Those who opt for a bridge do so because of the bigger zoom, or they want a camera that is more portable and easier to use than a reflex. Compared to the latter, bridges have the advantage of having a fixed lens – the sensor won’t get covered in dust – and are powerful for the low price. Those with a 12x zoom are less expensive than the lens alone for a reflex - if you can even find one. For example, you will need two lenses on reflex to cover a focal length of 36 – 432 mm offered by the 12x zooms of Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. On the other hand, you will have trouble finding wide angle lenses on bridges unless you decide to opt for an optional component.

In fact, portability is no longer an essential criterion. We are especially looking for a camera that has many advanced functions that are easily accessible. Ideally, the body should also be quickly stabilized and capable of producing photos with as little noise as possible with true colors. These cameras, which we can say are intended for "advanced users", sometimes have functions that are usually reserved for reflexes such as; zoom and focus ring dials (for better user comfort, precision, and reactivity), a second LCD screen capable of showing image parameters, more precise viewfinders in framing than classic optical ones, etc. 

In the end, we find very versatile products. However, the perfect bridge does not yet exist. The quickest (the Sony R1) offers a relatively short zoom (5x). The one with the least noise (the Sony DSC-H5) is slow to start up and the very attractive Panasonic actually has noise control problems. Each user then has to find the best compromise for his particular needs.