I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
- 'Singin' in the Rain' Gene Kelly

Cleaning today, and I've got some nice jazz on (go Ella!) - and I noticed there was a stonker of a thunderstorm going on - poked my camera out the window and took a few shots.

Many thanks for your comments yesterday - I think I've decided that I'm going to go for a 'bridge' type camera. I don't want to have to worry about changing lenses mid holiday (and carrying them, and possibly dropping them... etc) - so it'll be a fixed lens type. I did have a look at the Lumix GH2 but as it's an interchangeable lens it's not really what I'm looking for. (I already have the Nikon D5000 as my 'grown-up' camera - and yes I love the articulated screen!).

My requirements are:
1. Zoooooom. I have up to 300mm on my TZ3 and I couldn't be happy with anything less for the 'travel' camera.

2. Manual controls. I need to stop using auto - in fact I'm starting to feel the lack on my day-to-day camera. Who knows if I like the camera enough (and can handle carrying it about) it'll replace my day-to-day camera too.

3. Fixed lens. Can't be bothered worrying about carrying lenses - if I'm going to be that worried I'll take my D5000 out with me, I just want something thats almost as good as a DSLR, but better than your bog standard point and shoot.

4. Size. I dont want some behemoth in my bag, I'd prefer something smaller, but as I'm going to be going for a bridge type I'm willing to compromise to a certain level. Up to about 500g I think in weight - otherwise I may as well take the big 'um with me.

5. RAW format. I don't shoot in this format yet - but I can see it being useful, and I'd like to be able to.

6. Articulated Screen. This is more of a nice-to-have. I can live without it, but if the camera had it it would be perfect :)

Using the lovely camera feature search, I've narrowed it down to

Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 (Lumix DMC-FZ38)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 (Lumix DMC-FZ45)

I tried out the Fujifilm camera in the shop yesterday - and I just wasn't happy with it. I didn't like where the controls were - and to be honest I just wasn't impressed. Stupidly I didnt have a go of the Panasonic -but I'm glad they turned up as I'm used to the Panasonic from having the TZ3.

What seems to confuse me is the fact that the FZ45 seems to be getting worse review than the FZ38 - on picture quality. Yes the extra zoom would be nice (I dont need it - or so I keep trying to tell myself), but I'm a little worried about the difference in picture quality - if it's as significant as some posts seem to suggest it might be worth it going for the FZ38! I'm seeing about £230 for the FZ45, and the FZ38 at about £230-250 depending on where I get it from - so essentially the same price.

I've narrowed my options down - however if there are any other options I've not thought of, I'd love to hear them - as with any thoughts on the two cameras I mentioned :)