what is a bridge camera

A bridge camera is a type of digital camera that fills the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and interchangeable-lens cameras such as mirrorless cameras and single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs) . They are also known as superzoom cameras, and they look and feel similar to DSLRs but have fixed, long zoom lenses. Bridge cameras typically have small image sensors, allowing their lenses to be smaller than a 35mm or APS-C SLR lens covering the same zoom range. As a result, they offer very large zoom ranges, from wide-angle to telephoto. Bridge cameras are mirrorless, meaning they do not have a lens mount, and their lens assembly is able to extend into the body almost all the way to the sensor, making more efficient use of the space. Most current bridge cameras feature full manual controls over shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, color balance, and metering, and their feature sets are similar to consumer DSLRs, except for a smaller range of ISO sensitivity because of their typically smaller image sensor. Bridge cameras are a good option for photographers who want a zoom range that would otherwise require multiple lenses, but are not ready to invest in interchangeable lenses. They are also a great option for those wanting to experience more advanced aspects of photography without diving in at the deep end of the DSLR pool.