{"id":144973,"date":"2022-08-24T16:25:58","date_gmt":"2022-08-24T15:25:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/?p=144973"},"modified":"2022-08-24T16:16:39","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T15:16:39","slug":"what-are-the-best-bridge-cameras","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/buying-advice\/what-are-the-best-bridge-cameras\/","title":{"rendered":"The best ultra zoom camera in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for the best ultra zoom camera for zoom, then the bridge or superzoom camera is where you want to be looking.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ultra-zoom cameras, are also known as bridge cameras<\/strong>, superzooms<\/strong>, and offer some of the highest optical zoom<\/strong> and longest optical zoom available on any camera, with some models offering up to 125x optical zoom, far more zoom than offered by compact cameras and smartphones<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The ultra-zoom camera has been around for many years, but the lastest models offer an impressive zoom range, going from wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle, to 400mm (or more) equivalent at the telephoto end. With some models, you can even get a 2000mm or 3000mm equivalent zoom! You’ll struggle to match this amount of zoom with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, making the ultra zoom camera a unique option.<\/p>\n

This makes them useful for capturing a multitude of scenes, whether you’re capturing wide-angle landscapes<\/a>, or want to zoom in for a portrait<\/a>, or more often than not, zoom into some distant wildlife<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

How to choose the best ultra-zoom camera<\/h2>\n

One way these cameras pack so much optical zoom in, is by using a smaller sensor than your typical DSLR or mirrorless camera. This can mean low-light performance isn’t the best, but if this is of concern, then look out for a zoom camera with a larger 1inch sensor, as these often offer better image quality (albeit without as much telephoto zoom).<\/p>\n

Things to look for in an ultra-zoom camera:<\/h3>\n

Sensor – size and resolution<\/strong>, a smaller sensor means that the camera can often offer more zoom, but low-light performance may suffer. Most models offer between 16 and 20MP. A 1\/2.3inch sensor is smaller than a 1inch-type sensor.<\/p>\n

Optical zoom – How much optical zoom does the camera offer?<\/strong> Don’t just look at the telephoto reach on offer, which is obviously important, but also consider where the wide-angle starts, most start at 24mm equivalent, but some go even wider, which will help for vast landscape images.<\/p>\n

Image stabilisation<\/strong> – When using a lot of optical zoom, image stabilisation becomes all-important. If you want a sharp shot, with a lot of zoom then a good image stabilisation system will definitely help here. Nikon’s image stabilisation system is known as VR, standing for Vibration Reduction.<\/p>\n

Screen and viewfinder<\/strong> – As well as a large touch-screen, many cameras offer a screen that can be tilted up and down, with some letting you turn them to face forwards, which is great for selfies or group shots. If you prefer “DSLR” styling, then look for a model with an electronic viewfinder, as this can help get steadier shots, and help you compose shots when shooting in bright light.<\/p>\n

Video recording<\/strong> – The majority of these cameras will record 4K video, but some only offer FullHD video, so this could be a deciding factor for you. You may also want to check if the screen can be turned to face forwards, particularly if you want something for vlogging.<\/p>\n

After you’ve looked through all of this, you’ll be well informed to make a decision about what zoom camera to buy, and we’ve selected some of the best models available, featuring manual controls, DSLR-like styling, and lots of optical zoom.<\/p>\n

The ultra zoom camera offers a whole lot of versatility in an all-in-one camera, and there should be something here to suit all budgets and shooting needs. For example, if you’re looking for a high-speed camera for shooting fast moving subjects, then look at some of the cameras here with a 1inch sensor, as some offer up to 24fps continuous shooting!<\/p>\n

So without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best cameras for zoom:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Best ultra zoom camera: <\/strong>Nikon Coolpix P950<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

Price: \u00a3849<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\"Best\n

Nikon Coolpix P950 – at a glance<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • 16MP 1\/2.3-in.type, CMOS sensor<\/li>\n
  • 24-2000mm equivalent lens, f\/2.8-6.5<\/li>\n
  • 2.359m-dot electronic viewfinder<\/li>\n
  • ISO range: 100-6400<\/li>\n
  • Screen: 3.2-inch, vari-angle LCD<\/li>\n
  • 4K UHD video recording<\/li>\n
  • Dimensions: 140.2 x 109.6.1 x 149.8mm<\/li>\n
  • Weight: 1,005g (including battery and card)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Launched in January 2020 the P950 is built around a 16MP sensor and boasts an 83x optical zoom<\/strong> magnification. This gives a huge equivalent focal length of 24-2000mm<\/strong> – yes, you did read that correctly – from a lens that features a variable maximum aperture of f\/2.8-6.5. This huge focal length range is obviously the headline features, but there’s a lot more to this camera too…<\/p>\n

    The P950 benefits from Optical Vibration Reduction<\/strong> to help keep shots steady – especially at longer focal lengths and those shooting stills will be pleased to hear you can capture RAWs as well as JPEGs, affording more potential when editing the files in software such as Lightroom.<\/p>\n\"Nikon\n

    Scenes can be lined up using the 3.2-inch LCD<\/strong>, which benefits from a vari-angle design and the P950 is fairly speedy, offering a maximum burst rate of 7fps. What\u2019s more, those wanting to capture film as well as stills will be pleased to hear the P950 records videos in ultra high-quality 4K.<\/p>\n

    What we like:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Huge focal length<\/li>\n
    • Vari-angle LCD<\/li>\n
    • Fast burst rate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n