At one time, bridge cameras were a popular option for photographers who wanted big zoom power without the expense or hassle of an SLR with interchangeable lenses. Today, smartphones offer decent zoom, but if you want an affordable camera for wildlife and field sports, a bridge camera is still a strong choice, even if there are only a handful of good options. I’ve tested dozens of bridge cameras over the last decade-plus, and personally have a keen interest in wildlife photography, so I’m here to help you narrow your options. Shutterbugs should look for a model with a Type 1 sensor like the Sony RX10 IV for the best picture quality in all kinds of light, while family photographers and birders are wise to get the Canon SX70 HS for huge zoom and good pictures in bright conditions. If those don’t meet your needs, there are several worthy alternatives below.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best for Families and Sports
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
- 65x zoom lens.
- Vari-angle LCD.
- Excellent EVF.
- 10fps bursts.
- Raw image capture.
- 4K video with mic input.
- Wi-Fi.
- Strong ergonomics.
- Not great in dim light.
- Omits accessory shoe and 24fps video.
- 4K not available in all modes.
- Not a good choice for fast action.
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is our favorite bridge camera available today. Its lens covers a wide range and we like both the automatic and manual control options. This reasonably priced camera also boasts snappy autofocus, sharp photo quality, and a 4K recording option. Our major complaint is that the camera is hard to find at retail as of this writing—Canon has struggled to keep it in stock, so you may have to wait to buy it.
This is a good pick for family photographers, backyard wildlife watchers, naturalists, and others who want to snap everything from a view of Horseshoe Bend to a close-up of a bird snacking away at a feeder. It’s a worthwhile upgrade in zoom power over a smartphone and isn’t nearly as expensive or complicated to use as a swappable-lens model.
Dimensions
3.6 by 5.0 by 4.6 inches
Weight
1.3 lb
Type
Superzoom
Sensor Resolution
20 MP
Sensor Type
BSI CMOS
Sensor Size
1/2.3″ (6.2 x 4.6mm)
Memory Card Slots
1
Memory Card Format
SDXC (UHS-I)
Battery Type
Canon LP-E12
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
3200
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
21 mm
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
1,365 mm
Optical Zoom
65 x
Stabilization
Optical
Display Size
3 inches
Display Resolution
920000 dots
Viewfinder Type
EVF
EVF Resolution
2.36 million dots
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, micro USB, Microphone (3.5mm)
Maximum Waterproof Depth
0 feet
Video Resolution
4K
HDMI Output
Yes
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Best Autofocus for Wildlife and Sports
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV
- 25x zoom lens.
- Large 1-inch sensor.
- Phase detect autofocus.
- 24fps Raw capture with tracking.
- Dust- and splash-resistant design.
- Touch LCD and EVF.
- Top info LCD.
- Wi-Fi.
- 4K video and 1080p slow-motion.
- Very expensive.
- No in-lens neutral density filter.
- Hood blocks flash at wide angles.
- Can’t start a video when still buffer is in use.
Sony invented the Type 1 bridge camera with the original RX10. The fourth-generation model emphasizes performance with a 24-600mm F2.4-4 zoom lens, a 20MP Type 1 sensor, and phase detection focus for 24fps subject tracking. A dust- and splash-resistant build, sharp EVF, and a decent number of physical controls help support its premium price.
The RX10 IV makes a lot of sense for nature and wildlife photogs who value a light kit or who simply don’t want to spend a fortune on telephoto lenses. If you want a travel camera with picture quality that keeps up with the computational wizardry of the latest smartphones, this won’t disappoint.
Dimensions
3.7 by 5.2 by 5.7 inches
Weight
2.4 lb
Type
Superzoom
Sensor Resolution
20 MP
Sensor Type
BSI CMOS
Sensor Size
1″ (13.2 x 8.8mm)
Memory Card Slots
1
Memory Card Format
SDXC (UHS-I), Memory Stick Duo
Battery Type
Sony NP-FW50
Minimum ISO
64
Maximum ISO
12800
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
24 mm
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
600 mm
Optical Zoom
25 x
Stabilization
Optical
Display Size
3 inches
Display Resolution
1.44 million dots
Viewfinder Type
EVF
Viewfinder Magnification
0.7x
EVF Resolution
2.36 million dots
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, micro USB, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm)
Maximum Waterproof Depth
0 feet
Video Resolution
4K
HDMI Output
4:2:2 8-bit
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Best Affordable Type 1 Sensor Bridge Cam
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II
- 16x zoom lens.
- 1-inch image sensor.
- Vari-angle touch LCD.
- Large, crisp EVF.
- Quick autofocus.
- 4K video with mic input.
- Omits dust and splash protection.
- Not as well built as some competitors.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II costs a bit more than entry-level models, but its 20MP Type 1 image sensor outputs much better images. The 25-400mm F2.8-4 zoom lens offers enough range for most subjects short of songbirds, too. Raw format imaging, 4K video support, and a sharp EVF round out the features.
Creators who can’t stomach the price of the Sony RX10 IV should appreciate that this Panasonic model offers similar image quality from the same type of image sensor. That said, outdoor photographers are still better off with the weather-protected Sony or the FZ300 (for less).
Dimensions
4.8 x 5.4 x 5.2 inches
Weight
1.8 lb
Type
Superzoom
Sensor Resolution
20 MP
Sensor Type
BSI CMOS
Sensor Size
1″ (13.2 x 8.8mm)
Memory Card Slots
1
Memory Card Format
SDXC (UHS-I)
Battery Type
Panasonic DMW-BLC12, Leica BP-DC12
Minimum ISO
125
Maximum ISO
25600
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
25 mm
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
600 mm
Optical Zoom
25 x
Stabilization
Optical
Display Size
3 inches
Display Resolution
1.24 million dots
Viewfinder Type
EVF
Viewfinder Magnification
0.74x
EVF Resolution
2.36 million dots
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm), Remote (2.5mm), micro USB
Maximum Waterproof Depth
0 feet
Video Resolution
4K
HDMI Output
4:2:2 8-bit
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Best Budget Bridge Camera
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80
- Huge 60x zoom range.
- Fast autofocus.
- 10fps Raw capture.
- 30fps 4K Photo capture.
- Touch LCD.
- Sharp EVF.
- Wi-Fi.
- No EVF eye sensor.
- Fixed rear LCD.
- Limited Raw buffer.
- Omits 24fps video capture.
- Telephoto video shows wobble effect.
The Panasonic FZ80 is our value pick in this segment because it costs much less than the Canon SX70 HS but still offers much of the same utility. Its extra-wide 20-1,200mm zoom lens means it can handle everything from landscapes and architecture to wildlife. It also includes some better-than-budget features, such as an eye-level viewfinder, 4K video capabilities, a touch screen, and the option to snap Raw photos.
This camera doesn’t require much user effort to produce attractive results. It has plenty of zoom power, too, but you have to take care to use the flash in low-light environments or, better yet, grab your smartphone for snapshots in tough light.
Dimensions
3.7 by 5.1 by 4.7 inches
Weight
1.4 lb
Type
Superzoom
Sensor Resolution
18 MP
Sensor Type
BSI CMOS
Sensor Size
1/2.3″ (6.2 x 4.6mm)
Memory Card Slots
1
Memory Card Format
SDXC (UHS-I)
Battery Type
Panasonic DMW-BMB9PP
Minimum ISO
80
Maximum ISO
6400
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
20 mm
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
1200 mm
Optical Zoom
60 x
Stabilization
Optical
Display Size
3 inches
Display Resolution
1.04 million dots
Viewfinder Type
EVF
EVF Resolution
1.17 million dots
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, micro USB
Maximum Waterproof Depth
0 feet
Video Resolution
4K
HDMI Output
Yes
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Best Bridge for Extreme Zoom Power
Nikon Coolpix P950
- 83x zoom lens
- Strong image stabilization
- Manual controls
- Raw imaging and 4K video
- EVF and vari-angle LCD
- Mic input and accessory shoe
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Autofocus struggles with small and fast-moving subjects
- LCD doesn’t support touch
- Larger and heavier than competitors
Nikon’s second-generation 83x zoom camera, the Coolpix P950, is a refinement of the P900. This model is more responsive, adds Raw photo and 4K video support, and boasts a better burst mode. The lens, which covers a staggering 24-2,000mm range, is the real star; it zooms in further than almost every other camera, a plus if you’re trying to get pictures of distant subjects, while still offering wide angle coverage in line with standard zoom lenses and the main lens on many smartphones.
Wildlife specialists who need more zoom power than most swappable lens models offer are sure to see the appeal of the P950. It’s not much bigger than a consumer SLR, but it gets tight views without an arm-sized lens. You won’t get the same type of picture quality as you can with an interchangeable lens camera and dedicated telezoom, but you’ll won’t have to carry as much weight or spend as much money to get there. Even so, the P950 is more of a niche camera for enthusiasts than a family camera, If you’re after the latter, don’t forget about the Canon SX70 HS.
Dimensions
4.3 by 5.5 by 5.9 inches
Weight
2.2 lb
Type
Superzoom
Sensor Resolution
16 MP
Sensor Type
CMOS
Sensor Size
1/2.3″ (6.2 x 4.6mm)
Memory Card Slots
1
Memory Card Format
SDXC (UHS-I)
Battery Type
Nikon EN-EL20a
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
6400
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
24 mm
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
2000 mm
Optical Zoom
83 x
Stabilization
Optical
Display Size
3.2 inches
Display Resolution
921600 dots
Viewfinder Type
EVF
EVF Resolution
2.36 million dots
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Microphone (3.5mm), micro USB, micro HDMI
Maximum Waterproof Depth
0 feet
Video Resolution
4K
HDMI Output
Yes
Learn More
Buying Guide: The Best Bridge Cameras for 2024
Small Sensor, Big Zoom
Some bridge cameras pack the same size sensor as pocket point-and-shoots and premium smartphones. You won’t see a significant jump in image quality compared with a pocket model, but you can still enjoy zoom ratios above 50x. Our favorite model, the Canon SX70 HS, sports a 65x lens that covers an ultra-wide (21mm) to an extremely narrow telephoto (1,365mm) angle. It also sets itself apart from many pocket models and smartphones by offering Raw capture, a reliable optical stabilization system, and an electronic viewfinder.
Just note that many of Canon’s compact cameras, including the SX70 HS, sporadically go out of stock, a lingering reminder of supply chain challenges. It might not be available when you check the link, but we recommend waiting for it. If you can’t wait, or on a strict budget, the Panasonic FZ80D is a good alternative, it’s quite capable given its $400 price point.
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS (Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
You can go longer when it comes to zoom—the Nikon P950’s 83x zoom lens covers a 24-2,000mm range—but image quality at the extreme telephoto isn’t as good as it is at wider angles, and the autofocus system struggles with tiny, quick subjects (like athletes on a far-away sports field).
How PCMag Tests Digital Cameras
Nikon also sells the P1000, with a one-of-a-kind 24-3,000mm (125x) lens, Raw image capture, and 4K video recording. It’s huge, heavy, and pricey, so it’s not a camera for everyone. It’s also hard to find at retail. Some rumor sites have reported it as discontinued, but a Nikon representative tells us that it’s just on backorder. If you really want a P1000, you need to put in an order and wait patiently.
Big Sensor, Shorter Zoom
Sony started putting Type 1 sensors into cameras in 2012 with the pocketable RX100. It didn’t take long for it to follow with the RX10. Sony has streamlined the family down to one model, the high-end RX10 IV. Its 24-600mm F2.4-4 zoom lens is one of the best we’ve seen in any bridge model, and it sports dust and splash protection. It’s expensive, but it backs the price up with speedy autofocus and 20MP Raw capture at a decent 24fps pace. It also beats smaller sensor models for low light. If you’re after a camera you can take into concerts that don’t allow swappable lens cams, it’s a good one to get.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV (Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
The only other Type 1 model to consider is the Panasonic FZ1000 II. Its lens covers a 25-400mm range, which is a little short for some wildlife but great for an outing at the zoo and trips to the ballpark.
Choosing the Right Bridge Camera
The bridge camera that’s best for you depends on your budget, your image quality demands, and just how much zoom range you want. Our top pick for backyard wildlife spotters and family vacationers is the Canon SX70 HS. It has an ultra-wide lens that’s ideal for landscapes and snapshots in front of famous landmarks, as well as enough zoom power to snap a shot of a songbird dining at your feeder. But it has limitations—it’s not the best tool for working in dim light, doesn’t offer weather protection, and can’t reliably focus on fast-moving subjects.
Recommended by Our Editors
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II (Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
More serious photographers—or families that don’t mind spending a bit more for better image quality—should opt for a Type 1 sensor model. The lenses don’t wow us with a big zoom factor, but the larger sensor area means you can crop as necessary. The Sony RX10 IV is our top pick here. It has a phenomenal lens that reaches 600mm at a relatively bright F4 aperture, offers 4K video, records in slow motion, and shoots at a speedy 24fps.
And for the edge cases—photographers who just want as much zoom power as possible—the aforementioned P950, or a P1000 if you can find one, respectively reach 2,000mm and 3,000mm (albeit with a smaller Type 1/2.3 sensor). Just understand that both of these cameras are quite a bit to carry; their lenses are huge, and their bodies are sized in line with a compact SLR.
