Bridge cameras are like a full package anyone will need for beautifully capturing moments. Even though most people will prefer to possess a DSLR instead, but they are highly priced. Aside from that, most bridge cameras will still give some of these DSLR cameras a run for their money.
If you are considering getting one from the wide variety of choices available in the market today, hang on and read through our review. We have compiled the best bridge cameras under $200 that are compact and perfect for taking high-quality pictures.
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Praktica Luxmedia Z35
The Praktica Luxmedia Z35 is a great choice for users that will be taking pictures of their subjects from afar. It allows taking a good quality capture from a far distance, thanks to its 35x optical zoom.
At its very affordable price, the camera yet shoots videos at a high definition standard of 1080p which is rare with a camera of its price range.
Features
- Sensor: 16MP
- Optical Zoom: 35x
- Still Resolution: 16.3MP
- Display Size: 3’
- Video Recording: 1080p
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Compact size
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to control
- High video resolution
Cons
- Battery life can be better
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Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR
The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR is great for anybody considering using a bridge camera for any purpose. It is easy to operate even for beginners and can be used to take both near and far objects.
It is also capable of recording full HD video with good audio and comes with a secure digital card.
Features
- Sensor: 16MP
- Optical Zoom: 30x
- Still Resolution: 16MP
- Display Size: 3’
- Video Recording: 1080p
Pros
- Good feature for money
- Easy to operate
- 1080p video recording
- Able to shoot RAW format
- Great for beginners/amateur
Cons
- Difficulty in converting Fuji RAW to JPEG format
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Sony DSCH300
The Sony DSCH300 by Sony company is a classy bridge camera that will give some DSLR cameras a run for their money. It produces pictures of high quality from different ranges.
Its optical SteadyShot image stabilization features allow you to capture a clear image even without the use of a tripod.
Features
- Sensor: 20MP
- Optical Zoom: 35x
- Still Resolution: 20.1MP
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- High-quality image
- Memory stick
- Tripod socket
- Great in low light
Cons
- Battery can be improved
- May need to change battery to rechargeable
- Loading time may be slow
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Canon SX530 HS
This camera should not be on the list considering its above $200 price which defers the topic. But we had to include it because it is one of the most affordable bridge cameras with outstanding features that are as competent as highly priced DSLR cameras.
It also has WiFi connectivity that makes it easier to remotely connect your gadgets and also faster upload.
Features
- Sensor: 16MP
- Optical Zoom: 50x
- Still Resolution: 16MP
- WiFi Connectivity
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- High-quality photo
- Wide range shooting
- Easy to operate
- Compact size
Cons
- Quite expensive
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Kodak AZ252 Astro Zoom
The Kodak AZ252 Astro Zoom is another affordable bridge camera suitable for most people’s budget. It comes with good features worth the value of the purchase price. Although, its optical zoom of 25x is lesser compared to most bridge cameras on our review list.
This does in no way deter it from delivering a good image. Plus, it is easy to operate for photographers of all levels ― beginners included.
Features
- Sensor: 16MP
- Optical Zoom: 25x
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Still Resolution: 16MP
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Optical image stabilization
- Easy to operate
- Affordable
Cons
- Low video recording resolution (750p)
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Nikon Coolpix P520
The Nikon Coolpix P520 comes with one of the most powerful zoom lenses budget priced bridge camera possesses. The video recording image quality is also of high quality (1080p) with a built-in GPS.
These features come in handy for wildlife photographers or vloggers that may need to capture animals from a long distance.
Features
- Sensor: 18MP
- Optical Zoom: 42x
- Video Recording: 1080p
- Still Resolution: 18MP
- Display Size: 3.2’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- High-quality pictures
- Wide display size
- Compatible with iOS and Android smartphones
- Has viewfinder
- Light weighted
Cons
- Does not come with external SD
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Kodak AZ422 Astro Zoom
The Kodak AZ422 Astro Zoom is an improvement of the Kodak AZ252 Astro Zoom. It has a better optical zoom lens and also comes with an optical image stabilization technology feature.
The notable feature that can make most landscape photographers fall in love with this bridge camera is its panoramic capture mode. It makes any photographer gets a wide shot that may be impossible with most cameras.
Features
- Sensor: 20MP
- Optical Zoom: 42x
- Still Resolution: 20MP
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Panoramic capture mode
- High sensor
- High-quality image
- Comes with SD card
- Easy to operate
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Poor battery
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Canon PowerShot SX530
The Canon Powershot SX530 is another feature packed affordable bridge camera with a great sensor (20MP) and an optical zoom lens (45x). This a great option for professionals that need a compact camera to move around with; likewise, amateurs/beginners handling the camera for the first time.
For convenience, the manufacturer made it WiFi enabled to ease the transfer of photos and video files.
Features
- Sensor: 20MP
- Optical Zoom: 45x
- Still Resolution: 20MP
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- High-quality picture
- Great zoom lens
- WiFi connectivity available
- Great value for its price
Cons
- Low video recording resolution (720p)
- Need to remove the battery to charge
- Quite expensive
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Pentax XG-1
XG-1, as usual, has lived up to expectation in the fantastic design of this bridge camera. The feature that separates the Pentax XG-1 from most bridge cameras is its superb powerful zoom lens of 52x. It is sure to offer you a great capture at a far distance than most cameras we have reviewed so far and yet, it still performs wonderfully in snapping pictures that are very close.
The video recording resolution is also of high quality ― full HD (1080p).
Features
- Sensor: 16MP
- Optical Zoom: 52x
- Still Resolution: 16MP
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Comes with SD card
- High-quality picture
- Superb optical zoom lens
- Image stabilization technology
- Easy to use
- Full HD
Cons
- Flash may keep popping up
- Quite expensive
- Quite heavy
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Olympus SP-820UZ
The Olympus SP-820UZ is designed with separate features for beginners and professionals. Beginners can start operating it by using the automatic mode while professionals can manipulate the features to suit their preference via the manual settings.
Another outstanding feature it possesses is the 40x zoom lens and full HD video recording with magic effects.
Features
- Sensor: 14MP
- Optical Zoom: 40x
- Still Resolution: 14MP
- Display Size: 3’
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Compact size
- Easy to operate
- High-quality pictures
- Great zoom lens
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Supports the only JPEG still shooting