[deanhills]

Thanks, @deanhills

These days there is a hybrid version of cameras between DSLRs and Point n Shoot. These are called Bridge cameras. These cameras are small and cheaper than DSLR cameras. But produce higher quality images and have more settings than a compact cameras. Best part is these cams have a inbuilt telephoto lens with a big optical zoom. Newest Bridge cameras has 60x Optical zoom. You can take amazing long range photos. To do same thing with a DSLR you need an expensive lens. If you like to explore big more about photography without going for a expensive DSLR kit then these are the best option.

Thanks for the suggestion @xdude.  Do you know of a very good bridge camera you can recommend?  I particularly like the idea of cheaper than DSLR, smaller but high quality images.  Was unaware of their existence.