They are a hybrid between a point-and-shoot camera and a full DSLR, hence the name: Bridge cameras. They are often comparable in size and weight to the smallest digital SLRs (DSLR), but lack interchangeable lenses, and almost all digital bridge cameras lack an optical viewfinder system. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Once upon a time, manufacturers could only make those enormous zoom ranges work in bodies if they had a small 1/2.3-inch sensor, the kind you'd find in a point-and-shoot camera or a smartphone. Bridge cameras have the functionality of a DSLR but aren’t really built for perfection. Bridge cameras also tend to have long zoom lenses with up to 60x optical zoom. A bridge camera with viewfinder, which is cheaper, is the best alternative to a DSLR camera. The phrase "bridge camera" has been in use at least since the 1980s, and continues to be used with digital cameras. Use this page to test your camera (video) and microphone (audio) set-up for RealBridge. Like other cameras, most current bridge cameras are digital. £339.00. It’s not always practical to take lots of photographic equipment and a bulky DSLR camera when you’re out and about, but if you want to capture some incredible scenery or wildlife photos, compact cameras simply won’t do the job. Sony's DSC-R1 issued as early as 2005 has a 10Mp APS-sized sensor combined with a Zeiss zoom lens. The simple definition of a bridge camera is this: big lens, big body, small (ish) sensor. [1][2] They are often comparable in size and weight to the smallest digital SLRs (DSLR), but lack interchangeable lenses,[3][failed verification] and almost all digital bridge cameras lack an optical viewfinder system. Bridge cameras are smaller and more lightweight. Details. A DSLR's sensor (when not in live view mode) only operates when the shutter is open, and the electronic screen is typically off more, causing less battery drain. As well as offering a best of both worlds approach in terms of features and versatility, a distinct advantage of the typical bridge camera is a vastly expanded focal range. What is a bridge camera? It's perhaps no surprise then that the all-encompassing versatility of today's bridge camera sees it marketed at families, who might have otherwise been considering an entry-level DSLR, as well as enthusiasts and bird and animal watchers, who will appreciate that extra lens reach without spending a fortune. Collect at Store; 20.4 megapixel bridge camera with a massive Carl Zeiss 50x zoom Lens plus Optical SteadyShot image stabilization . Visit our corporate site. [10] For this reason, bridge cameras typically fall into the category of superzoom cameras. The lens that is built in to a bridge camera is meant to be versatile, and ideal for all kinds of situations. If you love traveling around, the affordable and versatile bridge cameras are the best bet.It has a similar handling style as the DSLRs. In late 2012, Techradar wrote that while the general compact camera market was on a downturn, the DSLR-like bridge camera market was continuing well. Bridge cameras are styled like SLRs, but feature fixed, long zoom lenses. Our bridge camera reviews not only cover image and video quality, but also what the bridge camera is like to use. The sensor is the same size as a typical compact camera’s sensor, so … In this list, you’ll find my selection of the best bridge cameras wildlife photography. It typically features some, but not all, of the manual settings and even physical controls that one would expect to find on an entry-level DSLR, including occasional command dials and chunky shooting mode wheels. What is a Bridge Camera? The bridge has conquered a good segment of the photography market. Bridge cameras are available at a range of prices, are easy to use, and offer a step up in shooting capabilities compared to smartphone cameras and most compact cameras. Whether you’re a budding camera enthusiast or a professional photographer on a budget, learning how to use a bridge camera can help strike a good balance between price, function and usability. Just as in compact cameras, there is a trend towards larger sensors in bridge cameras, as well. They are named bridge cameras because they bridge the gap between point and shoot cameras and DSLRs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC HX400V Digital Camera. For newbies, bridge cameras are awesome tools to learn photography. Fuji's manual lens operation arguably enables more precise movement and framing. For example, to match the focal range provided by the likes of Canon's PowerShot SX40 HS, which offers up to 840mm in 35mm terms, DSLR owners would be looking at spending around £10-£11k on a specialist lens. 11 Apr 2017. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Stuck choosing between a DSLR and a compact camera? Nearly every traditional camera manufacturer and electronics giant has a bridge model in its current range. They produce high quality shots and have more features than a point and shoot camera. In the case of Fujifilm, to take one example, until the launch of its 'X' series of high-end compacts (Fuji X10, Fuji X100), this was the closest the manufacturer got to a more professional camera. NY 10036. You don’t need to worry about changing lenses like you do with a mirrorless or DSLR camera. New York, A good article on Bridge cameras can be found here. Given the lens power shoehorned onto its compact DSLR-like frame, the bridge camera is also imaginatively known in some circles as a superzoom, mega zoom or power zoom. 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