The Best Bridge Cameras for 2024

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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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.