Bridge cameras, by which we mean power compacts that have SLR-like styling and long zoom lenses, are the great survivors of the camera world. Back in the noughties they proved very popular with enthusiast photographers, and while many predicted they would be wiped out by the rise of affordable DSLRs (especially budget ones) and compact system cameras, this hasn't happened.
Actually it's not that hard to figure out why. Not everyone wants the relative bulk, faff and expense of an DSLR and a big bag of lenses, so it's the combination of power and portability, at an affordable price, that explains the enduring appeal of bridge compact cameras.
The best examples now offer DSLR-like levels of control and fast, wide-aperture lenses, along with raw shooting and other useful extras such as Wi-Fi and articulated screens. Bridge compact makers have been working hard to keep these cameras fresh and appealing to serious photographers, and prices are falling, so read on to discover the best buys.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
- Sensor size: CMOS, 1-inch
- Pixel count: 20.1
- Screen type: 3-inch LCD, 921,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p (4k supported too)
The Panasonic FZ1000 is the brand's flagship bridge camera, packing a 16x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 25-400mm) and a relatively large, 1-inch sensor with 20.1 megapixels. It's not just any old lens either, being Leica DC Vario-Elmarit glass with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the widest point and f/4 at the narrowest. There is also a Hybrid 5-axis Optical Image Stabilisation to reduce the risk of camera shake when the lens is zoomed out.
The image processor is the updated Venus Engine that, according to Panasonic, will offer improved resolution, gradation, colour reproduction and noise control. What's more, the FZ1000 is the first compact or bridge camera able to record 4K (3840 x 2160 pixel) video at up to 25fps (PAL) in MP4 format. So, you can enjoy 8Mp still images on 4K televisions. Up to 49 AF points are available and a Custom Multi AF mode enables you to use blocks, rows or columns of AF points.
The Panasonic FZ1000 has a 2,359,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and vari-angle rear LCD – but it's not touchscreen. You can't shoot raw in HDR mode and the camera is a bit bulky, but otherwise it's a very good buy.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 review
Sony Cyber-shot RX10
- Sensor size: CMOS, 1-inch
- Pixel count: 20.2
- Screen type: 3-inch LCD, 1,290,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
This is another classy bridge compact, this time featuring a relatively large (1-inch) 20.2 megapixel sensor, and an 8.3x optical zoom lens with a constant wide aperture of f/2.8. Impressive specifications indeed, and being able to access such a wide aperture is very useful in low light or for reducing depth of field for creative effect (especially when combined with that relatively large sensor).
Indeed, the sensor is the same as the chip inside the well-regarded Sony RX100 II premium compact, and if that wasn't tempting enough, Sony claims the redesigned Bionz X image processor will be three times faster than its predecessor. There is manual control and raw shooting too. The Sony RX10 uses a 1.4 million dot electronic viewfinder, which is a very decent resolution, and there is also a rear-tilting screen to aid composition. Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity comes as standard, and you also get a hotshoe for adding an external flash unit.
The RX10 is a very fine bridge compact indeed, especially now the price has dropped significantly since launch. While sceptics may argue that you can buy a decent SLR for the same money, and you can certainly get a bridge camera with a longer lens, this Sony is an appealing marriage of power and convenience.
Read our full Sony RX10 review
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
- Sensor size: CMOS, 1/2.3-inch
- Pixel count: 12.1Mp
- Screen type: 2.8-inch LCD, 461,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 13fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
While the Sony RX10 and Panasonic FZ1000 are both appealing cameras, their lenses are dwarfed by the 50x optical zoom monster that's shoehorned into the Canon SX50 HS. That's right, folks, 50x optical zoom, which stretches from 24-1200mm. SLR users would have to spend a small fortune to get that amount of reach, but with prices falling since its launch, the SX50 HS is great value.
The 24mm end is great for getting in sweeping landscapes, while the far telephoto end is handy for capturing distant objects and picking out details. While the aperture range of f/3.5 to f/6.5 doesn't open as wide as the Sony Cyber-shot RX10, you can't expect everything for this price. The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS also gives manual control over exposure and enables you to shoot in raw, and the articulating rear screen helps with composition.
The only fly in the ointment is the rather clunky electronic viewfinder – the screen is titchy, and the EVF doesn't automatically activate when you raise the camera to your eye so you need to press the display button twice to turn it on. Otherwise, the Canon is a no-brainer if you want a very long lens for a short price.
Read our full Canon PowerShot SX50 HS review
Panasonic Lumix FZ200
- Sensor size: CMOS, 1/2.3-inch
- Pixel count: 12.1Mp
- Screen type: 3-inch LCD, 460,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
This Panasonic's lens may not reach as far as the glass inside the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, but this is still a very appealing bridge camera in its own right. Key specifications include a 12Mp CMOS sensor and a 24x zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 – great for working in low light and getting creative with background blur (the aperture narrows down to f/8 at the other end of the range).
The lens length is equivalent to 25-600mm, which is very handy for travel photography, when you really appreciate a convenient, do-it-all camera. While being easy to use, the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 will definitely appeal to more experienced photographers, as there are lot of direct controls on the body, plus the ability to shoot in raw. The build quality and ergonomics are great. There is also a fully articulated rear LCD, though it can feel a bit stiff and unwieldy.
There are a few more downsides, too; the metering system seemed to veer towards the mid-tone, sometimes resulting in rather flat images, and luminance noise was noticeable, even at lower ISOs. Still, this is another great buy now prices have fallen, though the Panasonic is facing some tough competition from Sony and Canon.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix FZ200 review
Sony Cyber-shot HX400V
- Sensor size: CMOS, 1/2.3-inch
- Pixel count: 20.4Mp
- Screen type: 3-inch LCD, 921,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
Prospective bridge camera owners really are spoilt for choice at the moment, as this relatively large Sony is another tempting buy. As with the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, the big selling point is the whopping 50x zoom length of its lens, which is equivalent to 24-1200mm in 35mm terms. Just as impressive is the maximum wide aperture of f/2.8, which rises to f/6.3 when zoomed out – this is a quality Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens, too.
The Sony Cyber-shot HX400V has some impressive tech lurking inside, sharing the same Bionz X processor as the full-frame Sony A7 and Sony A7R cameras. This processor promises to reduce start-up time and autofocus performance, while limiting noise at higher ISOs. Sensor-wise, we are talking a 20.4Mp backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor, which again will boost low-light performance (native ISO goes up to 3200 and can be expanded to 12,800). The electronic viewfinder is bright and nice to use and the rear screen, while not touchscreen, is tiltable to aid composition.
Given all this finery, it's a real let down that you can't shoot in raw, which will instantly limit the Sony's appeal for hard-core enthusiasts. If you are happy with high-quality JPEGs, however, then go for it.
Read our full Sony HX400V review
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