I have a Panasonic FZ100 and I have been as disappointed with that as I was when I had a P100. I'm given to understand theres some improvement in the sensor for the P500 but because of my P100 experiences am reluctant to go again. I have a bit of a hankering for the Fuji HS20EXR, simply because it uses the same sensor as I have in my F550, and I have been so pleased with the output from that. Its a big zoom and a big lens (manual zoom/focus) which makes it heavier than most other bridge cameras, but its still much lighter (about 730gm) than the average dslr once lenses are added. A good compromise, I'm thinking, and not as expensive as some.
General comment about bridge cameras: smaller sensor so you won't get the same kind of output as you get from a dslr or m4/3 but you do get manual controls, an EVF and light weight. And with the "right" camera, some pretty startling shots.