Thank you Ronichas! I just ordered it.

That is exactly what I do as well on my Sony or Panasonic. I shoot a lot of wildlife shots and on "P" the camera is always ready for the quick shot. If there is more time I may shoot the scene in another mode when the situation calls for it.

^ Very good analysis of what may happen some day...

Will this technology eventually replace the lens and sensor design of most cameras?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpXNyWPfs8E

I have always used a lens protection filter, UV haze or skylight. The only other filter I use a lot is a polarizer. You could start with that and go from there.

The Sony RX10 IV has good lower light capability for a long (24-600mm) lens as well as very fast (.03 sec) autofocus. It also shoots 24 frames per second. Those are all good qualities for a wildlife camera. It also has a good image stabilization system allowing you to shoot at 600mm while hand holding when necessary.

I think it's the perfect all in one wildlife camera.

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS100. It's a bit over your price range but for a small camera it has a lot of features and takes quality photos.

Best pricing for new here I think:

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=panasonic+zs100&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=173523693512&hvpos=1t2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7582886061675993944&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009993&hvtargid=kwd-174731673385&ref=pd_sl_61q60ohvft_e

Review here:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/power-zoom-panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs100-tz100-review

I have my own definition of a "bridge" camera and it includes (at least) a 1" or larger sensor, RAW capability, a viewfinder, high quality optics, and full manual controls (when needed) while not having interchangeable lenses. One or more of these requirements usually sets it apart from what I consider a point and shoot camera. I'm not a professional photographer and I only use bridge cameras. As a hobbyist the good ones (As or more expensive than entry level SLR systems) render photos that satisfy my needs while not having to carry around 30 lbs of equipment.

They will go up everywhere eventually. All subscription style offerings do that incrementally over time when they think they've got enough of a customer base hooked.

Gariz makes quality leather half cases for many cameras. That's the part of the old cases that was on the bottom and stayed on the camera while shooting. It protects the camera bottom and ends while leaving all the controls available. I have one on my Panasonic ZS100 like this...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HE268DO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's the web site where you can see what they have and then find it in the U.S. on ebay or Amazon.

https://gariz.com.au/

At least two more questions need to be answered:

Is long zoom important?
Is size important, i.e. do you want a small pocketable camera?

If long zoom is not important and small size is not important, imho the best bridge camera out there in your price range is the Sony RX10 either version 1 or 2.

If long zoom is not important but small size is then the Sony RX100 is the best bridge camera in that price range.

If small size is important and medium zoom is enough then the Panasonic ZS100 is one of the best bridge cameras.

If long zoom is important, small size is out and there are many good choices, as mentioned in other posts above.

My vote would be with the large group already posted for the Panasonic ZS100. I have one and it produces excellent image quality for a camera that fits in a jacket or cargo pocket.

I have a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III. I've used it to scan about 10,000 slides over the years and it works very well. It's a dedicated scanner for 35mm slides and negatives. On a high quality setting I got excellent .TIFF files that are between 30 and 35mb each. There is a newer model now for around $500 but you can probably pick up the one like I have used pretty cheap.

I lived in Thailand from 2004 to 2014 and generally camera gear and electronics are actually more expensive there as there is a high import duty in Thailand for anything not made there. If you find a deal it could be a copy. Also anything you buy there will not be the U.S. model (if there are two) and the U.S. warranty will not apply. Even when I lived there I purchased camera equipment on the internet from a company like B&H and had a friend or family member send it to me.

Amazon has several interesting tetherless options/solutions...

https://www.amazon.com/VONOTO-Camera-holder-Buckle-Pentax/dp/B00NZTAUHG
https://www.amazon.com/Sensei-CKCO-Clip-On-Cap-Keeper/dp/B00G4L9VDQ/ref=pd_sim_421_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0R4XH6WWAE8Q1FKG93GY
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0765XJPTF/ref=dp_sp_detail?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/CamDesign-Universal-Anti-losing-Holder-Wristband/dp/B00JHUEK1Y/ref=pd_sim_421_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0R4XH6WWAE8Q1FKG93GY
https://www.amazon.com/MegaGear-Camera-Buckle-Holder-Sizes/dp/B00FIM63A6/ref=pd_sim_421_23?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0R4XH6WWAE8Q1FKG93GY
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Anti-losing-Holder-Buckle-Camera/dp/B00GD4JMLA/ref=pd_sim_421_27?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0R4XH6WWAE8Q1FKG93GY