If you're looking for the best pocket zoom or travel zoom camera, then you've come to the right place. To help you decide which is the best camera for you, we've put together this list, of all the travel zoom cameras we've reviewed. The are the highest-scoring compact cameras with a high optical zoom, from 8.3x to 40x optical zoom, you're sure to find a camera that suits you. Also, all of these cameras are pocket-sized which makes them ideal for travel or holidays! 

We also have a round-up of top waterproof cameras should snorkelling be one of your favourite holiday activities as well as these useful top tens: 

• Top Budget / Cheap Compact Cameras
• Top Ultra Zoom Bridge Digital Cameras
• Top Serious Compact Digital Cameras

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Why Is My Favourite Camera Not On The List?

Feel free to make a suggestion in the comments section below if you don't see a camera, you think, is perfect for beginners. 

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1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ80

The Panasonic Lumix TZ80, also known as the Lumix SZ60, is an update to the TZ70 which is next on our list. The TZ80 features a new 18-megapixel sensor, as well as a 30x optical zoom lens and electronic viewfinder. The TZ80 is also the first compact camera with 4K video/photo/post focus, and as the sensor is larger than camcorder sensors, the camera is said to deliver better video quality. The TZ80 is capable of taking great photos, with excellent colour and good levels of detail. The lens gives you a great zoom range, and the viewing and user experience is excellent thanks to a clear 3inch screen. 

Overall Score: 

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2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70

The Panasonic Lumix TZ70 features a 12 megapixel sensor which gives better low light performance and improved image quality, along with an impressive 30x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, full HD video recording with stereo sound, 3 inch screen, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC, 10fps continuous shooting, as well as a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The TZ70 has all the features you'd want from a travel camera and doesn't disappoint in terms of its image quality.

Overall Score: 

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3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ200

The Panasonic Lumix TZ200 offers a 20-megapixel 1inch sensor, plus a large optical zoom with a Leica 15x optical zoom lens while still being reasonably compact and lightweight. It's much smaller in size than bridge cameras such as the FZ1000 which offers a similar zoom length which makes the TZ200 a camera well-worth considering as a travel zoom if you're heading off on holiday this year. 

The camera is packed full of features including high-speed shooting, raw mode, creative effects, a 3inch touch screen, electronic viewfinder, plus 4K photo and video recording. Plus, the TZ200 can be easily used by someone who's just getting to grips with photography as well as a more seasoned pro who's looking for a pocket zoom that's perfect for their travels. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix TZ200 is a lovely little camera that packs a lot of punch. Known as the ZS200 in the US.

Overall Score: 

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There's also a Leica version of the Panasonic Lumix TZ200, the Leica C-Lux, with a 15x optical zoom lens, and updated Leica design. 

4. Panasonic Lumix TZ95 

The Panasonic Lumix TZ95 builds on a tried and tested formula, and more importantly, a trusted 30x optical zoom lens. They've added Bluetooth, for low-power image transfers, too. 

The electronic viewfinder has been improved with a higher resolution, and importantly, a larger size and magnification, with 0.53x magnification it now moves into the realm of being genuinely useful, which unfortunately can't be said for some other compact cameras with an EVF. 

Image quality remains similar to the TZ90, but there are a number of subtle but useful improvements and the camera also offers high-quality 4K UHD video recording, with excellent video quality, as well as great audio quality. 

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix TZ95 offers excellent 4K video, improved shooting options and controls, and a larger EVF.

Overall Score: 

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Sony Cyber-shot RX10 VI

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark VI is a mix between a serious compact, and a travel zoom, with a larger than normal 20mp 1inch BSI CMOS sensor, and a high quality 8.3x optical zoom lens. The camera features 4K video recording, high-speed continuous shooting and high-speed autofocus. There's a built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder, a pop-up flash, and high-speed video recording. We were particularly impressed by the image quality on offer, however, it is also one of the more expensive cameras here.

Overall Score:  

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5. Sony Cyber-Shot HX90V 

The Sony Cyber-Shot HX90 / HX90V features a 30x optical zoom lens, 18Mp BSI CMOS sensor, full-HD video recording and a tilting "selfie" screen. The Sony Cyber-shot HX90V is one of the most compact 30x optical zoom lens cameras available and even packs in an electronic viewfinder making it great for use on bright sunny days. The camera performs well, with quick performance, bright colourful images and numerous shooting options. 

Overall Score:  

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6. Canon Powershot SX720 HS 

The Canon Powershot SX720 HS offers a massive 40x optical zoom lens, compared to the Canon Powershot SX710 HS with its 30x optical zoom lens. The SX720 also features manual controls and wireless connectivity via WiFi and NFC. The camera has a 20-megapixel sensor, a wide ISO range and a 3inch Purecolor II screen, with a resolution of 922,000 dots as well as a retractable pop-up flash unit. The SX720 provides decent quality images and a range of features that will appeal to both advanced photographers and happy snappers alike. Image quality is good for a camera of this type, although corners can be a little soft at the wide-angle end of the zoom. The image stabilisation works well and video quality is very good also.

Overall Score:  

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7. Panasonic Lumix TZ90

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ90 updates the TZ80 and offers a tilting LCD touch-screen, a 20-megapixel sensor. The front of the camera features a chunky rubber grip. It has a useful 30x zoom lens, manual controls and 10fps shooting capabilities. The TZ90 camera is easy to use, has a number of creative effects, and for those interested in taking "Selfies" it has some clever features, plus built-in Wi-Fi.

Overall Score:  

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8. Nikon Coolpix A900

The Nikon Coolpix A900 boasts a 35x optical zoom lens, a 3inch tilting screen, 4K video, manual controls, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. It is available for a very reasonable price and can shoot at 10fps. Images don't show as much detail as we would have liked to see, but colour and exposure are both good which should make the camera ideal for sharing images on social media websites such as Facebook. 

Overall Score: 

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9. Canon Powershot SX730 HS

The Canon Powershot SX730 HS offers a massive 40x optical zoom lens. The SX730 also features manual controls and wireless connectivity via WiFi and NFC. The camera has a 20-megapixel sensor, a wide ISO range and a 3inch Purecolor II screen, with a resolution of 922,000 dots as well as a retractable pop-up flash unit. The SX730 provides decent quality images and a range of features that will appeal to both advanced photographers and happy snappers alike. Image quality is good for a camera of this type, although corners can be a little soft at the wide-angle end of the zoom. The image stabilisation works well and video quality is very good also.

Overall Score:  

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10. Sony Cyber-shot WX350

The Sony Cyber-shot WX350 is a compact camera with an impressive 20x optical zoom lens, built-in optical image stabilisation, an 18-megapixel sensor, Wi-Fi, NFC, 10fps continuous shooting, and Full HD video recording. There are a number of creative effects available and the camera records Full HD video with stereo sound. For those that simply want a point and shoot camera, with good battery life, for sharing photos to the web, then this would make a good choice.

Overall Score:  

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11. Sony Cyber-shot HX99 

The Sony Cyber-shot HX99 offers a lot of features, in an impressively small camera body, and for general snapshots, in sunny conditions, the camera will produce pleasing results. If you shoot in harsh and gloomy weather, or in low-light conditions then the camera may disappoint. The camera also comes at a high price, but there may be some who value the compact size, particularly compared to the larger competition.

Overall Score: 

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12. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX500

The Sony Cyber-shot WX500 is the little brother to the HX90, with the same 30x optical zoom lens and 18.2-megapixel sensor, it cuts down on a few features, making it a more affordable version. The camera gives bright colourful images and is easy to use, as well as being quick, with a fast continuous shooting mode. With good battery life and shooting modes to suit beginners as well as the more advanced, the WX500 would make a good choice.

Overall Score:  

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Other Items for the travel checklist

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags. Plus, a compact tripod is something you might want to consider packing as too are spare batteries. In fact, we have a full list of essential items in our 'Ultimate Summer Holiday Guide For Photographers'. 

If you're looking for tips and advice on capturing photos on your travels, take a look at these tutorials:

1. Landscapes With Slow Shutter Speeds
2. How To Take Photos At A Bad Time Of Day 
3. Tips On Photographing Piers 
4. Learn How To Convey A Sense Of Place & Culture 
5. 14 Ultimate Travel Photography Tips 
6. 8 Underwater Photography Questions Answered 
7. 7 Tips On Juggling A Family Holiday & Photography 
8. Improve Your Travel Photography Portraits 
9. Take Photos Out Of Plane Windows
10. How To Photograph Festivals While On Holiday 
11. Travel Photography Mistakes To Avoid
12. 5 Basic Holiday Photography Tips For Beginners 
13. 5 Questions To Ask When Photographing Landmarks 
14. 12 Ways To Improve Your Beach Photography Today 
15. 10 Seaside Shooting Suggestions You Must Try 
16. Top Travel Photography Tips 
17. Photographing Iconic Places 
18. How To Plan A Photographic Holiday 
19. More Travel Photography Tips 
20. Top Travel Photography Advice 

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