I'm a NOOB here and don't have a camera at this point. Looking mainly at the Panasonics and have included the FZ35 as they can be picked up here for about $200. As background we winter in Mexico and I'd love to get pictures of the Trogans and Mot-Mots that live in the jungle around Palenque. For this lower light(the canopy gives muted lighting) is the FZ100 a better investment than the FZ45 or even the FZ35 with a TC for approximately the same cost. I not going to put out the money for a Nikon 400mm lens for my wife's D40, or lug around that weight. Your opinions will be appreciated.