I have never been too hung up on "perfect" image quality. What the sx50 did for me was allow me to have fantastic wildlife viewing experiences - and even get a few photos in the process I mostly photographed animals or birds at great distances, then used my dslr for landscapes and such. Following a bald eagle nest for five seasons, watching baby bighorn sheep (or mule deer fawns) frolic, or American White Pelicans far below me on a river...those were priceless moments and far outweighed (no pun intended) any consideration of larger, heavier, more costly just to have a bigger sensor

IMO Linda’s assessment is spot on. I also owned and enjoyed a Canon SX50. My decision was based on the advice of many here on UHH including Linda. I owned it for about 3 years before I decided I wanted more megapixels. The SX50 has 12. Very recently, I replaced my trusty SX50 with the SX60 (16MP plus a bit more reach). My SX50 sold on Ebay very quickly. So far, I am happy with the SX60, and it will be heading for Africa with me in 5 days. The SX50 has been to 4 continents and performed beautifully in all sorts of difficult conditions - think shooting from a pitching Zodiak in a snow storm. One caveat with the SX50 and the SX60 is that low light performance is problematic, but that is true of most bridge cameras in that price range that have small sensors. If your budget will handle it, I’d suggest taking a look at the Sony RX10 iv. It has gotten some good reviews here on UHH as was also the case with its immediate predecessor. I had considered the Sony, but just didn’t want to spend that much. My DSLR’s get the heaviest use and the bridge camera is used much less frequently.

I am considering buying a bridge camera. I'd like one to carry around in a backpack that I would keep in the car. I have DSLR and long zooms, but that requires planning. I searched bridge cameras in the archives and there are no newer posts. I am considering the Sony Rx10 IV or Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 or FZ2500. I've done the technical comparisons, but would like some real life reviews. Could you share your experiences with any of these (or any other bridge that you like)?
Thanks in advance
Fran

I enjoy my FZ-1000. Travel extensively with it, have used it for 2.5 years. Lightweight, easy to handle. I use a Lowepro Apex AW-140 case (out of production, but still sold by B&H at a discount). Camera fits in sideways; easy to grab. The 400mm zoom range enough for me for the most part. I've taken 25,000 + photos with it (unlike film, digital is so easy to fire away). I find the auto focus quick and accurate - certainly better than my old eyes. By default, I have it set to shutter priority. It has a lot of capability and I really appreciate the RAW, and I like the ability to assign functions to the buttons. I like the burst mode; I think the panorama scene is very good in its automatic stitching, and the "hand-held night shot" scene mode is good for that and inside museums (takes several shots, picking the best, eliminates the tripod at least for my use). I don't miss carrying several lens, and having to switch lenses (last time I had that setup was a Canon T90 shooting slides a decade+ ago). I rarely use the video capability, but it is there. I wish it was weatherproof, but I've not had any troubles with inclement weather, with either an umbrella or a camera rain coat sufficient. One of the smaller capabilities that I appreciate more and more is the ability to set a "travel" location AND dates, given I ALWAYS forget to change the camera clock for a day or two while traveling.

On my last trip, managed to drop it lens extended on FROZEN ground in China. Lost the 200-400 zoom range. I like it so much, just bought another. I looked at the FZ-2500, but couldn't justify the price difference given I rarely shoot video (seems I lucked out, prices have gone up as I got it from Adorama for $600).

My partner likes her FZ300 as she enjoys the 600mm zoom capability. She shoots video more often than I, but is a relative newcomer to photography (stepping up from a mobile phone), so currently mainly shoots in auto mode. If it's something that you'll keep in a bag in the car, either would work, IMHO.

See here for more:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=8935846&t=525953

Agree and the SX50 has so many features. Once post processed and if needed resolution increased with Photozoom then it is great as many large cameras.

Wobbly!! No, not you it is the soft rubber in the hiking shoes. Any way... Increase the inertia of the camera and give a better grip with
https://lifehacker.com/5383615/diy-tennis-ball-photography-stabilization-unit
I increased the ball camera distance to allow index and middle finger to give and eagle claw grip of the ball ... every thing you need is at the local Ace Hardware....the firm to camera nut is on ebay. $1 and 59 C shipping... you can get the Tennis ball by going to a court and grabbing one and run to beat hell.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-20Cold-Foot-Screw-Adapter-for-Camera-Hot-Shoe-Mount-Double-Nut-Flash-Holder/263080884957?hash=item3d40d7badd:g:EfkAAOSwRvdZYyOH