Panasonic needs no introduction as a photographic manufacturer, or indeed as a maker of anything and everything from hairdryers to microwave ovens, televisions, computers and more besides. But in the digital camera solar system of Panasonic’s wider electronics galaxy, I feel they’re best known for their high-performance Micro Four Thirds Lumix cameras and lenses, along with the newer Lumix S system full-frame fancies.
Bridge cameras are a bit more out on the fringe, a kind of fully-grown, chunky body but with the compact camera ethos of having a built-in rather than interchangeable lens. And typically, the Lumix FZ80D (USA) or FZ82D (Europe) has the kind of integral mega-zoom lens that defines the breed, in this case with a humungous 60x optical zoom range. As such, it vies for a place as one of the best bridge cameras in today’s marketplace.
