Bridge Cameras

Bridge cameras are cameras that fill the niche between the digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) and the point-and-shoot camera. 

They are often comparable in size and weight to the smallest of digital SLRs (DSLR), crop sensor versions anyway. In addition, DSLRs normally feature interchangeable lenses, while current bridge cameras do not They are prominent in the prosumer market segment. 

These cameras typically feature full (restricted) manual controls over shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, colour balance and metering. Generally, their feature sets are similar to consumer DSLRs, except for a smaller range of ISO sensitivity because of their typically smaller image sensor (a DSLR has a 35mm, APC, or 4/3 size CCD or CMOS sensor). 

Many bridge cameras have long-range zoom lenses which now often start at a super wide-angle focal length of 20 or 22mm equivalent focal length (in 35mm film camera terms), so the term "bridge camera" is often used interchangeably with "mega-zoom", "superzoom", or "ultrazoom". 

With zoom ranges and sales rapidly increasing, every major camera manufacturer has at least one 'super zoom' in their line-up. Sales of bridge cameras with DSLR-shape and Compact System Cameras (CSC) are steady in the overall context of declining camera sales. 

My Nikon Coolpix P600 is a "superzoom" bridge camera and is one of the few cameras that I have purchased new. On bright sunny days, the camera is capable of producing some outstanding images but because of its small sensor, it really struggles in low light conditions.

If you want to know what the "Super Zoom" is all about have a look at my page showing the various lens focal lengths using the Nikon Coolpix P600 Zoom Range.

There are many bridge cameras available now that have insane zoom ratios, the Nikon Coolpix P600 is the last bridge camera I will own, the Coolpix P900, and P1000 all sound wonderful and from the images I have seen on the internet they are very capable cameras, but since getting into the Micro Four Thirds system I find I have regained control of my photography. 

I still have and use my Nikon Coolpix P600 and will probably use it to compliment my Olympus Micro Four Thirds system even though it is no longer carried in my backpack, my Great Grandson loves it.  

Once you have got your hands on a bridge camera with a zoom lens you will be looking for a decent DSLR and compatible lenses, and once you have that DSLR you will find it very hard to go back to the point and shoot or even the bridge camera, once the bug bites, your photographic journey will be never-ending and be forever adding new gear.

A selection of images taken using the Nikon Coolpix P600.

Check out the huge Nikon Coolpix P600 Zoom Range