Zoom range is the last bastion of the point-and-shoot. Though smartphones have slowly devoured the compact camera market and are becoming more and more impressive in their own right, they still have one major limitation: optical zoom. Physically speaking, you can't get the kind of optical zoom range on a smartphone that you can get with a dedicated superzoom camera. These fixed-lens bridge or compact cameras may not give you the same flexibility you get with interchangeable-lens mirrorless or DSLR cameras, but they do offer long zoom ranges with more portability and convenience.
If you're shopping for a zoom camera, look no further. We've bought over 130 cameras, and below are our picks for the best zoom cameras that we've tested. If you're looking for a camera well-suited for birding or wildlife photography, check out the best cameras for wildlife photography or the best cameras for bird photography, more specifically. You can also see the best compact cameras for travel if portability is a priority or the best cheap and budget cameras if you're shopping for a camera on a tight budget.
We've independently purchased over 125 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
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Best Zoom Camera
Travel Photography7.1Landscape Photography7.3Sports & Wildlife Photography7.4Vlogging5.8Studio Video9.3Action Video6.3Raw Photo7.1Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1-inchMinimum Focal Length:9.1 mmMaximum Focal Length:210 mmSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):600 mmIf budget isn't a concern, the Sony RX10 V is the best zoom camera we've tested. Its ZEISS lens covers a 24-600mm full-frame equivalent range with a bright f/2.4-4.0 aperture. Its 20-megapixel stacked 1-inch sensor captures sharp, detailed photos that clearly improve on its predecessor, the Sony RX10 IV. Other cameras on this list zoom much farther, though, and noise creeps in quickly once the light fades because of its small sensor.
However, the RX10 V is quick and versatile. The electronic shutter fires at up to 30 fps, and the buffer never filled up in our testing. Photo tracking is its weak spot, so it works best with subjects that move in predictable paths or with a single focus point. Video features are also very complete. It records 10-bit 4:2:2 footage with S-Log3, shoots 4k at up to 120 fps with a crop, and keeps moving subjects in focus remarkably well.
Handling feels a lot like one of Sony's bigger mirrorless cameras, like the Sony α7 V, with a comfortable grip, a very sharp EVF, and a menu with full touch support. Battery life is outstanding, but the camera is heavy, and its port doors lack rubber seals despite Sony's dust- and moisture-resistance claims. If you want one camera for travel, sports from the stands, and distant wildlife without ever swapping lenses, it's hard to beat.
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Best Mid-Range Zoom Camera
Travel Photography5.4Landscape Photography5.2Sport & Wildlife Photography6.6Vlogging5.4Studio Video6.1Action Video1.9Raw Photo4.8Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1/2.3-inchMinimum Focal Length:4.3 mmMaximum Focal Length:539 mmSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):3,000 mmThe Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is the best mid-range zoom camera we've tested, especially if you don't need the speed and video features of the top pick. It's the camera to beat when it comes to sheer zoom range. With a stunning 125x optical zoom, its bazooka of a lens can capture details on the moon's surface. Of course, that 24-3000mm equivalent focal length means this isn't the best choice if you want something even remotely portable, but it's an impressive camera nonetheless.
It's best suited to shooting in broad daylight because of its small sensor and narrow aperture at max zoom, and you'll likely need a tripod or something else to stabilize the camera when shooting at the tail end of its focal length range. However, despite its limitations, the P1000 still has something to offer besides awe-inspiring zoom, including RAW photo capture and 4k video capability, along with a high-res EVF and fully articulated screen. On a side note, while we haven't tested it, we expect its successor, the Nikon COOLPIX P1100, to perform very similarly, and it can sometimes be found even cheaper.
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Best Budget Zoom Camera
Travel Photography6.4Landscape Photography5.9Sport & Wildlife Photography6.8Raw Photo Performance5.2Vlogging3.6Studio Video5.8Action Video2.5Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1/2.3-inchMinimum Focal Length:3.6 mmMaximum Focal Length:215 mmSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):1,200 mmThe Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D is one of the best-value budget bridge cameras on the market. Though bridge cameras are becoming more scarce, especially ones that could be considered affordable, this refreshed version of an old budget favorite still has a lot to offer for those on a tighter budget. It uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor than higher-end models like the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II, but its image quality is on par for its class, and you can still get good results in bright conditions. It's also relatively portable, and the 'D' model has a new, higher-resolution screen and viewfinder, so the image through the EVF is fairly sharp.
Beyond that, it offers a wide zoom range, with a 60x optical zoom range covering a full-frame equivalent focal length of 20-1200mm, giving you a ton of flexibility to capture far-away subjects. Plus, it has many of the same extra features and modes found on its higher-end stablemate above, including '4k PHOTO' mode and a macro mode. If you're willing to stretch your budget a little bit, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is another solid option, with a slightly longer zoom range, a slightly higher-resolution sensor, and an articulated screen. However, the LUMIX is cheaper and has a better autofocus system.
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Best Compact Zoom Camera
Travel Photography7.3Landscape Photography6.9Sports & Wildlife Photography7.2Vlogging7.4Studio Video6.6Action Video4.6Raw Photo6.3Body Type:Point and ShootMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1-inchMinimum Focal Length:9 mmMaximum Focal Length:72 mmSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):200 mmIf you're looking for the best compact zoom camera, it doesn't get much better than the Sony RX100 VII. The RX100 series has long been a favorite for street and travel photos. These cameras balance zoom range with a wide array of features you don't often see in compact point-and-shoots. Like our top pick, the Sony RX10 V, the RX100 VII uses a stacked 1-inch type sensor that captures above-average image quality and has a quick 20 fps burst rate for faster-moving subjects.
In addition, it has a tilt-out screen for waist-level shots, a pop-up viewfinder that comes in handy on sunny days, and a small pop-up flash that you can use as a fill light in harsher lighting. Plus, Sony's real-time autofocus tracking ensures you'll rarely miss focus. With a 24-200mm full-frame equivalent focal length, it doesn't have nearly as much zoom range as other options here, but if the price isn't a dealbreaker, this is one of the best premium point-and-shoots on the market. If you want to save some money, you can also find older models in the RX100 series on the used market.
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Best Budget Compact Zoom Camera
Travel Photography5.9Landscape Photography3.0Sports & Wildlife Photography6.0Vlogging6.5Studio Video6.3Action Video3.6Raw Photo0.0Body Type:Point and ShootMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1/2.3-inchMinimum Focal Length:4.3 mmMaximum Focal Length:172 mmSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):960 mmLooking for something small on an equally small budget? Check out the Canon PowerShot SX740. It offers a 40x optical zoom range in a highly compact form factor. You can easily bring this point-and-shoot with you wherever you go, and its highly intuitive user interface makes snapping photos a breeze.
Unlike the Sony RX100 VII above, this model uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor. However, you can still capture decent images in bright conditions, and its 24-960mm full-frame equivalent focal length gives you a ton of flexibility to zoom in on faraway subjects. Also, while it doesn't have a viewfinder, it features a flip-up screen for waist-level shooting or selfies, and it can shoot bursts of up to 10 fps for faster subjects. If you can find it, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is even cheaper and has a viewfinder to help with framing and composition, but it's been discontinued, so you might have to buy one secondhand.
If you can stretch your budget a little, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 trades zoom range for better image quality. Its larger 1-inch sensor handles dim light far better, and it saves RAW files, which the Canon can't, giving you more room to edit. It also keeps handheld shots steadier and lasts longer on a charge. However, its 15x zoom doesn't reach nearly as far, its screen doesn't move at all, and it doesn't have a viewfinder either.
Recent Updates
Oct 09, 2026:
We replaced the Sony RX10 IV with its successor, the Sony RX10 V, as the 'Best Zoom Camera' and added the Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 as an alternative to the Canon PowerShot SX740 in the 'Best Budget Compact Zoom Camera' pick. COOLPIX P1000 also moves from our 'Best Superzoom Camera' pick to our 'Best Mid-Range' pick, replacing the now-discontinued Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II.
Feb 14, 2025:
We slightly modified the introduction to include a link to our 'Test Benches and Scoring System' explanation page.
Nov 13, 2024:
We replaced the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS with the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D since that model offers a bit better value for its price for most users, though we still mention the Canon as an alternative.
Aug 16, 2024: We added the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D as a Notable Mention because of its appealing price and value.
May 23, 2024: We re-ordered the picks in the article to group bridge cameras and compact cameras together; the recommended cameras haven't changed.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best optical zoom cameras. 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'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our point-and-shoot zoom cameras in order of longest to shortest zoom range. 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.