The super-zoom group of compact digital cameras appeals to a relatively new market of photographers. These cameras occupy a weird space on the photographic spectrum; they are bigger and heavier than most compact digital cameras (due to the size of the lens) but don't have the range of features of the DSLR camera. According to Digital Photography Review, this type of camera is aimed the "soccer-mom market." Most digital camera companies make a super-zoom compact digital camera.
Models
Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony all manufacture super-zoom digital cameras. As an example, consider the following models: the Canon SX 10 IS, Fujifilm S8100fd, Nikon P80, Olympus SP-565, Panasonic FZ28 and Sony H50. Digital Photography Review compared these models as a test group.
Body
All of these cameras look like SLR cameras, with larger lenses than standard compact digital cameras. The SLR body shape is most notable in the area beside the lens: the camera is molded to be gripped more easily. The Nikon has a manual setting control wheel on the back, like a DSLR.
LCD and Viewfinder
This range of digital cameras feature large LCD displays, from 2.5" (Canon, Fuji and Olympus) to 3" (Sony). All of the LCD screens have 230,000 active pixels for high-quality playback.
In addition to an LCD for playback and shooting, super-zoom cameras have a viewfinder that can be used in conjunction with the LCD or instead of the LCD.
Lenses
The key component to a super-zoom camera is, of course, its lens. These cameras offer lenses that would be very expensive for SLR cameras, with focus equivalents of 28mm to upwards of 500mm. This is a zoom between 14x and 20x, which is on par with telephoto zoom lenses. The quality of the lenses is lower than professional lenses, but it's hard to argue with the convenience of a single lens that allows for wide-angle photography and super zoom.
Image Stabilization
Even professional photographers have difficulty when shooting at a distance on maximum zoom. Super-zoom cameras try to assist users with electronic image stabilization. Some models feature lens-based stabilization while others rely on the sensor to reduce shake.
Sensitivity
Shooting at distance or shooting action requires a fast shutter speed and a fast film speed -- or its digital equivalent, a high ISO setting. These cameras generally have ISO ranges from 64 or 80 all the way up to 3200 or 6400, which makes for clean shooting in good lighting conditions.
Video Mode
Unlike high-end DSLR cameras, super zooms are designed for everyday use. This means having a full video shooting mode (whereas not all DSLRs shoot video, focusing instead of still images). All of the cameras listed here have a video mode, shooting 30 frames per second at at least 640x480 pixels. The Panasonic can shoot 720p HD videos.
Price
Considering the wide range of features, super-zoom cameras aren't very expensive. The cameras considered here range from $250 to $350, as of December 2010.
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