Superzoom cameras like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 ($599.99) are attractive options for photographers who want the versatility of a very long zoom range along with the ergonomics of an SLR, but don't want to carry an interchangeable lens camera and a few lenses. The FZ300's 24x lens doesn't sound that ambitious on paper—pocket models like Panasonic's own ZS50 ($350.00 at Amazon) manage to put 30x lenses into a smaller package, and others like our Editors' Choice Canon PowerShot SX60 HS ($479.00 at eBay) reach incredible 65x telephoto ratios. But the FZ300 has a fixed f/2.8 aperture, so it captures just as much light at its widest angle as it does when zoomed all the way in—a rarity for this class. If your photographic needs don't extend beyond 600mm, and you value weather sealing, 4K video, and a lightning-fast autofocus system, the FZ300 is an excellent, but pricey, choice in its own right. DesignThe FZ300 ($447.99 at Amazon) takes its design cues from SLRs. Its fixed lens i...
The excellent Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 superzoom offers a long focal range with a fixed-aperture lens, 4K video, and instant autofocus.
24x zoom lens with f/2.8 aperture; All-weather build; Excellent EVF; Vari-angle touch-screen display; Very fast autofocus; 12.4fps burst shooting; Strong high ISO images for its class; Raw image capture; 4K video
Expensive; Large-sensor superzooms offer better image quality; Zoom range isn't as ambitious as others