Balko Photo

Superzoom is a description / label given to cameras that are larger, with more features, than a small pocket-sized Point & Shoot - and are smaller than an entry-level dSLR (digital Single Lens Reflex which use interchangeable lenses), but not as small as the typical P&S. They have zoom ranges of 10x and greater, have a fixed lens, some manual controls, many have anti-shake technology built-in, LDC screens useful for Life Preview, and are sometimes referred to as “bridge cameras” or “prosumer.” Below is a list of the basics:

To get the equivalent of the 10x zooms (and the 12x, 15x, and 18x I have seen) would take a lot of money and extra equipment to handle the weight in the SLR or dSLR world. The range covered is about 35mm to 500mm in the film camera world. Trust me, you would need thousands of dollars and an extra person to carry the bulk of lenses (and accessories & bag) needed to cover that range for an SLR.**

But of course, there is a tradeoff - or everyone would be getting a superzoom and saving them selves a ton of money. It’s called Image Quality (IQ). The advantage of switching lenses is that each one has a particular capability - like a fast lens can capture low light images, telephotos can zoom out into fantastic ranges, wide angles, fisheyes, and the list can go on. The professional quality lenses, while very expensive, produce amazing images even at high ISO settings.

The superzooms, on the other hand, function best and deliver the best images at ISO of 100 or less, That means your photo ops are limited. If you are not inclined to artsy shots in the moonlight or blurring the background for bokeh, then superzooms may be for you. They also serve as a decent backup camera, a grab-and-go camera for SLR owners as well.

If you like to have a camera handy, want to take one with you everywhere, and have the ability to shoot movies, then this a great product for you. Even though I am getting another dSLR (the Canon 40D) to replace the one stolen, I bought a Canon G9 for just such situations - I want to take a camera with me but cannot drag all of my equipment into all places. Plus the video capability is cool!