Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Many bridge cameras have a 1" sensor. Sony's RX10 and RX100 lines use a 1" sensor, and there are others.

With a larger sensor you will see gains in image quality but at the cost of a shorter lens, generally. Still, many of them have a surprising range, such as 24-600mm.

Personally I don't expect a clean image from many of Canon's large sensors, so I wouldn't expect great IQ from a small Canon sensor either. Olympus point & shoot cameras, with their tiny sensors, do surprisingly well, but I don't think Oly offers anything in a 1" sensor.

I am also in the market for a bridge camera. I'm leaning toward the RX10-iv, but it's rather pricy. Also, I prefer the smaller size of the RX100 series, so I'm torn between zoom range and compact size. Either way, I know the image quality is very good, much better than bridge cameras using ~1/2" sensors.

Here are a couple of places you can look for more info. The first is a comprehensive list at DPReview:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras#criterias=SpecsSensorSize&paramSpecsSensorSize=OneInch

And this list is two years old, but it's a good source from a reputable B&H:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/cameras-with-1-inch-imaging-sensors#:~:text=%20Cameras%20with%201-Inch%20Imaging%20Sensors%20%201

Besperus Loc: Oregon

Switch to film. Digitize the film and get remarkable images. Problem being ISO is limited. I use two Olympus “bridge” cameras from time to time. One has a 35 to 180 reach the other 28 to 110. Cheap too! Got each for less than $50.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I am surprised to hear there is enough noise at ISO 100 to be objectionable, even with a 1/2.3" sensor. However, if it is a problem, the best bet is a larger sensor with similar pixel count. Since you are interested in a bridge camera, I suspect (please confirm) that zoom range is important.

There is a compromise to be made of sensor size (and, hence, noise level) vs. zoom range. The next step up is a 1" sensor. There are even Micro 4/3 (MFT) and APS-C non interchangeable lens cameras, but their zoom range is more limited.

I strongly suggest staying with a camera that has a viewfinder in addition to the viewing screen, not all have them. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 II ($748) comes to mind. Its sister model DMC-FZ2500 has a greater zoom range but is slightly above your budget.

A list of 1" bridge cameras is :https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Point-Shoot-Digital-Cameras/ci/8612/N/4288586279?filters=fct_camera-type_4056%3Asuperzoom-bridge%2Cfct_sensor-size_3087%3A1in

If you are willing to go to potentially more limited zoom range, here are the 1", MFT, and APS-C compact cameras:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Point-Shoot-Digital-Cameras/ci/8612/N/4288586279?filters=fct_camera-type_4056%3Aadvanced-compacts%2Cfct_sensor-size_3087%3A1in%7Caps-c%7Cfour-thirds
The only Canon I can think of with a viewfinder is the PowerShot G5 X Mark II, but it has a limited zoom range and is above your price range.

I suspect that if noise is that important, the largest sensor in a compact is called for; then check these with MFT or APS-C. Most are above your price range:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Point-Shoot-Digital-Cameras/ci/8612/N/4288586279?filters=fct_camera-type_4056%3Aadvanced-compacts%2Cfct_sensor-size_3087%3Aaps-c%7Cfour-thirds

druthven

Lumix DMC FX-1000 B&H used $589 slight scuff marks to $639 Condition 10, like new.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I graduated from my Canon SX50 to the Sony HX400. And for even better photos I really like my RX100. The RX series 10 and 100 beat the Canon SX hands down.

Seabastes

I have become a real fan of Panasonic Lumix cameras with rangefinders. I have two gx85 cameras. This is a discontinued model that sells for about $700 with two lenses. When I bought mine the price was about $500 but has gone back up.

There are other models to consider in the Panasonic family.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

I bought a brand new FZ1000M2 a couple months ago, from Canada, for right around $750.00. Great camera.

11bravo

I have the original FZ1000 model. Have used it for 6 years now. If I was to buy now, I'd buy the FZ1000M2, but can't justify the expense for the additional features. My travel companion likes her FZ300 (smaller sensor, longer reach). Light enough for me to carry up and down mountains all day - fits in a shoulder bag with room for extra batteries. Both have EVF's along with a fully articulated LCD (for the dreaded selfie, but also useful for "around the corner" shots, low level, over the crowd shots, etc.).

Samples here of both posted in this thread:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=12341824&t=701555

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

FZ1000?

wetreed

Since Nikon makes the best cameras, you should consider the Nikon P1000

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

The P1000 is a big camera, really big.

Phil67

Check the reviews on Panasonic DMC-FZ300. It was rated as best travel camera. Bought one from Amazon last April and very happy with close-ups and zoom images. I can print as large as 11”X17” on my Epson and the prints are great! It is also weatherproof. This might work for you depending on how critical you are and if you sell your prints as I do. Image stability is also a big plus with this camera.

wetreed

Yes it is.

dmagett Loc: Albuquerque NM/Sedona AZ

I just acquired a Leica V-LUX 114 on eBay...open box, shutter count 23 for less than $450.
Talk about a steal! It is incredibly sharp. It will replace my old Lumix FZ50 bridge camera.
It is a great compliment for my Sony mirrorless.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Seems very similar to the DCZS80, which has more pixels and greater zoom range but not as wide aperture.