Replacing DSLR - with a bridge?

[CathJ]

I had some issues with my Nikon D3100 a few months ago, and (I admit) made it worse by poking and prodding. Now, I suspect, the mirror is out of alignment. I've taken it to Orms for a quote, but I suspect it may be too pricey to fix.

So working on the assumption that I'll have to replace it, my options:
*replace with the same body
*replace with a new body
*replace it entirely and get a bridge camera

I'm actually leaning towards the last option; I really don't use any of the features of a dslr, although I really don't want to go back to a p&s.

Mostly I use the camera for p&s type things; family events, and travel. Everything from sunsets and mountains, down to macro photography of insects and flowers. What is important to me in a camera (apart from high quality sharp photos, of course) is a wide range of zooming, fast photos (i.e. if I'm travelling and taking pictures out a bus window, I don't want the thing I'm taking a photo of be out the scene between the time I press the button and the time the image is stored).

So what do you think of switching to a bridge camera, and are there any you'd recommend? I do favour Nikon, but I am willing to be open to other makes The Nikon L820 looks appealing, and the P520 might be perfect.

 

[mktben]

I have Canon 500D + all the extras.. 70-300 ultrasonic lens etc... Threw into the cupboard, bought a Canon SX 50 HS.. Never looked back.. The best ever 1200mm lens.. Hehehe.. The only negative remark is, it's very light in weight.. No support of weight for steady shots.. I LOVE MY CAMERA!

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

I have Canon 500D + all the extras.. 70-300 ultrasonic lens etc... Threw into the cupboard, bought a Canon SX 50 HS.. Never looked back.. The best ever 1200mm lens.. Hehehe.. The only negative remark is, it's very light in weight.. No support of weight for steady shots.. I LOVE MY CAMERA!

I'm actually considering that very camera myself. I love my 550D, but when I need the correct zoom in a hurry, I always end up having to faff about with swapping lenses. By the time I'm done, it's usually too late.

Will still use the DSLR though, when I intentionally go out looking for shoots. But will use the bridge as an everyday and holiday camera...

 

[garyc]

The reason why you do not want to go back to a P&S would be relevant. Most bridge cameras have the same internals as a P&S, just with more versatile lenses.

 

[bwana]

I bought an EOS-M kit recently - camera, 22mm f/2, and a tiny little flash - and I've been really enjoying it.

 

[Drihan]

Cath, something else to consider is a mirrorless camera. They provide the same quality as DSLRs and enable you to swop lenses. The Nikon P520 is not bad for an everyday/holiday camera. Someone at my work got that Nikon recently, it's got a HUGE zoom range!