SLR Looks, Fixed Lens Big superzoom cameras are still referred to as bridge models in many circles. It's a vestigial term carried over from the days when the large body style was aimed at photographers who wanted to move up from a pocket point-and-shoot (which, at the time, had limited zoom ranges as a rule), but weren't quite ready for an SLR. The idea was that a camera like this would bridge that gap, and perhaps encourage the same photographers to eventually move to an SLR. In 2019, the term makes less sense, but it's stuck around. Modern bridge models can vary greatly in features and capabilities. Models with smaller image sensors boast incredibly long zoom ranges, while cameras with larger sensors can't keep up with 30x pocket zoom cameras like the Panasonic ZS50 in terms of absolute zoom range, but deliver images that truly bridge the gap between compact and SLR quality. Small Sensor, Big Zoom Some bridge cameras pack the same size sensor that you'll find in a pocket point-and-shoot or a premium smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S10. You're not going to see a significant jump in image quality when compared with a pocket model, but you will be able to enjoy zoom ratios in excess of 50x power. 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 very solid optical stabilization system, and an electronic viewfinder. You can go longer when it comes to zoom—the Nikon P900'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 camera omits Raw capture, and while we rated the P1000 a little lower overall, it deserves mention for its 24-3,000mm (125x) lens, Raw image capture, and 4K video recording. Going in the other direction, the Panasonic FZ300's lens is a mere 24x power (25-600mm), but it maintains an f/2.8 aperture throughout the entire range, and features one of the best EVFs in its class, along with a weather-sealed design and 4K video capture. Big Sensor, Shorter Zoom Sony started putting 1-inch sensors into cameras in 2012 with the pocketable RX100. It didn't take long for it to follow with the RX10, which marries a sensor that's four times as large as you'll find in most point-and-shoots to a 24-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens. Despite the fairly short range, the image quality delivered by its 1-inch 20MP sensor and a superb build earned it a rare five-star rating when it was reviewed. The original RX10 doesn't stand so far apart from the crowd these days, but it's still an excellent performer and remains a current model though it's been joined by three sequels. The RX10 II keeps the same lens, but adds 4K video and a few other tweaks. The pricier RX10 III and IV use a much longer-reaching 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom, with the IV carrying a premium price due to its high-speed-capture capabilities. Other 1-inch models to consider include the Panasonic FZ1000, an older model selling at a very good price, at least while supplies last. Panasonic recently started shipping the FZ1000 II with the same lens, but some refinements. Canon also has one long-lens entry in its 1-inch series, the G3 X. Its 25-600mm f/2.8-5.6 zoom matches the RX10 III in terms of coverage, but its lack of an electronic viewfinder is a downer, as is its slower focus system. Choosing the Right Bridge Camera The model 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, great for landscapes and snapshots in front of famous landmarks, and enough zoom power to snap a shot of a songbird dining at your feeder. But it has its limitations—it's not the best tool for working in dim light, doesn't offer weather protection, and isn't great at focusing on fast-moving subjects. More serious photographers—or families that don't mind spending a bit more for better image quality—will want to think about a 1-inch sensor model. The lenses don't wow us with a big zoom factor, but the larger sensor area means you can crop when needed. The Sony RX10 III is our top pick here. It has a phenomenal lens, reaching 600mm at a relatively bright f/4 aperture, and does 4K video, slow-motion, and shoots at a speedy 14fps. The RX10 IV is a premium upgrade, with a faster 24fps shooting rate, and a much more advanced autofocus system to go with it. And for the edge cases—photographers who just want as much zoom power as possible—there are a pair of models from Nikon that utilize the smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor format, but reach 2,000mm and 3,000mm. The P900 and P1000 are both niche options, but you may find yourself right in that niche. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III Review MSRP: $1499.99 at Pros: 1-inch image sensor. 25x wide-aperture zoom lens. Quick autofocus. 14fps burst shooting. Raw image capture. Dust and splash resistant body. EVF and tilting rear LCD. Monochrome information LCD. Wi-Fi with NFC. 4K video capture. High-def slow motion.Cons: Very expensive. Omits internal neutral density filter. Lens hood blocks flash at wide angles.Bottom Line: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III marries an incredible 25x zoom lens to a large image sensor and delivers excellent images, 4K video, and fast autofocus. But it carries a premium price tag.Read Review Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Review MSRP: $549.99 at Pros: 65x zoom lens. Vari-angle LCD. Excellent EVF. 10fps bursts. Raw image capture. 4K video with mic input. Wi-Fi. Strong ergonomics. Cons: Not great in dim light. Omits accessory shoe and 24fps video. 4K not available in all modes. Not a good choice for fast action.Bottom Line: The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS captures views ranging from ultra-wide to extreme telephoto. It's a solid camera for wildlife observers, families, and shutterbugs in search of a lightweight bridge model.Read Review Pros: Superior image quality at higher ISOs. Very fast autofocus. 11.8fps burst shooting. 1-inch image sensor. 16x zoom range. 4K video capability. Vari-angle LCD. Sharp EVF. Integrated Wi-Fi with NFC.Cons: Bulky. Lacks built-in ND filter. Not weather sealed. Physical controls could be better. 4K video is cropped and requires manual exposure control. Bottom Line: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is a formidable still and video camera thanks to a big 1-inch sensor and 4K recording capability.Read Review Pros: Huge 60x zoom range. Fast autofocus. 10fps Raw capture. 30fps 4K Photo capture. Touch LCD. Sharp EVF. Wi-Fi.Cons: No EVF eye sensor. Fixed rear LCD. Limited Raw buffer. Omits 24fps video capture. Telephoto video shows wobble effect.Bottom Line: Panasonic's Lumix DC-FZ80 camera gives you a ton of zoom for not much money, and includes support for Raw images and 4K video.Read Review Pros: 24x zoom lens with f/2.8 aperture. All-weather build. Excellent EVF. Vari-angle touch-screen display. Very fast autofocus. 12.4fps burst shooting. Strong high ISO images for its class. Raw image capture. 4K video.Cons: Expensive. Large-sensor superzooms offer better image quality. Zoom range isn't as ambitious as others.Bottom Line: The excellent Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 superzoom offers a long focal range with a fixed-aperture lens, 4K video, and instant autofocus.Read Review Pros: Sharp f/2.8 zoom lens. 1-inch image sensor. Very fast autofocus. 12.5fps burst shooting. Tilting rear display. Excellent EVF. Solid control layout. Wi-Fi and NFC. High-def slow-motion mode. 4K recording.Cons: Autofocus inconsistent in HFR mode. Shorter zoom range than others in this class. External battery charger not included. Pricey.Bottom Line: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II premium superzoom offers serious video upgrades, but it's priced a bit higher than it should be.Read Review Pros: 25x zoom lens. Large 1-inch sensor. Phase detect autofocus. 24fps Raw capture with tracking. Dust- and splash-resistant design. Touch LCD and EVF. Top info LCD. Wi-Fi. 4K video and 1080p slow-motion.Cons: Very expensive. No in-lens neutral density filter. Hood blocks flash at wide angles. Can't start a video when still buffer is in use.Bottom Line: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV camera delivers an incredible zoom range and uses a stacked sensor design and phase detection focus for 24fps image capture.Read Review Pros: Long zoom range. 1-inch image sensor. Tilting touch-screen display. Framing assist function. Hot shoe supports add-on EVF and Canon Speedlites. Mic and headphone connections. Built-in ND filter. Sealed against dust and moisture. Wi-Fi.Cons: Focus on the sluggish side. Slow burst rate when shooting Raw. Takes a while to turn on. EVF is a pricey accessory.Bottom Line: The Canon PowerShot G3 X couples excellent image quality with a long zoom range, but it really needs a built-in EVF.Read Review Pros: 83x zoom lens. Excellent image stabilization system. Full manual controls. Eye-level EVF. Vari-angle LCD. Quick autofocus. In-camera GPS and Wi-Fi. 1080p60 video capture.Cons: Detail suffers at moderate ISOs. No Raw support. Long recovery times after burst shooting. Large and heavy. No hot shoe. External charger not included.Bottom Line: The Nikon Coolpix P900 boasts the longest zoom range of any camera on the market, but a lack of detail at higher ISOs holds it back.Read Review Pros: Incredible 125x (24-3,000mm) zoom range. 7fps burst. Vari-angle LCD. EVF. Raw support. 4K video. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.Cons: Image quality suffers at maximum zoom. Unresponsive after bursts. No weather protection. Pricey. Bulky. Screen omits touch support.Bottom Line: The Nikon Coolpix P1000 has the longest zoom of any fixed lens camera yet, but it takes a good deal of skill to master.Read Review

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