10 Best Bridge Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a solid choice for a bridge camera, especially if you want a compact device with a very powerful zoom. Its 40x optical zoom lets you capture distant subjects clearly, which is a big plus for travel or wildlife shooting. The 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and 20.3-megapixel resolution produce good image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions, though it may struggle a bit in low light compared to larger sensors. The aperture maxes out at f/3.5, which is typical for this type of camera but limits background blur and low-light performance.

It features optical image stabilization, which helps reduce blur from hand shakiness—important when using such a long zoom. The 3-inch LCD screen is bright and detailed, but the camera lacks a traditional electronic or optical viewfinder, relying solely on the fixed LCD, which might be tricky in very bright outdoor conditions. For manual controls, it offers a range of shooting modes including full manual, so you have flexibility depending on your skill level. Video capabilities are decent with 1080p Full HD recording at 60 frames per second, ideal for casual videos. Battery life is average for a camera of this size, suitable for a day’s use but carrying spare batteries is a good idea if you plan heavy shooting.

Additional features like built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos easy, a nice convenience. However, the camera is not water-resistant and has limited low-light performance, so it’s best suited for everyday photography, travel, and zoom-heavy situations rather than professional low-light or rugged use. It is a user-friendly bridge camera with excellent zoom and solid image quality for its class.

The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is an impressive bridge camera that offers an extensive 125x optical zoom range, allowing users to capture subjects from a wide-angle to ultra-telephoto distances (24-3000mm). This makes it particularly suitable for wildlife and bird-watching enthusiasts. Its Dual Detect Optical VR image stabilization helps to maintain clarity and reduce blurring, even at full zoom, although the small 1/2.3-inch sensor may limit image quality in low light conditions.

This camera captures 16 MP images and supports RAW format, providing flexibility in post-processing. The 4K Ultra HD video capability is a plus for users interested in high-quality video recording, and the articulating LCD screen enhances usability when shooting from difficult angles. Despite having manual controls, the small sensor size and the aperture range of F2.8-F8.0 could limit performance in dim environments compared to cameras with larger sensors. The built-in viewfinder with 100% coverage ensures precise framing, which is important for precise composition. However, the camera's relatively heavy weight of 3.1 pounds might be a concern for portability during travel.

The camera's connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable easy sharing and remote control, which is a considerable advantage for tech-savvy users. The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is a well-rounded camera with superior zoom capabilities and useful features for wildlife photography. However, its performance in low light and the heftiness might be areas for potential buyers to consider based on their specific needs.

The Nikon COOLPIX P950 stands out in the bridge camera category, especially for photographers looking for versatility without the bulk of a DSLR. One of its biggest strengths is the impressive 83X optical zoom, allowing users to capture subjects from a distance, making it ideal for wildlife and sports photography.

The camera also supports 4K UHD video, which is a great feature for those wanting to create high-quality videos. With a resolution of 16 megapixels, the image quality is generally good for everyday photography, especially in favorable lighting conditions.

Its built-in modes, like the Bird and Moon settings, simplify capturing challenging subjects, which is beneficial for beginners.