Camera phones are great when it comes to simple shooting, but if you really want better features and quality in a nice compact package, nothing beats point and shoots; especially those with high optical zoom. Here’s a look at a few that should satisfy your need.
 

Total Paisa Vasool Entry Level Deal

Canon Digital IXUS 510 HS
Rs 6,750

This bargain camera has a respectable 10MP sensor with an impressive 12x optical zoom, for this price. Moreover it also lets you shoot 1080p videos and ships with a 4 GB SD card. The camera features include Wi-Fi support, touch-screen, high-speed USB, and Mini HDMI port, and camera effects that include Fish-eye effect, Miniature effect, Toy camera effect, Monochrome, Super vivid, Snow, and Fireworks.

A Compact Camera with Good Features

Nikon Coolpix S6500
Rs 10,000

Read Techtree's detailed review on it here.
If features are what you are looking, S6500 ought to be on your list. This camera has in built Wi-Fi to transfer photos, and many filters for you to play with. Couple that with good image quality, good range of colours and fast continuous shooting, and you’ve got quite a deal in one package. Keep in mind that this 16MP camera with 12x optical zoom does suffer a bit from sluggish focus speed.

Affordable High Zoom

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20
Rs 9000

If zoom is what you are looking for and compactness is not a necessity, you may want to consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. This 16.1MP camera with a CCD image sensor has a respectable 21x optical zoom. It supports HD video recording, and comes with 109 MB of internal storage, apart from SD card support. The camera supports panoramic shots, and is powered by 4 AA batteries which is a bit of a turn off. Priced at Rs 12,490 on its product page, the camera can be yours for as less as Rs 9000, and that too with a 4 GB SD card, battery charger, and a carry case. Don't forget to spend a few more hundreds on a set of rechargeable batteries though.
 

High Zoom in a Compact body

Sony DSC-WX300
Rs 18,500

The dream of every style-concious camera owner gets fulfilled in this high 20x optical zoom camera in an ultra-light compact body. The 18MP camera has absolutely no issues shooting movies at 1080p, along with plenty of auto modes and 10fps continuous shooting without breaking a sweat. This also has Wi-Fi inbuilt for remote operations via a smartphone or tablet.

Super-Zooming

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Rs 26,500

If it’s all zoom for you, then you just can’t go wrong with Canon’s SX50 and its massive 50x optical zoom (24 - 1200mm). Most high zooms have a problem with image stabilisation but not this 12 MP camera that can give excellent image stabilisation with good photo quality. It can also do RAW images and full manual, if you are the enthusiastic type.

The Compact All-Rounder

Nikon Coolpix S9500
Rs 17,000

If you are looking for a compact camera with high-zoom and loaded with features, the Nikon Coolpix is one of the best options in the Indian market currently. This 18MP camera boasts of features like 22X Optical zoom, Wi-Fi, GPS, HDMI out, Full HD video recording, recoring movies at 240 frames per second to get that slow motion effect, and the works. The image quality is also right up there with the best in its class. At it's asking price of 17K, there are hardly any cameras that can take on it's all-round abilities.

There you go. Take your pick from the above, depending on your need and budget, and you won't be disappointed. If you have set your eyes on a Mirror-less camera, check our recommendations here. If it's a DSLR you aspire to buy, you would want to click here.

Tags : Cameras, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Diwali Tech Deals, Buyers Guide