Thanks Steve. The model I was planning to buy is the

ZS70- has a zoom that goes from wide to supertelephoto. Light and
easy to use with some nice features. Reasonably priced too! Would be just what I need for birds, and then I can go to wide angle for landscapes. BUT the zoom lens looks just like the one on the picture here. Makes me wonder and worry - especially since you've had trouble with three Panasonics- not a good record .

Sony may be a good substitute - does anyone else have experience with the LUMIX model I mentioned ? Or any other superzoom compacts - any brand ?