Most cell phones, even entry-level phones, are now capable of good quality photography and video recording. Therefore, we may wonder if it is interesting to equip ourselves with a camera.
Most compacts, aside from very high-end options, don’t do much more than smartphones. SLRs, of course more efficient, are mainly aimed at professionals and experienced amateurs. Finally, the bridge family and hybrids are affordable and more suitable for casual photographers.
Cost
A more powerful zoom than a compact, the bridge is equipped with a non-removable lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths. It’s an all-in-one camera, as opposed to a mirrorless camera that works with interchangeable lenses. Therefore, it is often cheaper. To get a powerful device, you need to budget at least 350 euros for the bridge, and 550 euros for the hybrid sold with the main lens.
Winner: : bridge
Zoom in
This is one of the main weaknesses of mobile phones when it comes to photography. if zoomed in, you will struggle to maintain good image quality. Smartphones are actually too thin to accommodate long focal length lenses. Bridges that include telephoto lenses as standard do not have this drawback.
Hybrids usually come with a zoom that doesn’t allow for a large zoom factor. However, while remaining compact, they offer the advantage of working with interchangeable lenses thanks to the absence of a mirror in their optical system. Therefore, it is quite possible to equip them with a telephoto lens. They even often accept, via an adapter ring, older telephoto lenses designed for digital SLR or film cameras.
Winner: : draw
Image quality
A device capable of doing almost anything from macro shots to powerful zoom shots, the bridge offers an economical solution and a good compromise for the novice photographer. But its sensor size is often smaller than a hybrid, and the lens is less “bright” than the one that originally equipped devices of this latter category. With a lens that adapts well to the situation (portrait, landscape, macro, motion, etc.), the quality of hybrid shots is better.
Winner: : the hybrid
Versatility
The bridge is a plug-in camera that cannot be zoomed. It doesn’t leave much to the imagination. A hybrid, on the other hand, is flexible. It may have something to do with the wide selection of lenses. For example, fisheye optics at very wide angles or filters can be used. Therefore, it is much more interesting to take creative photos.
Winner: : the hybrid
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.