Best Compact Ultra-zoom Digital Cameras - Manual focus Focus Type, 205 to 380 Images Battery Life, 1 to 4 x Digital Zoom

The 30x optical zoom, inbuilt Wi-Fi and fun features could add up to the perfect holiday compact

Difficult to improve on our favourite 30x compact

A versatile camera with a massive zoom in a handy size that can be taken anywhere

42x optical zoom available with Digic 4+ processor

This camera packs a 24-1008mm zoom lens for serious close-ups

This is a camera for someone who finds they’ve outgrown their basic point-and-shoot and wants to start dipping their toe into manual settings.

Touchscreen interface, built-in wi-fi connectivity and GPS

1080p video with zooming, stereo sound and continuous AF

Good zoom length, Touchscreen, Digital filters

Impressive zoom for such a compact body

Good choice for budget-conscious buyers

Build and performance is acceptable given its asking price

Excellent image quality for this class of cameras

Full manual mode, Lithium ion battery, Easy to use

Has shooting modes for every type of photographer from casual to advanced

Sharp lens, 20x zoom range

Quicker GPS and better image quality

Finger rail grip, Better than average noise control

Image quality is slightly better than on the previous SX260

Big, easy-to-press controls

Image quality is great

Wide-ranging zoom, affordable, manual modes

Good colour and white balance performance