I was using the Panasonic example to point out there are some higher end options that don't have to be SLR's . . . .
Here is a 420 mm shot with the Panasonic . . . . there's some distortion/lack of clarity at this end of the focal length. Not as sharp as I'd want it. Other deficiencies that may or may not make a difference would be that it takes a few seconds to get going and it doesn't necessarily rapid-fire. The internal flash is superior to the more expensive Nikon D80's.
Rick C
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