10 Best Zoom Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a solid choice for those entering the world of DSLR photography and looking for a zoom camera. It comes as a kit with two lenses: an 18-55mm and a 75-300mm, providing a good range of optical zoom for versatile shooting options. The 24.1-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor delivers high-resolution images, and the built-in image stabilization helps to reduce blurriness, especially in low-light conditions or at longer focal lengths.

With an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800), it's capable in various lighting situations, though it might struggle a bit in very low light without additional lighting equipment. The 9-point autofocus system, along with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF and eye detection, ensures decent focus accuracy and speed, though not as advanced as some higher-end models. For video, it records in Full HD 1080p, which is sufficient for most casual and beginner videographers. However, it's not 4K, which some users might prefer for higher quality video recording.

The battery life is decent, allowing roughly 500 shots per charge, but could be limiting during extended shooting sessions or trips. The camera is relatively lightweight at 3 pounds, making it portable and easy to handle. Additional features like built-in Wi-Fi and NFC facilitate easy sharing and remote control, adding to its convenience. The Rebel T7 does have some limitations, such as its modest continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second, making it less ideal for fast-action photography. It also lacks advanced weather sealing, so caution is needed in adverse conditions. In summary, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a capable zoom camera for beginners, offering good image quality, essential features, and ease of use, though it may not meet all the needs of more advanced users.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS camera offers a robust set of features tailored for photography enthusiasts looking for versatility and convenience. Its standout feature is the powerful 40x optical zoom, combined with optical image stabilization, enabling you to capture distant subjects with clarity. The 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 8 image processor ensures high-quality images and effective performance in various lighting conditions.

The camera's ability to shoot 4K video and create 4K time-lapse movies makes it suitable for users interested in video production as well as still photography. The autofocus system is comprehensive with multiple area focus technology, aiding in sharp and precise focusing. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth facilitate easy sharing and remote control functionality, which is a bonus for on-the-go photographers. The camera is compact and lightweight, weighing only 0.3 kilograms, making it convenient for travel and daily use. However, its small size may come at the expense of handling comfort for some users.

Battery life is decent, supporting continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second, though heavy use will require carrying extra batteries. The LCD screen tilts up to 180 degrees, suitable for selfies and vlogging. While lacking night vision, the camera offers various shooting modes and settings, including automatic white balance and exposure control. It's important to note that this model does not offer water resistance, limiting its use in extreme conditions. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS excels in zoom capability, image quality, and ease of use, making it ideal for travelers, vloggers, and casual photographers.