The better-known bridge cameras created in 2004 are now discontinued and have no replacements. All of these were made with a 2/3" sensor, which were quite a bit larger than other more common bridge cameras made today. The manufacture of bridge cameras will depend on their success when competing with DSLRs and the creation and viability of the future design known as EVIL (Electronic Viewfinders).
DSLRs are traditionally considered more professional than the bridge cameras, as Bridge cameras have been labeled as Prosumer or at best semiprofessional cameras. However, introduction of low-priced DSLRs since 2002/2003 has made the line between the two less distinct when it comes to the decision of professional and nonprofessional cameras.
The word "Prosumer" is a combination of the words "professional" and "consumer," implying an involvement in the production of the product they consume. It also indicates a professional-consumer.
Ultra-zoom, or long, lenses are a feature of the average bridge camera, which consists mainly of a "do it all" lens; Prosumer cameras are occasionally confused with SLR digital cameras because the bodies are very similar.
The mirror and reflex system of DSLRs is missing in the Prosumer cameras, and have been produced, to date, with one non-changeable lens; they can however, be accessorized with wide angle or telephoto converters. These converters are attached to the front of the lens.
Slower than a true digital SLR, they are able to create a good quality image and provide adequate overall performance. They are also lighter and more compact than DSLRs.
I own the Canon SX50 HS Bridge camera and I must say that I now prefer to carry it above my Canon 1100D. You don't have to carry all those lenses with you and the telelens on the SX50 is superb!