I recently posted a request for opinions regarding the "superzoom" class
of compact (not SLR) cameras.  The most recent cameras in this class reach
out to a SLR equivalent of an 800 mm lens, for about $400.  Below is a
sumary of the 5 responses I received (two included example images). 
Thanks to all who responded.

Most responders felt these cameras do a good job but only under the right
conditions.  Primarily, there must be plenty of light, preferably full
sun.  Images taken on cloudy days are rarely sharp, and rainy days or in
heavy shade are out of the question.  These cameras have a significant lag
between pushing the shutter button and taking the image, so they are not
good for moving birds even in good light.  My own personal experience with
a SLR and 400 mm telephoto indicates that even in good light, a tripod
will be absolutely necessary to get sharp images at full extension; my two
responders who supplied images were mostly doing handheld, and it showed
at high magnification.  Image stabilization is the norm now, but it can
only help so much.  Finally, the small sensor on these compact cameras
means their photos will be fine for web posting, viewing on the computer
screen or prints up to possibly 8 x 12 inches, but not for larger photos
(and 8 x 12 could be problematical for any image less than perfect). 
Thus, for a casual photographer, or for record shots, these small cameras
may be quite useful under perfect conditions.  Serious photographers will
have to continue using big lenses on SLR's.  It just depends on what you
want out of your photos.

The last generation (but not the most recent) of these compact superzooms
were compared on   www.dpreviews.com     These reveiws are exhaustive and
are excellent if you want to compare overall performance.   I would never
buy a camera without checking dpreviews.  However, I feel a serious review
of these cameras at primarily extreme magnification by a birding-specific
magazine or website would be valuable to us birders; as far as I can tell,
that does not at present exist.

Just my two cents, and worth about that much.

Bryan MacKay
Catonsville, MD