Shoot like a pro - 8 superzoom cameras compared

Capturing moments and the very essence of life; that’s what cameras are all about. Remember the days when film cameras were actually in vogue? The endless number of film rolls that one would purchase since they could capture just about 24 shots? That’s not all; the reel then had to be given for processing, which would take two to three days before you actually get to see the snaps. With the advent of digital cameras, photography has taken a whole new dimension. With a plethora of choices from every major brand, photography is no longer limited to professionals. The number of options that one gets when purchasing a camera is so enormous that everyone from a beginner to a professional can find what he/she is looking for. We can't deny the convenience that digital cameras have brought. Unlike film cameras, these come with added features such as face, smile and blink detection, along with a wide range of preset scenes that make usability almost foolproof. 

The Canon SX40HS - Great performance, not quite the all-rounder

That’s not all; cameras such as the Nikon CoolPix P500 feature wide angle lenses. This basically gives you a wider view of the subject(s) being shot. Capturing videos is another added advantage that digital cameras offer. And you are no longer limited to capturing VGA resolution videos either; you can now get as high as Full HD 1080p at 60 fps. All cameras featured here, except the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and the Olympus SP-810 UZ, are capable of capturing full HD video, which translates to better picture quality and smoother playback. Additionally, these cameras, other than offering the DSLR feel with regard to the build, weight, and usability, offer plenty of scene modes and filter options that can be applied similar to what compact point-and-shoot cameras have to offer.

Display screens are now available in tilt and flip-out options, which help taking shots at difficult angles even simpler. For example, shots can be taken from a height of more than 6 feet by merely lifting the camera up high and tilting the display screen downwards. Also, some cameras offer a 180-degree rotating and flip-out display, making self portraits easier. But since most cameras offer different feature sets, specifications and performance, the most confusing part is to be able to choose one that suits your needs and budget. With an array of cameras that list out their detailed specifications, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of information when you need to buy a simple, but good one. So if you are looking to pick up a megazoom camera, read on to find out which suits you best. Here are some of the best super ones that we tested. If you're interested in knowing how the others fared, the score sheet is present below.

Scoresheet (Click to enlarge)