If you are looking for a bridge camera, you are in the right place. With their huge zooms and chunky digital SLR handling, they are a popular choice for many, especially for travel if you don't want to have a heavy kit.
Bridge cameras are a versatile and affordable alternative to DSLRs. They offer many of the same manual controls (as well as many easy-to-use auto modes), as well as a large built-in zoom that covers everything from wide angle to super telephoto.
In essence, bridge cameras are a versatile and often more affordable alternative to DSLRs or CSCs. They feature the same type of manual controls (generally, as well as plenty of easy-to-use auto modes), as well as a large built-in zoom that covers everything from wide-angle to super telephoto. It's like having a bag full of lentils in a neat package.
If you want to travel relatively light, you have an ideal camera for shooting vast landscapes as well as highly framed subjects such as wildlife.
However, there are two important differences to consider. The first is that although some models now have one-inch sensors, bridge cameras still have much smaller sensors than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. This basically means that these models are not likely to match for image quality. If that's your main concern, choose one of these options.
What you need to know about Black Friday 2019
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday period is the perfect time to make a deal with a classic camera. You can expect some really powerful models to go down, but maybe not the flagship models that benefit from the bigger discounts. If you like one of the brilliant templates in this guide, our handy widgets will always show you the latest and greatest deals. If you're less concerned about a specific product, don't forget to bookmark the Black Friday camera deals page where we'll continue to showcase great new deals.
The second is that the lens is not removable on a bridge camera. So while it can handle a wide range of subjects, you can't go from a macro lens to a close-up, for example, or a super wide angle lens. , or a fast first lens for low light photography.
If you're not sure what type of device you need, read our essential guide: Which device should I buy?
Bridge cameras were traditionally called this way, as they established a link between entry-level models versus more advanced DSLRs. Today some bridge cameras are extremely sophisticated, expensive, and probably deserve a category in their own right. With larger sensors than what we used to see, bridge cameras are closer than ever to the equivalent quality of DSLR / CSC.
That being said, there are still plenty of models that give you a lot for your money and are great to learn if you're still relatively new to photography.
Here's our pick of the best bridge cameras you can buy right now...
High-value option: Panasonic Lumix FZ300 / FZ330
Constant f / 2.8 aperture and 4K video make it a great buy
Sensor: 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS, 12.1MP | Lens: 25-600mm, f / 2.8 | Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10 fps | Movies: 4K | User level: beginner / intermediate
Maximum aperture f / 2.8
High quality EVF
1 / 2.3 inch sensor
No multi-function ringtone
Before I move on to the list of ten gateway camera options, here is an overview of Panasonic's budget option. It was released in 2015 so it's a pretty old age, but the FZ300 (known as Lumix FZ330) located outside of the United States is even more advantageous. With a 25-600mm zoom lens, which is really impressive, it has a constant aperture of f / 2.8 throughout the range, which is especially useful at the far end of the zoom range. Add to that a splash-proof housing, vari-angle touchscreen, and a decent electronic viewfinder, and you've got all the benefits of a great all-rounder. Impressive for an older model, it even incorporates 4K.
The best bridge cameras in 2019
1. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
It is expensive, but it is practically one of a kind.
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f / 2.4-4 | Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,23m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 24 frames per second | Movies: 4K | User level: intermediate / expert
Excellent and fast 24-600mm lens
Beautiful still images and video quality
Limited touch control
Estimated compared to rivals
For those looking for a powerful all-in-one solution, they won't find anything better than the RX10 IV. With an extremely flexible 24-600mm f / 2.4-4 lens, the RX10 IV sits on the RX10 III with a revised AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera while the 1-inch 20.1MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail. It's quite cumbersome for a bridge camera and you can't escape its high price tag, but the RX10 IV is practically one of a kind and perhaps even deserves a better name than "bridge."
2.Panasonic Lumix FZ2000/FZ2500
The FZ2000 / FZ2500 combines a bridge camera zoom with a large 1-inch sensor
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-480mm, f / 2.8-4.5 | Monitor: 3.0-inch articulating screen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12 fps | Movies: 4K | User level: intermediate / expert
Today's best deals for Panasonic lumix fz2000
1 inch sensor
Super fast AF
Relatively large
No tightness
If your budget doesn't allow you to hit the levels of the RX10 IV, but you still want superior quality, flexibility, and outstanding image quality, the Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 (known as FZ2500 in the United States) is an excellent choice. It uses a 1-inch sensor, and although the zoom is greater than 480mm, which is relatively short for a bridge camera, it is not less than enough for extreme everyday use at the same time. Except for the most extreme. We would definitely sacrifice a small zoom range for better and faster optics, and we love the FZ2000 because it offers image quality and zoom range. If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, the older FZ1000 (below) is also worth checking out, as is its successor, the FZ1000 II.
3.Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
A 1-inch sensor and 4K video log give this camera bridge a breakthrough
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 25-400mm, f / 2.8-4 | Monitor: 3-inch articulated, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12 fps | Movies: 4K | User level: intermediate / expert
1 inch sensor
Large maximum aperture
Non-touch screen
Relatively large
The Lumix FZ16's 1000x optical zoom is lower than conventional cameras, but this is due to its 1-inch sensor, which greatly improves image quality. This is not just an old lens, but a Leica optics with a large maximum aperture of f / 2.8 at the wide-angle end, which drops to f / 4 always respectable at maximum zoom. This helps you capture images in low-light conditions without the use of high ISO sensitivities, while the 5-axis hybrid optical stabilization minimizes camera shake. 4K (Ultra HD, strictly) 3840 x 2160 video recording, advanced autofocus, an excellent 2,359,000-dot electronic viewfinder, and raw image shooting all contribute to making the FZ1000 the most accurate image. One of our best options. Note that Panasonic replaced the FZ1000 with the FZ1000 II this year, but it was a gradual update rather than a full brand overhaul, making the older model the best value at the moment.
4. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III
Dear, but very capable and offers a great focal range
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f / 2.4-4 | Monitor: 3-inch tilt, 1.23 m points | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 14 frames per second | Movies: 4K | User level: intermediate / expert
Excellent sensor
High quality zoom lens
expensive
The menu system could be better.
As is often the case with Sony, you can achieve decent savings by looking at their extensive catalog. In this case, if you can live without the advanced AF system and other performance benefits offered by the RX10 IV, the RX10 III is still worth a look. The design is almost the same as the RX10 IV and has the same 24-600mm f / 2.4-4 lens. What is the commitment? Well, the autofocus is a bit pedestrian compared to the latest model, so there's no control over the touchscreen or the ability to shoot at an impressive 24fps.
5. Canon PowerShot SX70HS
This feature-rich bridge camera has a lot to offer enthusiasts
Sensor: 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS, 20.3MP | Purpose: 21-1365mm equivalent, f / 3.4-6.5 | Monitor: 3-inch articulated, 922,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum burst speed: 10 fps | Movies: 4K | User level: beginner / enthusiast
65x zoom range
Good handling
Build quality could be better.
Lack of touch screen control.
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is what we consider to be a more conventional bridge camera than those in the top four. In fact, it uses a smaller 1 / 2.3-inch sensor, giving you the advantage of a 65x optical zoom range. You still get full manual control, as well as other features like a hinged screen (it lacks touch sensitivity though), a correct electronic viewfinder, and the ability to shoot in the raw format. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC is another plus. It's a classic versatile device that will suit those looking for something small and light enough for trips like safaris, where this big zoom makes sense. A bugbear is forced to activate the viewer manually because there is no sensor, but he is a solid performer otherwise. The image quality is very good. The image stabilization system helps keep photos sharp even at the telephoto end. Low-light and wide-angle shots aren't this camera's strength, but they do offer good autofocus performance and quick operation to compensate.
6.Panasonic Lumix FZ80/FZ82
60x zoom bridge camera gets closer to the action
Sensor: 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS, 18.1MP | Lens: 20-1200mm, f / 2.8-5.9 | Monitor: 3-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum burst speed: 10 fps | Movies: 4K | User level: beginner / enthusiast
Easy to use
Effective image stabilization.
Without eye sensor for EVF
Low ISO high performance
The Lumix FZ80 (known as Lumix FZ82 outside of the US) is perhaps one of the most affordable bridge cameras on the market, but it still packs a punch. The zoom range is very impressive, from an ultra-wide 20mm to an impressive 1200mm, and it features an effective image stabilization system. There's also 4K recording with Panasonic's 4K Photo, allowing you to shoot 8MP footage at 30fps, meaning you should never miss that fraction of a second. It is also very easy to use, with an intuitive touch screen. The viewfinder could be better (and no eye sensor can automatically switch between the viewfinder and the rear screen), while the high ISO performance can't compete with larger (and more expensive) competitors. That said, it's one of the best budget-conscious bridge cameras.
7.Nikon Coolpix P900
There is a lot to like about this very large zoom bridge model
Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inch CMOS, 16MP | Lens: 24-2000mm, f / 2.8-6.5 | Monitor: 3-inch articulated, 921,000 dots | Viewer: yes | Maximum burst speed: 7 fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: enthusiast
Unrivaled zoom range
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
No raw shot
Big and expensive
If you thought the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS 65x zoom was quite remarkable, the P900 should impress you even more. Nikon has pretty much rewritten the rule book with its P900 83x optical zoom lens, which was the longest zoom bridge camera in the world at the time. It has since been beaten, but only by the P900's successor, the P1000 (see below). If you think you don't need the frankly 125x range of the new model, you'll do well to stick with the best value for money, the P900. There is no doubt that this model is heavy. So if you mainly want to travel, then the light will not be for you. Image quality doesn't match the one-inch models either, but if you just want to get up close to the action it's worth checking out.
8.Nikon Coolpix P1000
125x optical zoom, are you tempted?
Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inch CMOS, 16MP | Lens: 24-3000mm, f / 2.8-8 | Monitor: 3.2-inch articulated, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum burst speed: 7 fps | Movies: 4K | User level: beginner / enthusiast
125x single optical zoom
Good handling
Sticky finish
Poor overall performance
The Coolpix P1000 follows the P900 and extends what we expect from superzoom cameras one step further. The reason is that the lens, with its P1000 housing in a 125x optical zoom range equivalent to 24-3000mm in 35mm terms, has the potential to target the farthest subjects you want to capture, be it wildlife or flora. . Moon. If you really need a camera with a 3.000mm equivalent lens, the fact that the P1000 is the only one to offer this feature makes your decision easier. With a massive body, unreliable autofocus, a poor-quality LCD screen, and operational conflicts, its appeal for anything else is more limited.
9. Sony Cybershot HX400V
A super versatile that begins to be surpassed by new rivals.
Sensor: 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS, 20.4MP | Lens: 24-1200mm, f / 2.8-6.3 | Monitor: 3-inch tilt, 922,000 dots | Viewer: yes | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: beginner / enthusiast
High quality construction
Wi-Fi, tilting screen
Can't draw gross
Low resolution EVF
Sony's superzoom bridge camera is closely associated with the Panasonic FZ82 and is offered at a great price due to its age. The downsides, compared to the FZ82, include only JPEG image capture and a smaller zoom range, but if you can live with both, it's a great budget option. The HX400V offers Wi-Fi, but its use is also pleasant thanks to its ergonomic design and its tilting screen is pleasant to the touch, even if it is not fully articulated. The relatively low resolution electronic viewfinder is more disappointing. Although there is no raw support, JPEG images have great colors and lots of detail. Some image smoothing is visible when images are viewed at 100%, but this is a common feature among small sensor bridge cameras.
Honorable mention: Sony Cyber-shot RX10
Where it all started for the RX10 line
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f / 2.4-4 | Monitor: 3-inch tilt, 1.23 m points | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 14 frames per second | Movies: 4K | User level: intermediate / expert
Large sensor
Good value for money now
No 4K video
Lens shorter than others here
Yes, yet another Sony, but for good reason. That's where the RX10 line started six years ago and Sony has kept it alive for those who don't need the fancy gimmicks or gigantic zoom lens of their other offerings, but just want a decent travel camera that won't cost a fortune. The 1-inch sensor and 2.8-24mm equivalent f / 200 lens will still cover many eventualities, while the weather-resistant magnesium alloy body should help keep you protected in all conditions. There's no 4K video, but Wi-Fi with NFC, combined with a built-in ND filter, bursts at 10 frames per second and a titling LCD screen, proves it's still as competitive as ever.
Read our in-depth review: Sony RX10 Review