I agree that the Canon PDF manuals are not well formatted for viewing on small screens, but I use the SX-60 manual on my 7" tablet, enlarging the pages to view half of the page in the width of the screen and find it quite readable. As others have mentioned, this also keeps it more available than a paper manual that is likely to be at home.

Nice to know that printed Canon manuals can be ordered at no cost, though, for those who want a printed version. Thanks to the OP for publicizing this!

the other half of Moore's Law is "and prices halve every 18 months." When I started computing with a Kaypro IV computer in the mid 80's, memory cost about $100 per megabyte--and last week I bought two 64-gigabyte SDs at Costco for about $32!

I recently looked at these 4 cameras also, and would recommend considering any of them for a good bridge camera in your price range--even lower if you buy used, refurbished, or on a good sale. The corresponding cameras one price point down don't have eyepieces, which are very useful both for visibility in bright settings and for camera stabilization. You may even find the next-higher models in your price range--as one poster pointed out--if you want their extra features, but you can start by comparing these four; for example, as I recall from my search, the Nikons won't accept an external flash or mic and the Panasonic lacks an articulated monitor but does have a touch-screen monitor so you can choose a focus point and take a picture by tapping the monitor.

To really explore the differences between these cameras, you can download the manuals instead of relying on the advertising fluff.

I am greatly enjoying the Canon SX-60 that I chose, but I think I would have been happy with any of these cameras--as you likely will be!

I agree with PHRubin that a "mega-zoom" (or "bridge") camera with a viewfinder sounds like a good solution to your needs--ability to shoot in full-automatic mode or to control the shutter speed or aperture, viewfinder to see your composition in bright light, and the "mega-zoom" for wide or zoomed-in shots without having to change (and buy!) multiple lenses. I recently researched cameras in this category, looking at the Canon SX60, Nikon CoolPix B700, Panasonic DC-FZ80, and Sony Cyber-shot DXC-HX 400V. These cameras all have the "feel" of a DSLR (which I find easier to hold while shooting, especially when using the viewfinder). You can find them discounted or on sale for around $400-$500, or less buying refurbished (direct from the manufacturer) or used. I didn't look at the flat cameras that will easily fit in a pocket or purse, so I can't suggest specific models here, but a well-stocked camera store can point you in the right direction if that is what you want. These pocket cameras seem to have much more limited zoom ranges, though, based on a quick look at the B&H Photo website.

As others have suggested, a separate flash can really help stop action with much better lighting than the on-camera flash, but you might want use the camera's built-in flash initially, then decide whether to add an external flash. To keep this option open, I suggest you choose a camera that will accept an external flash (and external "shotgun" microphone, if you will want to shoot video)--I ruled out the Nikon because it was limited to the on-camera flash and mic.

Depending on your budget, these 4 cameras may give you a good starting point, or you can save some money by choosing the similar cameras without a viewfinder, or spend more to get more features with similar cameras. Whatever you choose, realize that these cameras will have far more features than you are likely to use, at least for a while, so learn what you want to do with it (such as Shutter-priority mode to get those great kicks) and don't worry about the rest of them--but most of all, have fun!

Nice work bringing out the contrasting shades in the rock faces--that really makes the BW a dramatic photo! To me the BW is more dramatic, the color more relaxing. Some days I need the "relaxing" but most of the time I want the drama of the BW.

I recently Researched long-zoom cameras, focusing on three models, so can offer the following thoughts. I wanted a camera with the general body shape of a DSLR (since I find them easier to hold steady!), and with an eyepiece in addition to the monitor (for use in bright conditions and for a three-point steadying hold--both hands and orbital bones on camera). If you want a pocket camera, none of these will work; if you don't need an eyepiece, I believe all have less expensive models with monitor only; and I think they each have a more expensive version with more features (these all cost about $450-500 for new ones, but the manufacturers often have refurbished cameras at a significant savings).
Nikon Coolpix 500--I decided against this camera because it does not accept external flash, microphone, or cable release. Both of the others offered these, so I had to decide between feature differences.
Canon SX60--Articulated monitor, 24-1350 mm zoom, 16.1 pixel.
Panasonic SZ300--Fixed touch-screen monitor, 24-600 mm zoom, 12.4 pixel, fixed 2.8-8 f-stop aperture.
For me the Canon's articulated monitor and greater zoom range (although I find I rarely go over 600 mm) tipped the scale, although the touch-screen monitor and 2.8 aperture are also very attractive. The key for finding the best camera for you is to identify which features are most important to you. I hope this discussion has helpled.

I have used Carbonite in the past, and was happy, but switched to iDrive--at that time, at least, Carbonite required a separate purchase for each computer but iDrive allowed me to back up all of my computers under the same account. I think I pay a little bit more for iDrive than I would for Carbonite, but since I back up two computers (and can also include tablets and phones, I think), it is less expensive than purchasing a separate Carbonite account for each device. So if you are backing up only one device, Carbonite will probably save you a little money, but iDrive is probably less expensive if you have several devices to back up.
I have never used BackBlaze so can't extend my comparison to that service, but both Carbonite and iDrive have saved me from losing some files in the past, and seem about equally easy to use.

The camera that will work best for you will be the one that has the best collection of features that you will use. I recently went through the search for a bridge camera, and considered the following:
Is a viewfinder necessary? I think this will be quite helpful for most photographers since it can help in holding a camera steady and often easier to use than a monitor in bright light.
Articulated monitor? Very useful for high or low angle shots, and to protect the monitor when not in use.
External flash? I'm not using one now but they can be so helpful to well-lit photographs that I felt it was a must.
External mic? If you will use the camera for video this can be quite helpful.
Length of telephoto needed? I settled on the Canon SX 60 (1350 mm + 4x digital) but rarely use longer than 600mm.
Bluetooth or wi-fi connection to cell phone? Even if you don't move your photos to your phone or table, these are very useful as a remote shutter release--no need to carry a cable release when camera shake must be avoided.
Once you identify your preferences and priorities on these (and likely other) features, you will settle on just a few options, and will be happy with any of them. Just choose one, spend a little time to learn its features, and enjoy!

As several others have pointed out, the "Rule" of Thirds is really one technique, not a hard-and-fast, mandatory rule. I think this article is worth reading for ts discussion of other techniques to use along with or instead of the Rule of Thirds, such as curves drawing the eye around the composition (which the author calls the "Law of Continuity, using an "arabesque"), areas of contrast, symmetrical counterparts, and effective use of "negative space." Most of the other techniques he shows based on lines are too complex to use except for a very carefully (and lengthily) composed shot. Also note that many of the examples in this article could be analyzed using other approaches, as the author does with the painting by Bourguereau under "Myth 7"--just goes to show that anything can work if the result is what you intended!

LegacyBox.com charges about $30 for 25 photos or slides, although they often go on sale for $15, Costco charges $0.32 per slide or photo, $20 minimum, and I'm sure there are many other shops with similar pricing.. (I've not used them, just looked it up online--others may be able to report on the quality of their work.) Unless this is all your time is worth, I'd refer them to one of these sites--or farm out the scanning and do post-processing for a fee. I'd be leery of "organizing" someone else's photos--too many ways to organize them easily leads to unhappiness with the results, unless you know when and where they were taken, who's in them, etc, and can get the customer to clearly define how he wants them organized.

I actually joined UHH after you, so welcome from one newcomer to another!
I just researched the Coolpix 700 and was greatly impressed by its features, but you are considering a choice between a DSLR with interchangeable lenses and a bridge camera with a single, long-zoom lens, at similar price points. Since you mentions an upcoming vacation, you might appreciate the lighter weight and long zoom distance of the single bridge camera, but be aware you would have to sacrifice some picture quality, some features (like remote shutter releases and flash units) and the option to add better lenses later.
If you think you will want to do more serious photography later, the D3400 will give you more flexibility. On the other hand, many photographers have both a DSLR and a bridge so you could start with the bridge and add the DSLR later, budget and interests permitting.
I have a Nikon DSLR and have just ordered a Canon D60 bridge camera, and plan to take the latter on a couple of trips I have planned for this year. Ultimately, your choise will depend on how deeply you want to get into photography on your trip and beyond.

Thanks for all the quick responses, which confirmed my leaning toward the Canon. I agree with the importance of an articulated display, and also want to be able to use external microphones and flash units, as well as a cable shutter release, which Canon has but Nikon does not. I liked the touch screen of the Panasonic, but the FZ300 only has an f/2.8-f/8 aperture, which I don't find acceptable, and the FZ80 does not have an articulated monitor. The Canon came out ahead on features that I want, so that will be my next camera.

Thanks for your comments. I've not paid a great deal of attention to aperture settings with my Nikon SLR (but plan to use the A setting a lot in the future), but I cannot envision being limited to f/8. I think this rules that camera out, and I think I could toss a coin between the Canon and Nikon and be happy with either one. I may literally do that soon!

I was just looking at the FZ300, and it appears to have a minimum aperture of f/8, which seems quite large for a minimum. Do users of this camera find this a significant drawback?

I discovered "Ugly Hedgehog" while investigating bridge cameras. I bought a Miranda SLR while in Vietnam in the late 60's, then got away from anything other than simple point-and-shoot cameras for years until I bought a Nikon D60 some years ago. I like the idea of the extended zoom range of the bridge cameras, and have narrowed my thoughts down to the Panasonic Lumix FZ 300 for the articulated touch screen (but am concernted about the minimum f8 aperture), or Nikon Quickpix 700 or Canon Powershop SX60. I'm strictly an amateur enjoying my retirement so the lower cost and single lens are good trade-offs for the limitations of a bridge camera, but if anyone has any comments about the three I've mentioned, I'll appreciate hearing them!