Let’s just get down to it. One of the questions I am asked the most is “what is the difference between a “bridge” and a “professional “camera?” I know it can be very confusing when you are trying to get the most out of your camera investment. Especially nowadays when there are so many different choices.
It was just a few years back that the choices were instant cameras, point and shoots and professional cameras. Now the lines seem blurred from all of the additional camera versions on the market. Some of them seem so similar it can be confusing on where to start. I have written other blogs regarding some of the other choices. But, I wanted to take a minute and compare two of the most confusing camera styles. A “bridge” camera and a “pro-sumer” camera seem similar but are actually very different when compared side-by-side.
First and foremost, a bridge camera is the perfect size and power to help you “bridge” between a point & shoot pocket camera and a DSLR camera. It usually has a better lens and higher resolution but still it is focused on ease of use with some ability to grow with you as you develop your skills. A DSLR is made to grow and expand with different lenses. They have a big resolution and offer the most flexibility in expanding with you as you grow.
Now where it can get confusing is the different levels of DSLR cameras. Now there are Amateur, Pro-sumer Professional and High End Professional DSLR cameras. The “pro-sumer” fills the gap between the amateur DSLR and the professional DSLR. The best thing about investing in any DSLR camera is generally once you do, all the lenses you buy will be interchangeable and useable on any camera DSLR upgrade. This means that once you start to build your lens inventory and decide to buy a bigger camera your lenses will still work!
I know it can seem very confusing but if you think of it this way, a “bridge” camera has more automated features built in with a “point and shoot” mentality. A DSLR has more manual controls but still offers auto features while offering the ability to expand your lenses. You need to evaluate your needs. If you want to take better pictures without dealing with carrying extra lenses then a bridge is for you. If you want to learn, grow and expand your photographic skills then consider a DSLR. It is the investment for the future.
