Finding myself in the same dilemma a few months ago, before I decided to buy another Panasonic.
I decided on the Lumix FZ 1000.
I found a very useful test report in the Popular Photography Magazine(December 2014 issue)comparing these two cameras you mention.
I hope, this reference for the thorough PP test will help you with your decision?
The larger sensor and a practical zoom range makes this baby a good working tool which is easier to carry and faster to operate while traveling, than my Canon SLR's with various interchangeable lenses.
Another interesting point maybe, that these bridge cameras may have created a new class of convenient cameras, some day possibly replacing our beloved SLR's?
With better bridge cameras today, you can make good quality prints 16x20" or larger.

Good luck!
Paul
April 13, 2015

Have you checked the Panasonoc Lumix DMC ZS 40?
18 megapixels, RAW, EVF (a must!) and a 24-720 mm zoom.
About $ 400

That would be my choice for a small, always handy notebook.
Happy shooting!

Besides other bridge cameras I still own, I like the Panasonic FZ1000 very much - the only feature I miss is a programmable self timer to about 30 seconds or more.
If I need a perspective control, the only way I know is to go back to the film camera 4x5"

Paul

It depends on what you want?
I own several bridge cameras, including the several Panasonics. With a light tripod, I make good quality 16x20" prints. My SLR's I love, stay home, most of the time, because the convenience is too obvious - I don't have usually the time to quickly change lenses and therefore miss the shot. Not to mention, that on the longer cross-country trips with an overnight gear, to carry 3-5 lenses is out of question! The bridge camera with a good zoom, does the job.
Every time there is a new bridge camera model of a higher quality on the market, I am interested.
Did I answer your question?

By the way, I tend to believe, that bridge cameras are establishing a new class of cameras and one day may even replace the SLR's?
You may also ask David Muench about his experience?

Good Luck!
Paul

Well, there is another possibility to solve this problem:
If you find the polarizing filter ring consistently vignetting picture corners at wide angle, get a "one step-up" filter ring (from B&H for about $10) and use a larger size circular polarizer filter. Make sure, that the(standard - less expensive) polarizer filter and a step-up ring match. If you can't find the polarizing filter of the desired size, you may need to go for a two step up filter ring or get two step-up rings combined.

It probably is a Cassin's Finch (Carpodacus Cassinii?)

How about a Cassin's Finch? (Corpodacus Cassinii?)

A popular 3:2 aspect ratio came also from the moderate format film cameras (6x9 cm or 2 1/4" x 3 1/4")

5:4 ratio was probably created to fit on the old TV screen and to a standard print paper proportions (like 8"x10")
However, those older TV screens were making it difficult to show without cropping the vertical images made in the - that time standard 3:2 ratio.

16:9 aspect ratio looks like a new TV screen format.

The included pictures here, explain the issue clearly.: Why to permanently ruin the landscape with a questionable energy source which needs to be phased out in the future anyway?
Let us put the brains together and find a less damaging source of energy. We have been neglecting this issue for too long and now we are beginning to see the consequence of our short sighted energy policy.

Another possibility might be a step-up filter ring 2mm larger thread than the diameter of your lens. B&H has a good choice of filter adapters available. A generic adapter ring costs about $ 10.00.

Then you put a few drops of silicone rubber on the inside of that step-up ring. Let it cure and with a sharp blade adjust the size so it will fit to your lens, without falling off.
Screw the filter into this ring.
You just got a filter adapter - much faster to put on the lens than screwing the filter in - on any camera lens.

You can go even a step further by gluing a cord to the ring with epoxy resin and attach it to the camera case, so you don't have to fish your filter from snow when you accidently drop it.

I am eighty years old and have been through the same process of thinking about the weight of my cameras (4x5, 6x9, 6x7, 645 and now digital formats).
I am - so far successfully using SLIK Sprint GM tripod (about $70.00) with one of their larger (better) ball heads. I drilled a hole on the bottom of the central column to be able to attach a water bottle with a small (2") carabiner to increase the stability in windy conditions.
This setup works for me - up to 6x7 format.
Does this inspire you to find a tripod of your choice?
Paul