Compact and bridge cameras

Shop compact and bridge cameras

Compact camera tech jargon explained

Manual camera controls

Manual controls give you more freedom to play around and get the results you want. Experiment with depth of field or shutter speed – and so much more!

Sensor types

Possibly the most important spec in a camera – don’t overlook the sensor! Bigger is better, as it can capture more light (and therefore more detail).

Digital zoom

Most cameras offer a digital zoom, which crops the image in-camera. It doesn’t quite offer the same results as optical zoom but can be handy.

Optical zoom

Zoom in on subjects, like wildlife, without any loss in quality – some superzoom cameras even let you take photos of the moon!

What's the best compact or bridge camera for me?

For a pocket-sized camera, look no further than a compact camera. They’re ideal for taking with you on holidays and day trips or vlogging. Auto controls take the guesswork out of which settings to choose, so you’ll get great results every time. For something with extra zoom power, a viewfinder, and controls, a bridge camera is a great alternative.

Superzoom and tough cameras

Whether it’s a free kick at your kid’s Sunday league game or bird watching at your local nature reserve, a compact superzoom camera will let you take high quality photos and videos of your subject. They’re also usually small and lightweight enough to tuck into your bag or pocket.

For tiny hands or beach trips, a tough compact camera or waterproof compact camera means once less thing to worry about. They’re designed to withstand drops, dust, and water – you might even be able to snap some underwater photos.

High performance cameras

A high-performance compact camera offers extra control over your photos without the bulk of a heavy camera. You’ll be taking photos through a premium lens for sharp shots, more shooting options such as manual controls, and they also benefit from having a larger sensor for great quality photographs.

Or what about an instant camera?

Instant cameras come with shots already included, so you can get snapping straight away with no waiting about. And instant print cameras produce prints just seconds after you capture them.

Fun, bright and colourful Instax instant cameras are easy to point and shoot, even one-handed. That means you can still get those perfect party shots when you’re holding a slice of birthday cake.

Check out our camera buying guide to learn more about the different types of cameras and technology.