Best Superzoom Cameras for Birding

Which is the best superzoom camera for birding ? A super zoom camera is an immaculately ideal choice if you practice birding and want to capture birds in the wild. And to be able to do so you would require a decent zoom with an equivalent focal length of at least 300mm. Some of the best super-zoom cameras for birding tag along with a good auto focus system, large aperture, and high shutter speeds. We hereby present some of the front-runners.

Our Pick for the best super-zoom cameras for wildlife photography and birding

1. Best price/value ratio (Nikon Coolpix P900)

2. Best that money can get (Sony CyberShot RX10)

3. Best budget option (Panasonic Lumix FZ300)

Best 10 Superzoom Cameras for Birding

1. Nikon COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera

The Nikon COOLPIX P900 is a splendid choice for bird photographers who are just starting in this field due to its quality build and the price point.

It has a spectacular 83x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Super Extra-Low Dispersion Glass VR Lens that allows the photographer to click great close-ups of the birds.

In the case of most of the cameras, pictures captured at the highest zoom levels will not be as sharp as pictures captured at lower magnification.

The Nikon COOLPIX P900 lets the user get closer shots, along with an ample amount of magnification to back off and click and produce cleaner-looking photos.

The feature of the electronic viewfinder makes tracking birds in flight easier and the image stabilizer ensures that the pictures come out sharp. The image quality on this camera may not be professional-grade, for a beginner photographer, but it will be fun to capture stunning snaps of the birds.

Pros:

• Perfect for beginners

• Good price/quality value

• You will get high res close photos from far away

• The zoom has that “wow” factor

• Includes Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Glass for Better Clarity

• Portable and easy to carry

Cons:

• Not great for extreme lighting conditions

• Does not shoot RAW

• Not Compatible with External Microphone

Optical Zoom: 83x
Megapixels: 16
Video Resolution: FHD 1080p/60fps
Image Stabilizer: Yes
Liquid Crystal Display Display: 3 inch Vari Angle TFT Liquid Crystal Display
Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch
Sensor Res: 16 MP (OS)/1080p (Video Record)
Lens: 83x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Super Extra-Low Dispersion Glass VR Lens
Equivalent Focal Range: 24-2000mm
Aperture: f/2.9-6.5
Weight: 1.98 lbs
Connectivity: Wireless Fidelity, Near Field Communication, Global Positioning System, Hi-speed Universal Serial Bus, and High Definition Multimedia Interface Output

2. Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV Digital Camera

Let’s talk about the birders who are experienced who can certainly identify the lens on the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV. It features a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Ultra Zoom lens.

Users of well-known Zeiss binoculars will be able to agree to the quality of this brand and the clarity of its glass. With a 25x optical zoom (600mm equivalent) and surprisingly rapid auto-focus.

The Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is a superb option for birders who want to capture high-quality action shots of flying birds.

Photographers who are seriously pursuing birding will be satisfied with this camera as the lens is paired with the 1-inch sensor and RAW shooting calibre.

Pros:

• Best that money can get

• World’s fastest autofocus (essential for birding)

• High-Quality Zeiss Zoom Lens

• Excellent picture quality

• Shoots 4K Video

• Has a large sensor

• Dust-and-Moisture Resistant

• a mobile application can control the camera

Cons:

• Premium price tag (but worth it)

• The pop-up flash does not behave as a wire free controller for off-camera Through The Lens flashes

• Isn’t the most lightweight option

Optical Zoom: 25x
Megapixels: 20
Video Resolution: 4K UHD/30fps, 1080 megapixels/960fps
Image Stabilizer: Yes
Liquid Crystal Display Display: 3 inch Adjustable Angle TFT Liquid Crystal Display with Touch Pad Functionality
Sensor Size: 1 inch
Sensor Resolution: 20 megapixels (Optical Sensor)/4K (Video Capture)
Lens: Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Ultra Zoom
Equivalent Focal Range: 24-600mm
Aperture: f/2.4-4
Weight: 2.32 lbs
Connectivity: Wireless Fidelity, Near Field Communication, Bluetooth, High Definition Multimedia Interface (Output), and Universal Serial Bus

3. Lumix FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera by Panasonic

The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera has a Leica DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens with splashproof construction, resistant to dust.

With its built-in Wireless Fidelity technology, it is easy to connect and transfer media. You can also print pictures without cables. The camera has a highest zoom capability of 24x. There is a 12.1MP sensor that provides high-quality and high-resolution images.

Its high resolution up to 4K at 30 frames per second lets the user capture some great videos as the MOS sensor amplifies camera sensitivity

Pros:

• Best budget superzoom for birders

• Fast and quiet autofocus

• Tilt and swivel touch-Display Liquid Crystal Display

• Very good 4k video

• Shoots RAW

• Near-zero latency on the shutter

• Consistent F2.8 aperture throughout the complete zoom zone

Cons:

• Small sensor, not ideal for low-light

• Could use a headphone jack for video

Lens: Leica DC 24x F2.8 Zoom Lens
Zoom: 24x
Sensor: 12.1
Frames per second: 12
Weight: 1.52lbs
Video: 4K
Weather-Sealed: Splashproof

4. Nikon Coolpix P1000 Digital Camera

A good zoom lens is extremely crucial for bird photography. Just think about it, what if you could see the Saturn rings. Now, you know that The Nikon Coolpix P1000 can more than that with a 125x zoom capability (3,000mm equivalent)

It simply weighs 3.12 lb. Since the zoom capability is superior, the images might get shaky. Hence, it is recommended to use it with a tripod to get a sharp and crisp picture.

Pros:

• Mind-blowing 3000mm zoom

• Can shoot RAW

• Compact Considering the Zoom

• Shoots 4K Video

• Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction

• Includes External Microphone Jack

Cons:

• Small Sensor

• Low-Light Photo Quality

• Not Designed to be Dust-and-Water Resistant

Optical Zoom: 125x
Megapixels: 16
Video Resolution: 4K UHD/30fps
Image Stabilizer: Available (Double Detection Optical Vibration Reduction Mechanism)
Liquid Crystal Display Display: 3.2 inch Vari Angle TFT Liquid Crystal Display
Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch
Sensor Res: 16 MP(OS)/4K High Res (Video Capture Capability)
Lens: 125x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Glass Equivalent Focal Range: 24-3000mm
Aperture: f/2.8-8
Weight: 3.12 lbs
Connectivity: Wireless Fidelity, SnapBridge, Bluetooth, Hi-speed Universal Serial Bus, and High Definition Multimedia Interface Output

5. Lumix FZ80 Digital Camera by Panasonic

The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 goes easy on pocket who likes bird photography.

Its long 60x digital zoom lets the photographer to zoom into images with ease. Additionally, it helps you shoot videos in 4K!

The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is light-weight and portable but it is not dust-and-waterproof.

All said and done, this camera is a great option for the beginner bird-photographers.

Pros:

• Lightweight

• Affordable

• Exceptional Zoom

• Shoots 4K Video

• Touch Enabled Liquid Crystal Display Display

Cons:

• Not Compatible with External Microphone

• Not Dust-or-Water Resistant

Optical Zoom: 60x
Megapixels: 18.1
Video Resolution: 4K/30fps
Image Stabilizer: Yes
Liquid Crystal Display Display: 3 inch Touch Enabled Liquid Crystal Display
Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch
Sensor Res: 18.1 MP (OS)/4K High Res (Video Capture Capability)
Lens: Lumix DC Vario
Equivalent Focal Range: 20-1200mm
Aperture: f/2.8-5.9
Weight: 1.36 lbs
Connectivity: Wireless Fidelity, High Definition Multimedia Interface (output), and Universal Serial Bus

6. Lumix FZ1000 II 20.1 Megapixels Digital Camera by Panasonic

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II 20.1MP Digital Camera is yet another good choice for birding photography as it is mostly preferred for wildlife and sports photography due to its low light image performance, and a point and shoot option. It’s a great pickup and click camera and the added viewfinder is a huge bonus as well. Ideal for newcomers who want a no hassle camera. The megazoom camera has a 20.1MP sensor. It has a 1-inch diameter. And tags along with a LEICA DC Vario-Elmarit lens.

The lens comes with a 16x optical zoom function, with a changeable aperture that ranges between F2.8 and F4.0. A 5-Axis. This variable optical image stabilization system controls flaring and hosting.

It comes handy for a good point-and-shoot with a touch display which eases the command over the point-and-shoot photography with the finger-touch.

Pros:

• Point and shoot design

• Optical image stabilization

• 3.0 inch Liquid Crystal Display

• 16x zoom function

• 20.1MP sensor

• 4K video recording

• Leica DC lens

Cons:

• 4K photo provides 8MP resolution

• Smaller sensor than some alternatives

Lens: LEICA DC Lens
Zoom: 16x
Sensor: MOS sensor
Frames per second: 30fps
Weight: 1.0lbs
Video: 4K
Weather-Sealed: No

7. Canon PowerShot G3 X Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot G3 X is an amazing selection for any passionate traveller who seeks for a light-weight camera with high-quality images.

With the 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel sensor, it clicks great pictures but might not be a wise choice for a professional birder due to its dearth of a viewfinder and the lower zoom.

At the same time, the Canon PowerShot G3 X has a grand range that clashes 600mm telephoto lenses. Because it is dust-and-water resistant and features dust-and-drip-proof rubber sealing, it makes a good choice for travellers who’d like to capture landscapes, portraits, and wildlife (not exclusively birds).

Pros:

• Great for travel

• Light Weight

• High-Quality 1 inch Sensor

• Shoots RAW Files

• Dust-and-Water Resistant

• Includes External Microphone Jack

Cons:

• No Viewfinder

• Slower Auto-Focus

Optical Zoom: 25x
Megapixels: 20.2
Video Resolution: 1080p/60fps
Image Stabilizer: Yes
Liquid Crystal Display Display: 3.2 inch Multi-Angle Touch Liquid Crystal Display
Sensor Size: 1 inch
Sensor Res: 20.2 MP (OS)/1080p Full High Definition (Video Capture Capability)
Lens: 25 x Optical Zoom Lens (24-600mm)
Equivalent Focal Range: 24-600mm
Aperture: f/2.8-5.6
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Connectivity: Wireless Fidelity, Near Field Communication, Camera Connect App, Mobile Device Connect Button, and Image Sync Function

8. Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital 18.2MP Camera

The Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital 18.2MP Camera features a lightweight design and is excellent for photographers who are looking for a superzoom camera in a pocket-friendly budget.

The camera is designed by Sony, and features a built-in ZEISS lens.

The ZEIS Vario-Sonnar T lens offers a high magnification system for better zooming. One can alter, modify and regulate the zooming between 24mm and 720mm.

The camera records video content as well which can be set to a maximum resolution of 4K.

A full pixel readout function is provided with the 4K resolution which guarantees that there is no need to stress about pixel binning. A BIONZ X image processing engine is placed in this camera.

This camera provides quite a number of shoot functions and settings that the photographer can choose from. A touch shutter and focus system make it easy to have a great command of these functions. You could consider buying this camera as it is super compact and easy to carry around if you travel a lot.

Pros:

• Built-in zoom lens

• High magnification zoom

• BIONZ X image processing engine

• Front-end LSI

• Multiple shooting functions

• Touchpad Display design

• 4K video recording

Cons:

• Limited Liquid Crystal Display tilting

• Does not use third-party lenses

• Touch shutter may be too sensitive

Lens: ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T
Zoom: 24-720mm
Sensor: 18.2MP
Weight: 14.3 ounces
Video: 4K
Weather-Sealed: No

9. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS 4K Camera

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS 4K Camera has a 20.3MP sensor for phenomenal images and snap, and tags along with a complete package. This is a wise option for beginners who are not willing to spend much on a camera and additional accessories.

This package encompasses a 64GB SD card, a flexible tripod, a wired shutter release, and a spare battery.

A monopod is also inclusive for both videography and photography. It also includes a Ritz Gear DSLR, which makes it convenient and easy to port.

The camera comes with a CMOS sensor and a built-in DIGIC 8 image-processing engine which in turn gives better quality photos.

The 4K video recording function also lets the photographer record high-quality video content. The camera has a 65x optical zoom feature that has Bluetooth and Wireless Fidelity technology for easy interface.

Pros:

• Beginner’s Kit

• Comes with carry case

• Accessory bundle included

• 4K video recording

• 20.3MP resolution

• 65x optical zoom

• Image stabilization

Cons:

• Low continuous shooting frame rate

• Included monopod is short

Zoom: 65x optical zoom
Sensor: 20.3MP
Frames per second: 10fps
Weight: 4.24 lbs
Video: 4K
Weather-Sealed: No

10. Nikon Coolpix B700 Digital Camera

If you are scrolling through Nikon superzooms, but not willing to spend much, then the Nikon Coolpix B700 Digital Camera is a wise choice for you.

This is an all-rounder camera for wildlife, sports, and even macro photography.

It also acts as a camera as it contains the NIKKOR Super Extra-Low Dispersion Glass lens. The lens provides a maximum optical zoom of 60x.

Although it is not the best point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography, it has an ample number of customization functions and options that will help capture your desired shot. All said and done, bird photo capturing should not be a problem if you are using this camera.

The camera contains a 20.2MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS Sensor. The 921-Dot Electronic Viewfinder will assist you in zooming in on the birds easily. You can also click macro shots using this camera.

A 3.0” Liquid Crystal Display monitor smoothes out the control in each way of the camera. It also serves you with 4K video recording. The camera contains Near Field Communication, Wireless Fidelity, and Bluetooth technology.

Pros:

• Wireless Fidelity

• Near Field Communication

• Bluetooth

• 3.0” Liquid Crystal Display

• Macro close-up shooting mode

• NIKKOR zoom lens

Cons:

• Limited zoom settings

• Does not come with carry bag

• Higher price tag

Lens: NIKKOR Super Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
Zoom: 60x optical zoom
Sensor: BSI CMOS Sensor
Frames per second: 30fps
Weight: 1.25 lbs
Video: 4K
Weather-Sealed: No

How to Choose a Superzoom Camera?

While doing so, it is important to understand our own preferences.

Zoom

A normal birding camera can zoom birds between 8x-10x and zoom binoculars even more and you can wind a huge variety of such cameras. But the trick is to get a camera that balances well between zoom capability and image quality. 

Sensor Quality

Most of the beginner photographers will be satisfied with the photos they click with almost all the cameras available in the market. But if you are looking for unbeatable quality, you must invest in a higher-end DSLR or mirrorless camera. It’s a camera with a 1-inch sensor that provides ample space for the image to project onto, hence, give the best images. 

Low-light Picture Capabilities

For a photographer to find a camera that has a good aperture range will help him/her click better in low-light locations. If you plan to capture pictures in a varied range of lighted locations then this is the best buy with a wide aperture range.

Weight & Durability

In case you are taking your camera during a hike or while traveling, you might want to carry a light-weighted one. Additionally do check on the camera if it is dust-and-waterproof.

Image Sharing

Almost all digital cameras come with Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity, or Near Field Communication features. It makes it easy for the user to wirelessly interface and share their pictures for editing or posting them on social media.

Final Words

Bird photography is not an easy job. So, choosing the best camera for such a purpose is very important and that’s why photographers are ready to splurge on them to get the perfect device for that elusive perfect shot. Hence, get the very perfect one for yourself to make sure you do not miss out on the chance of capturing that perfect picture of the rare bird in a perfect frame just because of a camera that’s inefficient.