10 Best Bridge Cameras

It’s time to figure out which bridge camera is the best. If you’re not familiar with the term “bridge camera,” it’s basically the best of both worlds. The ideal bridge camera will have a large zoom as well as the same controls as a good DSLR camera. These units are also outfitted with the most advanced features.

You want a bridge camera if you can’t decide between the ease of a typical mirrorless camera and the huge power of a DSLR. These are fixed-lens cameras that are designed to feel and work similarly to DSLRs, but with the range and capability to provide you with a wide range of options. Furthermore, they are frequently far less expensive than a high-end DSLR.

Keep in mind, however, that bridge cameras are not for everyone. The biggest disadvantage of a bridge camera is that it has a fixed lens. Because you can’t use an external lens with a bridge camera, you’re stuck with what you receive. They are, nonetheless, designed to be the greatest. If you want an exceedingly sharp image, the convenience of not having to choose the right lens for the job, and the decent sensor that comes with a bridge camera, this is the camera for you.

Furthermore, most current bridge cameras are capable of 4K video, have excellent ISO settings, and have an exceptional dynamic range. A bridge camera is ideal if you want a little bit of everything packed into one wonderful device.

Now, let’s have a look at the top bridge cameras on the market right now!

10 Best Bridge Cameras

1. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

The SX70 HS is fitted with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, which has an aperture range of f/3.4 to f/6.5, and a maximum optical zoom of 65x. This presents stunning imagery for nature shooting, landscape photography, and street photography. Also, the body combines Canon ergonomics and an impressive EVF.

Additionally, the PowerShot camera is capable of capturing RAW images, and the 4K video quality is excellent. The SX70 is an outstanding alternative for general photographic use, transport, or street photography.

2. Canon PowerShot G3 X

The G3 X has a top focal lens zoom of 600mm, as well as a CMOS sensor and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.6. In addition, the touch-screen monitor rotates, which compensates for the absence of an EVF. This should be remembered, as it is a shortcoming of the G3 X. It does not have a viewfinder, and the absence of one is more costly than an add-on. Additionally, the burst rate of 5.9fps is unremarkable.

The Canon PowerShot G3 X is a solid bridge camera with a simple combination of image quality and zoom range, but its downside can give the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS an edge.

3. Nikon Coolpix P900.

The Nikon Coolpix P900 features a wide-angle to telephoto 1-inch CMOS sensor, 24-2000mm focal length, and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/6.5. To complete this, the unit provides built-in image stabilization, an excellent EVF, and a high-resolution LCD screen.

The Coolpix P900, despite its outstanding zoom range, does not have the ISO range of some of the other versions. Additionally, RAW images are not supported, which means post-processing options are extremely limited. The P900 is an impressive bridge camera with a zoom lens, but it has its problems.

4. Nikon Coolpix P1000

The Coolpix P1000 is the successor to the P900. The key characteristics are unchanged, but the P1000’s overall focal length has been expanded to 3000mm. This hence makes it the best bridge camera that has zoom features. Additionally, the 3.2″ LCD screen has decent clarity, and the EVF offers easy shooting.

Although the P1000 is a bit on the wide side, it is still transportable, and it comes with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. Also, it is able to capture a complete 4K film, which is additionally supported by the optical zoom lens. The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is the very definition of a superzoom sensor.

5. Sony DSC RX10-IV

The Cybershot DSC RX10-IV has a range of new features, such as a higher resolution LCD screen and 24fps RAW capture with tracking, compared to the previous version. In addition, the body is shielded from dust and liquid splashes because of its superior weather protection. the RX10-IV’s 24mm-600mm focal length, with a moderate aperture of f/2.4 – f/4.0. Furthermore, this is further bolstered by the high-quality EVF, as well as 24fps recording.

This camera is a wonderful choice for both fans and experts, but it is also a perfect choice for beginners who want to make images. The 4K video quality and monitoring capabilities allow perfect slow-motion images.

6. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

The Lumix bridge cameras are some of the best that you can find. Furthermore, the FZ1000 boasts fast autofocus, a wide ISO range, a high-quality CMOS sensor, and a generous maximum focal length of 400mm. In addition, the pace of burst shooting of 12 fps is suitable for action pictures.

Many people may find the physical controls to be uncomfortable, but the overall style is elegant and convenient to use. Moreover, this camera is also well-suited for video capturing functions—it is capable of recording video at 4K resolution and with a framerate of 120 fps for slow-motion videos.

7. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II

The FZ1000 II provides extra features, with the latest iteration of the Lumix FZ1000. Often, it is more costly. The FZ1000 II gives 34% more screen space relative to the FZ1000 I. Additional enhanced technologies include built-in Bluetooth, focus bracketing, and focus stacking.

Although the sensor and lens are the same, the unit is smaller and has a more powerful battery. The added expense of the FZ1000 II is well worth it if you are looking for a little bit more.

8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a sturdy, portable unit with a contoured frame. Additionally, the 25mm – 600mm optical zoom affords superior versatility. This is backed up by the 1-inch CMOS camera, which also allows continuous firing at 12fps.

This is a perfect introductory model, offering both automatic and manual firing modes. It has decent video quality with 4K quality, which is made simpler by the wide 3-inch LCD screen. The FZ300 has a narrower zoom lens, but comparable image quality and features as compared to the FZ80 featured below.

9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 

Compared to other Lumix versions, the FZ80 is on the cheaper side and is a strong candidate for an inexpensive bridge camera. Moreover, the 18mp sensor, and 20mm – 1200mm optical zoom, along with its outstanding image clarity, offer excellent versatility in street photography.

With its integrated image stabilization, in-body stabilization, and proprietary face detection focus, the autofocus is augmented by the Panasonic face detection focus feature. With this simple and powerful setup, taking portraits at events is a snap. Furthermore, the camera has an ergonomic build, with a conventional handgrip, which looks awesome.

10. Kodak Pixpro Astro Zoom AZ651.

Though forgotten, this camera provides the highest picture quality with a CMOS sensor and 21.0mp resolution. Additionally, couple this with a focal length of 1560mm, and an aperture of f/2.8, and you will have a powerful imaging system capable of delivering high-quality photos.

In addition to this, the big LCD screen and electronic viewfinder make it easy to shoot and edit images. On the other hand, the only feature that the Pixpro Astro AZ651 does not have is video recording; it has a limited resolution of 1920×1080 and does not have 4K quality.

Conclusion

Before you buy a bridge camera, there are a few things you should think about. The size of the sensor is the first key consideration. Sensors inside bridge cameras used to be more akin to what you’d find inside a smartphone today. However, all of the most recent bridge cameras include a 1″ sensor. This is more akin to the large sensor found inside a DSLR camera. Before making any purchase, always check the size of the sensor.

Another thing to remember is that the larger the sensor, the narrower the zoom range. It is up to you to determine your priorities. The most expensive bridge cameras have the largest sensors and the narrowest zoom ranges. On the other hand, low-cost cameras frequently feature lower sensors but impressive zoom ranges.

This means that if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll have a greater zoom than the sensor. Depending on whether the sheer quality of your photographs or the capacity to zoom is more essential to you, you’ll have your work cut out for you when making your pick.