Camera Choice.

This my current choice,

Canon EOS 77D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm IS USM Lens

Would this be a good base to start with, regarding the lense choice and camera body?

How future proof is it?

Is there a better value for money camera out there?

Have you considered a bridge camera?  Quality isn't quite up to DSLR standard but they are very versatile and a lot lighter to carry.   All the main manufacturers make them and you can pay anything from £300 to £1700.  

I have a Canon 760D plus a variety of lenses, it's a good camera for an amateur but with the addition of the lenses very heavy. If I'm going to a hide I carry the Canon but if walking any distance the bridge camera is the ideal 

Thank you.

I have considered a bridge camera, they to me are a relatively new thing.

On the zoom aspect, not comparing them to a DSLR, would they be adequate for my needs of taking the odd wildlife snap, say cliff top to seas edge, we see a number of wild seals, and also I do like my churches, dont ask why, I have no idea myself, I think it's the "Hand made" element, so I like using a longer lense for close ups of various bits of building, then the whole building. 

I suppose a bridge camera could do both, more confusion, too much choice.

Can anyone say what they have and its virtues?

I think I would like a bridge to be able to shoot in raw.

My bridge camera is a Panasonic FZ330 which as a zoom from 25 to 600 (DSLR equivalent) and costs less than £500. Although I mainly use it for wild life it is quite versatile capturing good travel type shots.

Puffin with sand-eels, apart from a little cropping I haven't manipulated the shot

I've got a Canon Powershot SX30 bridge camera which has served me well. For comparison with OP's, this is my puffin shot. More often it is down to the photographer rather than the camera so don't get too hung up on spec.

Wow, that's bloody good that is! (Photo) 

I think you have pointed me towards a Bridge, been looking.

Weight savings, I've been saying to Michelle this week whilst out walking that my rucksack is little too heavy.

Oneputt after you pointing me in, what is turning out to be the right direction, I've found I think a camera that could well suit my needs.

I suppose I want a quick draw and shoot type camera the most, rather than Michelle rummaging around in my rucksack for the correct lense, setup and point, but the object of wildlife has pretty much gone!!

Also I've found a hip camera bag, I'm not sure if its compatible with what I'm currently thinking as the ideal for me camera.

Canon SX70 20MP 65x Zoom Bridge Camera

Any comments of choice welcome.

Cyperyacht you would appear to have a family member to the above, judging by your photo you are very happy with it?

I had (still have) the Canon SX10 Bridge. It’s been a darned good camera but is now 10 years old and technology has moved on. I’ve no doubt the current day equivalent will give great results.

I’ve replaced it with a high end Sony compact which I feel is going to meet my needs better than another bridge. 

I have to confess I don't know anything about the Canon so had a look at reviews, see below.  The main problem with a lot of bridge cameras are that they aren't particularly weatherproof

https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/best-bridge-camera

I keep looking at the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV, it's not cheap at between £1100 and £1700 depending where you buy it but it has consistently been top of the reviews.

Mine is a humble Canon Powershot 700HS, these photos are "as they are" I could go in and enlarge them and they'd still be reasonably sharp. Comparing the Puffin photos is interesting.

All great photos, thanks for showing.

I wanted the puffin with the sand eels to be the main focus so set up for a shallow depth of field.  You cannot see the cliffs and sky behind the bird.