Bridge cameras
There are two hallmarks of a bridge camera; DSLR-style handling, and a built-in extra-long zoom lens. The versatile lens effectively does the job of several DSLR or mirrorless lenses, and has you covered for everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects such as wildlife.
Not only do thebest bridge camerasavoid the expense and hassle of having to buy, pack and carry multiple optics in your bag, but they offer an array of automatic and manual shooting modes in a light and travel-friendly package. They’re a fantastic alternative toDSLRsandmirrorless cameras.
Sound too good to be true? There is one major compromise and distinction between bridge cameras and DSLRs or mirrorless options:sensor size. Bridge cameras have a much smaller sensor, which typically has an adverse impact on image quality - particularly in certain situations, such as low light. TheSony RX10 IVis our top pick with its larger than normal 1-inch sensor and leading feature set, but it is expensive.
Latest about Bridge Cameras
Best bridge camera 2024: the finest options with huge zoom lenses
ByTimothy Colemanlast updated7 November 24
Buying GuideThe best bridge cameras are great for wildlife photographers who don’t want the hassle of interchangeable lenses.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D review: the bridge camera is back, but should it be?
ByRod Lawtonpublished16 August 24
ReviewJust when I thought bridge cameras had been consigned to history, here I am reviewing the new Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D.
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review
ByPhil Halllast updated26 July 24
If you’re looking for the ultimate all-in-one camera, the RX10 IV could be the answer. Just be prepared to pay for it.
‘Very disappointing’: Sony fans react to rumors that Cyber-shot RX10 IV bridge camera is ceasing production – and no successor is coming
ByTimothy Colemanpublished25 July 24
Unlike Panasonic who recently revived its bridge cameras with the launch of the Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D, it looks like Sony might pull the plug on what is our favorite super-zoom, the RX10 IV.
Bridge cameras are back – Panasonic revives travel-friendly superzooms with surprise successor to our favorite cheap Lumix
ByTimothy Colemanpublished2 July 24
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D is the first new bridge camera in years, bringing the FZ80 / FZ82 up to speed in 2024.
Nikon P950 review
ByAmy Daviespublished18 May 20
The Nikon P950 is a superzoom bridge camera for wildlife snappers. But is it a big enough leap over its predecessor?
Nikon P950 is a 4K upgrade to its 83x zoom bridge camera
ByMark Wilsonpublished7 January 20
CES 2020The Nikon P950 is a mild upgrade to its 83x zoom bridge camera, the P900, adding 4K video and Raw support.
Leica puts speculation to rest by confirming its V-Lux 5 is on the way
ByMatt Golowczynskipublished10 July 19
Leica’s new V-Lux 5 arrives with the tempting combination of a 1-inch sensor, 16x optical zoom, 4K video and a fresh EVF.
The PowerShot SX70 HS is Canon’s latest DSLR-inspired bridge camera
ByPhil Hallpublished21 September 18
The 65x zoom range is the same as its predecessor’s, but there are improvements to video, burst shooting and more.
Nikon P1000 brings a record-breaking 125x optical zoom
ByPhil Hallpublished10 July 18
With an effective focal range of 24-3000mm, this is the longest-range bridge camera yet.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
