Bridge Cameras Test

Reviews on Bridge Cameras

"Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9"

Published on: 3/2008

On test: Sony CyberShot DSC-H9

Super-zoom cameras are a well established and popular sector of the digital camera market. They mark a boundary between pocket compact snapshot cameras and entry level digital SLRs, and offer a compromise between the convenience of the former and the capabilities of the latter. Most of the major manufacturers have products in this category, including of course Sony, which has a range of five super-zoom cameras in its H-series models. Today I'm taking a look at the Cyber-shot DSC-H9, an 8.1-megapixel camera with a 15x zoom lens, equivalent to 31-465mm. Until the announcement last week of the DSC-H50, the H9 was Sony's top-of-the-range super-zoom model.

"Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS"

Issue: 12/2007

On test: Kodak Easyshare Z712 IS

Ultra-zoom cameras usually cost a lot more than Kodak's Z712 IS. Even more surprising is that its 12x zoom lens comes with optical image stabilisation to reduce blur from camera shake. This is a particularly useful feature in ultra-zoom cameras, as big zooms magnify shaky hand movements as well as the image.

"Super Snappers"

Issue: 12/2007

On test: Canon Digital ixus 950 IS, Casio Exilim EX-Z1200, Fuji FinePix F40fd, Nikon CoolPix P5000

While £100 is enough to buy a dependable camera, you only need to spend a little more to get something that's really worth getting excited about. In this Labs round-up, we review a selection of cameras that have gorgeous ultra-compact designs, lightening-fast performance, enormous screens, huge zooms, optical image stabilisation, face detection and fantastic image quality. Picking your ideal snapping companion can be tricky, but we will tell you exactly which cameras are worth buying and why.

"Panasonic FZ18"

Issue: 11/2007

On test: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18

Of late, it's been Panasonic's efforts within the photographic market that have proved some of the most interesting. Its partnership with Leica together with a flurry of successful models have posed serious competition to the more established manufacturers. The Lumix FZ18 is the latest weapon of choice from the company, sporting an 18x optical zoom (28-504mm equiv.), full manual control and a feature list to drool over.