So, there are two kinds of people, and there is a third kind too. There is another reason why we mentioned the first sentence like that. That reason is that the two kinds of people are the point and shoot camera types and DSLR kinds. Those who want an experience usually go for a DSLR, and those who want to capture the memories, go for a point and shoot. The latter, i.e., the DSLR kind, are usually found worrying too much about what to buy given the feature set of DSLRs is extensive. However, that doesn’t mean that the more features, the easier the handling is. As a matter of fact, the more expensive the DSLR, the more the features, the higher is the probability for the DSLR to be manual and hence better the overall photography experience. You see, the reason is that a good photographer doesn’t rely on editing software; they make manual changes to the settings to make the best of the image possible. Anyway, that was a bit of a digression from the topic. Coming back to bridge cameras, as the name states, a bridge camera bridges the gap between a point and shoot and a DSLR. So, it has a lot of features that the DSLR has to offer, but it is sort of as hassle-free as a point and shoot is. It is, in other words, the camera for the majority of the world which wants to take good pictures, but it is happy editing them later to create a visual effect!
To make it all the more clear, let us first see what a bridge camera is in detail and then, let us have a look at the ten best bridge camera at the offer.
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What is a bridge camera?
A bridge camera is a generic term being used for digital cameras that have some degree of manual control, a viewfinder, and long-range zoom but usually do not support interchangeable lenses.
If we have to talk about the features at the offer, then first, a bridge camera does not support the removable lens. Basically, the lens it comes with is the lens it will stick with. The focusing system is fairly basic and slow. The image quality is decent but not as good as a DSLR. However, the zoom is amazing, and it beats most of the lenses which one has to buy as an add on for a DSLR.
A standard bridge camera will offer a similar range of controls as that of an entry-level DSLR. The video quality is pretty much standard, the file formats and the frame rate varies. Most of the bridge cameras come with Wi-Fi, GPS, and other connectivity features.
Finally, all the theory aside, let us have a look at the top ten cameras according to us which you should consider if you are thinking of buying bridge cameras
1. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
The Closing Line:
Through this camera, Sony has actually tried answering the concerns which users had with its previous cameras, such as the issue with the autofocus and video quality. However, doing that, they did offshoot the price range significantly.
The AF performance is indeed amongst one of the best in the entire camera type range and gives really good wildlife, long-distance, and moving shots. Stills and videos are really impressive. Some improvements to the touchscreen functionality could be made, though, but the price- that is one area where SONY will have to work significantly or else, the sales are never going to go up!
| Pros | Cons |
| Great performance and superfast with 24-600mm lens | Super pricey, beats a good DSLR too |
| Great stills and videos | Limited touchscreen controls |
| High-quality EVF | Relatively heavy and large |
| Tilting touchscreen helps with easy view |
|
| High-ISO performance | |
| Advanced AF system |
Specifications:
- Aperture: – f/2.4-4.0
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.2 in
- Maximum Magnification: 100 x
- Dimensions: 5.24 x 3.7 x 5.71″
- Weight: 1095g
2. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
The Closing Line:
First, the price is slightly on the higher end for the specifications because those are available at a range of 30k something too. The zoom could be better though 16x is less from no angle.
However, entry-level DSLRs give that kind of specification at a lesser price, so the competition lies there. 25mm for a wide-angle range is a good starting point, and the camera shoots some really good landscape and documentary photographs as well as low light angle ones. The larger maximum aperture also allows a good enough control over the depth of field.
The camera can record 4K videos, which is a big plus point. Plus, the high-speed continuous shooting mode allows for some amazing videos and captures for sports or high movement action.
| Pros | Cons |
| The best ever 1-inch sensor | Screen not touch-sensitive |
| The maximum that can be aperture | Really large and hence handling it is a bit tough |
| Extensive feature set and not just for the price range |
Specifications:
- Aperture: – f/2.8-8.0
- Minimum Focus Distance:11.8 in
- Maximum Magnification: 16x
- Dimensions: 54.*5.1*3.9 in
- Weight: 780g
3. Panasonic FZ300
The Closing Line:
Despite its heavyweight and size, the camera is surprisingly easy to handle and good to use. The menu is really intuitive, and the viewfinder is superb. The vari-angle touchscreen really helps in using the camera irrespective of the light available. The autofocus is good and well responsive, and the range of 25-600mmf/2.8 zoom is really impressive.
The camera boasts of innumerable features and is way better than an average entry-level DSLR. Because of so much at the offer, the camera can be a bit overwhelming for the beginners, but it would be great to use it once you get some experience. Basically, this camera will be of use longer than what a usual bridge camera is. The intelligent auto mode is of great assistance for those who are just picking up photography in bits and pieces. The image quality is really good, despite what the ½.3 inch sensor may make you feel. Think how great it would be if the sensor was larger, too- a point the company should consider and work on in its upgrade.
The videos are 4K, which is a huge plus; the burst modes are 4K too, which is a surprise. This camera is more than just value for money. It literally competes in the expert market, the good part, it is easy to handle too and hence should be preferred over most DSLRs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent constant f/2.8 Leica lens | The really Small for the price range 1/2.3-inch sensor |
| Really good focal range | No multi-function ring on the lens |
| High-quality vari-angle touchscreen and excellent EVF system | Quite large in size which makes it slightly tough to handle |
| Consistently good performance for photos as well as videos | High ISO but the performance could be way better |
Specifications:
- Aperture: – F2.8 / Multistage Iris Diaphragm (Still Image: F2.8 – 8.0, Motion Picture: F2.8 – 11.0)
- Minimum Focus Distance:4.4-10mm
- Maximum Magnification: 24x
- Dimensions: 5.18 x 3.60 x 4.61 inch
- Weight: 691 g
4. Nikon P950
The Closing Line:
Nikon literally rules the market when it comes to making eccentric superzoom bridge cameras. At 83.3x, this camera offers a crazy optical zoom, and you can look at the various videos of the kind of zoom quality this camera offers to know what marvel it is. The camera is sort of a firmware upgrade over the Nikon P900, the earlier model which came with more or less the same features and similar zoom at 83x. The design is, however, way better, which makes the camera easy to use and handle, and with the ease of handling comes easier photo taking.
The camera is good overall, the price could have been less, but then, almost all the Nikon specialty and expertise comes around this price range only. If you are loyal to the brand, then this one is a good buy, or else you could explore Panasonic and get similar and, in some cases even better features at lower prices.
| Pros | Cons |
| Face-Detection Focus | No Image Stabilization |
| Large 3.2 inch Screen | Low Battery Life: 290 shots |
| External Microphone Port | Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50 |
| Timelapse Recording | |
| AE Bracketing |
|
| Selfie Friendly LCD Screen |
|
| Can be remote-controlled using a smartphone |
Specifications:
- Aperture: F2.8–6.5
- Minimum Focus Distance:4.4-10mm
- Maximum Magnification: 83.3x
- Dimensions: 5.51 x 4.33 x 5.91″
- Weight: 1005g
5. Nikon Coolpix P1000
The Closing Line:
At such a heavy price tag, this camera sort of comes as disappointing. If we have to talk about the features alone, they are good for a bridge camera, but then one looks at the price tag, and everything stands ruined. The images are good, and the vibration deduction system is one of the best. The menu is pretty intuitive, and the optics are really ambitious, but with such high optics, compromises have been made at other places.
For instance, the LCD screen isn’t the best and the overall body quality which looks and feels like cheap plastic. The autofocus is decentish but doesn’t work really well all the time. Surprisingly or say shockingly, this camera does hang a lot irrespective of its fast memory card.
The VR system is effective, but the image precision really suffers at the telephoto end. The image quality in the wide-angle mode isn’t so good either.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique 125x optical zoom | Camera can lock up after bursts |
| Effective VR system | Autofocus struggles at times |
| Sharp shots at 3000mm possible (though difficult) | Below-average LCD |
| Very good handling | No weather-sealing |
| Raw shooting option | General image quality |
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/2.8-8.0
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8 in
- Maximum Magnification: 125x
- Dimensions: 5.8*7.1*4.7 in
- Weight: 3.12lbs
6. Sony Cyber-shot HX400V
The Closing Line:
A bridge camera is the one that bridges the gap between a point and shoot and a DSLR but, while cyber shot HX400V sticks to this, it sort of loses the race given how all the other cameras have significantly upgraded their features. But, then a look at the price range and it is back again.
The image quality is really good. The images are pretty detailed and bright with punchy colors. The images are automatically smoothened, which everyone might not like, but overall it is good, so till you are very specific on that bit, it is okay. Noise is kept at a minimum, thanks to SONY’s technology of multi-area noise reduction, which allows for great shooting at high sensitivities too. The camera, however, isn’t as good for low light areas. The build is overall compact, but sadly the sensor is smaller, which is one of the reasons why the camera has been enabled with a compact built in the first place.
The zoom range at 50x is really great and one of the key selling points of this camera. Using the camera at the telephoto end of the lens provides for blur-free images thanks to the optical image stabilization technology, which again is one of the good competitive features of the camera.
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge zoom range | No touchscreen controls |
| Awesome processor | Can’t shoot in raw mode |
| Great EVF |
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/2.8-6.3
- Minimum Focus Distance:0.4 in
- Maximum Magnification: 50x
- Dimensions: 5.1*4.1*3.7 in
- Weight: 22.03oz
7. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
The Closing Line:
This camera comes with a ½.3 inch sensor at its heart, so it is not fair to expect too much out of it when it comes to image quality. That being said, it still provides good results in the mid-range focal lengths. The autofocus is good, the image stabilization is good too, the electronic viewfinder works perfectly for its function, and it really supports speedy operations. Optical aberrations are well under control, with curvilinear distortions not being an issue at all at either of the ends of the lens. Vignetting is visible only in those types of scenes where it causes significant troubles in other cameras of this range. Chromatic aberrations have been handled well too, but slight purple fringing may be visible in areas of high contrast. Tension not because areas of high contrast aren’t that common, and whenever they would be, it would be not easy to detect the fringing.
The videos are captured in maximum 4K Ultra HD resolution and are really good when the light is good. The lack of built-in ND filter, however, makes capturing the footage outdoors a bit of a struggle.
| Pros | Cons |
| Awesome zoom range with 21mm start | No touchscreen controls |
| Easy to handle | Not good build quality |
| Great image stabilization | Subpar Wideangle performance |
| Decent 4K video | No slow-motion video options |
| Lightweight |
Styles not possible in raw |
| Great AF system |
No USB charging |
Specifications:
- Aperture:f/3.4-6.5
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0 in
- Maximum Magnification: 65x
- Dimensions: 5*4.5*3.6 in
- Weight: 22.93oz
8. Panasonic Lumix FZ2500
The Closing Line:
It is an impressive camera if we have to say just a few words about it. Plus, it has really strong performance, and the features, pretty much in sync with its pricing, are ambitious for a bridge camera. It does offer a lot of controls too, so even if you are at a medium stage of photography, so that is good. There are several video controls as well, and the optic is decently expansive. The stills are good quality, and the autofocus system is excellent. The tracking bit is good too, and the images have good dynamic range and low noise throughout the lower end of ISO. The optical aberrations are well under control as well.
The EVF and LCD are great, and the touchscreen LCD is really responsive and helps enhance the overall use and focusing, even when the camera is being held in the not so conventional positions and angles.
| Pros | Cons |
| Super-fast AF system | No weather sealing is a shame |
| Great image stabilization system | Almost double the price of the FZ1000 |
| Excellent image and video quality | Lens not the longest nor brightest in class |
Specifications:
- Aperture:f/2.8-4.5
- Minimum Focus Distance:8.8mm
- Maximum Magnification: 20x
- Dimensions: 5.4*5.3*4 in
- Weight: 32.27 oz
9. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82
The Closing Line:
The camera offers a 20-1200 mm focal range, which is huge, and at 60x zoom, it makes a strong case for it being purchased. Count in the price that it sells at, and this camera seems to be the obvious choice. The focal range and the zoom, in specific make it interchangeable for several entry to mid-level DSLRs
The videos are 4K, which sort of makes the camera the appliance of the future given how even 4K TVs aren’t as common, but yes, 4K camera is definitely something to brag about. The menu is intuitive, and the camera is light and compact and pretty easy to use.
The EVF magnification is a letdown, however, and so is the lack of an eye sensor for automatically switching between Live view on the LCD and the EVF. The ISO settings aren’t as good as well, and there is significant noise. However, the overall feature set is too good for the price range, and we feel that for a beginner to medium level camera user, this one is a good buy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | EVF magnification poor |
| Powerful optical zoom | No eye sensor for EVF |
| Touchscreen LCD | Weak high-ISO performance |
| Effective image stabilization |
Specifications:
- Aperture: F2.8–5.9
- Minimum Focus Distance:0.39″
- Maximum Magnification: 60x
- Dimensions: 5.12 x 3.7 x 4.69″
- Weight: 610g
10. Nikon Coolpix P900
The Closing Line:
We are talking about 88x zoom which is literally one of the maximum to have given how the camera gives really good photos at that zoom as well. The camera is the market leader in this respect, and we do not see it being toppled over anytime soon, either.
The camera, however, is a bit bulky because it has to accommodate such a huge zoom, but it is a small price to pay given how ergonomically the body has been designed. It even gives the option to opt for full manual control, something which puts it in the league of high-end DSLRs, which come with a lens kit attached. There is a great range in the exposure modes. The camera is simple to operate, the grip is really good, and the photo quality is even better.
A touchscreen option would be better, but it is a camera after all and a very good one at that so you will not really miss it.
Plus, with all the deals in tow, the prices have come down significantly, and this camera is literally a god sent at its current price and so many features!
| Pros | Cons |
| The enormous zoom range | No raw shooting which is sort of sad |
| Well Articulating and descriptive screen | The screen which isn’t touch-sensitive |
| Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC | |
| The price for the range of features |
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/2.8-6.5
- Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7 in
- Maximum Magnification:88x
- Dimensions: 5.5*4.1*5.4
- Weight: 899 g
Final words
It has been a decade since bridge cameras were launched, and now we are literally sitting on the mine of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras or MILC as well call them. Despite all the advancements, bridge cameras still continue to hold their own. Needless to say, it has a lot to do with how they have advanced, too, and still cater to at least ninety percent of the photography aficionados. It will not be an exaggeration to say that they are a powerful tool for anyone who even takes photography seriously. They are pretty good to set the hands-on well and then graduate to the DSLRs. For someone who is just experimenting, they can be good eye-openers to the fact whether their next camera should be a point or shoot or bridge or a DSLR maybe.
Bridge cameras are made to suit the needs of the neo-advanced photographer, and some really good work has been done in the field. While they may not be as good at giving the experience like a DSLR but, you have our word on this that they are just there! The difference is just the leap of faith, which you will have to take once you start thinking that you are becoming an expert and need more.
And finally, for the best of the bridge cameras- well, we have the top 10 list right there. Do write back to us if you wish to know more about having a word with our experts before making a final choice.
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