The mirrorless and DSLR are the leading types of cameras you could get for your specific photography needs. However, when you need something more versatile and affordable, the best bridge cameras would be a greater option.
While bridge cameras look like just any mirrorless and DSLR unit on the market, you would see their beauty once they have exposed their long lenses. The unmatched zoom range allows bridge cameras not just to do portrait shots but so as to capture photographs of distant subjects. This includes the elusive animals in the wild that will certainly dash away once they have sensed you near.
With all this, it’s as if having a compact unit that can turn into an instant professional camera with just a push of a button. Even better, bridge cameras offer almost the same controls and functions as DSLRs. This lets you enjoy the same advanced features of a professional unit from shutter speed to ISO to aperture.
That being said, with the retractable lenses and advanced controls, bridge cameras can be considered as a hybrid of a point-and-shoot and professional camera. If you want to step up your game from owning a compact camera, the best bridge cameras are recommended. But if you are planning to use it for professional projects which can be demanding in terms of lenses, keep in mind that they use fixed lenses. With this, your creativity can be restricted.
Yet, the bridge cameras can be very handy if you want a quality camera you can rely on when traveling light. One example is the Sony RX10 IV. It doesn’t have the intimidating 125X optical zoom of the Nikon P1000, but it boasts a 1” sensor that will work wonders once its lens starts working.
To give you more information about it and the other 4 bridge cameras we reviewed, we highlighted their best strengths and weaknesses. By enlisting the guidance of our Photography Editor Evangeline Summers, we weighed on each of them and rated them after a series of tests and research we conducted. We also considered various sections to ensure you will get the BEST of the best bridge cameras out there: quality, performance, and - most of all - value.
Best Bridge Cameras Comparison & Rating
Bridge Cameras | Features |
1. Sony RX10 IV 
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3. Nikon P1000 
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4. Nikon P950 
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1. Sony RX10 IV
Sensor Size | 1" |
Megapixel | 20.1 MP |
Lens | 24-600 mm equivalent f/2.4-4 |
Max Burst Rate | 24fps |
Sony RX10 IV might not have the roaring 125X zoom capability of the Nikon P1000, but it has a well-balanced set of features. Its 24-600 mm equivalent F2.4-4 zoom lens comes with a lot of upgrades lacking in its predecessor.
It is very effective as a camera not just for static subjects, but so as for fast-moving ones in the wildlife and outdoor conditions. This is all possible through its phase-detect autofocus with 315 points. According to Summers, its AF system is a surprise and how it can deliver great performance at all times.
“It has the processor of Sony A9 which explains why it does an incredible job at following and tracking subjects,” said Summers. “Its touchscreen LCD is also a gigantic plus to help you optimize this AF system by using it in selecting your point of focus. Even when you do it in a dragging motion, the point follows and you will barely experience lags.”
Further, it is even empowered with the high burst speed of the bridge camera which can reach up to 24fps. With this and the dependable AF system it offers, executing and capturing your shots at the right moment is possible.
It also offers a 4K video capability which is now at 30fps compared to what its predecessor offers. The AF system is also working with great finesse here. The video is far better than others on the market, thanks to its 20 MP 1" stacked BSI-CMOS sensor.
2. Panasonic FZ1000 II
Sensor Size | 1" |
Megapixel | 20.1 MP |
Lens | 25-400 mm equivalent f/2.8-4 |
Max Burst Rate | 12fps/50fps |
The best thing about FZ1000 II? It offers a larger sensor compared to P1000 and P950 but despite that fact, it comes cheaper.
And although it can only offer a maximum of 16X optical zoom, it compensates in other sections. Summers said that this assures you that you won’t just excel in the distant shooting but so as in the quality of your images.
Summers also praised how Panasonic added a handful of updates into the FZ1000 II. According to her, you would appreciate this new cam if you have experienced the flaws of the original FZ1000. It includes the improved battery life which can now reach up to 440 rear screen shots and buffer depth, and many more!
“The best thing about FZ1000 II is that it has established the right balance between things from zoom to image quality to cost. Imagine having a 20.1 MP 1" sensor, Leica 16X optical zoom lens, five-axis image stabilization, 12fps max burst, and 4K/30p videos all in one affordable body,” Summers said.
According to her, this is one of the most amazing deals for bridge cameras. The big sensor allows better performance even in low-light conditions and this explains the good burst capacity.
“Compared to P950 and P1000, you’ll get the better vibrancy of colors here,” Summers added. “The subject stands out and it can create effective bokeh effect at all times. Also, all throughout the zoom range, you can still get a satisfying amount of detail. The noise levels, dynamic range, and overall detail retention are also very impressive.”
3. Nikon P1000
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" |
Megapixel | 16 MP |
Lens | 24-3000 mm equivalent f/2.8-8 |
Max Burst Rate | 7fps |
If the optical zoom of P950 isn’t just enough for you, the Nikon P1000 might be the answer. Basically, it uses an identical 1/2.3" 16.0 MP resolution sensor as the P950. It means you’ll have the same depth of field experience in both. While it is not a piece of good news (since the image quality of P950 is not that impressive), there are still a lot of things to appreciate about it together with its heavenly 125X optical zoom.
“It shares a lot of characteristics with P950 including the no-touch function 3.2” fully-articulated LCD screen, face detection focus, 7.0fps continuous shooting, vibration reduction, ISO, RAW shooting, AF system, and more,” said Summers. “But where it stands out is the improved viewfinder with at least 99% coverage. The flash range is also improved together with the zoom capacity.”
According to Summers, the improvement is not that great since you still have that small sensor from P950. This basically means the additional cost would just be allocated to the improved lens and other minimal features. Though it also has RAW support, the details it offers are not anything better than what P950 can offer. So, if you have the money to burn for the sake of additional numbers in the zoom, you better have it.
4. Nikon P950
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" |
Megapixel | 16 MP |
Lens | 24-2000 mm equivalent f/2.8-6.5 |
Max Burst Rate | 7fps |
In terms of the main function of a bridge camera, the Nikon P950 did a great job by delivering a whopping 83X maximum optical zoom. But what makes it stand out against its P1000 sibling which has a 125X zoom ability? Its value, upgrades, and set of other features complementing its zooming ability.
Its zoom ability is the 35 mm-equivalent focal range of 24-2000 mm. And as if it isn’t enough, it can reach up to 166X using its Dynamic Fine Zoom (digital). The addition of the Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction is also one of its big assets which assure you still get fine details even when you are using long focal lengths.
On the other hand, you will enjoy its zoom not just for its extraordinary reach, but its ability to follow subjects using Nikon’s Dot Sight. The overall autofocus system is also relatively fast and can still be reliable even in low-light conditions.
According to Summers, the only caveat you might get about this very powerful bridge camera is its small sensor which is 16.0 MP 1/2.3” CMOS.
“Apparently, with its smaller sensor and lower megapixel resolution, it can’t compete with the performance of Sony RX10 IV,” said Summers, “Yet, its new RAW capture ability is a nice feature in case you need to play and work on the details of your shots in the future. But do not expect too much from the dynamic range of P950’s stills. It is not the best in terms of highlights and shadows.”
That being said, its zoom capability is its real selling point. If you have a demanding project that needs the most intricate details, then it is not for you. But if you are after the distance reach of the lens, this is pretty much a good option.
5. Nikon Coolpix B500
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" |
Megapixel | 16 MP |
Lens | 22.5-900 mm equivalent f/3 - f/6.5 |
Max Burst Rate | 7.4fps |
The Coolpix B500 is another bridge camera from Nikon with a 1/2.3” 16 MP BSI CMOS sensor. Its NIKKOR glass lens promises 40X optical zoom and can expand up to 80X with Dynamic Fine Zoom.
Its optical zoom ability is far higher than other average bridge cameras on the market but with the same small 1/2.3” sensor, do not expect too much from the image quality of this camera. Also, the 22.5 mm equivalent focal length isn’t just that wide for some occasions. Lastly, the ISO performance is not that great and the video only comes with a maximum of 1080p HD.
With all that, it must be a question why we included Nikon B500 in our choices but it is pretty simple: value. While it can’t beat the jaw-dropping zoom rage of P950 and P1000, it will leave you in awe due to its price.
“I won’t really recommend it for very demanding projects where details are a must. But for beginners who want to start exploring outdoor photography, this can be a fantastic choice. It has a lot of the advanced features and functions you need to get you started and you can all have them at a very affordable price,” Summers stated.
Coolpix B500 is currently one of the most affordable bridge cameras on the market that you can get from $300 to $400. That being said, it is a good option if you are someone who just wants to experience such a model without spending much.
Best Bridge Cameras - Buyer's Guide
If you are just after the most basic function of a ‘bridge’ camera, you should get the one that can offer a long lens and high-zoom capacity. When looking for the maximum zoom of a bridge camera, nonetheless, always look for a higher optical zoom instead of digital.
Keep in mind that while high megapixels seem inviting, the biggest factor that will determine the quality of your image is the sensor. The bigger the sensor, the better. It will always affect the noise, quality of pixels, dynamic range, low-light performance, and the details of the stills.
If you are planning to use a bridge camera for wildlife photography, look for a unit that has a high burst mode complemented by a fair buffer depth. This will allow you to capture scenes without missing an action.
Getting quality shots with a bridge camera (especially when everything is zoomed in) can be quite tricky. This is why it is important to check if your cam has the necessary hardware and software features you need. This includes the viewfinder, image stabilization, good aperture, and more.
Best Bridge Cameras - FAQs
Bridge cameras are used for distant subjects and can provide frame-filled stills. With this, they can be used for wildlife photography and even in capturing photos of the moon.
A bridge camera has a fixed, yet long lens that has an amazing zoom capacity. DSLR, on the other hand, use different kinds of lenses depending on what it needs.
Yes, it is. A bridge camera offers more advanced settings and functions than a compact camera. Most of all, it does have an amazing zoom ability that you can’t find on an average compact model.
Yes, the size of the sensor affects the performance of the bridge camera in terms of ISO sensitivity, pixel quality, dynamic range, and more.
