What is a bridge camera (also known as the SuperZoom camera)? How to choose a bridge camera? What are the advantages and disadvantages of bridge cameras? Find all the answers and the best bridge or SuperZoom cameras right now.
Bridge cameras are the perfect alternative if you do not want to give up the advantages of SLR cameras in a somewhat larger size than a compact camera and without having to change the lens like a mirrorless one.
The bridge or superzoom cameras are becoming more and more popular. This is a perfect choice for those photographers who do not want to carry a huge bag full of goals but nevertheless want to have a camera with enough versatility to get by in many situations. The best superzoom cameras offer some of the most remarkable features of the DSLR models such as an excellent level of manual control, a large aperture lens, WIFI, hinged screens, RAW format, and a price much more reasonable (sometimes ).
What is it?
The bridge cameras are midway between the compact and DSLR. They have a higher cost and size as the first and smaller than SLRs and features and quality they offer are also intermediate. Its optics are not interchangeable, although they are equipped with an integrated system with a good focal zoom range and good light.
Such cameras can be a good touchdown for anyone who wants more than a light and automatic camera. We’re not talking about the “power” of an SLR, but at least offer the possibility to modify a photographer’s value as opening or the exposure time and go deeper into the art of photography.
Who will use?
Who is the user of the bridge or SuperZoom cameras? Digital bridge cameras are suitable for those who are beginners and want to challenge themselves with photography in a creative way. But also for those who have the need to take professional photos, and especially for those who want to have a superzoom (ranging from 10x up to 60x), able to make beautiful photos in macro.
Camera Bridge, compact, SLR or mirrorless: comparing differences
How to choose between bridge camera, compact, SLR or mirrorless? Especially if you are new in the field, you could feel quite discouraged and confused about the choice of your future camera.
The bridge cameras act as a link between compact cameras and SLRs. Guarantee the professionalism and the level of customization of SLR cameras or mirrorless maintaining low prices and sizes of compact cameras.
How to choose?
The digital bridge camera is the perfect choice for those looking for an intermediate model between the compact and SLR. It is a perfect choice for anxious photographers who want to get every shot as the best image. To assist you in your selection, follow our guide to buying the best digital bridge cameras. Then discover our selection of the best bridge camera available in the market.
What do you need to know?
The camera lens
You should consider the camera lens first since the quality of it is critical to have the best shots. The minimum focal length should be 28 mm, so you can easily shoot a wider field, including a group of people without losing space.
The purpose of a removable bridge is often cumbersome, but its focal ranges are advantageous to ensure its versatility. It can thus be used without any problem taking family photos, landscapes, groups, portraits, and sports events.
Note that the purpose of a bridge is irreplaceable. However, discerning users the choice to connect lens adapters to extend the limits of the focal range. At maximum zoom, you need a good mechanical or optical stabilizer to reduce blur potential.
The sensibility
You should take into account the sensitivity of the bridge device if you want to achieve successful picture sessions. This is the relationship between shutter speed and aperture. This sensitivity is displayed in ISO. It has various values, from 100 to 1600 ISO.
The higher sensitivities allow you to take images even in dark environments. However, watch for patterns with large sensitivities that can generate factors that affect the rendering of the image.
Also, check that the sensor is very adequate. For general use, it often provides a reasonable level of quality. The best is to have a sensor between 12 and 18 Megapixels to make printing images with a 21 cm x 29.7 cm or beyond.
Other features
A bridge camera has almost always a wide range of filters, to allow you to make creative photos (ex. White and black, sepia, etc..). He can make great movies in HD, sometimes with audio and stereo microphone, as well as a number of frames per second with continuous shooting. A bridge camera can be equipped or not with the electronic color viewfinder. We dissectiontable.com suggest that you buy a bridge camera that has this accessory, because it makes pictures more precise to the end and you will learn to use a viewfinder as well, should you want in the future to buy an SLR camera.
Pros
The Bridge cameras are ideal for those who go to use your travel camera. This is because that is lighter than a DSLR and have exceptional zoom.
For example, we have the Canon PowerShot SX60, offering a focal length equivalent of 21-1365mm (65x optical zoom). To approach these parameters in a DSLR, Canon EF telephoto needs 800mm f / 5.6 L USM, which costs huge.
Of course, the picture quality will not be as high, but considering the Superzoom camera is cheaper, really worth it.
Another advantage of using a bridge camera, compared with a compact, is that many offer full manual control and, in some cases, RAW format.
You can also choose to handle a camera with many buttons and dials grip, similar to DSLR models. Many models also have a viewfinder, very practical in bright conditions.
Cons
Like other electronic devices, it also has some disadvantages. The major limitation is the sensors. The sensors are very small compared to a DSLR or compact system.
While these small sensors facilitate the presence of huge zoom, also we get less detailed images and tend not to work very well in low light. Generally speaking, most cameras also have a maximum bridge narrower opening.
Of course, there are some notable exceptions to this rule – such as the Panasonic FZ200 which features a 24x optical zoom and a constant aperture of f / 2.8. While many bridge cameras have viewfinders, they are not always up and can find you prefer to use the screen.
Another problem is that we can get blurry pictures with a telephoto lens. Many of these models have advanced systems with optical image stabilization, but we all have done in other cases is not 100% effective.
How to boost the use?
1. Use a tripod whenever possible.
2. Active image stabilization.
3. Use manual control.
4. Use only the optical zoom and not the digital.
What is the best SuperZoom camera?
As we have seen, bridge cameras offer significant advantages. Indispensable and faithful traveling companions due to their lightness, versatility, and wealth of settings. With a good camera, you can capture professional photos and your friends will ask, when did he learn to shoot so well?
Now you know what is a bridge camera and how to choose the best. We hope that this small guide will help you find the best bridge or superzoom camera easily. Do not want to do the research yourself (it is not an easy task) and want to know immediately what are the best bridge cameras? Read this article, where we have tested and carefully selected the best bridge cameras for you, affordable models. Thank you.