First Impressions
Every bridge camera looks and feels like an
entry level DSLR, but most have that excellent zooming power that the entry
level DSLR will not. So, here we are with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 with a
12.1 MOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom. It's got the right idea behind it, with
great specs that look the part on paper. But, does it shine through if you put
it through the paces, or does it falter anywhere? Let's click and find out!
The
FZ200 is Panasonic's return to a fixed aperture, ultra zoom camera, something
they were previously known for with their first FZ1/2/3 models.
Review
The DMC-FZ200 fits quite nicely in your
hand and is rather well built for any type of photography that you may want to
push it for. It's got enough features to keep photography enthusiasts
interested, but it basically feels and operates like a point-and-shoot camera.
That's the whole idea for bridge camera's, but not all of them have been bang
for your buck. At almost Rs 35K, you don't get interchangeable lenses, but the
Panasonic Leica lens is fairly good having Power O.I.S. and good auto-focus
capabilities. There are enough modes to keep beginners happy as well, like
preset settings for various kind of lighting scenarios and such. But, it is the
control over aperture, shutter speed and ISO level, which will leave the
enthusiast photographer content as well. But here's the best part - the maximum
aperture at the wide and telephoto ends in the FZ150 are f/2.8 and f/5.6
respectively. Quite respectable, but the optics in the FZ200 is capable of
maintaining f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. This means that even at 600 mm,
you can go as low as f/2.8. This is the most significant upgrade over the FZ150
and is also the USP of the FZ200. The performance is really good, plus you have
the option to shoot in RAW as well. But, writing those files on the card takes
a fairly long time, plus the zoom controller on the lens itself was a bit too
sensitive for our taste. But, at every other test and almost all across the ISO
range, the pictures were really good. Video was great too, but stabilization
could've been a bit better.
The
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Lens
LCD Screen
Filled with 460k dot on a 3" LCD
panel, the screen can be pulled out and twisted around as well. It's great for
self-photography as well as getting Pics from weird angles. The EVF has diopter
control as well, and has good amounts of info to shoot independently from the
LCD screen.
The
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Screen Out
Video Recording
The cam can capture 120 fps (in NTSC) and
100 fps (PAL) at 720p, which lets you create nice slow motion video in FID
quality.
Verdict
This is a really good camera, but at $0.6K,
you also have the option to consider the Sony RX100. For a smaller frame and a
better contrast quality, you can switch over to it, but the Lumix does have
slightly more customizable options. If that's what you want, then by all means
go for the DMC-FZ200, else it would be a lot smarter decision to go for the
RX100 from Sony.
The
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Top
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Specifications
§ Price:
$638
§ 12.1
MP MOS Sensor
§ 24x
Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom
§ 4.5
- 108 mm Focal length f/2.8-8 Aperture range
§ Full
FID Video Recording
§ SD,
SDFIC, SDXC compatible
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