This is the section of cameras that gives you the longest zoom reach in the smallest possible form factor. The compromise is typically a smaller image sensor, which means more basic image quality in terms of clarity and low-light performance.
If you can sacrifice some zoom for better image quality, you should also consider our best picks for large sensor compacts.
If you're looking for small interchangeable lens cameras, you should also check out lists of APS-C and Micro Four-Thirds cameras.
Best Image Quality Super-Zoom: Sony RX10 IV
A camera so great that it has to be included in two categories; the Sony RX10 doesn't make any compromises, apart from its larger footprint.
The RX10 is like the praised RX100 but on steroids! Much like the smaller brother, the RX10 has that sweet 1-inch sensor at 20-megapixels, but also brings a massive 25x zoom to the table, with a range equivalent to 24 - 600 mm in full-frame. The maximum aperture on the lens is at f/2.4-4.0 throughout the zoom range, even making it a hair faster than the smaller RX100 VII at f/2.8-4.5.
Similar to its little brother, the RX10 supports RAW photography, and video recording in 4K at 30 fps, with high-framerate modes up to 1000 fps at lower resolutions if you're into slow-motion video.
Sample Photos
Here are a few shots by Ronald Woan of the artists baebadoobee and Charlie XCX showing the massive zoom range of the RX10 IV. For more pics, check out Ronald's Flickr page.
Best Compact Super-Zoom: Panasonic Lumix ZS80 / TZ95
Panasonic tends to use multiple names for their smaller cameras, and this model is no different. It's known as the ZS80 in America, and TZ95 in Europe. The little camera comes with a respectable 30x zoom range of 24 - 720 mm in full-frame terms, which should be plenty enough even for shooting concerts at a distance.
Like usual with these small superzooms, the sensor is also small (1/2.3") to keep the overall body and lens compact. The reason to get this camera is mainly for its long optical zoom since it probably won't outshine any high-end smartphone in terms of sheer image quality.
It offers 20.3-megapixel stills in RAW or JPEG and 4K UHD video at 30 fps.
The previous model ZS70 / TZ90 is very similar and is also a good option if you can snag one used.
Old But Still Gold: Sony HX99
Sony has been slacking off a bit as far as compact superzooms go, with its most recent model being the CyberShot DSC-HX99, released in 2018.
The HX99 offers a 18.2-megapixel sensor, a hefty 28x zoom range equivalent of 24–720 mm, continuous shooting at 10 fps, and supports both JPEG and RAW. In terms of video, it can shoot 4K UHD at 30 fps, 1080 at up to 120 fps
The little camera also has pop-up flash and viewfinder, as well as a flip-up screen allowing you to take selfies with ease.
If you can manage to snag one, the HX99 a great option! I used to shoot a lot of concerts with the HX20V and its larger brother HX200V back in the day, and was quite pleased with the results. The stereo mics on it were also quite good, recording audio, free from clipping and distortion.
As always with older models, the used market might be your best bet for these older Sonys.
Great Zoom But No RAW: Canon SX740 HS
The little Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a 40x zoom which covers a staggering range of what would equate to 24 - 960 mm in full-frame terms. In plain English, this is more than enough to cover any concert, regardless of how large the venue is.
It has a small 1/2.3" sensor, though, so even though it's at 20.3 megapixels, don't expect image quality to be anything more than that of a modern mobile phone. It also doesn't support RAW, so that could be a dealbreaker if you're more of a serious photographer.
The main reason why you would want to get this camera is mainly for its excellent optical zoom range and image stabilisation, all in a very small and inconspicuous package weighing just 299 grams (10.5 oz). It also offers 4K video recording.
Zoomiest Bridge Camera: Nikon P1000
Some might find it ironic to call bridge cameras like the Nikon Coolpix P1000 a compact camera, but when you take its completely bonkers 125x zoom range into account, you'll understand why. In full-frame the range translates to 24 - 3000 mm, going from a standard wide-angle to a binocular-level reach, making it a bird watcher's dream camera.
The longest autofocus lens made for full-frame is 1200 mm. It has no zoom capability and weighs 16.5 kg (36.4 lbs), and is such a rarity that you can't buy it in any store.
The Coolpix P1000 from Nikon reaches even 2½ times longer and weighs 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs), which is also quite hefty, to be honest. However, if you want the most insane range available for shooting from the back of an arena (that also allows cameras), this is the camera for you!
In terms of image quality, the P1000 has a 16-megapixel 1/2.33" sensor, so we're talking pretty basic phone-level quality. It does support RAW photography, though, as well as video recording in 4K at 30 fps, and 1080p at 60 fps.
If you have trouble finding the P1000, the Nikon Coolpix P950 is a good alternative, even though it has a slightly shorter 85x zoom range. Although, for the steep price you're paying, you're probably better off with a nice APS-C camera and a few lenses, unless you really crave that insane zoom range.