If you’re looking for the best ultra zoom camera for zoom, then the bridge or superzoom camera is where you want to be looking.

Ultra-zoom cameras, are also known as bridge cameras, superzooms, and offer some of the highest optical zoom and longest optical zoom available on any camera, with some models offering up to 125x optical zoom, far more zoom than offered by compact cameras and smartphones.

The ultra-zoom camera has been around for many years, but the lastest models offer an impressive zoom range, going from wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle, to 400mm (or more) equivalent at the telephoto end. With some models, you can even get a 2000mm or 3000mm equivalent zoom! You’ll struggle to match this amount of zoom with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, making the ultra zoom camera a unique option.

This makes them useful for capturing a multitude of scenes, whether you’re capturing wide-angle landscapes, or want to zoom in for a portrait, or more often than not, zoom into some distant wildlife.

How to choose the best ultra-zoom camera

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. A 1/2.3inch sensor is smaller than a 1inch-type sensor.

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!

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


Best ultra zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P950

Price: £849

Best Nikon Ultra Zoom: 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
  • 2.359m-dot electronic viewfinder
  • ISO range: 100-6400
  • Screen: 3.2-inch, vari-angle LCD
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • Dimensions: 140.2 x 109.6.1 x 149.8mm
  • Weight: 1,005g (including battery and card)

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.

Nikon Coolpix P950 Vari-angle Screen

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

Fastest shooting: Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Price: from £1499

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

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

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV – at a glance

  • 20.1MP 1inch, Exmor RS CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2
  • 24-600mm equivalent lens, f/2.4-4
  • 2.36M-dot (XGA OLED) viewfinder
  • Screen: 3-inch, 1,440k-dot, Xtra Fine TFT LCD
  • Up to 24fps shooting
  • 4K video recording
  • Dimensions: 132.5 x 94 x 145mm
  • Weight: 1,095g (including battery and card)

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.

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV RearAn advanced autofocus system enables the camera to lock onto subjects in just 0.03 seconds but the RX10 IV’s most impressive feature is perhaps the video specifications – not only can the camera capture footage at 4K quality, but the Sony also offers a feature that shoots high-speed video at 1000fps in short bursts to capture ultra slow-motion sequences.

What we like:

  • High resolution
  • Impressive video functions
  • Fast lens

Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV Review


Widest lens: Canon Powershot SX70 HS

Price: £579

Longest Canon Zoom: Canon Powershot SX70HS

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS – at a glance

  • 20.3MP, 1/2.3inch sensor
  • 21-1365mm equivalent lens, f/3.4-6.5
  • 2.36m-dot viewfinder
  • Screen: 3-inch, 922K-dot, Vari-Angle LCD (TFT)
  • 10fps shooting
  • 4K video recording
  • Dimensions: 127 x 90.9 x 116.6mm
  • Weight: 610g (including battery and card)

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).Longest Canon Zoom: Canon Powershot SX70HS

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.

What we like:

  • Value-for-money price-tag
  • High resolution
  • Lightweight dimension

Best Panasonic: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II

Price: £729

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II – at a glance

  • 20.1MP MOS, 1inch sensor
  • 25-400mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-4.0
  • 2.36m-dot OLED viewfinder
  • Screen: 3-inch, 1240k-dot, freeangle TFT LCD
  • Up to 30fps shooting (in 4K Photo Mode)
  • 4K video recording
  • Dimensions: 136.2 x 97.2 x 131.5mm
  • Weight: 810g (with battery and card)

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.

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II Rear

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.

If you’re after a budget version of this, have a look out for the predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, which you should be able to find second hand for much less. 

What we like:

  • Advanced stabilisation
  • Vari-angle LCD
  • Lightweight

Longest optical zoom: Nikon Coolpix P1000

Price: £1049

Longest optical zoom: Nikon Coolpix P1000

Nikon Coolpix P1000 – at a glance

  • 16MP, 1/2.3inch sensor
  • 24-3000mm equivalent, f/2.8-8
  • 2.36m-dot OLED viewfinder
  • Screen: 3.2-inch, 921k-dot (RGB), wide viewing angle TFT LCD
  • ISO range: 100-1600
  • 4K video recording
  • Dimensions: 146.3 x 118.8 x 181.3mm
  • Weight: 1415g (including battery and card)

The 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 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.

Nikon Coolpix P1000 Rear

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!

What we like:

  • Incredible focal length
  • Big LCD
  • Bluetooth & Wi-Fi

Read our Nikon Coolpix P1000 Field Test


Best Leica Ultra-Zoom: Leica V-Lux 5

Price: £1,150

Classy Bridge Camera: Leica V-Lux 5

Leica V-Lux 5 – at a glance

  • 20MP, 1-inch sensor
  • 25-400mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-4
  • 2.36m-dot viewfinder, 0.74x magnification
  • Screen: 3-inch, 1,240k-dot TFT LCD
  • 30fps shooting (4K Burst Mode)
  • 4K video at 30fps
  • Dimensions: 136.7 x 97.2 x 131.5mm
  • Weight: 812g (with battery)

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.

Classy Bridge Camera: Leica V-Lux 5

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.

What we like:

  • 2 Year Warranty
  • High resolution
  • Fast burst rate

Best second hand option: Canon PowerShot G3 X

Price: from £450-£599

Best Canon with large sensor: Canon Powershot G3x

Canon PowerShot G3 X – at a glance

  • 20.2MP CMOS, 1inch sensor
  • 24-600mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-5.6
  • Viewfinder: Optional Electronic Viewfinder EVF-DC1
  • Screen: 3.2-inch, 1,620k-dot sRGB PureColor II G Touchscreen LCD (TFT)
  • Up to 5.9fps shooting
  • Full HD video recording
  • Dimensions: 123.3 x 76.5 x 105.3mm
  • Weight: 733g (including battery and card)

Some people may be put off by the bulk of a bridge camera, but it doesn’t have to be this way. You’ll notice the Canon G3 X looks more like a compact camera rather than the DSLR shape of cameras like the P1000, but this portable pocket rocket can still offer a versatile focal range of 24-600mm from the variable max F2.8-5.6 aperture 25x optical zoom lens. This will cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to long lens travel photography.

Despite being a little older than other cameras in this round-up, the G3 X (launched way back in 2015) still offers an impressive resolution of 20-megapixels, which should be plenty to make big prints. Features include optical image stabilisation, a 3.2-inch, tilting, touch-sensitive LCD and a built-in ND filter, just in case you want to try your hand at some long exposures.

Best Canon with large sensor: Canon Powershot G3x

While the video specifications top out at Full HD rather than 4K, the G3 X does include ports for both headphones and an external mic so enhanced audio can be captured and monitored. This makes the G3 X a left-field choice for a videographer’s B-camera to capture footage from a great distance. You may have to shop around a little to get your hands on a G3 X, but there a few still out there.

What we like:

  • Small size
  • Decent resolution
  • Built-in ND filter

Read our Canon PowerShot G3 X Review


Further reading

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


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