10 Best Compact Zoom Cameras 2025 in the UK

The Canon SX740 HS PowerShot is a compact-zoom camera that stands out with its powerful 40x optical zoom lens, making it suitable for capturing a wide variety of scenes, from landscapes to close-ups and wildlife. Its 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 8 processor ensures high-resolution images and supports 4K video, appealing to users looking for both photography and videography options. The camera includes optical image stabilization, which helps in reducing blur, especially when using the extensive zoom range or shooting in low light conditions.

Despite its impressive zoom capabilities, the camera remains light and portable, weighing just about 0.3 kilograms. This compact size, along with the 3-inch flip LCD screen, makes it convenient for travel and easy to take selfies or shots from tricky angles. Connectivity is a strong suite with included Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, allowing for seamless sharing and remote shooting via the Canon Camera Connect app. This feature is ideal for users who often share images with friends and family.

However, its battery life might not be extensive, given the demands of high-resolution video and continuous shooting. Beginners and enthusiasts alike may appreciate the camera's auto-focus and evaluative metering, but it lacks water resistance, which could be a limitation for outdoor adventures. Its entry into the market since 2018 means it might not have some of the latest technological advancements found in newer models. Despite these drawbacks, the Canon SX740 HS PowerShot can be an excellent choice for users seeking a versatile, portable camera with strong zoom and connectivity features.

The Nikon VQA100EA COOLPIX P950 is a versatile compact-zoom camera offering an impressive 83x optical zoom with a focal length range from 24 to 2000mm, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects. The camera also offers exceptional zoom capabilities with 166x Dynamic Fine Zoom and 332x Digital Zoom. Equipped with a 16 MP CMOS sensor, it provides good image quality for most scenarios, though it might not match the performance of larger sensors in low-light conditions.

The optical image stabilization ensures your shots remain steady, reducing the chances of blurry images when using the extended zoom range. For video enthusiasts, the P950 supports 4K UHD video recording, coupled with HDMI output and stereo sound, enhancing your video creation experience. Additionally, the camera includes manual controls, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a vari-angle TFT LCD screen, allowing for flexible shooting and composing options. RAW image support offers extensive editing possibilities for post-processing.

Connectivity options are somewhat limited but functional, and the battery life is decent, thanks to the included lithium-ion battery. On the downside, the camera is relatively bulky for a compact-zoom model, weighing 370 grams and measuring 10 x 10 x 12 cm, which might be cumbersome for some users. It's not water-resistant, so you'll need to be cautious in wet conditions. The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is well-suited for users who prioritize extensive zoom range and versatile shooting options in a compact design.

The Canon IXUS 285 HS is a compact camera that offers a solid 20.2 MP resolution, making it suitable for everyday photography. Its 12x optical zoom allows for decent close-ups, making it a good choice for casual users who want to capture both wide-angle and zoomed-in shots without changing lenses. The camera's image stabilization feature is beneficial for reducing blur, especially in low-light conditions or when using the zoom function. The 1/2.3-inch sensor size is typical for compact cameras, enabling decent image quality.

Weighing only 0.15 kilograms, this camera is lightweight and truly pocket-sized, ideal for travel or on-the-go photography.

Those who will benefit most from the Canon IXUS 285 HS are casual photographers and travelers looking for a simple, portable camera for capturing memories without getting bogged down by complex settings.