Best Bridge Camera 2013

Bridge cameras are a great alternative to expensive digital slr cameras. They also provide the user with many more options than the standard point and shoot camera. These two aspects make a bridge camera a great choice for many people. There are things that do need to be considered when choosing the right camera for you. If you want more than what the standard compact digital camera can offer and don't want the hassle of a dslr then I would say the bridge camera should fill your needs. Things to consider are higher picture quality than an entry level camera, but friendly user features than a high end camera.

Point and shoot cameras provide limited features with little adjustment. Therefore most bridge cameras produce a more quality picture and better video. Bridge cameras are better than dslr's when a person only wants to use an auto mode or doesn't know how to adjust exposures, etc. Most experts agree that if you are only going to use auto, then a digital slr camera is not for you. Those cameras are more for enthusiast to professionals who like to tweak settings for the perfect shot.

If you feel like you are ready for an upgrade from a compact and not ready for the dslr, then below are some of the best bridge cameras of 2013.

The Canon SX40 HS is classified as a point and shoot camera, but fits into the bridge category nicely. This digital camera features 12.1 megapixels and an amazing 35X zoom. The camera also features a variable angle lcd screen that fiips out and is viewable in front of the camera. If you like to shoot video, this camera is capable of full HD video at just under 24 fps. Noise reduction, built in stabilization, and easy connection to your TV are just some of the great features of this camera. This is a great choice for the price point. On Amazon, the camera is listed as the second most wished for camera and has a great review rating.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 is another highly wished for camera on Amazon. The camera features include 16.1 megapixels, along with a 42x zoom. The camera features great burst shooting with almost 5 per second. Full 1080p HD video is standard on this camera as well. Other great features that help round out this camera is 20 pre programmed scene modes and a panorama feature. With an average rating of 5 stars, you can't go wrong with this bridge camera.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150K is another great megazoom or bridge camera. This camera features 12.1 megapixels and a 24x zoom. While the zoom is a little lower than some of the other cameras in this article, this camera has something the others don't. This digital bridge camera has a 3D photo mode that is viewable on your 3D television. The features don't stop there with motion deblur, full HD video, and optional external flash helping round out this great camera.

Next up is The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX100V that features a lot of nice features wrapped up in a great value. Once again this is a highly rated camera on Amazon with very few complaints. The bridge camera features 16.1 megapixels and 30x zoom capabilities. The camera features a 3 inch LCD screen to view the full 1080p HD video. Like some of the other cameras, this one features a 3D mode and a Panorama mode. If you can't make up your mind on settings this camera has you covered. 33 still scene modes and 44 video modes makes finding the right settings easy for you.

This Panasonic my not have all the features of some of the other cameras but it has been called the best in it's price range. The Lumix DMC-FZ47K is equipped with a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor and 24x zoom. Full HD video is also standard along with still 3D photo capability. As I said, not as many features in this one, but at a price under $300 it is one to be considered for those on a budget.

Currently these are some of the best bridge cameras of 2013. If you don't see your favorite on the list be sure to drop a comment below and I will investigate it. For those of you looking to upgrade from the entry level camera you got at the big box store, you should notice a difference with any of the cameras listed. No matter which is your choice, these cameras will make you enjoy the hobby of photography even more.