DSLR v Bridge

[Dazecoop]

Canon dSLR would be my vote. For your budget, look into 2nd hand gear, there is nothing wrong with a 4-5 year old dSLR, they will still perform very well.

I'd recommend www.mpb.com - I have bought a 2nd hand camera from them before, was very good.

As a general rule, the lower number Canon dSLR you buy the better it is in regard to their model numbering series

Eg, 40d is better than 400d (because its more aimed at professionals)
1d is better than 10d (because its more professional) 
But, 50d is better than 40d (because its newer)
500d is better than 350d (as above, because its newer)

A very general rule to go by, but it gives you a rough idea. To compare 2 cameras together, try this website http://snapsort.com/compare , very handy

With their model numbers, if you start cross-comparing between series & which is newer (eg, 20d vs 500d), the website above will help you decide, as effectively you are comparing cameras from a different series/league, but because the "cheaper" camera is newer, it'll probably outperform the older "more pro" one. 

I personally own a Canon 7d, cannot recommend enough. I've had lots of Canon dSLR's before it too, all were very good