Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR

Pros: -image quality
-manual focusing option
-full manual controls
-hotshoe mount
-raw + jpeg mode

Cons: -lack of a panarama shooting mode
-video experience seems dated

Summary: I say this is the best bridge camera out there because it has the complete package of zoom, quality, and flexibility that is affordable. I chose this over a d-slr because it avoids the expense, dust, noise, and baggage (literally). Plus the superior speed of LCD shooting in a point-and-shoot is a must for me. I was researching others cams and deemed it more convenient than a Canon Rebel XS (noise, lenses) and better picture quality than a typical bridge such as the Panasonic FZ-35.

If they added panarama and hd video, I would rate this a five-star.