Long zoom range point and shoot cameras, also known as bridge cameras, are an attractive option for everyone from casual shooters to serious enthusiasts because they provide unmatched versatility and value, typically in compact, portable packages. The best bridge camera features include Wi-Fi, NFC, and/or Bluetooth connectivity, UHD 4K or Full HD 1080p video capability, advanced AF and AE systems, large, hi-res LCDs, built-in multi-axis image stabilization systems, tilting touchscreens, hi-res electronic viewfinders (EVFs), and comprehensive Wi-Fi options for seamless connectivity.
Most are responsive, easy to use, and deliver impressive imaging performance, even at high ISOs. Many of the latest models provide really long zoom ratios — up to an astonishing 125X — along with sizzling burst rates of 5-10 fps, and higher. Others with 20-25x-range zoom lenses have large sensors that deliver DSLR-level image quality. Indeed, many of the cameras on our Top 10 list can give DSLRs and mirrorless models a real run for the money. Some look and feel like compact DSLRs while others are slim enough to slide into your pocket or pocketbook, but all deliver a fulfilling shooting experience along with impressive real-world performance.
What is a bridge camera?
A bridge camera is a digital camera that incorporates features from both compact cameras and DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. It “bridges” the gap between a DSLR and point-and-shoot camera. It has a fixed lens and a long zoom range (similar to a compact camera) but also many manual controls and high-end features (similar to a DSLR). Bridge cameras look more like DSLRs and are bulkier and heavier than regular point-and-shoot cameras. At the same time, they have the accessible and friendly spirit of a compact camera and allow you to target any photographic genre.
The best bridge cameras come with a high-zoom lens and fully manual controls. Bridge cameras only come with a single, non-changeable lens, so having a lens with zoom on your bridge camera is very important. Some of these cameras have high megapixel counts, meaning you can do even more zooming and cropping to capture your desired image.
Bridge cameras are a step down from DSLR cameras because they cannot utilize multiple lenses. DSLR shooters may have many different lenses in their kit that they can swap between, while bridge cameras just have a single lens that comes already on the camera, and cannot be removed or changed. For this reason, most bridge cameras have a lens with lots of range. Generally speaking, bridge cameras are also cheaper than DSLRs.
Bridge cameras are a step up from point-and-shoot cameras, because they usually come in a larger body with a larger sensor. Point-and-shoot cameras have small sensors in a very small body, and much smaller lenses that aren’t capable of reaching the same range that you might see in a bridge camera.
What are the features of a bridge camera?
Bridge cameras got their names for bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more expensive DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Essentially, a bridge camera offers many of the features you want in a high-end camera in a compact, easy to use, and more affordable body.
The most important bridge camera options include fully manual setting controls, a relatively versatile lens with optical zoom, the ability to shoot in RAW, a fast AF system, and a quality image processor. Many models offer high megapixel counts, but depending on the intended use of your images, you can possibly get away with a slightly lower resolution sensor.
As you shop for a bridge camera, pay attention to its attributes. Are you getting better settings, controls, and other features than you’d find in a point-and-shoot? Does it have a long zoom? It’s important to make sure your bridge camera has enough of what you want to make it a valuable investment.
What to look for in a bridge camera
Almost all camera brands offer bridge cameras. That’s because they are versatile and have a broad audience, from enthusiastic amateurs to beginner professionals. But choosing the best bridge camera isn’t so easy. So, consider the following features when purchasing a bridge camera:
Focal length range
A bridge camera should be a superzoom camera. The focal length range should cover everything you can imagine using at some point. Because they don’t have interchangeable lenses, you are stuck with the focal length range of the camera. So go for a wider zoom range, if possible.
Sensor size
To produce cameras with such a long zoom range, manufacturers compromise on the sensor size. Most bridge cameras have a 1/2.3-inch sensor or a 1-inch sensor. However, a small sensor means lower image quality, more noise, and lower performance in low light conditions.
Autofocus system
Advanced bridge cameras feature the same AF system found in DSLRs; the phase-detect autofocus. If you photograph moving subjects, look for a camera with continuous autofocus and subject tracking.
Maximum aperture
A wide maximum aperture allows you to take photographs in low lighting conditions. Check the maximum aperture of the camera, and also if the camera maintains that aperture throughout the zoom range. Usually, the larger the zoom range is, the smaller the maximum aperture. The best bridge cameras offer an f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.
Video recording
Because you want the bridge camera to be the only camera you carry, have a look at video capabilities too. The newest camera models feature 4K HD video resolutions, a tilting or fully articulating LCD touchscreen, and a dual stereo microphone.
What is a Bridge Camera Good For?
Bridge cameras are great for a variety of creative purposes. Some photographers prefer to keep a lighter profile than a DSLR can offer. They just want a single compact camera that they can toss into their bag for travel or walks around town. Bridge camera features also simplify your photography setup. They require fewer accessories, and they’re easier to use right out of the box.
You can boost your travel, landscape, street photography, and other skills with the right bridge camera. If your model has a long zoom, you can even use it for macro photography or distant nature photography subjects.
Bridge cameras are also an excellent choice for beginner photographers due to being lower cost than a DSLR camera and lens, and their ease of use. Bridge cameras are usually very easy to figure out, and you can learn some of the settings you’ll need to know before picking up a more advanced DSLR camera.
Wildlife and sports photographers will love a bridge camera solely for its versatility. In a matter of a couple of seconds, you can go from capturing a wide angle scene to zooming in quickly. This works perfectly for photographers who capture photos and multiple different focal lengths rapidly.
Astro and landscape photographers will like a bridge camera for its versatility as well. If you’re a landscape or astrophotographer that travels to shoot their locations, having just a single camera and lens will save a lot of space and weight as you gear up for your next trip. Lastly, bridge cameras are excellent for travelers that have limited space to carry their camera.
Pros and Cons of a Bridge Camera
Although bridge cameras have many fans, most professional photographers don’t use them. The reason is they choose image quality over portability and easiness of use. Also, professional photographers know exactly what focal lengths they need and tend to stay in a limited range. In other words, they don’t benefit from the advantages of bridge cameras but heavily experience their drawbacks.
However, a camera hybrid between a DSLR and a compact camera may be helpful in many situations. For example, travel and street photographers may appreciate the versatility of a long zoom range. They will love to carry lightweight gear and always have a camera at hand. Beginners will also enjoy the fast learning curve and the possibility of exploring the world of photography without investing in expensive lenses. So, before deciding whether you need a bridge camera or not, check out all its pros and cons.
Pros:
- All-purpose large zoom range cameras
- Advanced autofocus system
- Image stabilization
- RAW support
- Versatile, portable, and easy to use
- HD video recording capabilities
- Affordable
Cons:
- Small image sensor thus has lower image quality than a DSLR
- Fixed lens
- Prone to camera shake when used at maximum zoom
- Low performance in low lighting conditions and high ISO
- No optical viewfinder
- Small maximum apertures
Best Bridge Cameras
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV
The flagship of Sony’s line of DSLR-styled all-in-one long-range zoom cameras, this beautifully contoured high-performance machine is one of the best bridge cameras on the market. It features a large 1-inch 20.1MP Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor integrated with a cutting edge BIONZ X image processor. You’ll also find a Front-End LSI, and 25x, 24-600mm-equivalent Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/2.4-4.0 zoom lens. Expect outstanding speed, versatility, and image quality.
It can also capture UHD 4K video at 30 fps and Full HD 1080 video at 120 fps. It provides sensitivity settings to ISO 12800, and incorporates an ultra-fast Hybrid AF autofocus system with 315 phase-detection points that enables a 24 fps full-res burst rate with full-time AE and AF.
Other key features: a 2.36m-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF, a 3.0-inch 1.44m-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Clear Image 2X digital zoom that uses interpolation to maintain high image quality, and the ability to save 8MP stills while recording UHD 4K video.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500
Assertively styled in the “downsized DSLR” mode, the new LUMIX DMC-FZ2500 long-range compact features a 1-inch 20.1MP CMOS sensor, a 20X Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-4.5, 24-480mm-equivalent zoom lens, plus built-in ND filters that let you set 4 levels of ND (check out our hands-on review for even more key features). Seamless iris control is achieved with a nine-blade diaphragm and new galvanometer-type actuator.
The LUMIX FZ2500 can also capture DCI 4K video at 24 fps, UHD 4K at 29.97, 23.98 and a true 24, as well as 25 fps with a high bit rate of 100 Mbps. You can download while recording via an optional micro HDMI cable. Its contrast-based AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, enabling AF in as little as 0.09 sec. It captures bursts at up to 12 fps (in AFS mode), for a maximum of 100 JPEG or 30 RAW images. Its hi-res OLED LVF (Live View Finder) displays images at 2360K-dot resolution, and it also has a free-angle 3.0-inch, 1040K-dot touch-control monitor, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
With all these features and an affordable price, the bridge camera vs DSLR decision is an easy one.
Leica V-Lux 5
The V-Lux 5 features a 1-inch 20MP sensor and provides a 25-400 mm zoom range and an f/2.8-4 maximum aperture range. It has an electronic viewfinder and a touchscreen, providing all the creative freedom you need. The V-Lux 5 doesn’t push the zoom range to the extreme. Instead, it delivers high-quality images, fast autofocus with face and eye detection and tracking, and fast continuous burst shooting (12fps). It supports RAW shooting and 4K video recording.
Canon PowerShot SX70
Photographers who value useful bridge camera features like fast continuous shooting, a versatile optical zoom range, and 4K video capabilities will love the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS. With a 20.3MP CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, and a 65x optical zoom, this small camera packs in plenty of impressive technology.
The SX70 offers a max continuous shooting burst of 10 frames per second. Whether you’re photographing a family sports event or a bird in flight, the SX70 will keep pace with you and capture all the action.
Canon designed the PowerShot SX70 to feel like a traditional DSLR in your hands. It’s large enough to grip and operate comfortably with two hands. It also offers a high-resolution, built-in electronic viewfinder for a traditional shooting experience.
Nikon Coolpix P1000
This newly released, crisply styled all-in-one compact stands at the pinnacle of its class. It provides an astonishing 125x zoom ratio thanks to its 24-3000mm-equivalent f/2.8-8 Zoom Nikkor lens. Also included is a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor integrated with a high performance EXPEED image processor.
Other impressive specs include a big 3.2-inch, 921k-dot Vari-Angle LCD monitor, a 2.36m-dot OLED EVF, Dual-Detect Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) that provides a 5-stop anti-shake advantage in handheld shooting, and 4K UHD video recording at 30/24 fps. The P1000 also offers SnapBridge connectivity via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, aperture- and shutter-priority plus manual exposure modes, and sensitivity settings from ISO 100-6400.
An ergonomic control ring on the front cam be used to set a variety of functions including focus, exposure, white balance, and ISO, and 250x Dynamic Fine digital zoom lets you get out to an incredible 6000mm equivalent.
Nikon COOLPIX P950
Advertised as a superzoom bridge camera, the Nikon COOLPIX P950 features an 83x optical zoom that will shoot from a wide-angle 24mm to an impressive 2000mm. Whether you prefer birdwatching and nature photography or travel photography, you can capture subjects near and far in 16MP resolution.
This camera’s Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction technology significantly reduces image blur caused by camera shake. That feature lets you feel confident shooting without a tripod in a variety of situations. With up to 10 frames per second in Continuous H mode and an increased buffer capacity, shooting in burst works beautifully and creates high-quality images.
Photographers who want more control will appreciate the ability to shoot in RAW, create timelapse movies easily with a built in interval timer, and shoot long exposures with a 60-second bulb exposure time.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80
This cleanly styled all-in-one camera combines a 60x ultra-long range zoom lens with impressive multimedia capabilities that include 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps, a 10 fps full-res still framing rate, 8MP still image capture at up to 30 fps in 4K Photo Mode, and sensitivity settings to ISO 6400.
Key bridge camera features include an 18.1MP 1/2.3-inch MOS Sensor, a 20-1200mm-equivalent f/2.8-5.9 Lumix DC Vario lens, a 1.116M-dot eye-level EVF, 3.0-inch 1.04M-dot Touchscreen LCD monitor, a Depth–From-Defocus (DFD) AF system to enhance continuous AF and tracking performance, Post Focus and Focus Stacking to shift focus points for enhanced control over depth of field, and Power O.I.S optical image stabilization to minimize the effects of camera shake. The FZ80 also provides built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, a built-in pop-up flash, and a hot shoe.
Canon PowerShot SX740
The Canon PowerShot SX740 has the energy and style of a bridge camera in the compact body of a point-and-shoot. Capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps and 4K timelapses, this camera delivers much more than it appears at first glance.
The 40x optical zoom gives the SX740 a 35mm focal length range equivalent to 24-960mm. Dual-sensing image stabilization delivers reliably-sharp images even when zoomed all the way in. A convenient Zoom Framing Assist function makes it easier to track moving subjects and keep them in focus at any focal length.
Smaller than a smartphone in height and width, and weighing only 10.5 oz, you’ll bring your PowerShot SX740 along on any adventure.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000M2
Serving as Panasonic’s flagship bridge camera, the Lumix FZ1000M2 offers an impressive array of features in a small and affordable package. At 1-inch, the high-sensitivity, 20.1MP image sensor is physically larger than sensors found in many other bridge cameras on the market. It reduces noise even at the highest end of its ISO range.
The integrated lens is made by Leica and boasts an impressive 25-400mm focal range with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 – f/4. While this camera looks like a bridge camera, and operates as easily as a bridge camera, your shots will feel like they came out of a DSLR.
The FZ1000M2 even pairs with your phone via WiFi, so you can enjoy remote shooting, image transfer, geotagging, and more.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300
The Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a great option for outdoor photographers and adventurers. One of the most notable features of this camera is its splash and dustproof body, which lets you keep shooting regardless of the weather conditions.
With the DMC-FZ300, you can shoot 12MP stills at 12 frames per second. Or, you can turn on video mode to shoot normal speed footage in 4K, or dynamic 120fps HD video for slow-motion playback.
Photographers who want a bit more creative control will appreciate the RAW shooting capabilities and the f/2.8 aperture even when zoomed all the way in to 600mm. For a small camera at a great price, this Panasonic has a lot to offer.
Bridge Cameras: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bridge Cameras Have Interchangeable Lenses?
No, a bridge camera has a fixed lens that provides a broad range of focal lengths. You cannot get it off and mount another one. Instead of changing the lens when you need a different focal length, you adjust the zoom of your existing lens.
Is a Bridge Camera Good for a Beginner?
Yes, a bridge camera is perfect for a beginner because it allows them to practice different photographic genres and camera settings. It includes both automatic and manual controls making it easy to learn to handle and control a camera. The long zoom range helps beginners try different focal lengths without the cost of new lenses.
Are Bridge Cameras Better than Compact?
Yes, bridge cameras are better than compact ones because they offer a superior zoom range and many features available only in DSLRs, such as advanced autofocus systems, manual controls for setting the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, shooting in RAW, improved grip, physical controls and dials, and a viewfinder.
Conclusion
Picking out the perfect camera is tough, but a bridge camera is an excellent option for someone on a budget who wants to pack light, and have a very versatile camera. While bridge cameras may not provide the same quality as a traditional DSLR or mirrorless camera, they thrive in situations where packability and versatility are of importance. If this is your first camera purchase, consider picking up a bridge camera to learn some of the basics of photography in an easy-to-use body before upgrading to a more advanced full-frame camera. For an affordable camera with massive potential and versatility, look no further than a bridge camera!
