If you're looking for a great all-rounder with a solid build and wide focal range, one of these cameras could be right for you. These are our picks for the best bridge cameras you can buy today
The best bridge cameras provide a massive zoom range from wide-angle to telephoto, a solid, DSLR-style build and a nice balance of auto settings and direct manual controls. If you’re in the market an all-rounder camera that offers most of what you need in one body, a bridge camera could be the ideal option.
Bridge cameras are so-called because they “bridge” the gap between compact cameras (or mobile phones) and more advanced compact system cameras or DSLRs. In this buyer’s guide we’ll help you find the best bridge camera for all-round shooting.
Most bridge cameras are shaped like DSLRs, but feature a fixed lens, and usually a small sensor which is similar to those found in compact cameras. In recent years, many bridge cameras have featured larger one-inch sensors, similar to those that you’ll find in some premium compact cameras.
Although the lens is fixed, the best bridge cameras utilise a large zoom to give you maximum flexibility. The longest zoom on our list is an astonishing 83x – so long you can quite literally shoot the moon.
Bridge cameras are usually equipped with a full complement of manual and semi-automatic modes, so they’re a great idea for enthusiast photographers looking for back-up camera when travelling.
They’re also great cameras for beginners who want to learn more about different settings and modes, without the faff and expense of an interchangeable lens system.
Why Buy a Bridge Camera?
Lots of people like compact cameras because they have a fixed lens. However, their small size can make them fiddly to operate. A bridge camera combines comfortable handling with the convenience of a fixed lens. And most bridge cameras have a wide-ranging zoom lens, which means you have a versatile optic without the need to swap between lenses.
Dust and dirt have a habit of getting on to the sensor of cameras with interchangeable lenses. That can mean your images suffer from spots and marks. Having a fixed lens reduces the chance of dirt getting on to your camera’s sensor.
Bridge cameras are also a great introduction to more creative photography than is possible with a smartphone. They allow you control over key features such as shutter speed, aperture and white balance, yet they usually also have automatic and semi-automatic shooting modes that let you focus on composition and capturing the moment rather than worrying about the exposure.
As they have a DSLR-like design, bridge cameras allow you to become familiar with the controls and layout of an advanced camera without having to worry about buying lenses.
In this guide to the best bridge cameras on the market today, we’ve chosen those that offer a combination of high image quality, a rich feature list and usability. Here’s the best of what’s currently available on the market.
The best bridge cameras you can buy today
All of our picks for the best bridge cameras are based on our experience testing these models. For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.
