Bridge cameras seem to be the ideal solution for all your photographic needs. They have all the controls and functions of the appropriate SLRs and mirrorless cameras, but they are equipped with ultra-ultra fixed zoom lenses that you can not get anywhere else. Best Bridge cameras really look like the ultimate solution any photographer is looking for. But there are pitfalls and trade-offs and the best models are not cheap.
Things To Know About The Best Bridge Cameras
The first and most important thing to watch with the best bridge cameras is the size of the sensor. Cameroonians can only zoom in on these colossal expanses by using a smaller sensor. Until recently, almost all bridge cameras used small 1/2.3-inch sensors of the type you have in common, as well as cameras and some smartphones. You get a huge zoom range for an affordable price, but the image quality is limited. And then, Sony, Panasonic, and Canon have released more advanced bridge cameras with much larger 1-inch sensors.
These sensors are not as big as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but they are not a million miles away and the quality is much better than conventional cameras. But larger sensors mean smaller zoom ranges and higher prices, which means that the bridge camera market is divided into two halves. The most expensive 1-inch models at the top of our list have a lower zoom range, but we think this is worth the extra image quality.
The cheaper 1/2.3-inch models in the lower half of our list have a spectacular zoom range, but only average image quality. And keep in mind that bridge cameras cannot do everything as versatile as they are. For ultra wide-angle shots, 1: 1 macro lens, tilting lenses, and ultra-fast apertures, you need an interchangeable lens DSLR or a mirrorless camera.
But if you are interested in purchasing one of the best Bridge cameras, you can get one from our list of the best Bridge cameras according to your needs and your budget. Let’s look at them in our comparison chart, and then we’ll discuss them one by one.
Best Bridge Cameras Comparison Table
Bridge Cameras
Camera Name
Megapixels
Max Video Resolution
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
20.1 MP
4K
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 III
20.1 MP
4K
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
20.1 MP
4K
Panasonic Lumix FZ2500
20.1 MP
4K
Panasonic Lumix FZ300
12.1 MP
4K
Nikon Coolpix P900
16 MP
1080p
Nikon Coolpix P1000
16 MP
4K
Panasonic Lumix FZ80
18.1 MP
4K
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
20.3 MP
4K
Canon PowerShot G3 X
20.2 MP
1080p
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-600mm (equiv) f/2.4-4
- Screen: 3in tilting screen, 1.44million dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots
- Max burst speed: 24fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Enthusiast/Expert
The RX10 IV is the latest version of the Sony RX10 series of bridge cameras and is a welcome step forward from the RX10 III. The main highlight is the recording of a 315-point phase-detection AF system, which makes it much more suitable for tracking moving subjects, while the introduction of a touch screen is a strangely absent feature. of the configuration of the RX10 – and many more The other lines of Sony until recently – is also remarkable. Burst shooting at 24 fps, which is a significant improvement over the 14 fps already on the Mark III, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, makes it farther away from the camera. That’s why it’s a much better camera for sport and action, and the best bridge camera you can buy now – but it’s got a huge price over the Mark III and competing devices.
Top 10 Best Action Cameras Right Now
Pros:
- Phase detect AF system
- Great still/video quality
- Excellent lens
Cons:
- Very expensive
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 III
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-600mm (equiv) f/2.4-4
- Screen: 3in tilting screen, 1.23million dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots
- Max burst speed: 14fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Enthusiast
Sony has now released four RX10 models and has a policy of keeping older models on sale. Therefore, although the RX10 Mark III is not the latest model, it remains in second place on our list. It introduces an impressive maximum zoom setting of 600 mm and a very respectable aperture range for f/2.4-4. Although it does not replace the Mark II model (still available for sale), it offers a slightly better battery life and a nine-blade aperture compared to the Mark II’s seven-blade variant. two previous models. The camera is also occasionally subject to occasional cash back. So be sure to pay attention because they can make all the difference. If you do not need the quick focus of the RX10 IV and photography, it’s certainly one of the best bridge cameras for you.
Pros:
- Great image and video quality
- High quality stabilized lens
- Cheaper than the RX10 IV
Cons:
- The RX10 IV is better for action
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
The FZ1000 is now four years old. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that many have neglected it in favor of the series of models that have emerged since its release. But take a closer look and you will see that you always have the latest technology for your money. The 20.1 MP 1in sensor and the Leica 25-400 mm (equiv.) F/2.8-4 lens combines to form a core capable, with 4K UHD video, of a 5-axis U.I.S. stabilization, an EVF OLIF factor of 2.36 million pixels, Wi-Fi and NFC, as well as a whole series of video-specific additions, such as zebra patterns. As if that were not enough, occasional cash backs further improve the value for money and make it one of the best bridge cameras to buy right now.
Pros:
- Brilliant value for money
- Great image quality
- Good burst mode
Cons:
- No in-camera Raw processing
Panasonic Lumix FZ2500
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1in type
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-480mm (equiv) f/2.8-4.5
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots
- Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04million dots
- Max burst speed: 12fps (30fps at reduced resolution)
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Enthusiast
Panasonic has already won over many people with its FZ1000, with its 1-inch sensor, 25/400 mm F/2.8-4 zoom lens, 4K video, and mass control, making it a great alternative to digital SLR. The FZ2500 offers even more: a slightly longer lens, touch screen operation and an electronic viewfinder with slightly higher magnification than the previous one, but it is a video in which Panasonic has made the most important improvements. So here we have a DCI 4K video and a variable ND filter, although the latter can also be used for still images. The lack of weather protection is a shame, but the drop in prices, coupled with an occasional cashback offer, makes it one of the best cameras with an excellent price-performance ratio for the RX10 series of models. Sony. However, if you need more photos than videos, you can find the older FZ1000 (above) in a more logical way, especially when you see what you get for your money.
Pros:
- Excellent control over video
- Great overall image quality
- Good burst mode
Cons:
- Sony RX10 lens is better
Panasonic Lumix FZ300
From junior models to various flagship products, Panasonic has always been generous with its functions. This has allowed its models to remain attractive to new competitors, and the Lumix FZ3o0 is a perfect example: a camera under $500 with 4K video recording, a splashproof housing and a 25 to 600mm lens with a constant aperture of f/2.8. You do not understand that now! In addition to this, there is a tilting touch screen, a 1.44 million pixel EFF, Wi-Fi and image stabilization, which complements the specifications and is an excellent proposal for the novice or beginner with a limited budget.
Pros:
- Amazing features for the price
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Good zoom range
Cons:
- No in-camera raw processing
Nikon Coolpix P900
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Lens: 24-2000mm (equiv.) f/2.8-6.5
- Screen: 3in articulating, 921k dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 921k dots
- Max burst speed: 7fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Beginner
With its 24-2000mm (equivalent) zoom lens, the Coolpix P900 is certainly an ambitious camera. With this type of focal length, you zoom much further than the average DSLR/lens kit, which is why it is such a hit with amateur astrophotographers. Fortunately, the lens is equipped with Nikon’s five-stop vibration reduction system. You also get manual control of the exposure settings, as well as WiFi, NFC and even a GPS system. Of course, it will not be for everyone; there is no raw shooting, the screen does not react to touch and maybe the sensor is much more sensitive than that of high-quality cameras. Still, it makes the cut because it really offers something unique at this level – and for some, it’s one of the best bridge cameras on the market.
Pros:
- 5-stop VR system
- Mammoth zoom range
Cons:
- Sharpness drops at full zoom
- No raw shooting option
Nikon Coolpix P1000
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Lens: 24-3000mm (equiv.) f/2.8-8
- Screen: 3in articulating, 921k dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2,359k dots
- Max burst speed: 7fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner
With its 24-2000mm (equivalent) zoom lens, the Coolpix P900 made the headlines, but the new P1000 covers it with a stunning zoom range of 125x and offers the equivalent of a full-length 3000mm telephoto lens. However, it is a pleasure, because, with this setting, the maximum aperture of the lens loses three full stops from its maximum at f/2.8 to a pretty unfortunate f/8. You’ll be happy with Nikon’s built-in VR (Vibration Reduction) system to reduce camera shake, although it can not restore the overall softness of the lens that crawls at longer focal lengths. In some important areas, the P900 improves, with raw format recordings, a higher resolution electronic viewfinder, and 4K video. However, the asking prices are almost as astronomical as the zoom possibilities – it’s hard to pay for a bridge camera with a small 1/2.3-inch sensor. But if you want the longest zoom range the camera world has ever seen, you can not expect it to be cheap.
Pros:
- Five-stop VR system
- Interplanetary zoom range
- 4K video
Cons:
- Loses sharpness at full zoom
Panasonic Lumix FZ80
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 18.1MP
- Lens: 20-1200mm (equiv.) f/2.8-5.9
- Screen: 3in articulating, 1,040k dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 1,166k dots
- Max burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner
After the excesses of the Nikon P900 and P1000, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 seems rather tame. For comparison: its 60x optical zoom range is quite common, the maximum aperture range of f / 2.8 to 5.9 is not very inspiring and it uses a small 1/2.3-inch sensor, which limits the picture quality you can expect. But three things raise the FZ82 above the ordinary. First, the price: this camera easily undermines all rivals in this list and gives them a real chance for their functions. Secondly, it makes 4K videos and it has Panasonic 4K photo modes for quick image capture. Thirdly, the 60x zoom lens offers a width adjustment greater than 20 mm compared to that of one of its competitors. It is therefore much more convenient to take pictures in tight spaces – a huge advantage for travel photography. All in all, this is one of the best bridge cameras to buy at the moment.
Pros:
- 4K video/4K Photo modes
- Extra-wide angle zoom
- Value for money
Cons:
- Middle of the road specs
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20.3MP
- Lens: 21-1365mm (equiv.) f/3.4-6.5
- Screen: 3in articulating, 922k dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
- Max burst speed: 10/5.7fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner
On paper, the Powershot SX70 HS seems to be a good competitor to the Panasonic FZ82 (above), which offers a slightly longer zoom lens that almost matches Panasonic’s wide-angle setting. But the maximum aperture of f / 3.4-6.5 is small and the 20-megapixel resolution cannot exceed the limits of the small 1/2.3-inch sensor. The SX70 is doing well and it is not very big for a bridge camera, but the resistance has been maintained, with wider zoom ranges, larger sensors or lower prices. The SX70 HS offers a correct specification, but at a price that gives the appearance of its competitors more attractive and is one of the best bridges cameras on the market.
Pros:
- A very good zoom range
- Relatively compact for its type
- Vari-angle screen
Cons:
- Only 5.7fps with servo AF
Canon PowerShot G3 X
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.2MP
- Lens: 24-600mm (equiv.) f/2.8-5.6
- Screen: 3.2in tilting, 1,620k dots
- Viewfinder: Optional
- Max burst speed: 5.9/3.2fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Intermediate
So what is a bridge camera with a 1-inch sensor and a 25x zoom range at the bottom of our list of best bridge cameras? The G3 X is indeed a very versatile camera with a good zoom range and very good image quality, but it does not have a built-in electronic viewfinder – it’s an optional extra. The rear screen has a tilting mechanism but is not fully articulated. The G3 X first appeared in 2015, so it’s no wonder it does not have 4K video and the burst recording speed drops to just 3.2 fps with continuous autofocus. The G3 X can produce first-class results, but it is disappointing to note that despite the dated specifications, it has kept a high price.
Pros:
- Good-sized 1-inch sensor
- Handy 25x zoom range
Cons:
- EVF an optional extra
- Weak burst shooting
Final Words
The Best Bridge Cameras is a versatile and affordable alternative to DSLR cameras. They offer many of the same manual controls (as well as many easy-to-use automatic modes), as well as a huge integrated zoom that covers everything from wide angle to super telephoto. This makes camera-decks an all-in-one solution, especially if you want to travel relatively light because you have an ideal camera to photograph vast landscapes and highly framed subjects such as wildlife.
