Cameras

TR: Tech Radar "Best compact travel camera 2015" (29Sep15): http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-travel-or-superzoom-camera-1259446

Also see a Nov15 roundup from ePhotoZine: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom-digital-cameras-2015-19720, which also puts the Panasonic TZ70 top

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70

1st in TR

245 GBP on Amazon Prime

Which: 73%

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70 is a premium travel zoom camera, packing a 12Mp sensor and a versatile 30x Leica-branded lens into a well-built compact body.

PROS Lots of advanced features, good controls, impressive picture and video quality, excellent screen and viewfinder CONS Rainbow effect in viewfinder, battery hard to remove

There is now the DMC-TZ80 as well. About 320 GBP on Amazon Prime and good reviews, see http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/136219-panasonic-lumix-tz80-vs-tz70-what-s-the-difference

Canon Powershot SX710 HS

4th in TR

About 200 GBP

Which reviewed at 74%

The Canon Powershot SX710HS is the new flagship model from Canon's travel zoom range. It has a 20-megapixel sensor and a large 30x zoom, not to mention a range of impressive high-tech features.

PROS Big zoom, helpful controls, strong wi-fi features, good picture quality CONS Average video, skimpy manual

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V

2nd in TR

About 280 GBP

Which reviewed at only 65%, main issue being value for money

Falling into the superzoom category, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V features a compact design, an extensive zoom range and excellent video recording quality.

PROS Compact design, 30x zoom, built-in wi-fi and GPS, electronic viewfinder, excellent video recording quality CONS Lacking Raw image mode, no touchscreen functionality

Olympus SH-2

3rd in TR

About 220 GBP

Which: 71%

With looks derived from Olympus's PEN range of compact system cameras, the Stylus SH-2 is clearly aimed at photography enthusiasts looking for a high-quality travel zoom, or anyone else with a yen for retro style. With a 16Mp sensor and a 24x zoom inside its pocket-sized body, it has bags of potential, but is its picture quality up to scratch?

PROS Good looks and handling, versatile zoom, impressive hi-tech features CONS Average video and low-light photos, skimpy manual, poor face detection

Nikon Coolpix S9900

5th in TR

About 200 GBP

Which: 77%, very high

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 is Nikon's latest premium compact superzoom camera, giving you an amazing 30x zoom lens in a body that's just 4cm thick.

PROS Great design, good picture and video quality, vari-angle screen, excellent features CONS Poor face detection, zoom control could be more precise