I'm not clued up on Nikon cameras, but:
Some reviews here:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-Dig ... DescendingAnd, "Bridge" cameras -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_cameraI had a bridge camera for a three years and very good it was too (Fuji S9600). Eventually I wanted a little more control so bought a DSLR.
That particular camera has some nice features and some others that don't really interest me. If you're moving up from a compact (or even a phone) it should do you ok for a couple of years.
Go to PC World and handle the camera, get a feel for it. Then, go to Jessops and talk to them about it (they specialise in cameras and will be much more clued up and be able to answer your questions in laymans terms).
I hope that helps a little.
Lawrence