‘The Bridge Camera’ is a universally recognized name for Digital Cameras. Bridge Cameras comes with a long-ranged zooming lens and a viewfinder. It can be controlled manually. The Bridge camera connects a tie between the compact point & shoot digital camera and the full DSLR camera. The zoom lens of this camera is non-interchangeable. The user of this camera gets a fair amount of benefits. Bridge cameras formed a bridge between the old world and the modern world of digital photography.
What is a Bridge Camera -The camera featured some manual settings and physical controls. These bridge cameras earlier used as a ‘Film Camera’ because of its good quality of videography. The sensor of these cameras is small. Bridge camera allows its lenses to get smaller, as a result, they are able to carry quite wide lenses of Zoom. Bridge cameras contain zoom levels – over 400mm.
Why DSLR and Bridge Cameras are Different?
- Bridge Cameras are way less expensive than the DSLR Camera.
- They are very small and compact in size, unlike the DSLR.
- The Lense in the Bridge camera is not removable or interchangeable like DSLR camera
Key Features of the Bridge Camera:
The following features specify in detail about what is a bridge camera.
-
Size & shape:
Bridge Cameras have few similarities with DSLR. Still, they have unique qualities in themselves. The shape and size of these cameras are very comfortable to use. The DSLR cameras are extremely heavy. You have to carry many gears with the DSLR. But the Bridge cameras are light to carry. You’ll feel comfortable while using it. The buttons of the Bridge camera is very simple to use. In addition to that, the grip of the camera can be easily covered.
-
Lenses:
The large and wide Zooming range is one of the main reasons why photographers choose this Bridge Camera. These lenses are capable of capturing any moments beautifully. People who are an admirer of traveling and fond of wildlife photography, this camera is a perfect choice for them.
-
The EVF(Electronic Viewfinder):
The EVF or electronic viewfinder is good for people with sight problems. Especially if you are unable to see the LCD Screen. It is challenging to see the LCD in bright light. The Bridge Cameras have the best quality electronic viewfinder.
What to look for in a Bridge Camera:
The following point briefly specifies about what is a bridge camera and what to look in a bridge camera.
The Viewfinder:
A viewfinders job is to display whatever you shoot. With the help of the viewfinder, you’ll be able to understand if the shot was worth capturing. Viewfinder makes the camera user-friendly. You must consider the quality of the viewfinder before purchasing any Bridge camera.
Megapixel:
While looking for a higher megapixel camera, keep the sensor size in mind. A small sensor and high megapixel won’t give you a good picture. First, know the sensor details then look for the megapixels.
Price:
Before investing in a camera, decide whether you want the camera for professional photography or casual purpose. Professional photographers prefer a camera with multiple settings options. This is essential for you to decide before buying a camera.
Size of the Sensor:
You have to be aware of the usage of sensors before buying a bridge camera. Light enters the camera through the sensor. So, the sensor can catch extra light if thew camera has less megapixel.
Manual Controls:
Manual controls are very desirable for professional photographers. As they help you to adjust depth, exposure, shutter speed of your camera according to your need.
The advantages of the Bridge Camera:
- Manual Controls are easily available
- Get a good range of zooming
- Handling is pretty convenient
- The battery types are also a bonus point
- Excellent performance of Macro
- It has Extended Depth of field
Cons:
- Sometimes the camera size can be little heavy
- Little poor performance in low-light
Top Bridge Cameras in the Digital World:
-
Sony RX10 IV
The current Sony’s fourth Bridge camera series is The RX10 IV. The new addition of a point Phase-detect AF system makes it a more solid choice to keep track of moving objects. Because of this reason this camera is capable of capturing sports action perfectly. This is apparently the best bridge camera in the market right now.It is packaged with all the good features of DSLR.
Features:
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1inch
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-600mm
- LCD: 3in tilting screen,1.44million dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots
- Continuous shooting: 24fps
- Movies: (4K and Full HD)
- User level: Enthusiast/Expert
- Dust & Moisture proof
- Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC available.
- Weight around 1095g
- Dram Chip
Pros:
- The quality of the stills and movies is very high.
- It has 25X telephoto Zeiss Lens.
- The function of Eye AF is wondrous.
- Designed with care for amateur filmmaking.
- The Sensor is 1-inch.
Cons:
- It has a tendency to overexpose in Auto Mode.
Nikon Coolpix P900
The Nikon Coolpix 900 deserves every penny of your account. Are you a lover of ‘Wildlife Photography’? The Focal Range of this camera makes it ideal for the use. You can even take heavenly beautiful snaps of the trip you’ve always dreamed of going. The fair-sized OLED Viewfinder, ‘Moon Mode’, and the mic input features are absolutely useful for the users.
Features:
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3inch (BSI-CMOS Sensor)
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Lens: 24-2000mm Equiv
- LCD: 3inch, 921k dots
- Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 921k dots
- Maximum shooting range: 7fps
- Movies: 1080p (Full HD)
- Wifi, Bluetooth
- User level: Beginner
Pros:
- Great Focal Range (24-2000mm)
- Designed with a comfortable size
- Availability of OLED EVF
- You can share pictures with SnapBridge
Cons:
- This camera has no touch screen
- Not weatherproof
Sony Cyber-Shot ( DSC-RX100 III):
The Sony Cyber-Shot clicks very good quality pictures, plus it has outstanding features. This camera stands tall proudly among all the Bridge Camera. The Sony Cyber-Shot bridge camera has the classiest and largest sensor without any doubt. The user manual is simple to understand. And its ability to connect with WiFi makes it by far the convenient camera for all.
Features:
- Megapixel: 20.1
- Sensor: 1inch(BSI_CMOS)
- Lens: 24-70mm Equiv.
- Viewfinder: OLED EVF with 1.44M dots
- LCD: 3in LCD along with 1.23M dots
- Movies: 1080/60p
- Pattern: Zebra
- Customizable front lens ring
- 3-stop neutral density filter
- Wi-Fi, NFC
Pros:
- Good quality of zoom range
- ND filter (Built-in), works extremely well in the light
- The good focus of the camera is at its peak
- Good AF
- HDR, Sweep Panorama (Sony Features)
- Available with the D-range optimizer.
- USB Charging
- Fast, Continuous shooting mode
- Magnificent manual controls.
- Good quality JPEGs
Cons:
- Manual Focus is a little challenging
- Not suitable for the beginners
Sony DSCH300\B:
This is a point and shot camera. The cost of this Sony DSH300\B camera is very reasonable and affordable. It is an ideal choice for all beginner, intermediate and professional photographers.
Features:
- Megapixel: 20MP
- Sensor: 1\2.3”
- ISO 80 – 3200
- Lens: 25-875 mm
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- 1 fps continuous shooting
- video resolution: 1280 x 720
- Weight: 590g
- Dimensions: 130 x 95 x 122 mm
Pros:
- Focused Face Detection
- Battery life is longer- 350 shots
- Wide-angle lens (25mm)
- Panorama Shooting
- Good manual exposure
- The sensor is high resolution
- 20 megapixel
Cons:
- Wireless connection not available
- Touch screen, not available
Panasonic Lumix (FZ 1000):
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is a good example of an ideal compact camera. The user-friendly camera receives very few negative comments. If you are searching for something with great ability of zooming you’ll definitely fall in love with this model.
Features:
- Megapixel: 20.1
- Sensor: 1’’, MOS Sensor
- Lens: 25-400mm Equiv.
- 5-axis ‘Power OIS’ stabilization
- Viewfinder: XGA OLED EVF (electronic viewfinder), 2.36M dots
- LCD: 3”, with 920K dots
- 4K (3840×2160) video at 30p, 100Mbps MP4
- 1080p at up to 60p, 28Mbps (MP4 or AVCHD)
- 120fps quarter-speed 1080p
- Clean HDMI output
- Pattern: Zebra
- Focus at its peaking
- Wi-Fi,NFC available
- 360 shots
Cons:
- A little bulky
- Lacks Auto ISO in movie mode
Canon Powershot SX60:
The photographers who desire long-ranged zooming in cameras this Canon Powershot is a fine choice for them.
Features:
- Megapixel: 16MP
- Sensor: 1/2.3-inch (CMOS)
- 922,000 dots EVF
- 65x optical zoom
- 21-1365mm f/3.4-6.5 zoom lens
- 0-inch vari-angle screen
Pros:
- Robust build
- 65x zoom range
- The focal range is flexible
- The handling of the camera is easy
- Manual control, Raw capture is available
- EVF improved far better
- Zooming range is huge
Cons:
- A little high in price
- Lacks EVF Sensor
- Picture quality is very limited
Also Read: How To Uninstall Cortana- An Invaluable Assistant
Concluding Note:
The mixture of compact and DSLR cameras are widely known as the Bridge Camera. A single Bridge camera will provide you with a great zoom range. With a Bridge camera, you don’t have to bring several lenses with you while clicking photos. Choose the right model for you determining your budget, picture quality and the zoom range you desire. You can be fond of capturing wildlife photography or taking portraits the Bridge Camera provides you with the best features for both purposes. The bridge camera has the exceptionally wonderful quality of videos and images. While purchasing you should know about what is a bridge camera choose according to your requirements and desires.
