If you want an all-in-one camera and lens for just about every situation, a bridge camera could be your best bet. They are versatile, with excellent DSLR-style handling and a built-in superzoom lens capable of capturing wide angle and zoom shots, for near and far subjects; landscapes, travel, wildlife, sports, you name it.
However, there are compromises in gaining such unparalleled versatility, meaning bridge cameras aren't for everyone. Their wide zoom range lenses cannot compare to the crisp image quality of prime lenses, while the typically small sensors used have an adverse impact on image quality, especially in low light. That said, our top pick – the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV – packs a 1-inch sensor that's bigger than most rivals, as does the Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500.
Even as the latest models, most of the best bridge cameras included in this list are pretty old now because this is not an active part of the camera market any more, but don't write them off. As an all-in-one solution, they're an especially good fit for hobbyist wildlife photographers unwilling to be weighed down with heavier gear. We've tested all the best options from leading manufacturers below, while at the end of the guide you’ll also find useful additional product info, buying advice and the best deals.
Top 3 picks
Short on time? Use our quick round-up below to find the best bridge camera for you. Use the links to jump to our full write-ups for more in-depth coverage.
The best premium bridge camera
One of the best 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 bridge camera for most people
With a DSLR-style body and a rich set of features, this bridge camera is instantly familiar for anyone who gets their hands on it.
The best value bridge camera
One of the more conventional types of bridge cameras on the market. A great all-rounder that is perfect for those who want good value for money.
Best by use-case
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.
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 RX10 IV alternative
Avoid the price tag of the latest Sony cameras with this slightly dated model. You'll lose the advanced AF system but will still get a great 1-inch sensor and superb zoom lens.
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'.
- Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review
The best bridge camera for most people
Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 sample images
If your budget doesn't quite stretch to RX10 IV levels but you still want something top-quality, flexible and with great image quality, the Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 (known as the FZ2500 in the US) is an excellent choice. It uses a 1-inch sensor alongside a Venus processing engine, which makes it particularly good for recording video. 30p and 24p frame rates are available at the top resolution, and 60p if you drop it to 1080p. One of our favourite video features is the ability to use the Live Cropping feature, which allows users to pan or zoom across the frame without manually having to do so, with the camera outputting the results in Full HD quality.
The FZ2000/FZ2500 is also a very capable stills camera. Despite the zoom topping out at 480mm equivalent, a range that is relatively short for a bridge camera, you'll still find it to be plenty for all but the most extreme everyday use. We'd certainly sacrifice a little zoom range for better and faster optics, and we love the FZ2000 because it delivers both image quality and zoom range.
- Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 review
The best value bridge camera
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS sample images
Canon's PowerShot SX70 HS is what we'd consider a more conventional bridge camera than those found in the top four. That's because it uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, which gives you the advantage of a ginormous 65x optical zoom range. You still get full manual control, along with other great features such as a fully articulated screen (it lacks touch sensitivity though), a decent electronic viewfinder, and the ability to shoot in raw format. In-built Wi-Fi and NFC are additional bonuses.
This is a classic all-rounder that would suit those looking for something relatively small and light for trips such as safaris, where that big zoom comes into its own. A bugbear is having to activate the viewfinder manually since there's no sensor, but otherwise it's a solid performer. Image quality is very good, with the image stabilization system doing a good job of keeping captures even at the extreme end of the telephoto lens sharp. Shooting at a wide angle and low light are not this camera's forte, but there's good autofocus performance and speedy operation to compensate.
- Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot SX70 HS 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.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P1000 review
