5 used & new from £260.00

Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon

Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Bridge Camera - Black (12MP, 24x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD

4.6 out of 5 stars 241 customer reviews
| 94 answered questions

Available from these sellers.
4 new from £260.00 1 refurbished from £369.98

DPReview Gold Award
From the experts at DPReview
Overall score: 80%
See review summary and sample images
What is DPReview and its awards?
DPReview

Digital Photography Review is the most popular dedicated enthusiast digital photography site on the Internet. Our authoritative reviews have earned us the trust of photographers and camera buyers all over the world, for more than 15 years.

Gold and Silver Awards are given to products that deserve special recognition based on how well they perform relative to their competitors at the time of review.


    This fits your .
  • Enter your model number above to make sure this fits.
  • Continuous F2.8 Shooting
  • x 24 Optical zoom
  • 12mp High Sensitivity MOS sensor

Customers Viewing This Page May Be Interested In These Sponsored Links

  (What is this?)


Review summary from DPReview

DPReview Gold Award November 2012
The FZ200 has all the bells and whistles that you'd expect on a high-end super zoom, plus an F2.8, 25 - 600 mm lens that no other camera in its class can match.
Jeff Keller Jeff Keller
80%

Conclusion

Panasonic has done almost everything right with the FZ200, producing a super zoom with a no-compromises lens. It performs very well, takes photos that are comparable (or better) than other super zooms, and has a top-notch movie mode. With a few refinements in the design and image quality department, it would be darn close to perfect.

Reasons to buy

  • Very good image quality
  • 24X Leica lens maintains F2.8 maximum aperture from 25-600mm
  • 3-inch rotating LCD with 460,000 pixels, good outdoor/low light visibility
  • Full manual controls with RAW, white balance adjustments, bracketing, and custom buttons

Things to consider

  • Tends to clip highlights; photos slightly noisy
  • No eye sensor for electronic viewfinder; rainbow effect on EVF can be distracting
  • More expensive than other super zooms
  • Rear control dial a bit 'sticky'

Suggested for

Sports and nature photographers who need big zoom power and don't want to settle the slow lenses found on typical super zooms.

Not suggested for

Those taking a lot of flash people pictures, or who switch between the LCD and EVF frequently.
Poor Excellent
Build quality
Ergonomics & handling
Features
Exposure & focus accuracy
Image quality (RAW)
Image quality (JPEG)
Flash performance
Low light / high ISO performance
Optics
Performance
Movie / video mode
Value
Scoring is relative only to the other products in the same category.
DPReview is the world’s most popular dedicated enthusiast digital photography website. Since 1998 its mission has remained unchanged: to deliver the best reviews of cameras and lenses anywhere on the Internet, and help you find the right gear for your needs.

Sample images from DPReview

Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 160 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 9.4mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 5.2mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100, -0.33 EV Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 7mm, 1/5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/320 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 108mm, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 125 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 22.6mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 84.3mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 108mm, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 4.5mm, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV Sample image 46.5mm, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.66 EV

Product details

  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 cm ; 535 g
  • Boxed-product Weight: 1.1 Kg
  • Item model number: DMC-FZ200EBK
  • ASIN: B008N8NXT6
  • Date first available at Amazon.co.uk: 18 July 2012
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (241 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 27,233 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)


Customers Viewing This Page May Be Interested In These Sponsored Links

  (What is this?)

Awards

Click on an award to see a larger version
Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image Award Image

Product Description

Product Description

Panasonic Lumix FZ2 Bridge Camera

12.1 Megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor

Conventional Digital Cameras use image sensor technology built around a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). However the demand for faster readout and lower power consumption has led to the development of MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors as the preferred technology to deliver the advanced features of today's models. Panasonic's advanced 12 megapixel MOS sensor offers a digital readout from the sensor that supports Full HD video recording and high speed burst shooting. Also, due to a newly designed micro lens tube structure, light capture is maximised and picture noise greatly reduced.

The World’s First 600mm/F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT Fast Lens

Outstanding Leica optical technology has led to the development of the world's first Elmarit 600mm/F2.8 through the range lens. Conventional lenses lose brightness at the tele end resulting in a slower shutter speed requirement to maintain correct exposure. The FZ200 lens on the other hand maintains its full F2.8 aperture resulting in the ability to shoot faster action with less blur when zooming in.

Anti-ghost & Flare with Nano Coating Lens
Nano thin layer virtually eliminates ghost and flare entirely
Nano thin layer virtually eliminates ghost and flare entirely

In addition to multi-coating lens technology to reduce flare and reflections, the application of a Nano thin coating outer layer (usually only found on high-end Digital SLR lenses) virtually eliminates ghost and flare entirely.

Super Zoom 24x Optical Zoom Lens

One of the benefits of a bridge camera is the wide choice of focal range on offer in a lens that is built-in to the camera. With a huge focal range of 25-600mm equivalent (that means a zoom magnification of 24 times) the lens would normally be bulky and heavy weight. But with the FZ series, you get the zoom capability without the bulk.

25mm (Equivalent) Wide-angle Lens

Of course sometimes you want to photograph wide vistas or just fit a large group of people into the shot. This is where the 25mm equivalent wide angle lens on board this camera comes into its own. Its wide angle of view allows more of your subject into the photograph, which is great for those times when you can't step back far enough to fit it all in.

Power O.I.S. With Active Mode For Video
Taking shots from a moving vehicle or while walking is more precise
Taking shots from a moving vehicle or while walking is more precise

Our highest and most effective order of image stabilisation. Power O.I.S. is about twice as effective as our conventional system at reducing low-frequency vibration-caused blur. It is especially useful when using slow shutter effects or shooting night scenes. With the option of Active mode during movie recording, videoing from a moving vehicle or while walking is also more precise.

Fastest Auto Focus

Fast focus is a must when you don't want to miss the moment of a lifetime. None come faster in a compact camera than the lightning fast 0.1 seconds of Lumix. Borrowed from the technology used in our Lumix G system camera, the incredibly fast focus speed is due to the double speed readout from the sensor when the shutter button is half pressed.

50P FULL HD Video Mode With AVCHD Progressive

The newly developed Venus Engine FHD supports video recording at 50 frames per second in Full HD resolution (1920x1080). This offers the smoothest and most detailed video mode ever for a compact digital camera and is perfect for fast action sports recording.

High-speed Video Recording Mode For Super Slo-motion

HD video recording (1280x720) is available at 100 frames per second. This means when played back at normal speed (25fps) the action becomes 4x slower, which is very useful for creative slow-motion effects. At a lower resolution, 8x slower playback speed can be used which would be great for analysing a golf swing, for instance.

ISO 3200 Low Light Shooting

A combination of improved noise reduction and redesigned MOS sensor means that you can now shoot in very low light conditions by selecting a high sensitivity mode of ISO3200.

Functionality & Ease of Use

High Resolution 3.0 Inch, Free-Angle LCD Screen

The free-angle positioning of the large 3.0 inch, 460,000 pixel high resolution LCD offers greater flexibility when getting the camera in position to take the shot. Whether you want to take photos from above your head at a concert, or crouch down to a low position for taking low angle pictures of your children or pets, the screen angle is flexible enough to give you the right set up for the right moment.

High Resolution (1312k dot) Electronic Colour Viewfinder
A full colour, electronic viewfinder is built-in for monitoring the image from the sensor
A full colour, electronic viewfinder is built-in for monitoring the image from the sensor

A full colour, high resolution (1.31M dots equivalent) electronic viewfinder is provided for monitoring the image from the sensor. Offering 100% field-of-view, it enables accurate composition of your photos with the camera held close to the face in the traditional camera shooting style.

iA (Intelligent Auto) Shooting Mode

The art of taking interesting photographs is to have a camera that is ready to shoot when the moment arises. iA mode is a feature of all Lumix models and it lets you take the picture without you having to worry about what settings to use. The camera intelligently works out the type of scene that you are trying to capture. Whether it is a picture of a person's face (using Auto Portrait mode), a dramatic landscape (using Auto Landscape mode), a close up of a beautiful flower (using Auto Macro mode) or a group of friends (using Auto Face Detection & Recognition). All the most commonly used shooting scenarios are programmed in to the camera and the camera makes all the internal settings automatically, leaving you to just press the button.

12 Frames Per Second High Speed Burst Shooting
Capture high speed action with a rapid sequence of still pictures
Capture high speed action with a rapid sequence of still pictures

High-speed burst shooting, up to 12 frames per second at full resolution, is possible. This enables you to capture high speed action with a sequence of still pictures that are sharp and defined, even when it is difficult to keep the subject in the centre of the frame. You can review the images after you have captured the action and choose the best composed shot.

Multiple Creative Effects For Recording
A wide selection of creative filter style effects
A wide selection of creative filter style effects

Up to 14 creative filter effects can be selected before taking your shot. These effects: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature effect, Toy Effect, Low Key, Star Filter, One Point Colour, Dynamic Monochrome, Soft Focus, Impressive Art and Cross Process offering you a wider choice of creative style.

Creative Re-touch For Playback

Some of the creative filter effects that are available before taking your picture are also available to add to your shot after you have captured it. You can decide whether effects like Soft Focus, High Key or Dynamic Monochrome add an interesting new look to your shot, and apply the effect to the original picture after you have reviewed it.

Stereo Sound Recording

A built-in stereo microphone means high quality Dolby encoded stereo sound can be recorded when using movie mode.

Optional Stereo Microphone Input

The FZ200 offers an input for an optional stereo microphone which is a great way of maximising the sound recording quality of this camera.

External Flash Option With Hot Shoe Terminal

In addition to the built-in pop-up flash, a hot shoe is provided for the use of an optional, more powerful external flash.

High Stamina Li-ion Rechargeable Battery Pack

A high capacity 1,200mAh battery is supplied as standard offering up to 540* shots from each full charge. *CIPA standard recording conditions.

Box Contains

Battery Charger
Battery Pack
Body Cap
AV Cable
USB Cable
Shoulder Strap
Software

What do customers buy after viewing this item?


Customer Questions & Answers

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

By Antoine HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWER on 13 April 2013
FZ200 Owners:
○ There is no firmware update to date, yet check this site periodically just in case, as it will be the first site to show it: panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/
○ An ebook "user manual" by Mr Houghton (dated April 2014) available for free: grahamhoughton.com/download-section/
---------------------------------------------------------------

THE PANASONIC DMC-FZ200 review:

After doing loads of research on the web I decided to take the plunge in November 2012 and I am so happy I did. The major selling points were the 2.8 fixed aperture throughout the entire zoom range and the brilliant EVF, which is a joy to use.

The reviews are quite mixed.. some give it a 5 star rating whilst others are very critical. So I was expecting a decent camera which gets the job done without excelling.

After waiting impatiently for the battery to fully charge, I fired a few shots and I was honestly blown away by the outstanding photo quality!!

Now I do own a Canon 7D (with an f 2.8 70-200 L), the Leica V Lux 2 (aka Panasonic FZ 100), Canon G12, plus numerous other cameras, so I am not new to digital photography.

Considering such a small sensor, it is hard to see how Panasonic managed to come up with a camera that sets a new benchmark in image quality and performance. Most possibly they did strike the right balance between sensor size and pixel density (1/2.3inch 12.1MP High-sensitivity MOS sensor). Add a bright f2.8 Leica lens to that and you have the perfect combination. Photos are pin sharp with vibrant colours, thanks to the high quality Leica glass, which sports Nano Surface coating to minimise the effects of ghosting and flare. The f2.
Read more ›
67 Comments 519 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
There are plenty of very detailed, technical reviews already, so here is a different one, which I hope is useful..... Back in the late 1980's I was a semi-pro photographer and manager of a film processing lab, so I had a bag full of cameras, lenses and all the extras! Then as family life became busy my gear gathered dust and I found compact, "tough" cameras perfect for family life, and even my first Canon DSLR with lenses was just too heavy to carry about! Earlier this year I bought my first Panasonic DMC FT3 waterproof and shock proof, compact camera for a skiing trip. It is a cracking little camera, which fits in your pocket. I used to always have Olympus, Canon or Nikon, so this tiny camera has really impressed me. Starting a facebook group called Cloud Watching & Beautiful Sky-scapes has really rekindled my interest in photography again, so I decided to check out an upgrade...

A friend on the Cloud Watching group asked me why I chose the Panasonic FZ200 bridge camera, so I thought I'd share my reasons as a review for Amazon... after loads of research and really getting clear about my needs, I decided to get a bridge camera rather than a DSLR as I wanted it to be light in weight, very versatile and produce high quality pics! And oh my goodness, the 25-600 zoom at 2.8 aperture through the whole focal length really delivers!!! And, it only costs £389 from Jessops (including their £50 cashback offer) The Which Camera? reviews and customer reviews are giving it top marks. It's been out a couple of months, so there is plenty of feedback. It's HD video has exposure, colour and depth of field control, AND it has an jack point for an external microphone, as well as a built in STERO mic!!!
Read more ›
21 Comments 231 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
Verified Purchase
Initially, I wasn't going to do a review of this camera, deciding instead to leave what I thought would be some useful, but specific, comments appended to another review.

However, the camera has been "growing" on me, so I've decided to expand on my initial observations and to avoid re-inventing the wheel I have imported those comments into a fuller review.

Since 2005 I've always had a super zoom bridge camera to supplement my APS-C sensor cameras, firstly the FZ7, then FZ8, FZ38 and now the FZ200, which is by far the best overall. I've had the 200 for nearly a week now and have put it through its paces and especially to see how the lens performs throughout its zoom range and towards maximum zoom where with earlier models I've experienced image degradation due to chromatic aberration. I set the zoom to 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x and 24x and examined the images at 100% on my monitor where I found virtually no visible difference in image quality at any of the zoom positions. The lens performed very well indeed with colour and contrast being maintained right out to maximum and with little discernible chromatic aberration. I'm sure it will be there in some image situations, but one will have to go specifically looking for it. Impressive stuff, especially for my non-scientific testing procedure.

The price of this camera puts it into entry-level dslr territory and if one's primary concern is image quality, then there's no competition, the dslr wins hands down. With acceptable image quality at base ISO, the tiny sensor in the FZ200 is fine, but image degradation as the ISO is increased above 400 ISO is very noticeable. Where it scores, though, is that lens. No dslr can cover the 25mm to 600mm range with one lens and being able to maintain f2.
Read more ›
44 Comments 250 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse

Most Recent Customer Reviews