I have a Lumix DMC-FZ28 (bridge) camera which has been ideal. Taken some great photo's and even had a few published. However, I was looking to buy another that allows me to achieve a greater optical zoom (FZ28 is 18x) and greater mega pixels (FZ28 has 10) so I can take better landscape and wildlife shots etc. My budget is limited to £500 and wonder if there are any recommendations from readers.
I can vouch for the 24x being good. More than that and I think you'll start to need a tripod and very bright light. And do you really need to be that close to something? But read the reviews and see what you think.