Bridge cameras, so-called because they're meant to "bridge" the gap between point-and-shoots and DSLRs, aren't as popular as they once were. If you're looking for a DSLR-like shooting experience and a long zoom range but in a convenient all-in-one package, a bridge camera is the way to go. While their smaller sensors don't offer the same image quality as crop-sensor and full-frame cameras, they combine the simple usability of point-and-shoot cameras with unparalleled zoom range for the size, making them a good fit for casual wildlife and sports photography or family and travel photos.
We've bought and tested over 130 cameras, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best bridge cameras. If you're looking for a compact fixed-lens camera, check out our recommendations for the best compact cameras. If you're a beginner looking for your first camera, try the best cameras for beginners instead. Or, if you're interested in a camera specifically for birding or nature photography, you can check out our picks for the best cameras for bird photography or the best cameras for wildlife photography more broadly.
We've independently purchased over 125 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
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Best Bridge Camera
Travel Photography7.1Landscape Photography7.3Sports & Wildlife Photography7.4Vlogging5.8Studio Video9.3Action Video6.3Raw Photo7.1Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1-inchSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):600 mmThe Sony RX10 V is the best bridge camera we've tested for enthusiasts who want an all-in-one camera that performs like a more advanced system. It isn't cheap, but its stacked 1-inch sensor sets it apart from most bridge cameras and captures sharp, detailed photos. Its ZEISS lens covers a 24-600mm equivalent range with a bright f/2.4-4.0 aperture. Speed is one of its biggest strengths. The electronic shutter fires at up to 30 fps, and the buffer never filled in our testing, so you can hold the shutter down for long bursts.
Tracking autofocus is less dependable, since fewer than half of our shots came out usable, so it works best with a single focus point or subjects that move predictably. It's also an excellent video camera, recording 10-bit 4:2:2 footage in S-Log3 and 4k at up to 120 fps with a crop, though it can overheat in 4k with the default temperature setting. Battery life is outstanding, and the comfortable grip, sharp EVF, and touch-friendly menus make it feel a lot like one of Sony's α mirrorless cameras. Sony advertises dust and moisture resistance, but the port doors don't have rubber seals, so be careful in wet weather.
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Best Mid-Range Bridge Camera
Travel Photography5.4Landscape Photography5.2Sport & Wildlife Photography6.6Vlogging5.4Studio Video6.1Action Video1.9Raw Photo4.8Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1/2.3-inchSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):3,000 mmWhile every camera on this list has a zoom lens, the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is the best mid-range bridge camera to buy, especially if you're looking for the longest possible zoom range on the market. Its built-in lens has a remarkable 125x optical zoom, allowing you to zoom in to a max equivalent focal length of 3000mm, blowing all other bridge cams out of the water. It's so long that it can capture details on the moon's surface, though it's also suitable for landscapes or everyday photos at shorter focal lengths.
The trade-off of having such a long zoom lens is that the camera is very heavy and bulky, so it isn't very portable or well-suited to travel. However, considering how much range you get, it isn't bad. While it has optical stabilization, you'll still need to use a tripod when shooting at the tail end of its zoom range to avoid camera shake. Its small sensor also means that image quality won't be as out-of-this-world as your potential subjects. However, images taken in broad daylight still look decent, and you won't find this kind of zoom capability on any other point-and-shoot camera.
It's worth noting that the P1000 has since been discontinued, but its successor, the Nikon COOLPIX P1100, is much easier to find new. While we haven't tested it yet, it uses the same sensor and 125x zoom lens, and it swaps the Micro-USB port for USB-C, so we expect it to perform very similarly. -
Best Budget Bridge Camera
Travel Photography6.4Landscape Photography5.9Sport & Wildlife Photography6.8Raw Photo Performance5.2Vlogging3.6Studio Video5.8Action Video2.5Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSensor Size:1/2.3-inchSee all our test resultsMax Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent):1,200 mmThe Panasonic LUMIX FZ80, specifically the FZ80D, is the best budget bridge camera you can get. While older models have been discontinued, the D model features an updated camera with a new, higher-resolution viewfinder and screen. It's cheap, lightweight for a bridge camera, and packed with features that make it a great-value option for casual and family photographers who want an all-in-one camera without spending too much.
The camera feels more cheaply made than its higher-end counterpart above, and like most entry-level bridge cameras, it uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, so image quality is notably worse than the pricier options above. Still, it includes plenty of neat extra features, including a '4k PHOTO' mode for quick subjects and creative shooting modes for nighttime and macro photography. If you want something with a slightly longer zoom range and slightly better build quality, with a fully articulated screen, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS isn't a bad choice either, but it's pricier than the Panasonic.
Notable Mentions
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Nikon COOLPIX P950:
The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is similar to the Nikon COOLPIX P1000, and you can find it for cheaper, but it has a shorter maximum full-frame equivalent focal length of 2000mm. While this is still a substantial amount of zoom and may be enough for you, it falls considerably short of the P1000 and is only marginally more portable. In this case, go big or go home.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 19, 2026:
We replaced the Sony RX10 IV with its successor, the Sony RX10 V, as the 'Best Bridge Camera,' and removed the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II because it has been discontinued. We also added the Nikon COOLPIX P1100 to the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 pick as an easier-to-find alternative with similar performance.
Dec 18, 2024:
We added a link to our 'Best Cameras For Bird Photography' article in the introduction.
Oct 01, 2024: We added the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 back as the 'Best Budget Bridge Camera' to replace the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, as the newly-released FZ80D variant offers better value overall.
Jul 04, 2024: We reviewed the picks in the article to ensure they're still available and represent the best options for user needs.
May 08, 2024: The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is discontinued and harder to find, so we've moved it to Notable Mentions. We also renamed the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS to 'Best Entry-Level Bridge Camera' to fill the gap left by the Panasonic model and better capture its market position.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best cameras with zoom lenses built in. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for bridge cameras. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.