the same advance - I have no idea of ​​photography and that's why it was difficult to find a camera for me because I did not know to what I look for.
My ancient Canon PowerShot A530 had to make due to age no Luste more photos. Because my girls have now discovered the equestrian sport for themselves, I needed a camera, the moving image is sharp.
I had then decided after much back and forth for the Sony DSC-HX400V and this also ordered. No sooner had the camera there was a colleague and said that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200EG9 would have been a better solution for me. It had then been annoyed me and I simply ordered the camera. I then had to compare one week both cameras. I made the same images always with two cameras and have to say that Panasonic was worse than the Sony in all disciplines. For images of Sony can be seen the individual sheets of trees, in which the Panasonic was not possible. The images of the Panasonic are generally "out of focus" and the colors do not come out well. This now applies to all the images that I have made not only in the example with the tree. The images of Sony are Colourful and much more detailed than the Panasonic. The zoom range is simply amazing! The camera is great in the hand and feels really classy. So far we only one made the pictures, now, all four became enthusiastic "photographer".
I am of the Sony thrilled! I've actually always the Automatic mode in it and functioning properly. Only in sports photography I change then just to sport, and the images are then also sharp.
For those who are looking for a camera when you actually need only two buttons (on and pull the trigger) can I get the Sony only recommend, because simple as it gets.
My colleague had to test my camera one day ......... Who wants to buy a used Panasonic :-)?
I hope I could help with a purchase decision and wish you much fun with the camera.