Table of Contents
The best bridge cameras have the flexibility and power of a system camera, but with the simplicity of a lens attachment. Such cameras are called bridge cameras because they bridge the gap between simple autofocus cameras with minimal controls and interchangeable lens cameras. Bridge cameras typically have built-in lenses with full manual control of settings and a very wide zoom range.
Bridge cameras do not have interchangeable lenses, so you should think carefully about the focal length you will use before purchasing. Your photo needs will determine how much zoom you actually need. Some offer massive zoom ranges that squeeze into telescope territory. These models typically rely on smaller sensors or larger form factors to achieve these feats.
Bridge cameras are an excellent choice if you want to control exposure and image style without having to worry about packing multiple lenses. The wide zoom range typical of these cameras makes them ideal for all types of photography, from travel and wildlife to family snapshots. The new versions are even more powerful with larger sensors and more megapixels, delivering high-quality photos and video from a relatively compact package. Below we have listed the best bridge cameras.
Here is the list of Best Bridge Cameras
NIKON Coolpix B600
Easily one of the best bridge cameras, the Nikon Coolpix B600 features a 16-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor and lens-shift vibration reduction. Both help users achieve more stable, blur-free photos towards the telephoto end of the camera lens or in low light. The Nikon Coolpix B600’s 60x optical zoom offers a 35mm equivalent wide 24-1440mm and a maximum aperture of f/3.3. Images are composed and reviewed via a 3-inch LCD screen with 921,000-dot resolution on the back of the camera. Unlike DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, there is no separate viewfinder at eye level.
Instead, you’ll find his B600’s built-in speakers in the normal sitting position. If there’s one downside, this affordable super zoom offers “simple” video capture in full HD resolution instead of the 4K that’s common today, and the LCD itself can’t tilt and swivel. It’s not the type. The three-year-old camera at the time of writing has modest built-in memory and a number of creative in-camera modes that will appeal to those used to choosing filter effects for their images on their smartphones.
Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV
Beyond its high-end look, it’s incredibly versatile. It shoots bursts at 24 fps and has a great autofocus system. It doesn’t have the same level of image quality as interchangeable-lens cameras with larger sensors, but it takes great photos right from the start, and includes RAW shooting and manual controls for more advanced photographers.
Easily one of the best bridge cameras, The RX10 IV is the Rolls-Royce of bridge cameras. Despite its high price, it’s the most capable bridge camera we have tested, with a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor and a built-in Zeiss zoom lens that covers a fairly wide zoom range from 24-600mm. It’s weatherproof and solidly built, with a solid grip and a nice touch, including a top display that lets you quickly see settings, battery life, and storage space.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II
If you’re looking for something cheaper and better performing, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II is a great bridge camera and a great all-rounder for most people, especially if you don’t need weather protection or a burst rate of 24 fps is one of the best options.
Like the Sony RX10 IV, it uses a 1-inch sensor, which is larger than most bridge cameras, but with a short maximum focal length of 400mm, it doesn’t have a great zoom range, but it’s great for shooting long distances. Excellent for subjects. Unfortunately, the autofocus system uses slow contrast detection technology. Performance is still good, but not as effective as Sony’s AF.
Canon Powershot SX70
Bridge cameras aren’t known for their portability, but sometimes you want an all-in-one camera with the comfortable ergonomics of a DSLR without necessarily straining your neck. If you prefer something more portable, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is the right choice. Overall, this is one of the best bridge cameras that you can buy right now.
Not the most compact bridge camera on the market. However, thanks to an intuitive menu system and a simple ergonomic control scheme, it’s relatively small, lightweight, and extremely comfortable to use. Unlike some bridge cameras, there’s a viewfinder here, useful for sunny days and composition. You can easily take pictures.
Nikon COOLPIX P1000
At maximum zoom, the Nikon P1000 has a stunning 3000mm focal length, even more impressive than the P950. However, when shooting with a telephoto lens, you lose 3 full stops and the aperture goes from f/2.8 to just f/8. Nikon’s VR reduces camera shake, but at longer focal lengths there’s an unresolved image softness.
It boasts a high-definition electronic viewfinder, 4K video capabilities, and RAW format shooting. The biggest downsides to this camera are the price and the fact that it only has a 1/2.3-inch sensor. This isn’t a very large sensor, so it’s more expensive and doesn’t have the same zoom range, but there are other cameras on the list that are worth the price.
Nikon COOLPIX P950
Easily one of the best bridge cameras, the Nikon Coolpix P950 excels with its huge zoom range and lens quality, but the image quality in 2020 is disappointing. It’s only worth considering if you absolutely need such a wide zoom range, and even then the price is hard to justify. It ranks just below his P1000 in the company’s superzoom camera hierarchy, replacing the P900.
The P950 boasts his 83x optical zoom, which on a full-frame camera he equates to 24-2000mm. The specs are the same 83x optical zoom as the P900. This gives him a focal range of 24-2000mm in 35mm equivalent, so you can shoot everything from close-up group shots to lunar craters with just one lens.
Sony DSC-HX99
Easily one of the best bridge cameras, the Sony DSC-HX99 is the successor to the Sony HX90V. His 30x zoom (24-720mm) camera is the smallest on the market. It has all the features you need. It has an 18 MP sensor, continuous shooting at 10 fps, and optical image stabilization. It also has 4K 25p video recording, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity, pop-up flash, and a 3-inch touch screen that can be flipped 180 degrees. Finally, custom and function (Fn) buttons let you easily customize menu options and access advanced settings.
On the other hand, there is no dedicated exposure compensation dial, built-in GPS, shoe mount, etc. The buttons on the back are small and complicated. The touchscreen is also limited in functionality, requiring you to press the unlock switch and pull the eyepiece towards your eye to activate the electronic viewfinder.
Canon PowerShot G3
The G3 X has a relatively limited focal range of 24-600mm (25x). However, the fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 helps create interesting bokeh.Canon combines his 20.2 MP sensor with high sensitivity and his DIGIC 6 processor to improve image quality even in low light HS designed the system.
The camera also offers RAW file support, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, a touch screen, a hot shoe for flash, a microphone, headphones, and water and dust protection. However, there is no built-in EVF, and the maximum continuous shooting speed of 5.9 fps is a little slow. Also, the maximum video resolution is 1080 60p instead of 4K.
Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10
If you’re looking for a great camera for wildlife, sports, or action and can spend a little more money, the RX10 IV should be considered. The new version has a touchscreen and a new 315-point phase detection AF system. This cuts focus capture time in half and allows for excellent subject tracking. Thus, this product is one of the best bridge cameras available right now.
It is also possible to shoot RAW photos and 4K movies (3840 x 2160px, 30p). From these you can take 8MP photos of him, a feature similar to Panasonic’s 4K photo mode. The 24-600mm (25x) zoom lens isn’t the biggest of these cameras. However, the F2.4-4 variable aperture is the fastest lens, and the 24 fps continuous shooting speed is the best in its class!
Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II
If you’re looking for something cheaper and better performing, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II is a great bridge camera and a great all-rounder for most people, especially if you don’t need weather protection or a burst rate of 24 fps is one of the best options. Like the Sony RX10 IV, it uses a 1-inch sensor, which is larger than most bridge cameras.
But it has a short maximum focal length of 400mm, so it doesn’t have a great zoom range, but it’s very good for shooting long distances. Excellent. subjects. Unfortunately, the autofocus system uses slow contrast detection technology. Performance is still good, but not as effective as Sony’s AF.
Final Words
If you are looking for the best bridge cameras, you must first decide how important image quality is to you. This depends largely on the size of the sensor. If you are more interested in posting pictures on social media than printing them, a superzoom camera with a small sensor and a wide zoom range will be perfect for your needs.