Bridge cameras are a versatile and affordable alternative to DSLRs, offering the same kind of manual controls (as well as a host of easy-to-use auto modes) plus a huge zoom lens that covers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto photography. This makes them a great all-on-one solution, especially if you want to travel relatively light, as you'll have one camera that's great for shooting expansive landscapes as well as tightly framed subjects like wildlife. There are two important differences to be aware of, though. The first is that bridge cameras have much smaller sensors than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, so most can't match those models for picture quality. If that's your key concern, stick with one of these. The second is that the lens is non-removable, so although it can handle a wide range of subjects you can't swap to a macro lens for close-ups, for example, or a super-wide-angle lens, or a fast prime lens for low-light photography. Ultra zoom point-and-shoot cameras are an attractive option for everyone from casual shooters to serious enthusiasts because they provide unmatched versatility and value, typically in compact, portable packages. The most sophisticated all-in-one ultra zoom cameras – sometimes referred to as bridge cameras – have full feature sets including Wi-Fi, NFC, and/or Bluetooth connectivity, UHD 4K or Full HD 1080p video capability, advanced multi-zone AF and AE systems, large, hi-res LCDs, built-in multi-axis image stabilization systems, tilting touchscreens, hi-res electronic viewfinders (EVFs), and sophisticated options for seamless connectivity. Most are responsive, easy to use, and deliver impressive image quality, even at relatively high ISOs. Many of the latest all-in-one ultra zoom cameras provide extremely long zoom ratios—up to an astonishing 83x—and rapid burst rates of 5-10 frames per second (fps), and beyond. Others with 10-25x-range zoom lenses have large sensors that deliver DSLR-level image quality. Indeed, many of the all-in-one zoom cameras on our list of seven favorites can give DSLRs and mirrorless models a real run for the money. Some look and feel like compact DSLRs while others are slim and svelte enough to slide into a pocket or pocketbook. All five ultra zoom cameras we picked below as our favorites deliver a fulfilling shooting experience along with impressive real-world imaging performance. Or in other words, they’re the best compact cameras with built-in superzooming lenses for getting close-in shots from far away. Watch this video to discover
