I would look at the Fuji HS50
When I started taking a more keane interest in photography I bought a fuji bridge, nothing as snazzy as the ones they have now, but I found it great to learn the basics on. Once I'd reached limitations of that I knew I was ready for a dslr.
No fuji camera has ever let me down, I know that much. had dozens of their compacts over the years. I would just upgrade when new ones came along.
Their bridge cameras are always pretty solid.