I'm inexperienced when it comes to using raw images. I can open them in the program that came with my SX 50 Canon, which is called 'Digital Photo Professional', and will (hopefully) learn what all the terminology means for editing them, but my question is actually, how can I open the raw CR2 images in Photoshop Elements 10? It says it doesn't recognize that type file, but when I inquire (Googling), about it, others say they can open raw in Elements 10. Confused. If you can explain (in baby steps), if there is a way to do so, I would very much appreciate it. What I have read about it seems to talk about the 'Editor' in Elements. I don't know about any such option. What am I missing?

I absolutely agree with you. Those who belittle the capabilities of bridge cameras either don't own one or have a negative preconception to begin with. If you can't take consistently awesome photos with a bridge, then you're not really trying.

This attached pic is w/ Canon SX50...

No doubt there are situations where a dSLR is better suited - for example, if you need an array of multiple focusing points, want to use filters, require a lens with very wide aperture value, etc. But in most situations, a decent bridge camera will do just fine and yield good results. I think "occasionally limited" is a more accurate description than "very limited".

So there we are, snowmobiling through beautiful Yellowstone Park on a cold but sunny winter morning. The guide signals a stop because he spotted some trumpeter swans on a misty stream.

I unstrap the dry sack from the snowmobile, my cold hands fumbling to unroll it, frozen over with snow. I pull my camera backpack out, unzipping 3 compartments so i can switch from the wide angle to the telephoto plus a teleconverter. I drop to my knees, using the snowmobile seat as a rest and fire off several shots of the distant swans.

During this time, two of the swans have grown bored with my fumbling and have fallen asleep with their heads resting on their backs.

Meanwhile, my wife gets off her snowmobile, reaches inside her coat for the point and shoot camera tucked in the inside pocket. She takes one picture (heaven forbid we bracket or waste another push of the shutter button.)

Bottom line, there's times when that Coolpix S8100 a big advantage.