It's more like a bridge camera than a classic DSLR.
Wait, not a bridge camera at all, at least not in the sense that you are saying. In order for it to be a bridge, there needs to be two different categories that it fits into, that it is bridging. The NEX and M43 cameras are "Bridge" cameras, bridging the smaller compact size and interface of point and shoots with DSLR function and image quality. The A77 is every bit and then some of a pro APS camera body. It fits quite well in the current category, when looking at function and features. What you are talking about is innovation, not bridging.

Look at imaging-resources first look at the A77 and the image results. They are comparing its images with the 5D, the A900, the D3X and even the pentax 645, all full frame (and MF) bodies. If the A77 is any kind of bridge camera, its the full frame / APS bridge. 24 megapixels is a ton of resolution.

Who knows how soon Sony will let Nikon get their hands on the sensor.