Help and advice - upgrading from compact...

Hi Toby - to answer your questions first. Yes, you can get similar results from the latest generation of micro 4/3 and APS-C cameras. And yes, they're both better than you'd get in a fixed lens superzoom.

That said, the FZ200 will do everything on your list above (I have the FZ150) - except allow you to blow up high quality pics to put on the wall. For that, you will need a larger sensor.

I also recommend a camera with a viewfinder - I don't think holding your camera out at arms' length is the best way to take photographs - especially when the sun is over your shoulder, washing out the LCD.

To stay below £600, that pretty much leaves you with the £580 Panasonic G5 with the 14-42 kit lens - or a camera you may not have considered, a £441 Sony A37 DSLT kit with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. The Sony has an APS-C sensor, has a 7fps maximum frame rate (takes loads of pics in quick succession), shoots HD video (with autofocus) and will allow you to blow your pics up if you need to.

This kit is about the same size and only a couple of quid more than the £439 FZ200 superzoom: http://camerasize.com/compare/#349,326

Cheers,

Bill

Hybrid Camera Revolution