For those who are not aware, a bridge camera is a term used to refer to cameras that provide some degree of manual control, a viewfinder, and a long-range zoom lens. However, while these cameras never have interchangeable lenses, they can still deliver vibrant images and videos each time. For this reason, we have prepared this list of best bridge cameras for you to consider. Before getting a suitable brand for your needs, ensure that you evaluate a few of its features. This way, you get a camera that serves its purposes while delivering the best value for money as well.
Nikon COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera
Change the way you see and remember lovely moments in time by getting the Nikon Coolpix P900 Digital Camera. This unit comes with a powerful zoom lens, which is rated at 83x optical zoom/166x Dynamic Fine Zoom. It’s a powerful lens that does well to bring images closer, for immersive detailing. Furthermore, the P900 is a low light 16MP CMOS image sensor that captures rich and quality images each time.
The P900 also starts up fast, even when the micro SD card memory is full. You will also find it easy to customize the camera settings, to suit specific image and video capture requirements. Equipped with inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication), image and file sharing becomes a breeze.
The COOLPIX P900 can go as far as you need it to. For the advanced camera users, the PSAM mode dial is placed right on the top of the camera, in the same way as a DSLR. This way, you can control the aperture and shutter speed, for customized shots, and ease of use in complicated settings.
The Good
- Comes with a powerful 16MP CMOS sensor for ease of use
- Vari angle TFT LCD screen for customization
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi, NFC, and GP for convenient use
- Electronic viewfinder backed by High ISO sensitivity
The Bad
- Could use an improved wireless connectivity range
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera
The Sony brand is never far off in any list of robust and reliable cameras. Thus, this is why we also recommend the Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-Shot Digital Camera as another excellent recommendation for your needs.
This camera has a high zoom level of 24-600mm and with a powerful 20.1 MP CMOS sensor, which will deliver vibrant and quality images. Even more, this unit can also perform 4K movie recording, and with a convenient direct pixel readout for ease of use.
The heavy-duty alloy body on this unit, ensures longevity, and also lets you shoot your content with style. The super slow-motion movie HFR (High Frame Rate) of up to 960FPS, means that you can shoot smooth videos and images each time.
You will also appreciate the fast response rate of up to 14fps and the anti-distortion shutter, which makes the camera easy to use. For enhanced operability, the camera comes with independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings. The makers of this unit have also done well to allow for simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi and NFC.
The Good
- Enhanced operability with zoom and aperture rings
- Professional dust/moisture resistant aluminum alloy body
- Easy connectivity to smartphones by using Wi-fi
- BIONZ X engine for the best detail and noise reduction
The Bad
- Stalls when SD card is full
Canon Powershot SX70 20.3MP
With the Canon Powershot SX70, you will be able to capture all those beautiful moments both indoors and outdoors with ease. The PowerShot SX70 gives you the reach you need to capture it all. It has an exceptional 65x optical zoom, and wide-angle lens, that are perfect for shooting large scenes.
Even more, the optical image stabilizer combines exceptional flexibility in use and portability. Thanks to the powerful 20.3 MP lens with OIS, you get to shoot images and videos each time.
Furthermore, the advanced shooting technology, including zoom and framing assist is ideal for capturing steady shots. The camera is perfect for shooting realistic 4K Video and time-lapse movies of high quality. More so, this unit is also Bluetooth enabled, to provide ease of file sharing benefits.
The Good
- 20.3 MP CMOS sensor with a powerful DIGIC 8 image processor
- Wireless functions such as Bluetooth for easy file sharing
- Five stop image stabilization for exceptional performance
- 4K video and 4K time-lapse movie shooting
The Bad
- Relatively short battery time when LCD is bright
Leica V-Lux 5 20MP Superzoom Digital Camera
The Leica V-Lux 5 20MP superzoom digital camera makes up for the perfect way to capture images and videos. It’s a powerful camera that features a 20-megapixel sensor for capturing high quality content each time. Even more, the inclusion of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and wifi ensure that you enjoy reliable connectivity benefits each time.
You will also find it easy to share and manage your files, thanks to the powerful wireless functions on this unit. Also, the 2.36m DOT OLED electronic viewfinder ensures that you shoot accurate shots each time.
The High-speed AF autofocus functions also help stabilize images and improve the ability of the camera to capture quality images. You will also appreciate the high-speed autofocus and 12 fps continuous burst shooting, which makes it ideal for capturing several images. While this camera may be compact, it has a heavy-duty design that ensures years of reliable performance.
The Good
- Powerful 20-megapixel sensor
- Comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions
- 2.36m dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- Micro-USB battery charging for convenience
The Bad
- N/A
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II 20.1MP
Make your image taking experience much more enjoyable when you have the Panasonic LUMIX FZ100 20.1 MP digital camera. As one of the best bridge cameras on the market, this unit is ideal for both novice and advanced users. It comes with a 20.1MP MOS sensor that delivers outstanding low light and color depth performance. Thus, it’s an excellent camera for capturing wildlife, sports, or candid shots. Plus, the 16x optical zoom Leica lens is powerful and does well to bring images closer.
The 5-axis hybrid OIS optical image stabilizer insures smooth shots and videos each time. Also, the active mode effectively compensates for handshake, to help reduce blur during zoom shooting with the camera. Even more, the camera body and viewfinder display make it easy to control the camera functions.
The Good
- 20.1MP MOS sensor delivers excellent low light and color depth performance
- 16X optical zoom Leica DC lens
- Five-axis hybrid O.I.S plus active mode helps to reduce camera shake
- Heavy-duty camera body viewfinder and display
The Bad
- Could use improved shooting in low light
PANASONIC Lumix FZ80
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera is also another excellent recommendation for your needs. The camera features a powerful 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor with an exceptional 60X zoom, to help bring details closer. The Panasonic brand has also done well to include a high-resolution viewfinder and LCD, for customizing your image taking experience. The best part about the viewfinder and LCD is that they are clear even in bright sunlight.
The FZ80 4K camera can perform 4K QFHD recording, with three unique video pause and save modes for your convenience. You can use it to fim at 30 frames per second too, which is ideal for capturing split-second moments. Thanks to the unique low light capture, you will find it easy to enjoy photography during your nightlife again with exceptional results. This camera is also capable of USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Good
- Point and shoot camera with 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor
- High-resolution viewfinder and LCD for ease of use
- Comes with power optical image stabilizer
- Powerful wireless connectivity functions
The Bad
- USB charging is slow for some users
Features of the Best Bridge Camera
- Sensor performance – you want to go for a camera with a powerful sensor that can offer exceptional low light and color depth performance. Usually, the best sensors are the MOS or CMOS sensors, which are often backed by powered lenses.
- Zoom range – the best bridge camera should also have a long-range zoom lens, that helps bring images closer. A reasonable zoom range is anything above the 8x zoom range level.
- Optical image stabilizer – an O.I.S is a function that helps stabilize images, and helps to control issues associated with handshake. This way, the photos reduce blur during zoom shooting as you use your camera.
- Viewfinder and display – you will also find an LCD screen convenient. Why? Well, you will use it to view images before shooting, and even customize the camera settings. Consider going for a rotatable screen, or one with anti-glare benefits.
Overall
Getting a good camera for your needs should be a straightforward process when you have the correct information. In this guide, we have identified some of the best bridge cameras and a few key factors you should consider. A good bridge camera should at least provide the best of all the unique features you need for capturing images.
