kenArchi Loc: Seal Beach, CA

Here is the list:

Panasonic ZS 50 24-720mm Zoom

Olympus SH-2 25-600mm Zoom

Nikon S9900 25-750mm Zoom

Canon SX 710 25-750mm Zoom

Of course these P&S's will not be for work or any kind of super fine details.
Just a general carry around pocket camera with at least some sort of quality?

Ken

MarkD Loc: NYC

I will never again get a camera without a viewfinder. Of the cameras you listed the Panasonic ZS50 is the only one with a VF so it would be my choice. All of these cameras have small sensors so will not do great in low light where high iso's are needed. However they can produce very nice photos in good light or with flash.

Big Bill Loc: Phoenix, AZ

First, define "good."
Then, ask yourself this question: why do we not see 25-700mm zoom lenses for even APS-C cameras?

Will these cameras take reasonably good photos? Yes.
Will they match what can be had at similar focal lengths with even mediocre glass on a DSLR? No.

But if you're limited to one camera, with a lens with that kind of range, then any photo is better than none.

However, as technology progresses, such a camera may match today's DSLRs. Of course, by then, DSLRs and their lenses will have improved too.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I bought a Fujifilm S8650 to photograph nesting eagles (and other birds at rest) because I could not afford (or at least justify) the $1000 for the Tamron 150-600. My Fuji does what I want it to and easily enlarges to 11x14 without pixelating.

It won't work for birds in flight, but I can live with that.

I stood behind the fence in deep, deep center field and photographed the batter and catcher in a nice, crisp photo.

Is it as good as my Nikons with the Tammy? Probably not, but I can't afford the Tammy! But I do have my Fuji S8650 and the photos I want to capture.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

I have the Canon SX50 that I bought because it was a refurbished model reduced in price. I have multiple bodies and lenses and for most things, I don't need this camera. But often, when I'm traveling on business trips, I don't want to lug around a lot of equipment. In these situations, the bridge camera is ideal.