Panasonic FZ200 bridge user feedback.

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MJUK

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Matt
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Any user feedback on the Panny FZ200. I like the idea of a 24x lens with a fixed f2.8 lens for times when I want zoom length from a pocketable (or potentially pocketable!) camera.
 
Surprised no-one has responded.
I just got this camera and it's not even potentially 'pocketable'. It's the size of entry dSLR.

I have to say I am at this point extremely disappointed with this camera, it's so frustrating to use. The menus are not laid out well and neither are the quick OS settings. The build quality is in my view rather cheap and plasticky. Not what I expected from a $540 camera! I like a bit of heft in my cameras, lightweight does not make for a sense of quality.
I have probably been spoiled by owning two Pentax dSLR cameras, and two dSLM cameras which have legendary build quality.

Also, there are some very frustrating quirks which have had me almost ready to throw it against the wall.
With my other cameras, I use them in full Manual mode. I meter off an object in the frame then lock the exposure before recomposing and taking the shot.
You cannot do this with the FZ200. Even in M mode the exposure cannot be locked and will re-adjust if you point at something else or the light changes in the scene. In MANUAL MODE! That is crazy - what were they thinking? (If I am wrong here, please correct me!)

The IOS stabilization is horrible for video as the mechanism 'jiggles' even when you are holding on a static object. It's fine when you are moving/panning - but otherwise it adds this fine jiggle which is disturbing to the eye, better with it turned off and the camera tripod mounted.
AF in video mode when you zoom then stop is excruciatingly slow, this isn't a camera to zoom with while filming!

And the tripod mount is in the wrong place. Mounts should be place in line with the lens, the FZ200 places it to one side and worse still the tripod's quick release plate partly covers the battery/SD door meaning you have to remove the plate each time you change the battery or want to remove and replace the card. Really dumb design, really dumb..

The High Speed video is a cruel gimmick which without very good light is horribly smeary and noisy, there are no settings with HS video the camera makes all the choices in this mode. Having a bright f2.8 lens makes no difference in this mode. (If I am wrong here, please correct me!)

Lastly, JPG are not much better than a decent smartphone camera imho and the highs blow out just as easily. RAW is somewhat more forgiving - but not a lot.
The 24x zoom lens is noisy (that is, the motor can be heard) on video and while f2.8 is good on paper, it's actually not a good low light camera at all. Noise in stills is always visible even in good light and at the lowest ISO 100.
The default picture styles are all well too sharp and contrasty, better results come from taking the sharpness and contrast right off (this is especially true when shooting video clips).

I've read lot's of reviews on this camera and they all spin it to be a flagship superzoom. I've read posts around the web from others who have the camera an love it, all I can imagine is that the FZ200 is the best camera they have experienced.
For me I would not recommend this camera to anyone, the pricing is $300 too high - it would be much better to buy an entry dSLR like the Canon EOS 600D which can be bought for AU$449.00 complete with an 18-55mm lens or even the D3100 twin kit for AUD$565 (includes the 300mm tele) - both options give you an APS-C sensor.

Hope this helps :)
 
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sony has a rx10? Bridge camera with 1" sensor and 2.8 lens, might be worth a look
 
I have a friend who's a pro angling photographer and he uses a massive array of 'L' kit normally but has recently invested in an FZ200 and is blown away buy the performance. I had a quick go and liked the zoom range, especially at a constant f/2.8, but obviously a quick fiddle isn't long enough to get a real handle on a camera, especially when you're viewing what you take on the LCD and not a computer. Talking to him he says it has massive limitations in when compared to a DSLR - external controls can be fiddly and there are a loot of menu-based options that are required for everyday use - but he's shot magazine features on it and took his on safari and said that the overall quality is on par with what he's seen from some cheaper DSLR zoom lens combos.
 
Hi Pat,
Yes each to his own I suppose. Turns out the FZ200 is not for me so it's up on Gumtree, for sale. Lesson learned.
 
specialman said:
I have a friend who's a pro angling photographer and he uses a massive array of 'L' kit normally but has recently invested in an FZ200 and is blown away buy the performance. I had a quick go and liked the zoom range, especially at a constant f/2.8, but obviously a quick fiddle isn't long enough to get a real handle on a camera, especially when you're viewing what you take on the LCD and not a computer. Talking to him he says it has massive limitations in when compared to a DSLR - external controls can be fiddly and there are a loot of menu-based options that are required for everyday use - but he's shot magazine features on it and took his on safari and said that the overall quality is on par with what he's seen from some cheaper DSLR zoom lens combos.
Click to expand...

From that Description I am thinking you would be talking about a certain Mr C or another Mr C one being a Pro TOG and the Others A Pro Fisher and semi pro TOG???
 
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