Advice needed-I don't know what camera to buy

I haven't got a digital camera (tho i've got stuck with 2 nice 35mm cameras but of course they are now as obselete as last weeks newspaper). Do i buy a compact ( Fuji ax650 looks nice) or do i pay a bit more and go for a bridge camera that has a viewfinder and a long zoom ( say a Fuli s4300). A compact is easier to carry around and as i dont have a mobile phone is handy for 'spur of the moment' shots. But a long lens (i think the Fuji is 26x) is obviously much more versatile. So i dont know, pros and cons for each i guess but not a great price difference so hmm. Any photographers out there i would appreciate your advice, thanks.
Ps. i didn't see a group for photography, perhaps someone couild start one.

What do you plan to take pictures of?

You could purchase a point and shoot camera first and experiment with it. As you become more familiar with it you will appreciate some features more than others. This will help you decide if you plan to upgrade to a more versatile camera.

I am not a professional just a lady who likes to take nature photos and wants to purchase a DSLR camera.

This webpage gives some good tips: How to Buy a Digital Camera – A 9 Step Guide

This is a really good idea.

Mega Pixels matter. ax650 = 16 megapixels and s4300 = 14 megapixels.

Here's a couple reviews, I found on each of the cameras that you are considering.

Fujifilm FinePix AX650 Overview & Specs - Digital cameras - CNET Reviews

Fujifilm FinePix S4200 Review - Digital cameras - CNET Reviews

I am a personal fan of Olympus, so I really can't add much about Fuji. I've just had great luck with quality of photos.

I am more of an intermediate, as far as a hobby with taking pictures.

I agree about a forum.

Buy the bridge, you will never "need" another camera, they are great....i just bought a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera but the megazoom is still my go to camera. I have a cannon sx30is. If you like taking pictures it no big deal to have a larger camera around since you will pretty much just keep it out all the time.

I got my Nikon CoolPix because it's Android and directly interacts with my computer and phone, etc. It's like the phone except it doesn't make phone calls :-) I haven't looked to see if I could download Skype on it, there's a thought.

Thanks gor the replys guys. The local camera shop closed so the only way to get your hands on a camera is at the local supermarket ( tho they only have a few). The fuji s4800 felt a bit plasticy i thought. The Lumix LZ20 felt quite nice and more like a proper camera than a compact. But would i want to carry it around with me every time i go out ( which is what i want to do) clipped on my belt. Hasn't got a viewfinder tho but does have a 21x lens. About a month ago it was on Amazon for £70 ( about $105) which is really cheap and i thought about buying it then. If someone starts a photography group i'll join and contribute.