of Geoff Harris

I am the deputy editor of Amateur Photographer, working closely with the team to make the website and magazine as good as possible. I've been working on magazines since 1995 and am also a keen travel and portrait photographer when time allows, reaching the finals of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year contest in 2015 and achieving my Licentiate from the Royal Photographic Society the year before. I also keep my wedding-photography hand in by shooting a few ceremonies a year. I am particularly interested in how photography can help people express their creativity more effectively, or deal with mental health issues and other challenges.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra Tempts Photographers With a 1-Inch Camera Sensor, Leica Glass

The main camera has a variable aperture and there's even a camera grip accessory.

best 1 inch sensor travel camera

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Hand holding a Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is defined by a large circular bump that houses four cameras.

The new Xiaomi 14 Ultra is all about photography, as indicated by its striking circular camera bump. With a 1-inch camera sensor and a variable aperture lens, as well as dual-telephoto cameras, Xiaomi's latest flagship phone packs nearly everything photo enthusiasts are likely looking for in a phone. There are even lenses co-engineered with the iconic camera brand Leica.

Unveiled at an event during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the new phone is made by Chinese company Xiaomi. According to a report from International Data Corp. Xiaomi had the third-largest market share last year, beaten only by  Apple and Samsung . And while the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra won't be sold in the US, it will be available, alongside the regular Xiaomi 14, in Europe and the UK in March. Both phones have already been released in China.

Read more: Best Phone To Buy For 2024

The Xiaomi 14 comes in two models each with 12GB of RAM. There's a £849 variant with 256GB of storage, and a £899 model with 512GB of storage -- the prices convert respectively to $1,080, AU$1,640 and $1,140, AU$1,740. The 14 is available in black, white and jade green.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 6.78-inch variable refresh rate display (1 to 120Hz) with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.

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Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a single configuration with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, comes in black or white and costs £1,299 (roughly $1,650, AU$2,510). There's no word whether the special edition Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is made with titanium instead of aluminum will get a launch outside China. The special edition follows the trend we saw Apple take with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max and Samsung with its Galaxy S24 Ultra .

Like the OnePlus 12 , Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and the Galaxy S24 series , the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor . Both phones are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning they can be submerged under a meter of water for 30 minutes. They also support 90-watt wired charging and wireless charging -- 50W on the 14 and 80W on the 14 Ultra. Both have a handful of AI features, including image search within photo albums and, like the Galaxy S24 series, the ability to generate extensions at the top, bottom and sides of a photo, beyond its original framing.

Xiaomi promises four generations of Android OS upgrades, and five years of security patches for each. It's not as long as the seven-year commitment that Google and Samsung made for their newest phones, but it is good.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra

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The 14 Ultra's biggest features by far are its four rear cameras. The main camera has a 50-megapixel 1-inch sensor, which actually isn't an inch across. The term or naming convention for 1-inch sensors, or 1-inch-type sensors, is based on measuring cathode ray tubes for broadcast TV cameras from decades ago -- well before smartphones and digital cameras.

That said, the 14 Ultra's 1-inch sensor (which is closer to 0.6 inches diagonally) is larger than most other camera sensors currently used in phones. Larger sensors gather more light resulting in brighter photos with more detail and less image noise. The Oppo Find X7 Ultra , which was unveiled in January, also has the same sensor.

Xiaomi combines that big phone sensor with a 23mm lens (full-frame equivalent) that has a variable f/1.63 to f/4.0 aperture. Meaning you can adjust the lens aperture to let in more light or to have a longer depth of field allowing more of your subject to be in focus. Last year's Xiaomi 13 Ultra had a similar variable aperture, but the 14 Ultra's is about a stop faster.

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The 14 Ultra also has 3.2x 75mm telephoto lens, a 5x120mm telephoto lens and a 12mm ultrawide angle lens.

You can buy the optional Xiaomi 14 Ultra Photography Kit accessory to mount on the 14 Ultra, which gives you more nuanced controls of the cameras. The grip has a two-stage shutter button, a zoom lever, a customizable video recording button and an additional custom dial. It also functions as an external charging 1,500-mAh battery bank.

The 14 Ultra has a 5,000-mAh battery. Around the front there's a 32-megapixel selfie camera and a 6.78-inch variable refresh rate display (1 to 120Hz) with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.

The Xiaomi 14

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The Xiaomi 14 packs has a 4,610-mAh battery and a 6.36-inch variable refresh rate display (1 to 120Hz) with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. It trades in the 14 Ultra's massive circular camera bump for a smaller square one that houses a trio of lenses: wide, ultrawide and telephoto.

Like the 14 Ultra it has a 32-megapixel selfie camera. Instead of using Xiaomi Shield Glass over the display like the Ultra, the Xiaomi 14 has Gorilla Glass Victus.

Both phones are available to preorder and will go on sale in March.

The 14 Ultra also has a 3.2x, 75mm telephoto lens, a 5x, 120mm telephoto lens and a 12mm ultrawide-angle lens.

The 14 Ultra is all about photography, as indicated by its striking circular camera bump. 

With a 1-inch camera sensor and a variable aperture lens, as well as dual-telephoto cameras, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra packs nearly everything photo enthusiasts are likely looking for in a phone.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Has a Posh, Elegant Design and I'm a Fan

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra Specs vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14, Samsung Galaxy S24

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Moscow travel tips for first-time visitors.

Moscow Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Moscow is a beautiful city filled with impressive architecture and home to some of the world’s best museums. 

Not considering visiting Moscow when planning a European holiday is a bad idea. Back in the past, the entire country of Russia was closed to visitors, but of late, it has opened its doors to people from all over the globe for tourism purposes. And as with any other place you’re traveling to, i t’s always better to be well-informed before visiting. For that reason, we gathered this article with essential tips for first-time visitors to Moscow to help you make your trip to the Russian capital a trip to remember ( after getting a Russian invitation /visa to visit the city). 

So, here is what you need to know:

Table of Contents

Getting around

Moscow is well known for having terrible traffic (after all, there are over 12 million people living in the city), so getting around by car is really not the best idea. And the same goes for buses and trams. The easiest way to get around Moscow is the metro. Moscow’s metro is fast, reliable, and beautiful. In fact, the city’s metro stations are an attraction on their own. Don’t miss checking out Komsomolskaya, Belorusskaya, Kiyevsskaya, Ploschad Revolyutsii, and Arbatskaya. If you’re planning to use the metro a lot (and we do recommend you do), it would be worth getting the Troika card – a contactless and reusable public transportation card that is valid for the metro, buses, trams, and suburban railways. You can also pay with a credit/debit card directly.

Another way to get around Moscow is by bicycle. In recent years, bicycle infrastructure has been created in Moscow, allowing locals and tourists alike to get around the city on two wheels. In winter, it might not be such a good idea, but exploring Moscow on a bicycle in summer is one of the most pleasant ways to see the city.

You can also get around Moscow on foot, but you have to keep in mind that the city is huge. Fortunately, most of Moscow’s tourist attractions and places of interest are located in the same area, more or less, which makes it a little easier to get around on foot. If that’s how you prefer to explore the city, we recommend you make a plan of the places that you want to visit and create an itinerary that will allow you to visit more places within a short walking distance. And then again on the next day, and the next, and so on.

It is also important to note that Moscow’s larger avenues and streets don’t have pedestrian crossings, so you have to navigate through the passageways. Passageways also feature centers of commerce where you can find and buy clothes, groceries, etc.

things to know before visiting moscow

Say goodbye to Google 

In other places of the world, you could easily survive by making use of the various applications developed by Google but when you’re planning to visit Moscow, you need to download other applications that would help you while visiting the city. 

This is not to say that Google doesn’t work in Russia, it does, it just doesn’t work as well as its Russian equivalent Yandex. Similar to Google, Yandex also has a host of applications that you can download on your phone to help make your time in Moscow stress-free. 

Yandex Metro is an important application you must download while visiting Moscow, as the underground transport system connects the entire city. Yandex Translate could also be useful as it is better for Russian translation than Google Translate. Additionally, you could also download Yandex GO for taxi services (works also in Serbia, Armenia , Belarus, Georgia , Moldova, and the Stans) and Yandex Food for food delivery.

Always carry your passport with you 

It is unlikely that you’ll get stopped by the police, but in case that happens for whatever reason, you better have your passport on you. Passports in Russia are the standard form of identification (Russian citizens typically have two passports-an internal and an external) and could be required if you’re, for example, buying a SIM card or buying train tickets (some people even report their passports have been required in the theaters as well.

Allocate one day for the Kremlin 

No trip to Moscow is complete without a visit to the museum complex and the Presidential residence of the Kremlin.  It takes around six hours (if not more) to visit all the monuments within the complex of Kremlin, so make sure that you allocate a full day to explore the complex so you don’t have to rush your visit. 

There are many people visiting the Kremlin all year round, but especially between the months of May and September – during this period, it is advisable to make your visitation arrangements ahead of time and start your visit early in the morning.

Extra tips for visiting the Kremlin:

  • The nearest metro station is Biblioteka Imeni Lenina, on the red line.
  • The entrance to the Kremlin is not located on the Red Square. The main entrance is located through the Kutafya Tower, and the second and less-used entrance can be found through the Alexandrovsky Gardens.
  • The opening hours are from 9:30 AM till 6 PM.
  • The ticket office is open from 9 AM till 5 PM.
  • Moscow’s Kremlin Museums do not cooperate with any online ticketing platform. Entry tickets are available online at the museum’s official website – http://tickets.kreml.ru/en/ – and at the official ticket office at the Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden). The Moscow Kremlin Museums do not guarantee your admission with tickets purchased at nonofficial websites.
  • The Kremlin complex is closed on Thursdays.

moscow travel tips

Money in Russia

The local currency of Russia is the Russian ruble, also spelled rouble. Major currencies such as euros and dollars are not accepted in restaurants and shops, so you’ll need to get some cash in rubles. But don’t make the mistake of stocking up on cash at the airport, where the exchange rates are typically terrible, to say the least. You can exchange a small amount of pocket money for the beginning and then exchange more in the city in both banks and exchange bureaus. Currently, because of sanctions, you cannot use your card from abroad to pay with it or withdraw from Banks and ATMs.

Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and literally everywhere. If you have a local bank card, you can easily pay with it and withdraw from it if you need cash. Moscow has a pretty good ATM network, with ATMs located in and near banks, big shopping centers, and tourist areas.

money tips for traveling to russia

Buy a local SIM card 

Although WiFi is widely available, many Russian WiFi networks require a Russian phone number in order to log on to them and use the Internet.

If you want to stay connected while visiting Moscow, buying a local SIM card would be a good idea. The major Russian telecom companies are Megafon, MTS, and Beeline. When I visited Moscow, I bought a SIM Card from YOTA-50GB of internet for about 4 USD.

NB: Bring your passport when buying a local SIM card, otherwise they won’t sell it to you.

Take the help of a tour agency 

Certain travel agencies help you to plan well ahead. Due to various occasions like state holidays, public holidays, and holiday seasons where the estimated time to complete visiting the place could get a massive change. The tourist operators know the city inside and out, so they could give you a better idea of how to plan a perfect itinerary for visiting Moscow.

A lot of people are very pessimistic about the Russians not being very warm when they visit Moscow, but that isn’t the case. Russians are very friendly and helpful to tourists. Off late, getting a Russian Visa for visiting Moscow has become a very easy process. The state governments are taking many measures to increase tourism in the country. 

*This article has been contributed to Owl Over The World by Visa Express, but since visiting Moscow, I have updated it with more info and some personal tips.

Image credits: Kremlin  3

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The best camcorders in 2024: perfect all-in-one video cameras

The best camcorders are the perfect all-in-one video cameras for many workflows. Pick the right one for you

Our quick list

Best budget camcorder.

  • Best for familes
  • Best for travel
  • Best for vloggers
  • Best for beginners
  • Best for filmmaking
  • Best for sport
  • Best for pros
  • Best for YouTube
  • How to choose
  • How we test

A side profile of the Canon XA75 camcorder

Our Top Picks ↩ Best budget camcorder Best for families Best for travel Best for bloggers Best for beginners Best for filmmaking Best for sport Best for pros Best for YouTube How to choose

The best camcorders can certainly compete with modern mirrorless cameras, but with the convenience of a big built-in zoom lens and, in most cases, better audio options. 

With cameras for filmmaking now being available at every price point, more people are realizing that having a device that is designed solely for shooting video often means that when choosing the best camera for video , a camcorder is a much better choice than a multi-purpose camera phone. 

Did you know there is more than one type of camcorder? You might normally think of smaller, inexpensive all-in-one camcorders for casual use, but there's a growing professional broadcast market too, as demonstrated by the recent Canon XA75 , for example. Sitting between the budget-friendly consumer camcorders and the professional camcorders for TV broadcast, there are lots of 4K camcorders aimed at budding filmmakers

We've put together a list of what we reckon are the best camcorders available on the market right now. From small, self-contained shooters designed for holidays and day-to-day casual shooting to the best options for vlogging, documentaries, and movie-making.

Chris has been writing about photography and video-making professionally for nearly 40 years and has tested hundreds of different cameras and camcorders. He was the editor of Video Camera magazine, and a regular contributor to What Camcorder and Camcorder User . At the height of the camcorder boom in the 1990s he wrote the book Teach Yourself The Camcorder . 

Sony AX43

Best budget camcorder A compact camcorder that doesn’t skimp on its features. Fronted by a Carl Zeiss 20x optical zoom, offers a wifi-connected 4K camcorder at an affordable price.. Read more below

Sony HDR-CX404 HD

Best for families The super-small Sony CX405 sells for well under $300 but also comes with a host of sophisticated tricks to help you make extremely polished home movies. Read more below

Panasonic V180

Best for travel Very slightly larger than the Sony CX405, but made better for vacations and travel by its bigger battery, and its longer 50x zoom. Read more below

A Sony AX FDR700 camcorder

Best for vlogging A compact camcorder that doesn’t skimp on its features, and has a larger, higher-quality 4K sensor than lower-cost models. Packs a 20x optical zoom. Read more below

Canon

Best for beginners For the price, this camcorder from Canon really packs a punch, useful for everyday use or more professional work. Read more below

Canon XA75

Best for filmmakers A big 1in-type sensor is the key attraction for serious moviemakers with this professional-grade camcorder that gives you full audio control with two XLR microphone connectors. Read more below

Load more choices ↩

Panasonic HC-X2000

Best for sport Most camcorders are perfect for videoing sport, but the X2000 is a top performer thanks to its great slow-motion frame rate settings, and its powerful 25x zoom. Read more below

Sony PXW-Z90 camcorder

Best for professionals This is a top-performing camcorder with a big 1in sensor that offer the full range of features and the flexibility to be the workhorse for any professional assignment. Read more below

The Canon XA65 camcorder on a white background

Best for YouTubers A great choice for serious content creators - but the lack of wifi means this is better for use in a home set-up where you are set up for live streaming. Read more below

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The best camcorders in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Sony FDR-AX43 camcorder

1. Sony FDR-AX43

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The FDR-AX43 may be compact, but it doesn’t skimp on its features. Fronted by a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens, which includes a 20x optical zoom, 4K shooting , a low noise Exmor R CMOS sensor, and dual-video recording in XAVC S or AVCHD formats, plus easy to share MP4. 

What we love about this model is that unlike cheaper options, it offers wifi connectivity - so you can transfer your video to your phone using the Sony app - making it great for content creation. What's more, it takes audio seriously - allowing you to monitor your sound with headphones, or opt for a better accessory microphone thanks to the in-built mic socket.

However, expect limitations in low light, but if you’re in the market for an easy-to-manage camcorder, capable of 4K video, then this model is a fantastic choice, and that balance between functionality, portability, and the price is why it takes our choice as the all-round best budget camcorder.

Best family camcorder

Sony HDR-CX405 camcorder being held in a woman's hand

2. Sony HDR-CX405 Handycam

Our expert review:

You don’t need to spend big to make great movies – Sony’s HDR-CX405 sells for well under $300 but also comes with a host of sophisticated tricks to help you make extremely polished films.

The camcorder can record simultaneously in XAVC S, AVCHD, and friendly file-sharing MP4 formats. You can edit in-camera using the onboard Highlight Movie Maker and can even apply various visual effects without having to faff around with separate editing programs, which is a real bonus for those that want a simple solution.

There’s a Carl Zeiss 30x optical zoom, with an impressive 26.8mm wide-angle setting. The camcorder even has 5.1 audio capture. Given the spec, you might be hard-pressed to justify spending more, making this one of the best camcorders for family filmmakers on a budget.

See our full Sony HDR-CX405 review

Best camcorder for travel

Panasonic V180 camcorder on a garden table

3. Panasonic HC-V180

The Panasonic V180 is a straight-up competitor to the Sony CX405 - with a similar size and shape, and using the same-sized sensor. But although less popular, the Panasonic has some notable advantages over the Sony. For starters, it has a bigger and brighter 50x optical zoom - this longer image-stabilized lens can prove useful when trying to get close-ups of distant wildlife on your travels. 

We also like that this comes with a bigger battery than the Sony - so you can shoot for longer on days out without the need for recharging. What's more, because it is rear-mounted, it can be upgraded from the supplied 1940mAh pack to one with double the capacity. 

The downside is that the small sensor does mean that video quality is fair rather than stunning. This is a eight-year-old model (first launched in 2016) - and given so many of its budget rivals have been discontinued and not replaced - we are glad that it is still available new in 2024.

Best camcorder for vlogging

Sony FDR-AX700 camcorder

4. Sony FDR-AX700

Most camcorders are made for vlogging, thanks to flip-out screens, that rotate to face you when presenting straight to camera. What we love about this 4K model, is that it offers a big 1in sensor - which gives much better video than many other models in this price range. Furthermore, it comes with built-in wifi - to simplify getting your videos onto your smartphone, and then onto your chosen social media channel.

Key features include a 12x zoom, a big 3.5-inch viewfinder, dual SD card slots, and advanced phase detection AF. 

The FDR-AX700 uses XAVC S for both 4K and HD recording, with recording speeds of 100 Mbps for 4K, and 50 Mbps for 1080p. It will also shoot Full HD 1080p slow-motion at 120 fps. The brand’s BIONZ X image processor keeps images crisp and makes the FDR-AX700 one of the best camcorders for keen videographers and content creators. A standard SMPTE timecode can be included in recordings.

Best camcorder for beginners

The Canon HF G70 being held by a woman

5. Canon Vixia / Legria HF G70

The Canon HF G70 stands out as a solid pick for those seeking a user-friendly video camera that delivers good quality straight off the bat. It's a great choice for those beginners who are adept at using DSLRs or advanced mirrorless cameras for stills but seeking a dedicated video setup.

While the controls aren't flawless, the five assignable buttons offer a decent level of customization, enhancing its adaptability. However, the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity might deter content creators from seeking seamless sharing options. 

This is attractively price, and holds appeal for individuals who are comfortable with the functionality and handling of a traditional camcorder, prioritizing simplicity over extensive video modes, codecs, or formats tailored for intensive editing.

Read our full Canon Vixia / Legria HF G70 review

Best camcorder for filmmaking

The Canon XA75 camcorder held by a woman in a hat on a field

6. Canon XA75

The Canon XA75 presents a unique balance – powerful enough for serious filmmaking yet discreet. Its compact size makes it an ideal companion for covering live events such as conferences and weddings, where remaining inconspicuous is paramount. Having filmed multiple weddings using various top-tier hybrid cameras, I found the XA75's form factor notably more user-friendly compared to a DSLR. Its low-light performance also pleasantly surprised me, rivaling that of my Canon EOS R6 .

However, despite being Canon's top-tier professional camcorder, the absence of a Wi-Fi module feels constraining. In situations where swift content sharing is essential – common when using a camcorder on the move – relying solely on SD cards or USB-C transfers becomes a limitation. For this reason, we think this is a better option for serious filmmakers, who take their time setting up shots, than it is for content creators

At this price range, the maximum UHD 4K30p video recording capability seems underwhelming. Comparable camcorders like the Panasonic HC-X2000E offer 4K 50p/60p at a higher bitrate, while the Canon EOS R6 Mark II mirrorless camera provides 6K 60p ProRes RAW via HDMI. Nonetheless, the XA75 excels in critical areas such as autofocus tracking, power zoom, dual XLR mic inputs, and uninterrupted continuous recording, catering precisely to the needs of the serious moviemaker.

Read our full Canon XA75 review

Best camcorder for sports

best camcorders: Panasonic HC-X2000

7. Panasonic HC-X2000

Camcorders are a great option for shooting sport (or wildlife) as they have big supertelephoto lenses built in to a remarkably compact camera. But we like this Panasonic X2000 in particular for its balance of features for those wanting to shoot action.  Its mid-sized sensor means it packs a monster 24x zoom - offering a range equivalent to a 25-600mm full-frame focal length range. That's enough to get you in close to the action in field sports, without need to resort the digital zoom option. It is also has better slow-motion credentials than most, offering 4K at 60P. Switch down to Full HD, and the Super Slow setting allows you to capture at 120fps.

Weighing in at 1.5kg it isn’t a casual option, but it is much lighter than its predecessor the HC-X1000 and you can remove the handle with its built-in LED light and mic holder, if you need to travel light. It features a large 3.5-inch color touchscreen and has two XLR professional microphone inputs for professional audio options and dual SD card slots. 

Best professional camcorder

Sony PXW-Z90 camcorder

8. Sony PXW-Z90

This is a 4k professional camcorder that you can take wherever you go and can capture stunning and highly detailed 4K HDR video. This compact, palm-style camera offers phase-detection Autofocus (AF) along with HDR capabilities in a relatively small body. 

Suitable for corporate events, broadcast news, and television production, the PXW-Z90 camcorder features a stacked 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with 14.2MP, a 12x Zeis, an OLED viewfinder, and a 3.5" LCD monitor. 

This camcorder records 4K, and it includes S-Log3/S-Gamut3 functions for additional image control. Additional features include built-in 2.4 GHz for multiple streaming options via RTMP/RTMPS protocols, making this one of the best professional camcorder for a vast number of applications. 

Best camcorder for YouTube

A front-on view of the Canon XA65 camcorder

9. Canon XA65

The Canon XA65 stands out as an excellent option for content creators seeking a high-quality video camera without the hassle of swapping lenses or diving deep into exposure settings. Upgrading from the HF G70 to access enhanced audio controls and XLR microphone inputs through its detachable handle is a worthwhile consideration for those creating videos for YouTube at home or in a studio.

However, its limited connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, does limit its versatility. Still, the option to stream live events via UVC remains a viable choice. While the design is practical, it lacks the flair to excite, and the absence of waterproofing restricts its use in adverse outdoor conditions.

Comparatively, hybrid Canon cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II deliver superior video quality, and versatile autofocus across various filming formats, and double up as proficient still cameras, a feature the XA65 lacks.

Priced around $2,299/£2,000, the XA65 offers value by eliminating the need for additional lenses. It caters well to videographers focused on quick, news-oriented content or documentary style videos rather than aiming for visually stunning cinematic productions. Despite feeling somewhat dated initially, I found the XA65's handling and simplicity highly enjoyable. 

Read our full Canon XA65 review

How to choose the best camcorder

What are the advantages of using a camcorder.

If you're considering returning to the world of camcorders for the first time after adventures many years ago with 8mm or VHS-C tape, you might be wondering why you need one at all. 

The key advantage of owning a camcorder over a camera phone is that you get a vast optical zoom lens built-in, meaning you can get closer to your subjects without compromising the quality of your image. This is particularly useful when shooting sports and wildlife, and is also something that sets camcorders apart from the best action cameras .

What are the key features to look out for on a camcorder?

Zoom range All camcorders offer an impressive zoom, that make them great for sport and wildlife thanks to their long telephoto settings. The zoom range is usually given as a ratio - such as 30x, where the telephoto setting is 30 times longer than the wide-angle focal length. This range is usually extended with the provision of a digital zoom, that allows you to crop into the image to give you more telephoto fire power, but at a reducted resolution. The zoom range you get, however, is largely dependent on the sensor size…

Sensor size The sensor size used in camcorders is relatively small - smaller than those used in mirrorless cameras , and more similar to those found in compact cameras or camera phones . But the bigger the sensor, the better the video quality will be - particularly when shooting in lower light conditions.

The biggest sensor size commonly found is the Type 1 or one-inch sensor, which measures 0.52 x 0.35in (13.2 x 8.8mm) - this is usually reserved for pro models. 

Mid-range camcorders typically use a 1/2.5in sensor that measures 5.76 x 4.29mm - which is about a quarter of the size of the Type 1. The smallest sensor, used on the most pocketable camcorders, uses a 1/5.8in sensor - which is about three-quarters smaller again.

4K or Full HD? The maximum resolution of the video shot by camcorders is either 4K or Full HD. A 4K video image measures 3840 x 2160 pixels - and is what you get on all mid-range and pro models. Budget camcorders offer what is known as Full HD (Full High Definition) - also known as 1080P or 2K - this shoots with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Having 4K not only gives you better image quality - but also allows you to switch down resolution to use a high frame rate to enable slow-motion recording.

Audio sockets All camcorders have built-in stereo microphones and will have a speaker to replay your footage on location through the LCD screen. However, the positioning of this basic integrated microphone means that audio is always better if recorded using an external mic. This can be positioned closer to the subject ( wireless microphones are increasingly popular for recording speech); alternatively, shotgun microphones can do a better job of capturing distant sound. However, this is not possible with all camcorders, as some do not have a microphone socket. Professional camcorders tend to offer pro-grade XLR mic sockets, rather than a 3.5mm jack. A headphone socket is also essential for serious filmmaking - allowing you to monitor the quality of the sound you are actually recording.

How we test camcorders

We test camcorders by using them in a variety of different shooting conditions. The quality of the video is assessed by comparing footage against that taken by other cameras that we have assessed. Ergonomics are equally important - as the best camcorders are designed so that controls are easy to reach and use. We therefore pay particular attention to the user experience with each of the camcorders we review.

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Chris George

Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography. 

His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 11 Pro.

He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.

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