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 the best bridge cameras avoid 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 to DSLRs and mirrorless 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. The Sony RX10 IV is our top pick with its larger than normal 1-inch sensor and leading feature set, but it is expensive.
Latest about Bridge Cameras
Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D review: the bridge camera is back, but should it be?
Review Just 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
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
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
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D is the first new bridge camera in years, bringing the FZ80 / FZ82 up to speed in 2024.
Best bridge camera 2024: the finest options with huge zoom lenses
Buying Guide The best bridge cameras are great for wildlife photographers who don't want the hassle of interchangeable lenses.
Nikon P950 review
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
CES 2020 The 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
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.
