X-5 for birding?

Has anyone used an X-5 for bird photography? A pal of mine is looking for a relatively inexpensive superzoom to capture our feathered friends. Birders are keen on Panasonics, but Andy has set his budget lower (oddly, for someone who lives a rather pricey lifestyle) and I'm trying to convince him the X-5 might do the job. It can't match the main competition's constant f2.8 but looks like it could do the job. Any user comments would be appreciated.

Al

The most problematic thing is the speed of focus. The zoom is more than enough, but the time the bridge cameras take to lock on and shoot can be relatively long.

I have used an X90 for some bird shots and it's not impossible, but certainly it's not easy and the X-5 may not be so different. However, to be fair, that applies to most if not all compacts and they are used to good effect.

Bridge cameras are not the best for most things, they are very much compromised in most areas. Any DSLR is a much better option.

There is a lot of interest at the moment in birding communities with the Pentax Q, the ability to change the lens along with the 5.5 crop factor are the important things, this means even a relatively cheap (on eBay) 50mm f 1.7 becomes a 275mm f1.7 when mounted on a Pentax Q, a Pentax 300mm f4 ( superb lens, but not cheap) becomes a 1650mm f4, both will have superb image quality.

Other advantage are focus peaking which is quick and easy to get these manual focus lenses to focus spot on, instant shutter release to get 'the moment', small size, so easy to transport, you can carry the whole birding system in your jacket pockets.

Sample shots in this thread http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-q/173602-reach-q-images-12.html

Thanks, chaps. I'll pass along your comments. The Q looks like a definite contender. Whatever he buys, I suspect the shortcomings will become clear and he'll have to step into the world of DSLRs at some point to get the results he wants. It looks like time's running out to get a K-30 at a bargain price. Could be the incentive he needs.

Al

Bridge cameras are actually brilliant for birding for the non-expert and the only option for all round type of shooting on a low budget. Digiscoping - too expensive with the scope, DSLR - too expensive with the long lens, Pentax Q + lens too limited, must have tripod, manual focus, spotting etc. It is true that the Panasonic bridge cameras with their Leica lenses are the best.
As a beginner I think the X-5 would do a job but the best bet is to get a used Panasonic DMCFZ-38, the best of the bunch before the recent FZ-150 and FZ-200.
All in my humble opinion of course but before I moved up to DSLR and greater expense I got some excellent shots.

Thanks, Dave. That was my feeling, knowing nothing about birding. He has a top-of-the-range scope and this may come into play at some point, although an all-in-one solution would have advantages.

Al