[UPDATE DEC 4: The second and final update of this list is now available here]
This is the first update for this list of top 10 ultrazoom wide angle cameras 200 posted in February this year. Things have changed a lot since then, with the announcement and release of new cameras. There are also a lot more information available from consumers around the world who have tested many of these cameras and given their verdicts.
Below is the updated version of list, Top Ten Ultrazoom Wide Angle Cameras 2009. They are in no particular order although I would like to think that the first three cameras are there for a reason — they deserve to be there.
1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1
I will have to stand by this entry, titled “Sony Cyber-shot DSC HX1, the Best Compact Camera 2009?” and place the camera high on the list.
The camera is good because it carries revolutionary technologies, one of which is the ability to auto-stitch image. The other is the ability to superimpose six images taken in quick succession.
Digital Photography Review gives the HX1 a 0.5-point advantage over the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS in terms of image quality.
Main features: 9.1 megapixels, 20x optical zoom (28mm – 560mm), pan-and-stitch technology where pictures taken at 10fps are stitched together to make a single extreme wide angle picture, superimpose technology where six images are shot and superimposed to compose the sharpest image possible in night photography, HD video, 10fps burst mode, tilting LCD screen, ISO 125-3200. Price: US$499.95.
2. Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is perhaps one of the most anticipated ultrazoom wide angle cameras ever since its announcement in August last year. Entering the market four months later, the SX1 IS is still making waves way into the 2009.
It chalked up renewed interests among consumers around the world when Canon announced in March that the camera would be available in North America, with RAW capture to boot. Despite DP Review’s “harsh” criticism of the camera’s image quality, I am satisfied with it most of the time. Other camera review sites give the SX1 IS’ image quality a thumbs up.
Main features: 10 megapixels, 20x optical zoom (28mm – 560mm), ISO 80-1600, zero cm macro, RAW capture, hot shoe, face detection, 4fps, CMOS sensor, HD video, anti-shake, tilt and swivel LCD screen. Price: US$600.
3. Panasonic DMC-ZS3 (TZ7 in Europe)
Panasonic started off the year with a bang, announcing a series of compact digital cameras, including superzoomers ZS3 and the ZS1.
The ZS3 is the more expensive of the two and offers many creativity options. With the success of the highly-acclaimed DMC-LX3 wide angle camera, Panasonic has a reputation to keep. That alone makes these two cameras, especially the ZS3, appealing. Digital Photography Review recently proclaimed the ZS3 as the best compact camera in the 12x optical zoom segment. Price: US$399.95.
Main features: 10 megapixels, 12x optical zoom (25mm – 300mm), multi aspect ratios shooting (4:3, 3:2 or 19:9), HD video, anti-shake, face detection, 2.3fps – 6fps (reduced resolution), tonnes of scene modes, ISO100-6400.
4. Panasonic DMC-FZ28
Panasonic was there when the 12x optical zoom was the benchmark for camera makers wanting to make a present in the superzoom segment. After a succession of 12x opticals, the FZ28 came into the picture in October 2008, offering a 18x optical zoom. Available since August 2008 at the retail price of US$399.
Main features: 10 megapixels, (27mm – 486mm), 1cm macro, ISO100-1600, RAW, HD movie, 2.5fps, anti-shake, face detection.
5. Kodak Easyshare Z980
There is something about Kodak’s new ultrazoom camera that merely by looking at it, the word “enthusiast” would immediately comes to mind. It is definitely a unique camera, offering features that would please not only casual photographers but also enthusiasts. Available in April 2008 at a retail price of US$399.95.
Main features: 12 megapixels, 12x optical xoom (26mm – 624mm), hot shoe, zoom flash, vertical shutter release, vertical grip, anti-shake, HD movie, less than 0.2 second click-to-capture speed, ISO64 – 6400, face detection, on camera picture enhancing.
6. Olympus SP-590UZ
It is not an exaggeration to say that the race for longer zooms in the compact digital camera is spurred mostly by Olympus, which has been setting the trend for others to follow. Olympus is winning the number game again with the SP-590UZ, which is by far the camera with the longest zoom range. Ship in March at the price of US$450.
Main features: 12 megapixels, 26 optical zoom (26mm – 676mm), antik-shake, face detection, 1cm macro, 10fps sequential shot, ISO64-6400, RAW, 8 minutes bulb mode.
7. Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
When Canon announced the SX10 IS and the SX1 IS at the same time, and considering that both are almost identical in terms of features except for the CMOS sensor, and HD video and 4fps capabilities of the SX1 IS, many were left in a dilemma whether to buy the SX10 IS or wait for the SX1 IS. With more information and reviews available now, the consumer should have the idea which model suits their needs better.
The SX10 IS does have the advantage over its big brother — it is very much cheaper and offers the very same image quality as that of the SX1 IS. Available since October 2008 at US$399.99.
Main features: 10 megapixels, 20x optical zoom (28mm – 560mm), ISO 80-1600, zero cm macro, hot shoe, face detection, anti-shake, tilt and swivel LCD screen.
8. Nikon P90
As the saying goes, you can’t keep a good man — in this case a good camera maker — down for long. The same goes with Nikon which has finally announced its own superzoom digital camera, the P90. Available in March 2009 and will retail at US$399.95.
Main features: 12.1 megapixels, 24x optical zoom (26mm-624mm), anti-shake, 1cm macro, 15fps continuous shots, face detection, smile mode, blink warning, vari-angle LCD screen, ISO up to 6400.
9. Panasonic DMC-ZS1 or DMC-TZ6
The DMC-ZS1 or DMC-TZ6 is cheaper by US$100 compared to the DMC-TZ7, offering almost similar features with the TZ7. Among the main features: 10 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, 25mm – 300mm, multi aspect ratios shooting, anti-shake and a Leica lens. Minus the HD video. Grab it for US$299.99.
10. Canon Powershot SX200 IS
Canon reinforces its position in the 12x optical zoom compact camera segment with the launch of the PowerShot SX200 IS, an upgrade to the SX110 IS. Canon has had a strong present in this segment with previous models namely the S2 IS, S3 IS and S5 IS.
The SX200 IS is powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor and according to Canon, the SX200 IS has been designed with travel in mind.
Among the features are: 12.1 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, 28-336mm, image stabilisation, DIGIC 4 processor, HD movie (720p), includes all the standard shooting modes (Auto, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual). It is available in black, blue and red for US$349.99.
I hope you find the information informative. Similar articles will be posted on this blog on a regular basis. Be sure to subscribe to Macro Photography Blog via the RSS feed or by Email.
