Bridge cameras, which are also often called superzooms, are enjoying a huge resurgence among photographers. The appeal of decent megapixels, good video specs and a huge focal range all in one camera that won’t require you to pay out on additional lenses is a strong draw.
What’s more, advancements in autofocus, image stabilisation and low light technology has further built the case for adding one of these great cameras to your kitbag, but which model should you open your wallet for? Well, the good news is there’s a number of options to pick from, so we’ve rounded up the best buys to take a closer look at their specifications….
Leica V-Lux (Typ 114)
Go on, admit it, you didn’t know Leica made a superzoom, right? Well, the V-Lux has some impressive specifications, including a vast 25-400mm (35mm equivalent) focal range with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens that offers a fast variable aperture of f/2. 8 to f/4. Leica say the camera’s autofocus system can lock onto subjects in as little as 0. 2 seconds at the longest telephoto setting and 0. 11 seconds in wide-angle mode.
A 1-inch sensor delivers 20-megapixels of resolution and the 49-point AF system also includes Face Detection. The Leica can shoot 4K video at 25p and 8-megapixel JPEGs can be extracted from the footage, which is useful when shooting action scenes. Images can be lined up using the 3-inch vari-angle LCD, though this is not touch-sensitive and images can be transferred quickly to smart devices thanks to the Wi-Fi and NFC technology.
20 megapixels - 25-400mm focal range
Nikon Coolpix P1000:
Seen by many as the best superzoom camera currently on the market, the P1000 is an absolute beast and its headline feature is that epic 125x optical zoom, that delivers a mind-blowing 24-3000mm focal range, with the max aperture changing from f/2. 8 to f/8 throughout that massive range. This huge focal ranges covers photographers for everything from landscapes, to portraits, to wildlife right through to astrophotography - close-ups of the moon anyone?
Images can be captured in RAW format and lined up using the large, 3. 2-inch vari-angle LCD. What’s more, an eye sensor automatically switches from monitor shooting to LCD shooting as soon as the user raises the camera to their face. With such long focal lengths, you’ll be pleased to hear the P1000 offers Nikon’s VR image stabilisation technology to keep things steady.
Along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the P1000 also includes GPS and a 4K video mode that can capture footage at 30p. The P1000 has a hotshoe mount to use Nikon-compatible flashguns and radio triggers and the camera can fire off 7 frames per second in burst mode.
16 megapixels - 24-3000mm focal range
Panasonic FZ330:
Panasonic's FZ330 (also known as the FZ300 in some areas) offers a truly amazing feature; a constant maximum aperture for f/2. 8 throughout its entire 25-600mm focal range. Wow! Just image how much a 600mm f/2. 8 lens would cost for a DSLR and then you realise what an important feature this is. The FZ330 also offers 12-megapixel from a 1/2. 3-inch sensor and a 5-axis image stabilisation system that works for both stills and Full HD video. The FZ330 is actually capable of recording ultra high-quality 4K footage at 25p and can shoot images in both JPEG and RAW file format.
With a maximum burst rate of 12 frames per second (full resolution), this is a fast camera capable of capturing the action in sports or wildlife situations and the Post Focus mode allows users to select the focus point after the image has been taken. The rugged design boasts weather sealing, a 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD and a deep grip, plus macro photographer will be pleased to hear the FZ330 has a minimum focusing distance of just 1cm, allowing you to capture frame-filling images of small subjects.
12 megapixels - 25-600mm focal range
Sony RX10 IV:
Sony RX10 IV can be seen as a brilliant good all-rounder that boats a huge amount of features for a superzoom bridge camera. A 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor delivers 20-megapixels and offers a native ISO range of 100-12800. Along with the versatile focal range of 24-600mm, the weather-sealed RX0 IV also has some impressive features for videographers.
Capable of shooting 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, the Sony also offers a high speed video mode that shoots 960 frames per second - perfect for creating super slow motion sequences. But there’s more, as the RX10 IV includes ports for headphones and an external mic, Sony’s S-Log feature, plus scenes can be set up using the touch-sensitive 3-inch LCD that tilts to aid composition. The Sony is seriously speedy, offering a 315-point AF system and a burst mode that can shoot 24 frames per second for up to 249 shots at a time - wow! The silent shutter mode will prove useful when capturing wildlife, as will the maximum shutter speed of 1/32000.
20 megapixels - 24-600mm focal range
Canon SX70 HS:
Canon’s newest superzoom boasts a huge 65x zoom that gives the camera a 21-1365mm focal length (f/3. 4-6. 5) – making it a great choice for packing in your suitcase when you travel. Packed with features, the SX70 HS features a deep grip and offers a form factor more similar to a DSLR and that long focal length is backed up by Optical Image Stabilisation technology to keep shots steady.
A 1/2. 3-inch BSI CMOS sensor delivers 20-megapixels of resolution and images can be composed using the 3-inch vari-angle LCD. With RAW file format, Face Detection autofocus and built-in Wi-Fi, the Canon is well specced and that’s before you factor in the 4K video capability and external mic port and the speedy burst rate that enables the SX70 HS to capture 10 frames per second.
20 megapixels - 21-1365mm focal range
. digitalrev.com2018-11-14 03:00
