Best Bridge Camera Reviews: Canon SX70 vs. Panasonic DMC-FZ70 vs. Sony HX400V

What is the benefit of Bridge Camera?

Consumers who are in the market for cameras need to choose between buying a point-and-shoot or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Both cameras have their own pros and cons, leaving the consumers confused about which one to buy. Manufacturers have created the bridge camera to satisfy specific market needs by serving as the perfect middle ground between DSLR and compact system cameras.

Aptly named, it acts as a bridge that combines some of the manual settings, physical controls and quality of shots of an entry-level DSLR with the easy-to-use characteristic, convenience, and simplicity of a point-and-shoot camera. The build, physical size and over-all handling ergonomics of most bridge cameras resemble those of DSLRs.

This camera can be bulkier and heavier than a compact system camera, but the chunky handgrip, sizeable rear LCD display with continuous live view, large command dials and shooting mode wheels make the bridge camera comfortable to use with easy access to controls.

Some models have a three-inch LCD screen at the back that can be adjusted to different angles to accommodate complicated low or high-angle shots and improve visibility by diverting screen away from direct sunlight.

The difference between Bridge and Compact Camera

Aside from live-preview LCD, a smaller electronic viewfinder (EVF) also gives one hundred percent field of view while continuously showing the image generated by the sensor. This differentiates bridge cameras from compact system cameras. The lenses are like in point-and-shoot cameras that are fixed, but the bridge cameras’ lens has a vastly expanded zoom range, giving a broad variety of framing and capture options.

Their smaller image sensors allow very large zoom ranges, from wide-angle, macro to telephoto, with just one lens. While some may view the lack of interchangeable lens as a disadvantage, a fixed lens prevents any problems concerning dust entering the camera’s sensor and damaging photos. The wider focal ranges of bridge cameras require built-in optical or sensor-shift image stabilization to prevent blurring of pictures.

The optical zoom capability can be as much as 10 – 30 times without compromising photo quality. Because of their extended focal range, bridge cameras can also be referred to as “mega-zoom”, “superzoom” or “ultrazoom”. Majority of the bridge cameras today are digital, equipped with full manual controls over settings such as aperture, shutter speed, color balance, ISO sensitivity, metering patterns, and file formats similar to those of DSLRs.

Capture High-Quality Photos without Spending Too Much

These settings make a difference in image quality when printing pictures. The resolution of each shot is dependent on the number of megapixels, and the more megapixels, the better and clearer quality when enlarging pictures. Bridge cameras cannot produce the same quality as DSLRs because of their smaller sensors, but they are better than most compact system cameras.

Most cameras can also capture high definition videos with frame rates of 24, 25 or 30 fps with OIS to reduce shakiness and blurring. The stereo microphones placed on the sides or above the lens barrel and auxiliary flash contribute to cinematic-standard video capture.

The bridge camera was originally intended for consumers considering an entry-level DSLR as well as photography enthusiasts who appreciate the basic features of DSLR and the accessibility of consumer compact cameras without spending a fortune.

Because bridge cameras closely resemble DSLRs, when photography enthusiasts get the hang of shooting pictures, there might come a time when they would want to upgrade into DSLRs.

• Canon
• Panasonic
• Sony

Reviews on Most Rated Bridge Cameras