Another "which bridge camera" thread...sorry

[The Big Kahuna]

The time has come to downsize from my 20D c/w battery grip, 17-85 IS and 70-300IS. After dragging a bag full of gear around Hawaii for 3 weeks in 2012, constantly swapping lenses, and doing nothing more than viewing the pictures on my PC, uploading a few to forums and printing a few out at 7x4, I've decided enough is enough. I'm off back there for a few weeks in November, and will be doing a couple of "hikes" (ok, so 2 hours downhill to Capt Cooks memorial then back up again) and really want something smaller, but with the added capabilities of a modern bridge camera.

I'll be trading all the above in at the Lincoln branch of London Camera Exchange, and swapping for a bridge camera and whatever else I need depending on how much I get.

I'm leaning toward the Lumix fz200 at the moment; the constant f2.8 aperture is a big plus, but there are a couple of things I have to have, and this is where I hope y'all can help.

I'll also be recording a few guitar/ukulele performance videos for another forum. I need a screen which faces forward so I can compose the video more easily (which I guess rules out the Sony cameras with their tilt-only screens), and I absolutely must have an external audio in. I use a Behringer ASIO USB guitar interface on my PC, with PC based amp simulators, and need to take the output from that (just a headphone out to be honest) into the camera for the audio, I won't be needing a microphone as I don't sing.

I know the fz200 has a non-standard 2.5mm mic input which also doubles as a remote input, but does anyone know if this will accept a preamped output from an audio device?

Any other suggestions for alternative cameras in a similar price bracket? (I'm guessing £ 300 to £ 400)

Thanks

 

[Gremlin]

I bought the lumix FX200 recently as I am restricted on the weight I can carry on my left arm at the moment so wanted something to use in the meantime.
It is a very good bridge camera and capable of some good results, but there is no comparison with my DSLR.

Although shutter lag has been improved greatly I still find there is a slight delay and moving objects are a problem for me, not something
I have trouble with the the DSLR

Not tried the video on it, don't really have a use for it TBH.

I won't be selling my main gear but this may just stay in the car for those times you see something and wish you had a camera

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Thanks for the reply. I actually went out and bought one this morning , and so far I'm very impressed with it's features. Time will tell I suppose, but I'm pretty much over my DSLR.