reddotchris

About 10 years ago I tried the super-zoom route and purchased a Lumix DMC-TZ1 with a nice 10X zoom. Loved the lens but I was never happy with the IQ, so it sat gathering dust all these years.

Now my daughter asks for help selecting a camera to take on a trip to Iceland and I have no good info for her other than I know the technology's come a long way since I bought the Lumix. She's going to Iceland so probably doing a lot of landscape shooting, but sure she'll want capability to do everything from wide-angle portraits to super zoom and video would be great to have too.

Does anyone have experience with what's available could advise? Budget would be sub-$500 desired.

thx tons!

RedDot

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Take a glance at these models.

http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g706/point-and-shoot-digital-cameras/

reddotchris

thx Racmanaz!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Sony RX 10 III is a great super zoom, and it is about to be replaced by the IV. The Zeiss lens is outstanding!

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

When you say "small" do you mean a size that will fit into her pocket or purse?

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

If "small" includes around 2 pounds then the Sony RX10m4 (or M3 if not enough time) is an outstanding solution. But if you need more reach at the sacrifice of image quality then the Nikon Coolpix P900 is in a class by itself. Neither of these is sub $500 but the P900 comes a lot closer.

However if you mean pocket/purse size then there are a few 30x zoom cameras that are impressive. I have an older version of the Sony, the HX50. The image quality is about the same as the newer ones. It has an equivalent 720 mm zoom. I've attached a sample taken in fairly poor light (wallaby) and one in good light (gull). There are some Panasonics that are similar in size, performance and price. The current models of the Sony are shown on their website and are easy to identify. There are some other pocket size super zooms but the last I looked, only the Sony and the Panny have viewfinders. My HX50 lacks the viewfinder and at times I find that a serious drawback, especially when using the full telephoto zoom or in bright light outdoors.

I recommend looking at ImagingResource's comparometer to check out image quality comparisons between two cameras at a time. You can download samples if you need to compare more than 2 at a time; pixel peep all you like.

(Download)


(Download)

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

What is important is that the camera be pocket worthy, that it is a 24/7. There and ready to shoot at a moments notice... on Auto, then if time permits make adjustments. Since the HX50 cameras have really advanced, but love my HX50... old faithful.

I agree with a6k. My, now old, Sony HX50 suffers in IQ, but it is Topaz to the rescue; especially the deNoise. Filters are important at times. I equipped mine to take 37mm filters. using thin magnetic sheet material [$2 Walmart Craft area]. Also a sun shield with a lens attached for putting my eye close to view the screen. Crude but functional.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-323862-3.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

"Super-zoom" and Nikon P900 go hand in hand.

Better to read a lot than buy in haste.

Super zoom comparisons -

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-enthusiast-long-zoom-cameras
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-superzoom-camera/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/best-right-now/best-superzoom-cameras
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-11-best-ultra-zoom-bridge-digital-cameras-2017-16928

(Possibly some duplication below)
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom---travel-zoom-cameras-2016-19720
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-consumer-long-zoom-compacts
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-compact-enthusiast-zoom-cameras
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom-digital-cameras-2015-19720
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0692551582/2015-roundup-advanced-zoom-compacts/01

Camera comparison sites -

http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My personal favorite is the SOny HX400V, 24-1200 mm Zeiss T*. You just cannot get a sharper lens than the Zeiss T*. This is a great camera. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=sony%20cyber-shot%20dsc-hx400&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ps

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

For your consideration:
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-sx60-hs-refurbished

In case you're not aware of what refurbished means, in the case of Canon refurbs, they are cameras that have been returned to Canon for any number of reasons. All of them are then thoroughly reconditioned to being like-new and Canon still offers a 1-year warranty to boot. Good deal! If you can ever find a Canon SX50, get it but the SX60 is good, too. And you're under budget making this purchase that much better!

Another suggestion would be this:
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-g1-x-mark-ii-refurbished

This one doesn't have as much reach as the SX60 but the sensor is much bigger, giving you better image quality. And you're still on budget!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I
Nice but no cigar, NO REFURBISHED CAMERA IS "thoroughly reconditioned" as you put it. They check using their diagnostics to see if there is a problem, if there is, they ONLY fix that problem and retest, no camera manufacture "thoroughly reconditions" their camera's. It simply costs too much and there is not financial sense to do so. But, I am sure Canon offers a great value with their refurbished camera's and I am sure they preform to factory specs after a diagnostic check.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

OK, Bill, I'm not getting into semantics with you. Here is Canon's own words about the refurb products they sell---so go argue with them, not me!

"Learn more about Canon Refurbished Products
Are you interested in the Canon line of refurbished products?
Look no further. At Canon U.S.A., Inc. ("Canon"), nothing speaks more to the quality of our company than the quality of our products. We take pride in our commitment to product excellence and service to our customers. All refurbished products come with a 1-Year Refurbished Limited Warranty.
Products that are refurbished must pass a comprehensive quality assurance inspection before final packaging and shipment. Rigorous function and cosmetic inspections are performed by trained Canon technicians so that each refurbished product meets operational specifications and strict cosmetic standards that we have established.
Additionally, all refurbished products provide a cost savings as compared to our price for that product when new. You can find refurbished products right here at the Canon Online Store where a wide variety of our top name brand product groups, including EOS Digital SLR Cameras, PowerShot Digital Cameras, PIXMA Printers, VIXIA Camcorders, and more are available!"

cthahn

You do not even bother to say what camera she is going to use. A super zoom for under &500.00. You must be dreaming.

TN. Photo taker

I recently had the same question, planning a trip to Europe. My requirements were a view finder, in bright sun light the monitor is a pain, and GPS. I settle on Sony HX 90 V. Less that $500.00 at Focus Camera. Great pictures and zoom. I have another Sony, and Olympus, and Nikon. The quality for travel use is equal!

FalconChase Loc: Canton,Ohio, USA

I have the Sony HX90V. Shirt pocket size, with a great Zeiss lens.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)