Pessimistic prognosticators have long predicted that the once-dominant digital point-and-shoot (P&S) camera category is on the skids, and some doomsayers have even called it an endangered species.
While it is undoubtedly true that P&S sales on the whole have been declining, and that camera manufacturers have been furiously trying to refresh it with a mixture of high-tech features, enhanced performance perks, plus sexy colors and form factors, the overall picture is not as bleak as all that.
That’s because P&S is an umbrella term that encompasses many subcategories, and in general, P&S cameras with distinctive personalities are faring far better than plain vanilla models in the marketplace. Some examples are: submersible, everything-proof, active lifestyle cameras; large-sensor P&S cameras with fast lenses aimed at enthusiasts and pros; and long-range zoom cameras that, for many users, deliver most of the advantages of interchangeable-lens DSLRs and CSCs in a convenient, attractively priced, all-in-one package.
A Segmented Market
While there is really no ironclad definition of a long-range zoom camera, it is clear this category is evolving into three identifiable segments: 1. So-called bridge cameras with wide-to-telephoto zoom lenses in the 24x to 50x range, DSLR-like form factors and features that may or may not include an articulated LCD and an eye-level electronic viewfinder. 2. Slim ultracompact models with 10x to 20x zoom ranges, possibly a touch-screen LCD and no EVF. 3. An emerging category of compact high-tech models with zoom ratios of 21x to 30x and advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and accessory EVFs.
Some of the cameras in the first category provide a DSLR-like handling and shooting experience, albeit without interchangeable lenses, while cameras in the other two categories provide classic P&S convenience with vastly enhanced versatility. Any of the cool contemporary models detailed here can prove an excellent backup to an enthusiast’s DSLR, a great all-rounder in its own right or a great choice for serious shooters who want to travel light. Those are just some of the reasons why savvy dealers should put these flexible long-rangers near the top of their promotional priority lists.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. With a 35x, 25–875mm equivalent, f/3.0–5.9 zoom lens incorporating an aspheric element and three ED elements, as well as a 16.1MP CCD sensor, this compact (4.9×3.3×3.6-inch) lightweight camera packs a lot of picture-taking punch and high value. Other key features include: a 3.0-inch, 460k-dot LCD; optical image stabilization; 720p HD video recording at 30 fps; eight scene modes, including panorama shot and HDR; manual exposure control; and a hefty DSLR-style grip. $229.99. panasonic.com
Fujifilm FinePix S8400W. This sleekly styled ultra-long-ranger has an impressive 44x, 24–1056mm equivalent, f/2.9–6.5 Fujinon zoom lens and a 16.2MP BSI CMOS sensor. It delivers a sizzling 10-frames-per-sec maximum burst rate and can capture Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps. Other key features include: built-in image stabilization; Wi-Fi connectivity; SR auto mode selection; a mode dial for shooting selection; dual zoom control and zooming; a 3.0-inch, 460k-dot LCD plus a 201k-dot EVF; super macro mode; and digital filters. $349.95. fujifilmusa.com
Pentax X-5. Resembling a scaled-down ultracompact version of a classic DSLR, the X-5 provides features to match, starting with a 26x, 22.3–580mm equivalent, f/3.1–5.9 megazoom lens with three aspheric elements, a 16MP CMOS image sensor, a 230k-dot EVF and a 3.0-inch, 460k-dot tilting LCD. Other key features include: Triple Shake Reduction technology; Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps; super macro mode focusing down to 1cm; auto picture mode; fast face detection; manual controls; and a micro-HDMI port for TV viewing. $229.95. pentaximaging.com
Olympus SP-820UZ iHS. With cool minimalist styling, a 40x, 22.4–896mm equivalent, f/3.4–5.7 lens and a 14MP iHS CMOS sensor coupled to a new TruePic V image processor, it’s definitely a top contender. Its advanced features include: a wide-angle 3.0-inch, 460k-dot LCD; Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps; dual image stabilization; multi-motion IS video stabilization; a full-res, 3-fps burst rate; handheld starlight, HDR adjustment and iAuto modes; plus 12 magic filter effects. $279.99. olympusamerica.com
Samsung WB800F. This svelte pocketsize camera sports a 21x, 23.4–490.9mm equivalent, f/2.8–5.9 zoom lens, a 16.3MP BSI CMOS image sensor and a 3.0-inch, 460k-dot hybrid touch-screen LCD. Its remote viewfinder function lets users control, frame and fire the camera remotely via selected smartphones, while built-in Wi-Fi, Mobile Link and TV Link let them share images instantly across different platforms, including e-mail. Wi-Fi also enables one-button auto backup to a PC. Other key features include: Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps; cloud access via MS SkyDrive; smart auto mode; best face; live panorama; and 12 magic frame background templates. $279.99. samsung.com
Nikon Coolpix P520. This attractive DSLR-styled long-ranger has ergonomic body contours, a hefty built-in handgrip and a noteworthy 42x, 24–1000mm equivalent, f/3.0–5.9 Nikkor glass lens. Add to that an 18.1MP CMOS sensor, a 921k-dot, 3.2-inch LCD and an EVF for evaluating image details. Other key features include: built-in VR (vibration reduction) image stabilization; Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps with stereo sound; manual controls; a large selection of scene modes and filter effects; and built-in GPS as well as a points-of-interest function that shows nearby photo ops, like scenic outlooks or historic landmarks. It also works with Nikon’s optional WU-1a wireless mobile adapter for instant transfer to a smartphone or tablet. $449.95. nikonusa.com
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS. It looks like a downsized version of a sleek, modern DSLR and it provides impressive performance and versatility with a 50x, 24–1200mm equivalent, f/3.4–6.5 zoom lens, a 12.1MP CMOS sensor and a Digic 5 image processor. Shooters can view the image on the 2.8-inch, 461k-dot, vari-angle LCD or in the eye-level EVF. The SX50 HS shoots in RAW and JPEG and up to 13 fps. It also provides smart auto mode, face ID and a 10-fps burst in HQ mode. Other features include: optical IS; a 0.19-sec AF speed; Full HD 1080p video recording with stereo sound at cinematic 24 fps; 12 color effects; and a built-in hot shoe. $449.99. usa.canon.com
Leica V-Lux 4. This classically styled 12.1MP imaging machine provides virtually full DSLR functionality in a compact, ergonomic form factor, and its 24x, 25–600mm equivalent Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens maintains its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture over the entire focal-length range—a big plus when shooting in low light. Other key features include: RAW + JPEG file capture; a 3.0-inch, tilt/rotate LCD plus a high-res, 1.3m-dot EVF; dual zooming controls; Full HD 1080p recording in AVCHD and MP4 formats; a blistering 12-fps burst rate; and built-in panorama mode. It comes with a free Adobe Lightroom 4 download. $899. us.leica-camera.com
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. This striking “retro minimalist” camera packs an amazing array of features and flexibility into its sleek, compact 8.6-ounce body. Its 30x, 24–720mm equivalent, f/3.5-6.3 Sony G lens incorporates five aspheric elements, and its 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS sensor is coupled to a Bionz image processor. The HX50V also sports a high-res 3.0-inch, 921k-dot LCD with brightness control. Other features include: three-way IS; built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; a fast 10-fps full-res burst rate; sweep panorama; background defocus; picture effects; Full HD 1080p/60p AVCHD video recording; full manual control; and a multi-interface hot shoe for attaching an external flash or accessory EVF. $449.99. sony.com
