Best superzoom cameras to buy under Rs 25,000

While smartphone cameras are getting better, they cannot match a proper camera when it comes to long-zoom range. ET Wealth finds the superzoom cameras to invest in today.

UP TO Rs 15,000

NIKON L340



If you are on a strict budget, then the L340 is the camera to look at. It has a 20MP CCD sensor with a 28x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilisation. Other specifications include f3.1 to f5.9 aperture and ISO up to 1600. Weighing 430 grams, the camera has a 3-inch LCD display and battery life of 370 shots.

CANON IXUS 285 HS



Some users don’t want to carry a heavy camera but still require a good zoom range. For them, the only option worth considering in this price range is the Canon. It has a 20MP CMOS sensor with 12X optical zoom, image stabilisation as well as WiFi and NFC connectivity in the compact body. You get a 3-inch display and a battery life of 180 shots.

SONY H300


The Sony is slightly expensive with similar specifications as it offers a larger 35x optical zoom. You get a 20MP CCD sensor on this also but with better ISO level of up to 3200, f3.0 to f4.9 aperture and 360 degree sweep panorama shooting. There is a 3-inch LCD display, built-in flash and battery life of up to 350 shots.

NIKON B500


The B500 offers a massive 42x optical zoom with optical image stabilisation— the highest available in this price range. Moreover, it has a 16MP CMOS sensor, ISO up to 6400 along with mechanical and CMOS electronic shutter. Weighing 542 grams, the camera has a tilting 3-inch display and a battery life of up to 600 shots.

BETWEEN Rs 15,000 & Rs 25,000

SONY WX350



Another option for those who prefer a compact form factor. The WX350 offers 20x optical zoom with a 18MP CMOS sensor that also does full HD video recording. Weighing just 164 grams, the camera has a a 3-inch LCD display, a dedicated mode dial on top, built-in WiFi, NFC and a battery life of up to 470 shots with support for USB charging.

SONY H400



With a 63x optical zoom, the H400 offers one the biggest zoom range in its price segment. Weighing 655 grams, the camera uses a a 20MP CCD sensor and comes with a 3-inch display as well as an electronic viewfinder. While it lets you use the full zoom in video recording, its limited to 720p HD resolution recording.

CANON SX720 HS



Canon impresses by offering 40x optical zoom in a pocketable size. It even has a handy zoom framing assist technology and an auto zoom feature so that you get the best possible shot. It has a 20MP CMOS sensor, 3-inch LCD display, WiFi, NFC, full HD video recording, built-in flash and a battery life of up to 250 shots.

NIKON B700



The bigger brother to the Nikon B500 improves the zoom range to 60x while keeping most of the features unchanged. There is a 20MP CMOS sensor, ISO up to 3200 and aperture range of f3.3 to f6.5. You get a 3-inch variangle display, electronic viewfinder, built-in flash, WiFi, Bluetooth and a battery life of up to 420 shots.

TIPS FOR LONG ZOOM CAMERA

1. Use a tripod: Superzoom cameras tend to capture even the minimum of tremors during hand-held use. For best results, use the camera with a tripod whenever you plan to take long zoom photos.

2. Avoid digital zoom: Most superzoom cameras also give you the option to use digital zoom to extend the zoom range further. However, using digital zoom will lead to loss in image details and hence is not recommended.

3. Protect your camera: While it is not common, your superzoom cameras is susceptible to damage if dust gets stuck in the zoom mechanism. When not in use, keep the camera properly covered for protection.