Long Zoom Compacts under £150

1. Canon IXUS 500HS, £149

The IXUS 500 HS is not only arguably the most attractive of these five compacts, but it's also the smallest. Despite its stylish design and diminutive body, the 500 HS still packs in an impressive specification. The model has a 12x optical zoom and 10MP CMOS sensor, complete with Canon's HS system and DIGIC 5 processor. The excellent design not only applies to appearance, but also its operation. The IXUS 500 HS sits well in the hand and offers quick access to the model's functionality, with image quality impressive. The only major criticism is that it's lacking in the advanced functionality found in the rest of the group.

Pros - Excellent design, Impressive LCD screen, Good image quality

Cons - Lacking some more advanced shooting features, including manual controls

Key Specs

Sensor - 10.1MP CMOS
Lens - 12x optical zoom

File formats - JPEG, MOV

Screen - 3in, 461k-dot TFT
Weight - 155g

Dimensions - 87 x 54  x 19mm
 


2. Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR, £100



The Fujifilm F660EXR represents an undeniably more advanced shooting experience in this collection of affordable compact cameras. Not only does the compact offer an impressive 15x optical zoom, but it also offers direct access to full manual control through a mode dial located on the top plate. The model also has a 16.1MP sensor featuring Fujifilm's EXR sensor technology, while the LCD screen is 3in with a 460k-dot resolution. The F660EXR generally offers a good level of performance and image quality, although the mode dial is easily jogged due to its 45° angle on the camera's rear.

Pros - Large optical zoom, Packed full of advanced shooting functionality

Cons - Poorly implemented mode dial, The bulkiest of the five cameras

Key Specs

Sensor - 16MP EXR CMOS
Lens - 15x optical zoom
File formats - JPEG, MOV
Screen - 3in, 460k-dot LCD
Weight - 217g
Dimensions - 103.5 x 59 x 33mm



3. Panasonic Lumix SZ5, £140



While the Canon IXUS 500 HS is certainly the smallest overall of this group, the Panasonic SZ5 is the thinnest and most lightweight model of the five. It still features an impressive 10x optical zoom and 14.1MP CCD sensor, as well as a 3in LCD. The real standout in the specification is Wi-fi functionality - this not only offers wireless back-up, but also remote operation from any Android or iOS device. Although it generally performs well, the model does have somewhat of an entry-level feel in operation, with both a basic menu system and plasticky body. The good news is that image quality is generally reliable.

Pros - Wi-Fi functionality unique among these five cameras, Ultra-slim body

Cons - 720p video capture a disappointment, LCD screen is low resolution

Key Specs

Sensor - 14.1MP CCD
Lens - 10x optical zoom
File formats - JPEG, MP4
Screen - 3in, 230k-dot LCD
Dimensions - 104 x 58 x 21mm