The Nikon Coolpix B700 updates the P610 and features the same 60x optical zoom lens, but upgrades the insides to offer a new 20 megapixel sensor, and 4K video recording. Wi-Fi and NFC is built-in and has been joined by low-power Bluetooth to enable low-power transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet.

The shooting mode wheel, with stiffened feel and ridged edge, features 11 options including standard P,A,S,M selections alongside pre-optimised auto settings. Whilst this, and a command dial that falls under the thumb of your right hand as you grip the camera, both suggest a DSLR ‘lite’ in terms of handling, the rear plate buttons more noticeably match that of a consumer compact camera. Still images: JPEG, RAW (NRW) (Nikon’s own format), Movies: MP4 (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio: AAC stereo)What is impressive, however, is the amount of battery life we get from a full charge of its lithium ion cell. Here this betters the performance of an average compact system camera and almost matches a consumer grade DSLR, with up to 420 shots available (or provides enough capacity for an hour and a half of video). The battery slots into the base of the camera, next to a vacant slot for an SD card; adjacent to this, centrally placed, is a screw thread for a tripod. In short then, the B700 would seem an able candidate for anyone needing that bigger/longer lens reach without spending an absolute fortune – or having to engage in an upward learning curve if trading up from a snapshot camera or smartphone. The outstandingly long-range 60x NIKKOR zoom lens is extendable to 120x Dynamic Fine Zoom. Its range covers from 24 mm wide angle to super-telephoto 1440 mm angles of view (equivalent in 35 mm format), aswell as supporting powerful macro photography as close as 1cm from the lens. The super ED glass lens offers top quality chromatic aberration correction.

Take pictures with superb detail over incredible distances with the 20.3 megapixel super-zoom COOLPIX B700. Whether capturing wildlife on far horizons or reaching for the stars, the extendable zoom function allows you to zero in on the action in amazing clarity from an awe-inspiring range. Equipped with an extra-low dispersion glass lens and High-Performance Autofocus system for precision shooting, the B700’s 60x optical zoom is extendable to 120x Dynamic Fine Zoom. Shoot movies in stunning 4K UHD and capture pictures in RAW file format for supreme image quality, while 5-Stop Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction and side zoom control minimise camera shake. Stay connected with your smart device at all times with Nikon’s SnapBridge. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ82 super-zoom camera (also known as the DMC-FZ80) features a massive 60x zoom lens with a focal range of 20-1200mm. Other highlights of the FZ82 / FZ80 include a 3 inch LCD touchscreen, 4K movies, 10fps burst shooting, P/A/S/M modes, RAW support, a flash hotshoe and an 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ82 review now... Review Roundup Capture wildlife from a safe distance, shoot stars in the night sky, or take impressive shots at sporting events with the outstandingly long-range 60x NIKKOR zoom lens, extendable to 120x Dynamic Fine Zoom. The zoom range covers from 24 mm wide angle to super-telephoto 1440 mm angles of view (equivalent in 35 mm format) and supports powerful macro photography for subjects as close as approximately 1 cm to the lens. Superior performance is guaranteed with trusted NIKKOR optics, featuring Super ED glass. A Super ED lens has advanced capabilities, including an extremely high ability to remove secondary spectra, offering superior chromatic aberration correction characteristics.

Sample RAW Images

Stabilisation is a key factor with long zooms and the COOLPIX B700 is equipped with optical image stabilisation or Vibration Reduction as Nikon calls it. There are two options, Normal and Off as well as an Active mode that irons out excessive wobbling, examples of the kinds of conditions it might be useful in, according to the manual, are ‘when shooting from a car or under poor foothold conditions’. Active mode was introduced on the earlier COOLPIX P520 and when I tested it, in normal handheld operation I found little difference between the Active and Normal settings.