Three of the best bridge cameras

One common term you’ll hear around photographers is ‘zoom with your feet’. It relates to using prime lenses, and having to effectively move yourself if you want to get closer to the object you’re shooting. However, in the case of bridge cameras – or as they’re sometimes known, superzooms – this is never an issue. With our longest focal length clocking in at a frankly obscene 35mm equivalent 2000mm, these great cameras are able to shoot the moon without leaving your seat – just crack open the window.

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This optical marvel brings obvious strengths, such as being able to capture subjects at great distances, and cutting costs on otherwise expensive lenses, however, they all feature smaller sensors than DSLRs. The Panasonic and Sony feature a 1in CMOS sensor, though the Nikon features a 1/2.3in sensor, which is the same size as a smartphone.

Also, in the case of the Nikon, you can’t shoot RAW images, only JPEGs. This doesn’t mean you can’t get amazing results, but areas such as low-light performance won’t match APS-C or full-frame cameras.

Best bridge cameras 2021

Like the changes of the seasons, Sony’s excellence is becoming an unstoppable phenomenon. A large part of this is the company’s excellent sensor technology, and that includes this 1in marvel.

It packs in a 20.1MP 1in CMOS sensor, 315-point phase detection AF system, capable of a blistering 0.03sec focusing speed, and astounding 24fps continuous shooting speed.

The lens is very high quality, sporting a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T design. It offers 24-600mm f/2.4-4, 35mm equivalent, and is impressively wide, though not a patch on the length offered by Nikon’s entry.

The ISO ranges from 100-12,800, which allows for low-light shooting. Though it’s not quite up to the same standards as larger sensors, it does do a great job. You also have 4K video, as well as a 40x slow motion feature, which shoots at 1000fps. The image quality isn’t as crisp as normal video, but it’s a spectacle to behold. If it were only a tad cheaper, it would definitely be our number one.

Pros

Super slow motion

In-body IS

24fps burst shooting speed

Cons

Expensive

Feels bulky

Heavy body

Spec

Weight: 1095g

WxHxD: 133x94x145mm

Battery: 420 shots

Card type: SD, SDXC, SDHC

AF: 315-point phase detection

Panasonic’s latest bridge camera, the FZ2000, draws on the company’s impressive heritage in this area. You have a 24-480mm f/2.8-4.5 equivalent Leica Vario-Elmarit zoom, which is longer than the previous FZ1000’s, though still the shortest in test.

Panasonic has included a wealth of features, such as the company’s popular 4K Photo modes, including Burst and Focus Stacking, as well as 5-axis image stabilisation and 49-point DFD (Depth from Defocus) contrast detection AF. The focus is very quick in good light, though it lacks the sheer number of AF points of the Sony. It also tops out at 8fps continuous shooting speed, which is still very respectable.

You’re able to shoot in RAW here, which means you can capture more information, perfect for editing. You also have the ability to shoot in high-quality 4K video at 24fps, which is also offered by the Sony RX10 IV.

The 3in rotating 1040k-dot LCD touchscreen works perfectly, and there is also an EVF, which allows you to compose or review your shots in bright sunlight.

Find out more at the Panasonic website.

Pros

ND filter is a nice touch

Fast focusing

Image stabilisation

Cons

Shorter lens

Less AF points

Pricey

Spec

Weight: 966g

WxHxD: 138x102x135mm

Battery: 350 shots

Card type: SD, SDXC, SDHC

AF: 49-point contrast detect

This superzoom bridge camera from Nikon is ideal if you’re on a budget. Though its 1/2.3in sensor may not provide the best image quality in class, its 83x optical zoom lens gives you a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-2000mm with a variable aperture of f/2.8-6.5. You can even double this to 4000mm with the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature, though this will affect image quality.

Under the hood, there’s a 1/2.3in CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution, contrast detection autofocus system and 5-axis optical image stabilisation – a must when shooting at 2000mm. The P900 supports manual shooting, which is great when you need to input your settings, though it doesn’t support RAW files. The EVF is very handy for composing your shots, especially in bright daylight, and the 3in 921k-dot rear screen is perfect for reviewing your images to make sure you’ve nailed the shot.

Although the autofocus isn’t the best in class, you can select the handy Moon or Bird-watching modes to make it easier to capture those stunning images.

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Pros

Battery life

Huge zoom range

Image stabilisation

Cons

Aperture range

Small sensor

Bulky

Spec

Weight: 899g

WxHxD: 140x103x137mm

Battery: 360 shots

Card type: SD, SDXC, SDHC

AF: 99 points

Flash: Yes

Video: 1080p

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