Kippered Snack
I bought this to replace a Lumix that I take traveling. I am up there in years now and find that my finger tips are smooth (this is common) and my fine motor coordination is going so I drop things easily. Even with writst straps, I dropped my phone in the bush of New Zealand twice (fortunately on its back so I could find it) and my Lumix several times on the pavement (didnt break!) I decided it was time for a camera I could grip. I use an underwater Nikon Coolpix so I got this because it uses the same batteries and SD cards. Ive tried out the telephoto on birds and its not bad at all. Theres no comparison with a DSLR and great lenses but if you dont want to drag along heavy and expensive equipment, this camera could be for you. Its not that bulky either. THE HAND GRIP IS FANTASTIC and having a neck strap seems much safer as I progress into my dotage. For the price, I dont think you can find better. CR rated the B500 as one of their 5 top cameras under $300. Its similar but this is better and not much more.