Compact, Bridge or DSLR?

[Gunbuster]

Ok, this may seem like a no brainer for the DSLR, but hear me out.

Many Moons ago I bought a Casio EX-P700 bridge or prosumer camera (I have a Canon multiplier). I upgraded from a compact, that in a case I could fit in my pocket. Whilst I do use the P700 it isn't a chuck it in my pocket and forget camera, unless I risk going uncased.

The CCD now has a couple of hot pixels, it's still a usable camera and I like having bracketing and what not at my fingertips.

Whilst a DSLR would give me much better image quality, I can't help but feel that I would use it less than the P700 because of all the lugging around of stuff.

Do you think something like the Ricoh CX1 would be a better upgrade? or is there a cheap and cheerful compact I should buy with an eye to getting a DSLR as a companion. I suppose I could go uncased with the P700 for my compact solution.

[Funkstar]

I guess the Ricoh CX1, Canon G10, Panasonic DMC-LX3 and the Nikon P6000 would be the current equivelant to your P700.

I'm constantly tempted by one of these types of cameras to stick in my pocket when I'm just out and about.

Mainly the LX3 really. I have a bit of a soft spot for Panasonic cameras if I'm honest.

Personally a bridge camera isn't for me. You can't stick it in your pocket anyway, so you may as well get an SLR. A Panasonic G1 isn't much bigger than a bridge, and would be much more flexible and capable.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I would look at the Panasonic G1:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcg1/

It is not only a small dSLR but the Micro Four Thirds lenses are quite compact too!