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Bridge cameras are a versatile and affordable alternative to DSLRs, offering the same kind of manual controls (as well as a host of
easy-to-use auto modes) plus a huge zoom lens that covers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto photography
This makes them a great all-on-one solution, especially if you want to travel relatively light, as you'll have one camera that's great for
shooting expansive landscapes as well as tightly framed subjects like wildlife.There are two important differences to be aware of, though
The first is that bridge cameras have much smaller sensors than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, so most can't match those models for picture
If that's your key concern, stick with one of these.The second is that the lens is non-removable, so although it can handle a wide range of
subjects you can't swap to a macro lens for close-ups, for example, or a super-wide-angle lens, or a fast prime lens for low-light
photography.Bridge cameras do, however, give you a lot of camera for your moneyIf you're not quite sure what kind of camera you need, read
our essential guide: What camera should I buyBridge cameras do, however, give you a lot of camera for your money, and they're a great
stepping stone for photographers who want to move on from simple point-and-shoot cameras
There are also now a few models that have larger sensors and deliver better picture quality, and which come a lot closer to the performance
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV It's expensive, but it's virtually in a league of its ownSensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.4-4 |
Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.23m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 24fps | Movies: 4K | User level:
Intermediate/expertExcellent and fast 24-600mm lensSuperb stills and video qualityLimited touchscreen controlPricey compared to rivalsFor
those looking for a powerful all-in-one solution, the RX10 IV is the best camera out there
Featuring a huge 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, the RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled 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 bulky for a bridge camera, and there's no getting away from the hefty price, but the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its
Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500The FZ2000 / FZ2500 combines a bridge camera zoom with a big 1-inch sensorSensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens:
24-480mm, f/2.8-4.5 | Monitor: 3.0-inch articulating display, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps |
Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert1-inch sensorSuper-fast AFComparatively largeNo weather-sealingThe Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 (known
as the FZ2500 in the US) uses a 1-inch sensor, and while the zoom tops out at 480mm equivalent, which is relatively short for a bridge
camera, that's still plenty for all but the most extreme everyday use
We'd certainly sacrifice a little zoom range for better and faster optics, and we love the FZ2000 because it delivers both image quality and
If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, the older FZ1000 (below) is also worth a look.Read our in-depthPanasonic Lumix FZ2000 /
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000A 1-inch sensor and 4K video recording give this bridge camera the edge Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 25-400mm,
f/2.8-4 | Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps | Movies: 4K | User level:
Intermediate/expert1-inch sensorLarge maximum apertureScreen not touch-sensitiveComparatively largeThe Lumix FZ1000's 16x optical zoom is
less than that of typical bridge cameras, but that's due to its sizeable 1-inch sensor, which delivers a big boost in image quality
This isn't just any old lens, either, but rather a Leica optic with a large f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide-angle end, which narrows to a
still-respectable f/4 at full zoom
This helps you capture shots in low light without resorting to high ISO sensitivities, while the Hybrid 5-axis Optical Image Stabilisation
4K (Ultra HD, strictly) 3840 x 2160 video recording, advanced autofocusing, a superb 2,359,000-dot electronic viewfinder and raw shooting
all help to make the FZ1000 one of our top picks.Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 review4
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IIIExpensive, but highly capable and offers a huge focal range Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.4-4 |
Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 1.23m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 14fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expertSuperb
sensorHigh-quality zoom lensExpensiveMenu system could be betterIf you can live without the advanced AF system and other performance
advantages offered by the RX10 IV, the RX10 III is still worth a look
The design is pretty much identical to the RX10 IV, and you've got the same 24-600mm f/2.4-4 lens
What's the compromise Well, the AF is a bit pedestrian compared to the latest model, while there's no touchscreen control or the ability to
shoot at an impressive 24fps
With the arrival of the newer model, you might be able to track down one of these at a decent price.Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10
Canon PowerShot SX60 HSThis feature-packed bridge camera has a lot to offer enthusiasts Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 16.1MP | Lens:
21-1365mm-equivalent, f/3.4-6.5 | Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 922,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 6.4fps |
Movies: 1080p | User level: Beginner/enthusiast65x zoom rangeFull manual controlNo eye sensor on the viewfinderLacks touchscreen controlThe
SX60 HS is a more conventional bridge camera than our top four, as it uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, enabling a huge 65x optical zoom
It's still offers full manual control, though, plus an articulated screen, a good quality electronic viewfinder and the ability to shoot in
In-built Wi-Fi with NFC is another bonus
Annoyingly there's no eye sensor on the viewfinder, so you have to activate it manually
Image quality is very good, with bright and punchy colors, but it does struggle a little with very dark conditions, and if you examine
images at 100% you'll see some speckling and noise.Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot SX60 HS review6
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ8260x zoom bridge camera gets close to the actionSensor: 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 continuous shooting rate: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level:
Beginner/enthusiastEasy to useEffective image stabilizationNo eye sensor for EVFWeak high-ISO performanceThe Lumix FZ80 (known as the Lumix
FZ82 outside the US) might be one of the most affordable bridge cameras here, but it still packs quite a punch
The zoom range is very impressive, going from an ultra-wide 20mm through to a staggering 1200mm, and benefits from an effective image
There's also 4K recording with Panasonic's 4K Photo, which can shoot 8MP images at 30fps, meaning you should never miss that split-second
It's also very easy to use, with an intuitive touchscreen
The viewfinder could be better (and there's no eye sensor to automatically switch between the viewfinder and rear screen), while high-ISO
performance can't match that of larger-sensor (and more expensive) rivals
That said, this is one of the best budget bridge cameras around.Read our in-depthPanasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 review7
Nikon Coolpix P900Unleash your inner paparazzo with the P900's class-leading 83x optical zoom Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 16MP | Lens:
24-2000mm, f/2.8-6.5 | Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: Yes | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 7fps | Movies: 1080p
| User level: EnthusiastClass-leading zoom rangeInbuilt Wi-Fi and NFCNo raw shootingBig and expensiveThought the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS's
65x zoom was the limit for optical zoom range Think again
Nikon has rewritten the rule book in this department, with the P900's incredible 83x lens currently earning it the accolade of world's
longest-zoom bridge camera
Such a massive lens does make this one hefty snapper, however
Features include Wi-Fi with NFC pairing and an articulating screen
Image quality can't match the pricier 1-inch rivals, but if a long zoom is your main concern, the P900 certainly gets the job done.Read our
in-depth Nikon Coolpix P900 review8
Panasonic Lumix FZ70 / FZ72It may be showing its age, but falling prices keep it in the game Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 16.1MP | Lens:
20-1200mm, f/2.8-5.9 | Monitor: 3-inch fixed, 460,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 9fps | Movies: 1080p | User
level: Beginner/enthusiast60x zoomRaw format shootingNo Wi-Fi or touch sensitivitySmall, low-resolution EVFThe Lumix FZ70 (Lumix FZ72
outside the US) is one of the cheapest bridge cameras in our selection, and has since been replaced by the FZ80 / FZ82 (see above), but it
still sports a great zoom range with an impressive 20mm-equivalent wide-angle focal length
Its lens aperture also opens up as wide as f/2.8, though it does narrow to f/5.9 at full zoom
Raw format recording and full manual control give the FZ72 enthusiast appeal, as does the attractive image quality
We would rank the FZ72 higher, but there's no Wi-Fi, while the relatively low screen and electronic viewfinder resolutions are a let down;
you'll also have to do without an eye sensor to automatically switch between the two displays.Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ70 / FZ72
Nikon Coolpix B700B700 improves on the P610 with raw support and more pixels Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 20.3MP | Lens: 24-1440mm, f/3.3-6.5 |
Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 7fps | Movies: 4K | User level:
Beginner/enthusiast60x optical zoom4K videosPlasticky finishNo touchscreenThere's lots to like about the Coolpix B700 from Nikon
Looking at the zoom range first, and the 60x zoom gives huge reach,, while image quality is good up to ISO 800, with great color
reproduction and reasonable detail, and low-light shots look good up to ISO 1600
The B700 can also shoot raw files, so it's possible to pull even more detail out of the files
There's also an eye sensor for the viewfinder, while you get SnapBridge connectivity to transfer images remotely from camera to smart
device, plus an articulating screen which is useful for composing shots from awkward angles.10
Sony Cyber-shot HX400VA great all-rounder that's just starting to be outclassed by newer rivals Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 20.4MP | Lens:
24-1200mm, f/2.8-6.3 | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 922,000 dots | Viewfinder: Yes | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps | Movies: 1080p |
User level: Beginner/enthusiastHigh-quality buildWi-Fi, tilting screenCan't shoot in rawLow-resolution EVFSony's premium superzoom bridge
camera is closely matched with the Panasonic FZ72, but it loses out to that camera due to its higher price, JPEG-only image capture and
The HX400V claws back some ground by offering Wi-Fi, while it's also pleasure to use thanks to its ergonomic design, and the tilting screen
is nice touch, although it isn't fully articulating
More disappointing is the relatively low-resolution electronic viewfinder
Although there's no raw support, JPEG images have great colors and plenty of detail
Some image smoothing is visible when images are viewed at 100%, but that's a common trait amongst small-sensor bridge cameras.Read our
in-depth Sony Cyber-shot HX400V reviewAlso considerPanasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP | Lens: 24-360mm, f/3.3-6.4 |
Monitor: 3-inch, 1,240,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Beginner/intermediate1-inch
sensor4K moviesEVF can feel a little crampedImage smoothing at high ISOsIf you like the idea of a compact camera with a decent zoom range,
but don't like the idea of the bulk of a bridge-style camera, Lumix ZS200 (known as the Lumix TZ200 outside the US) from Panasonic is a
Compared to many models here, the zoom range is modest at only 15x, but it's packaged in a neat (almost) pocket-sized body and also manages
to squeeze a large 1-inch sensor as well
Not only that, but there's a built-in electronic viewfinder and 4K video recording.Read our in-depthPanasonic Lumix ZS200 /
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