Mirrorless cameras might make the headlines now, but there’s still a market for bridge cameras in 2025, even it it's on life support. In my experience, the best bridge cameras are a strong choice if you want a camera and lens combination that can cover just about every shooting situation, so long as you don't hold too high hopes for image quality.
With versatile zoom ranges and DSLR-style handling, bridge cameras are the photographic jack of all trades. And if I had to choose just one bridge camera to shoot with, it would be the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV. While its 1-inch sensor can’t compete with the best full-frame cameras on outright quality, it still captures superb detail in images and video. Its 24-600mm lens is hugely flexible, too. Sony recently discontinued the RX10 IV, but it can still be found at a few retailers and remains my top pick.
I’ve covered bridge cameras for every need and budget in this guide, with extra options to consider further below. Each recommendation is based on the results of our in-depth reviews. Bridge cameras aren’t a huge part of the modern camera market – we tested some of these models several years ago. However, I’ve kept the advice up to date with relevant comparisons and pricing.
Top 3 picks
Short on time? Use my quick round-up below to find the best bridge camera for you. Use the links to jump to the full write-ups for more in-depth coverage.
The best premium bridge camera
The best quality all-in-one bridge cameras that delivers incredibly high levels of detail thanks to its 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor and 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens.
The best cheap bridge camera
Photographers on a tight budget benefit from a large zoom range, effective image stabilization, and 4K video recording.
The best bridge camera for zoom
An unbelievable 125x optical zoom range gives the equivalent of 24-3000mm in 35mm terms. An ideal candidate for wildlife photography.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He’s also worked in video production with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi.
The best Bridge Cameras in 2025
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Below, you'll find full write-ups for each of the best bridge cameras in our list and a link to a full review. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best premium bridge camera
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV sample images
For those looking to buy a powerful all-in-one solution, you won't find anything better than the RX10 IV. Featuring a hugely flexible 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, photographers will benefit from a generous amount of 'reach' when unable to get close to their subject. The RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera, and the 1-inch, 20.1 MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail.
Alongside incredible zoom capabilities and amazing auto focus, the RX10 IV also delivers on the video front. Outstanding 4K capabilities are not commonplace in bridge cameras, but this seems to buck the trend. It's quite bulky for a bridge camera, and there's no getting away from the hefty price, but the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its own and is perhaps even deserving of a better name than 'bridge'.
*Sony announced its intention to discontinue the RX10 IV in June 2024. It can still be found at select retailers, and will remain the top pick until it can no longer be purchased.
- Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review
The best cheap bridge camera
Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D sample images
The Lumix FZ80D (known as the Lumix FZ82D outside the US) might be one of the most affordable bridge cameras here, but it still packs quite a punch. The zoom range is very impressive, going from an ultra-wide 20mm through to a staggering 1200mm, and benefits from an effective image stabilization system.
There's also 4K recording with Panasonic's 4K Photo, which can shoot 8MP images at 30fps, meaning you should never miss that split-second moment. It's also very easy to use, with an intuitive touchscreen. The viewfinder could be better (and there's no eye sensor to automatically switch between the viewfinder and rear screen), while high-ISO performance can't match that of larger-sensor (and more expensive) rivals. That said, this is the best budget bridge cameras around.
* The Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D was released in August 2024 to replace the FZ80 / FZ82 from 2017, introducing USB-C charging (to adhere to the European Union's Common Charger Directive enforced from 2025) and improved resolution for the EVF and rear screen. Otherwise, the cameras are identical.
- Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 review
The best bridge camera for zoom
Nikon Coolpix P1000 sample images
The Coolpix P1000 is the follow-up to the P900 and stretches what we’ve come to expect from superzoom cameras a little bit further. It's all down to the lens, that packs a massive 125x optical zoom range, equivalent to 24-3000mm in 35mm terms. Photographers will be hard pushed to find an object that they can't zoom in on, be it wildlife or even the moon.
If you absolutely need a camera with a 3000mm-equivalent lens, the fact that the P1000 is alone in offering this makes your decision easy. Unfortunately, there are quite a few areas of weakness, including the huge body, less-than-reliable autofocus, a sub-standard LCD, and operational strifes.
*The Nikon Coolpix P1000 has been replaced by the Coolpix P1100, so all pruchase links are to the newer version. There are very few changes between the two models – I've written about the key differences in this Coolpix P1100 vs Coolpix P1000 article. To summarize, the new model has USB-C charging, a few auto scene modes such as Fireworks Show scene mode, selectable AF-area in Bird-Watching mode, plus enhanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Optical stabilization and the power of the built-in flash are rated slightly lower in the new version.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P1000 review
Also consider
If you're looking to buy a bridge camera new, then it's slim pickings out there. However, if you stumble across any of the below, new or second hand, they each have their own benefits:
Best RX10 IV alternative bridge camera – Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 III: Decent savings could be had over the best premium model by opting for its predecessor, the RX10 III. Sure, you'll miss out on the advanced AF system, 2fps bust shooting and touchscreen, but otherwise the design is pretty much identical and you've got the same 24-600mm f/2.4-4 lens and 1-inch sensor combo, with 4K video to boot.
Best all-rounder – Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500: A budget pick compared to Sony's RX10 line, Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 offers the next best image quality, with like for like 1-inch sensor and a 24-480mm, f/2.8-4.5 zoom, complete with 4K video and a neat live cropping mode.
Best value – Canon PowerShot SX70 HS: This is the best pick for Canon fans – a conventional bridge camera with mega 65x zoom, paired with a small 1/2.3-inch sensor and RAW format stills. Handling is decent, with full manual control, reasonable stabilization and autofocus performance, fully articulated screen (it lacks touch sensitivity though), and a decent electronic viewfinder.
Kodak PixPro AZ653 – Kodak is probably the most active brand in the bridge camera space, and announced the new PixPro AZ653 in July 2025. We are working on a review and will update this page once the review is complete.
How to choose the best bridge camera for you
How do I choose the best bridge camera?
One of the parts that sets each bridge camera apart from its rivals is the zoom lens that is used. Most manufacturers start the range at around 21mm or 24mm, so there's not a huge amount of variety there. The bigger difference is at the other end. Common top ends include 600mm or 1200mm, but the Nikon Coolpix P1000 stretches all the way to 3000mm.
The range you need will depend on the type of photography you do. If you're into wildlife photography that makes it difficult to get close to your subjects, then you'll want as large a zoom as possible. Do keep in mind that oftentimes, the larger the range, the lower the quality, especially at the extreme ends.
Carefully considering the type of lens you need is really important when it comes to zoom lenses because they are not interchangeable like they are on DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Another consideration is the sensor size. Generally, the larger the sensor size, the better the image quality. Traditionally, bridge cameras have made use of a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, although newer models are starting to squeeze in 1-inch sensors. These have 4 times the area of their smaller sensor counterparts.
A final consideration is the monitor. These are generally around 3-inches in size, but not all are created equal. For the most flexibility and versatility, you'll want a tilting or articulating type. This makes it easier to shoot in a wider variety of scenarios.
What is a bridge camera exactly?
For those wondering where bridge cameras get their name – it's because they are said to 'bridge' the gap between simple point-and-shoot models (or your phone) and more advanced DSLR type models.
Bridge cameras tend to have smaller sensors than DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but the other main difference is that the lens is fixed to the body, so you can't remove it for a more specialized optic or one with a wider aperture. While the lenses on a bridge camera are extremely flexible, you can't attach something like a macro lens for extreme close-ups or an f/1.4 lens for shooting in low-light.
It's not quite as straightforward as that anymore, as some bridge cameras are advanced and sophisticated themselves. Sensor sizes, although still smaller than a DSLR / mirrorless, have increased in size over the years too, with many now sporting a one-inch sensor, which is much larger than that in an average smartphone.
If you're just starting out in photography, bridge cameras can be the ideal place to start. You get a lot for your money and it's the ideal way to learn about different shooting modes and settings, without necessarily spending a huge amount of money.
How we test Bridge Cameras
When spending such a significant amount of money you want to make sure you're buying something that will not only last well but also fit your particular requirements. To help you make an informed decision, we have spent countless hours thoroughly testing every camera in this guide.
The first part of our tests involves handling the camera and getting a feel for its design and build quality. By using the camera on a tripod and handheld we are able to assess who the camera is designed for and whether it'll stand the test of time.
Following on from this we put a formatted SD card into the camera and shoot both RAW and JPEG formats. We take RAW images into an editing application such as Lightroom to see how far we can adjust exposure, highlights, and shadows.
Burst shooting is tested by using our test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) before shooting a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its advertised speeds.
Another vital element in terms of performance is the camera's ability to quickly find focus in autofocus mode. We test this using different types of subjects as well as in various lighting conditions. Alongside this we'll shoot a variety of different photos and put metering through its paces. In all of this we're also assessing the camera's ability to handle noise.
In terms of battery life, we use the camera from full charge to empty, and then make a note of the number of shots that it was able to take. This is then compared to the camera's CIPA rating. As most camera's have video functionality now, we'll also put it into video mode and test its resolutions, frame rates, and live view mode.
With all of this in mind, we write a final verdict that brings everything together.