Best camera for $500?

Today, Bridge (Superzoom) camera is becoming cheaper and powerfulll such as GE Power Pro X600 with 25x optical zoom, CMOS BSI fast sensor and MSRP below $200 which can be read at Wikipedia:Bridge Camera and General Imaging. For who want to leave their P&S cameras, I think it's better to try the cheap, but affordable camera such as Bridge camera. Bridge means bridge between P&S and DSLR. After we familiar with PSAM and which most lenght (zoom) photos taken, maybe we can decide more accurate which DSLR brand and kit should be choosen. I hope everyone are not spend money too much for we are not needed.