Panasonic FZ30 - looks promising

[eagleeye]

The DMC-FZ30 includes an 8-Megapixel high resolution CCD and a newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 12x optical zoom (400mm)

The Extra Optical Zoom, made possible by using the center part of 8-megapixel high resolution CCD, further extends the powerful 12x optical zoom when less than 8-Megapixel resolution is selected. The zoom ratio can be extended to 15.3x for 5-Megapixel and 19.1x for the 3-Megapixel image recording. Zoom range can be extended in total to a remarkable 76.4x (equivalent to 35 mm to 2674 mm on a 35mm film camera) when combined with 4x digital zoom, even if the shooting range is as short as 2m.

** You can also add a TC to it thereby Doubling the CROP mode.

Eagleeye

[Arthur]

Good new for newbies who want to try out bird/nature photography without burning a big hole in his/her wallet. As for me, my next upgrade will be toward the path of DSLR system. ;)

Cheers

[sheryltex]

Eagleeye: What do you mean by "TC" in your post regarding the FZ30? Thanks, sheryltex

[Mervin]

As for me, my next upgrade will be toward the path of DSLR system. ;)

Cheers

when ????
:D

[joeyao]

Eagleeye: What do you mean by "TC" in your post regarding the FZ30? Thanks, sheryltexTeleconverter.