To you experienced photographers:

I've been doing alot of reading, comparing, learning, etc. about photography and the equipment that goes with it. Right now, for my budget and desires, I was thinking a 'bridge' camera would suit me well, allowing me the convenience of point-and-shoot and an automatic setting while having the 'guts' and advanced options to keep up with my learning and experimentation with things like Aperture and shutter priority and other options.

Is there anything I should be leery about with the bridge cameras?

Specifically, I was looking at a Canon model (SX20IS), a Pentax (X70), and especially the Panasonic FZ28.

Anyone use these or have anything to say about them?