A memory card is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase a memory card that suits your needs.
The Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera from Panasonic is Panasonic's latest digital compact camera to offer an f/2.8 aperture across the full range of its zoom. And given that the full range runs to 600mm (in 35mm format), that's saying something. The lens on the FZ200 is a 24x optical zoom lens that starts at the wide angle end as a 25mm and zooms all the way to 600mm. This is an incredible range that encompasses all the focal lengths you could ever need and it offers an f/2.8 aperture at all of those lengths. Normally, this is something that only high end professional lenses offer, but with this Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens, you can have the speed and light collecting ability of an f/2.8 in an easy-to- use, easy-to-hold compact camera. It's hard to understate the improvements your photos will show, especially zoom close-ups, when you are shooting at f/2.8. The f/2.8 will allow you to use faster shutter speeds at full zoom or lower light and get sharp, blur-free images. Add to that, the Light Speed Auto Focus and 12 frames per second burst shooting speed and you have no reason to ever miss a shot. Really.
Also, a newly developed 12.1 MP high sensitivity MOS sensor and high performance LSI Venus Engine image processor equal high speed response to match the lens' speed and sensitive, high resolution image quality that will make all those shots you're now able to get, worth getting. In addition to high speed continuous shooting and Auto Focus, the Venus Engine image processor also offers quick start-up time and High Speed Video up to 240 frames per second which will slow down fast-moving subjects for awesome slo-mo.
Back that great lens for a second. The 24x optical zoom can be doubled to 48x with the Intelligent Zoom function. Intelligent Resolution, POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) and Active Mode will keep images clear and shake-free even when shooting with such a high zoom. Also, these Leica lenses come with Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating which minimizes light reflection and optical aberrations throughout the zoom range meaning that images are clear and light flares are kept to a minimum.
Rounding out the improvements in the FZ200 is its newly designed body which allows for easier control and better access to the zooming and focus lever. Also, a newly developed 0.2" EVF (Electronic View Finder) offers a high resolution image and 100% field of view.
Like all Lumix camera's the FZ200 is made complete with a full range of assistive and creative control options that will drastically improve your shooting, especially when taking on tricky high contrast or low light images. And of course, the FZ200 houses a wonderful video package available at the push of one dedicated button. From Full HD 1080 60p to ultra high speed video at VGA size, you have all the video you could ever want from a compact camera. And that lens that we spoke about - f/2.8 aperture and 24x optical zoom- is functional in video as well. Add to that, Dolby Stereo audio recording and you have in your hands a complete Audio-Visual creation machine.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Pixels |
Actual: 12.8 Megapixel Effective: 12.1 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" MOS |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, MPO, RAW Movies: MPEG-4, MPEG-4 AVCHD Audio: AAC |
| Max Resolution | 12MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3 |
| Other Resolutions |
9MP: 2992 x 2992 @ 1:1 6MP: 2448 x 2448 @ 1:1 3.5MP: 1920 x 1920 @ 1:1 2.5MP: 1536 x 1536 @ 1:1 0.2MP: 480 x 480 @ 1:1 8MP: 3264 x 2448 @ 4:3 5MP: 2560 x 1920 @ 4:3 3MP: 2048 x 1536 @ 4:3 2MP: 1600 x 1200 @ 4:3 0.3MP: 640 x 480 @ 4:3 10MP: 4000 x 2672 @ 3:2 7MP: 3264 x 2176 @ 3:2 4.5MP: 2560 x 1712 @ 3:2 2.5MP: 2048 x 1360 @ 3:2 0.3MP: 640 x 424 @ 3:2 9MP: 4000 x 2248 @ 16:9 6MP: 3264 x 1840 @ 16:9 3.5MP: 2560 x 1440 @ 16:9 2MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9 0.2MP: 640 x 360 1920 x 1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit, 14 elements in 11 groups 5 Aspheric, 3 ED EFL: 4.5-108 mm (35 mm equivalent: 25-600 mm) Aperture: f/2.8 (W) - 2.8 (T) to f/8.0 1 Please Note:28-672mm (35mm equivalency) for Video Recording close |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Zoom |
Optical: 24x Intelligent Zoom: 48x |
| Focus Range |
Wide: 11.81" (30 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 78.74" (200 cm) - Infinity Wide: 0.39" (1 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 39.37" (100 cm) - Infinity 2 Please Note:Normal (Wide, Tele) and AF Macro, MF, iA, Motion Picture (Wide Tele)respectively close |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-3200 (High Sensitivity Mode: 1600-6400) |
| Shutter | 60 - 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Multi, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| Shooting Modes |
Easy Auto Mode Landscape Miniature Effect Monochrome Night Portrait Night Scene Panorama Portrait Smooth Skin Soft Focus Toy Camera Effect Vivid Color |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Natural White), Fluorescent (White), Incandescent, Shade |
| Burst Rate |
Up to 12 fps at 12.1 MP for up to 12 frames Up to 5.5 fps at 12.1 MP for up to 12 frames Up to 2 fps at 12.1 MP for up to 12 frames Up to 60 fps at 2.5 MP Up to 40 fps at 5 MP |
| Self Timer |
10 Sec, 2 Sec
3
Please Note:Also: 10 seconds, 3 pictures close |
| Remote Control | None |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Flash Modes |
Auto Auto/Red-eye Reduction Forced On Off Second-curtain Sync Slow Sync Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction |
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 0.98 - 44.29' (0.3 - 13.5 m) Telephoto: 3.28 - 44.29' (1.0 - 13.5 m) 4 Please Note:At ISO Auto close |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 70MB |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Still Images per GB | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC |
| Resolution |
1920 x 1080: 60 fps, 30 fps 1280 x 720: 60 fps, 30 fps 640 x 480: 60 fps, 30 fps |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Video Clip Length |
Up to 100 Min
5
Please Note:Actual Recordable Time at Full HD in MP4 close |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type |
Electronic, LCD Display
6
Please Note:0.21" Color Electronic View Finder close |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Screen |
3.0" LCD Rear Screen (460000 pixels)
7
Please Note:100% Wide Viewing Area close |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 2.5mm Sub-mini, AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Software Requirements | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Waterproofing | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2VDC, 1200mAh |
| AC Power Adapter | 110-240V AC (Optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.93 x 3.41 x 4.34" / 125.2 x 86.6 x 110.2 mm |
| Weight | 1.18 lb / 537 g without battery and card |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Spectacular camera
I will be the first to admit that I don't want to bother to take the time to set shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, etc when I am taking pictures, but I still want ...Read complete review
I will be the first to admit that I don't want to bother to take the time to set shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, etc when I am taking pictures, but I still want to end up with quality images. I have been the route with several CDCs and even one DSLR I have finally found my perfect camera in the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. Let me add that I have severe rheumatoid arthritis, so weight, flexibility and ease of managing controls is a huge factor for me - but I also want pictures that turn out very nicely. I can handle this camera with one hand easily.
Right out of the box, just figuring out how to use the camera, the resulting pictures are extremely impressive. The clarity and depth of field are outstanding. The Intelligent Zoom is unbelievable - it's like having a spy camera now! I am a novice photographer, but I know quality pictures when I download them. Obtaining the desired results with this camera is done with ease. You have to try very hard to get a bad shot. I can easily say the initial results were stunning.
The LCD is easy to view and very detailed. I am at the age where everything up close is a blur, but the LCD screen is perfectly sized. Having the option to switch to the viewfinder is very nice to have especially when zooming.
The icons on the display are easy to understand, managing the controls is pretty intuitive. And the camera takes over so much it is hardly ever necessary to adjust any settings. It truly is 'intelligent'.
I have only used the video feature once so far, but I very much like the one-button feature for recording video. Very convenient.
I am still figuring out all of the camera's features but I have yet to find something that I don't like about it. Habitually I have stuck to another highly regarded well-known brand of cameras, and I and very glad that I took the plunge and kicked the brand habit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Thank God for You Tube !!
I am amazed by this new camera however I almost returned it because the manual was so poor. I am new to this type of camera and it was the advanced features that I was...Read complete review
I am amazed by this new camera however I almost returned it because the manual was so poor. I am new to this type of camera and it was the advanced features that I was most interested in understanding. The manual was useless - worse than useless. The small booklet which accompanies the camera basically instructed me on how to attach the strap and lens cover. Not much more ! The PDF file on the enclosed CD was vague and not helpful in understanding WHY or WHEN a particular action was appropriate. I reverted to You Tube and found a very knowledgeable Englishman -- Graham Houghton - has presented 12 or 13 short videos on how to get the most from my camera. Thank God for You Tube. Mr. Houghton calls his tutorial series "The Missing Manual". So at least I know I'm not the only one who has been frustrated by this poor excuse for a teaching manual. Happily - if one is able to learn how to use it, ...... the camera is great !!!!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 84 customers
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Purchased this as I was tired of having my canon 7d and 70- 200 L rejected at sports venues because it is a white lens, because it is too long, because some idiot things that my camera is "professional". (Wake up NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, you can take 4k video on a go-pro pocket cam. Start being fan friendly to us shutter bugs!) The panny FZ200 gives me constant aperture f2.8 and 25-600mm zoom in a small package. Keep the ISO at 400 or below to get best results. Use a class 10 card for video. Instructions supplied are poor. Go to Leica website and download the instructions for the V-LUX 4 as it has better detail and controls are the same. Camera is also great for travel. Get a protector filter when you buy the camera (52mm).
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I didn't expect the quality that this camera has... even with the reviews I read before purchasing it.... just didn't believe folks. I have been playing around with this camera in preparation for a trip to Alaska in June. It takes great outdoor pictures. It is not designed for close pictures... so I use my other camera for indoor closeups. It is very light weight and with the weakness that I have in my hands there is no way that I could hold the weight of SLR type lens anymore for distance shooting. The viewfinder is pretty decent... have been practicing in preparation for the water/glaciers on my trip. Video is good also. I don't plan to bring a videocam as this camera can do videos well. Manual focus is putsy.
Way to go Panasonic! A WINNER!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
It is the best bridge-camera i have tried. It has a full manual mode, and 3 custom modes. It is guite fast, and comes with a great lens and awesome video capabilities.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
From inside portrays to outside close-ups, this camera has met expectations.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I will use this when I go places where I do not want to or can't take a full sized dslr. It is small, light weight, and unobtrusive. The images taken so far are sharp and acceptable. The zoom is great as is the constant 2.8 aperture. The bad----the instruction book is just terrible. Poorly written, jumbled, incomplete, difficult to follow and does not explain what all the features do. It needs to be better illustrated and clearly explain how to access all the controls and menu items.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I use it when I need a light weight camera to carry around or in places where I can't take an interchangable lens dslr. The picture quality is great. It is fairly easy to use. The insteuction book is one of the most poorly planned and written that I have ever seen. The controls are a bit confusing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Bought it for the fast lens, big zoom range and to have it all in one camera. Sometimes my M43 system is too much to bother with and a compact camera is not enough. This camera fills that gap.
Image quality is excellent for a small sensor camera and navigating the many options is fairly easy (especially if you are already familiar with Panasonic menus). However, like any feature-rich camera it takes a while to learn. This is a fairly large camera but it's comfortable to hold and layout of the controls is sensible. Although I own several other cameras, this is my first super zoom and I am very satisfied so far.
Keep in mind that this is a small sensor camera so, although the f2.8 aperture provides more light than most super zooms, it can not produce images with limited depth of field like a larger format sensor.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
This is day 5 with the Lumix and each day I've shot between 100 to 200 frames....The camera does well on most shots, good exposure, and snappy focus. The zoom range is fantastic, and I especially like the high end (600). Now here's the bad news....the images are not as sharp as those with my Nikon pro glass, there is more noise, and the post processing seems like there is less latitude than the nikon...That being said, this is not a pro camera, but it does what it should do for a camera in that price range. It's not going to work for me, so I'm going to sell it, but for most people it would be great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I have had the FZ20 since 2006 and purchased the FZ200 to have the longer focal length at f/2.8 and the hinged LCD display. Wow am I happy with this camera. Pictures from low light inside my church to outdoor baseball and animals at the zoo are fantastic. You can read the technical information from many web sites. I am a former professional photographer and I appreciate what this bridge camera is capable of doing. Since I am in my 70's, the weight and size of the FZ200 serves my present needs. This camera is great for traveling and you will not be sorry about purchasing it from B&H. Now I need to sell my darkroom equiptment and the rest of my Hasselblad equiptment!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
This is my third Lumix camera (also use ZS5 and LX-5)and I could not be more pleased. I just returned from a trip to St. Croix and carried this gem instead of my Nikon DSLR. What a pleasant experience. Everything about this camera is top drawer. Excellent images on "IA", even better when you move off of "IA" setting. As time goes by, I am becoming a convert to the Lumix series, one cannot find much fault in the Lieca lenses and ease of use of the camera itself. Excellent!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Bought for a photographic adventure cruise which needs a wide range of automatic and self-selected options. This camera's intuitive controls and layout helps with a rapid learning curve to excellent results. It serves a beginner well and is versatile enough to engage an experienced eye.
Some of the movie options are not readily deciphered without a careful reading of the manual, but the digital manual is excellent.
Would definitely buy one again.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
When I switched to digital many moons ago, I was disappointed at the f/5.x that seemed to be the norm in my price range when I zoomed in all of the way. I was so thrilled to find this camera with f/2.8 across the entire 24x optical zoom. While I love SLR's, the capabilities of this great point and shoot have won me over for many applications. Now I just need some time to play with it and get comfortable with its manual settings too. The panorama mode is awesome too.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
This is an excellent camera set straight on to auto. We like traveling and going bush, so need low light capabilities, and a fast lens for general shooting.
The powerfull zoom is just so usefull.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
After much thought and reading many reviews,I realized the best camera for me would be like a point and shoot with better optics and range than most compacts models.I considered many changeable lens camera but really didn't want to carry around lens or spend the money.
The majority of my pictures are snapshots. If I'm lucky enough to get a winner I think it could happen with this camera.
I was pleased with the B&H person I spoke to on the phone.He was not selling me a product but he gave me good advice and also a great price.
The camera was delivered the day before my vacation and I had a ball shooting.I even got a few very good shots.
I'm somewhat familiar with the Panasonic product ,so it was fairly easy to play with the settings.
If you want simple,fast,and great range and are not a pro, this would be a great camera for anyone.
If I could put it in my pocket it would be perfect!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
By a long distance, the f2.8 aperture feature for all zoom settings is the most admirable and useful step forward and in the right direction. The "sister", Leica's V-Lux 4, offers little else (apart from the red dot) that would really warrant spending nearly twice as much than on the FZ200.Body feels firm enough to provide a good grip, and with a Leica lens, what else can you ask for. A great step upwards from the smaller PAS. As with all built-in flash cameras, the serious photographer will use an external flash, but it's not bad for day-to-day shooting.Battery life is OK, but a spare battery should always be at hand.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
The Lumix FZ200 was all that I had hoped for and more. Being able to hand-hold the camera at full zoom is amazing. Photos are sharp and vibrant. I researched several cameras and I do NOT regret my decision.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Great all-round camera with a fantastic Leica lens. Very sharp, clear (f2.8) and stable giving true to life color. The slow-motion feature on the HD video capture is awesome.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Initial pictures mostly taken in in intelligent auto mode - came out very nice. It will be fun learning the capabilities of this camera. Impressive zoom lens, and video is way better than our old Canon. Thanks to B&H Camera for prompt shipping and careful packing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I am amazed by this new camera however I almost returned it because the manual was so poor. I am new to this type of camera and it was the advanced features that I was most interested in understanding. The manual was useless - worse than useless. The small booklet which accompanies the camera basically instructed me on how to attach the strap and lens cover. Not much more ! The PDF file on the enclosed CD was vague and not helpful in understanding WHY or WHEN a particular action was appropriate. I reverted to You Tube and found a very knowledgeable Englishman -- Graham Houghton - has presented 12 or 13 short videos on how to get the most from my camera. Thank God for You Tube. Mr. Houghton calls his tutorial series "The Missing Manual". So at least I know I'm not the only one who has been frustrated by this poor excuse for a teaching manual. Happily - if one is able to learn how to use it, ...... the camera is great !!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I keep this in my vehicle most times.
Constant aperture at 2.8 zoom 25-600mm is quite nice for hand held shots. Decent movies at 240fps is interesting for short action subjects.
12 FPS VERY HANDY !
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Spectacular camera
I will be the first to admit that I don't want to bother to take the time to set shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, etc when I am taking pictures, but I still want ...Read complete review
I will be the first to admit that I don't want to bother to take the time to set shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, etc when I am taking pictures, but I still want to end up with quality images. I have been the route with several CDCs and even one DSLR I have finally found my perfect camera in the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. Let me add that I have severe rheumatoid arthritis, so weight, flexibility and ease of managing controls is a huge factor for me - but I also want pictures that turn out very nicely. I can handle this camera with one hand easily.
Right out of the box, just figuring out how to use the camera, the resulting pictures are extremely impressive. The clarity and depth of field are outstanding. The Intelligent Zoom is unbelievable - it's like having a spy camera now! I am a novice photographer, but I know quality pictures when I download them. Obtaining the desired results with this camera is done with ease. You have to try very hard to get a bad shot. I can easily say the initial results were stunning.
The LCD is easy to view and very detailed. I am at the age where everything up close is a blur, but the LCD screen is perfectly sized. Having the option to switch to the viewfinder is very nice to have especially when zooming.
The icons on the display are easy to understand, managing the controls is pretty intuitive. And the camera takes over so much it is hardly ever necessary to adjust any settings. It truly is 'intelligent'.
I have only used the video feature once so far, but I very much like the one-button feature for recording video. Very convenient.
I am still figuring out all of the camera's features but I have yet to find something that I don't like about it. Habitually I have stuck to another highly regarded well-known brand of cameras, and I and very glad that I took the plunge and kicked the brand habit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Thank God for You Tube !!
I am amazed by this new camera however I almost returned it because the manual was so poor. I am new to this type of camera and it was the advanced features that I was...Read complete review
I am amazed by this new camera however I almost returned it because the manual was so poor. I am new to this type of camera and it was the advanced features that I was most interested in understanding. The manual was useless - worse than useless. The small booklet which accompanies the camera basically instructed me on how to attach the strap and lens cover. Not much more ! The PDF file on the enclosed CD was vague and not helpful in understanding WHY or WHEN a particular action was appropriate. I reverted to You Tube and found a very knowledgeable Englishman -- Graham Houghton - has presented 12 or 13 short videos on how to get the most from my camera. Thank God for You Tube. Mr. Houghton calls his tutorial series "The Missing Manual". So at least I know I'm not the only one who has been frustrated by this poor excuse for a teaching manual. Happily - if one is able to learn how to use it, ...... the camera is great !!!!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 84 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Purchased this as I was tired of having my canon 7d and 70- 200 L rejected at sports venues because it is a white lens, because it is too long, because some idiot things that my camera is "professional". (Wake up NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, you can take 4k video on a go-pro pocket cam. Start being fan friendly to us shutter bugs!) The panny FZ200 gives me constant aperture f2.8 and 25-600mm zoom in a small package. Keep the ISO at 400 or below to get best results. Use a class 10 card for video. Instructions supplied are poor. Go to Leica website and download the instructions for the V-LUX 4 as it has better detail and controls are the same. Camera is also great for travel. Get a protector filter when you buy the camera (52mm).
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I didn't expect the quality that this camera has... even with the reviews I read before purchasing it.... just didn't believe folks. I have been playing around with this camera in preparation for a trip to Alaska in June. It takes great outdoor pictures. It is not designed for close pictures... so I use my other camera for indoor closeups. It is very light weight and with the weakness that I have in my hands there is no way that I could hold the weight of SLR type lens anymore for distance shooting. The viewfinder is pretty decent... have been practicing in preparation for the water/glaciers on my trip. Video is good also. I don't plan to bring a videocam as this camera can do videos well. Manual focus is putsy.
Way to go Panasonic! A WINNER!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
It is the best bridge-camera i have tried. It has a full manual mode, and 3 custom modes. It is guite fast, and comes with a great lens and awesome video capabilities.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
From inside portrays to outside close-ups, this camera has met expectations.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I will use this when I go places where I do not want to or can't take a full sized dslr. It is small, light weight, and unobtrusive. The images taken so far are sharp and acceptable. The zoom is great as is the constant 2.8 aperture. The bad----the instruction book is just terrible. Poorly written, jumbled, incomplete, difficult to follow and does not explain what all the features do. It needs to be better illustrated and clearly explain how to access all the controls and menu items.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I use it when I need a light weight camera to carry around or in places where I can't take an interchangable lens dslr. The picture quality is great. It is fairly easy to use. The insteuction book is one of the most poorly planned and written that I have ever seen. The controls are a bit confusing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Bought it for the fast lens, big zoom range and to have it all in one camera. Sometimes my M43 system is too much to bother with and a compact camera is not enough. This camera fills that gap.
Image quality is excellent for a small sensor camera and navigating the many options is fairly easy (especially if you are already familiar with Panasonic menus). However, like any feature-rich camera it takes a while to learn. This is a fairly large camera but it's comfortable to hold and layout of the controls is sensible. Although I own several other cameras, this is my first super zoom and I am very satisfied so far.
Keep in mind that this is a small sensor camera so, although the f2.8 aperture provides more light than most super zooms, it can not produce images with limited depth of field like a larger format sensor.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
This is day 5 with the Lumix and each day I've shot between 100 to 200 frames....The camera does well on most shots, good exposure, and snappy focus. The zoom range is fantastic, and I especially like the high end (600). Now here's the bad news....the images are not as sharp as those with my Nikon pro glass, there is more noise, and the post processing seems like there is less latitude than the nikon...That being said, this is not a pro camera, but it does what it should do for a camera in that price range. It's not going to work for me, so I'm going to sell it, but for most people it would be great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
I have had the FZ20 since 2006 and purchased the FZ200 to have the longer focal length at f/2.8 and the hinged LCD display. Wow am I happy with this camera. Pictures from low light inside my church to outdoor baseball and animals at the zoo are fantastic. You can read the technical information from many web sites. I am a former professional photographer and I appreciate what this bridge camera is capable of doing. Since I am in my 70's, the weight and size of the FZ200 serves my present needs. This camera is great for traveling and you will not be sorry about purchasing it from B&H. Now I need to sell my darkroom equiptment and the rest of my Hasselblad equiptment!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
This is my third Lumix camera (also use ZS5 and LX-5)and I could not be more pleased. I just returned from a trip to St. Croix and carried this gem instead of my Nikon DSLR. What a pleasant experience. Everything about this camera is top drawer. Excellent images on "IA", even better when you move off of "IA" setting. As time goes by, I am becoming a convert to the Lumix series, one cannot find much fault in the Lieca lenses and ease of use of the camera itself. Excellent!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera:
Bought for a photographic adventure cruise which needs a wide range of automatic and self-selected options. This camera's intuitive controls and layout helps with a rapid learning curve to excellent results. It serves a beginner well and is versatile enough to engage an experienced eye.
Some of the movie options are not readily deciphered without a careful reading of the manual, but the digital manual is excellent.
Would definitely buy one again.
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When I switched to digital many moons ago, I was disappointed at the f/5.x that seemed to be the norm in my price range when I zoomed in all of the way. I was so thrilled to find this camera with f/2.8 across the entire 24x optical zoom. While I love SLR's, the capabilities of this great point and shoot have won me over for many applications. Now I just need some time to play with it and get comfortable with its manual settings too. The panorama mode is awesome too.
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This is an excellent camera set straight on to auto. We like traveling and going bush, so need low light capabilities, and a fast lens for general shooting.
The powerfull zoom is just so usefull.
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After much thought and reading many reviews,I realized the best camera for me would be like a point and shoot with better optics and range than most compacts models.I considered many changeable lens camera but really didn't want to carry around lens or spend the money.
The majority of my pictures are snapshots. If I'm lucky enough to get a winner I think it could happen with this camera.
I was pleased with the B&H person I spoke to on the phone.He was not selling me a product but he gave me good advice and also a great price.
The camera was delivered the day before my vacation and I had a ball shooting.I even got a few very good shots.
I'm somewhat familiar with the Panasonic product ,so it was fairly easy to play with the settings.
If you want simple,fast,and great range and are not a pro, this would be a great camera for anyone.
If I could put it in my pocket it would be perfect!
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By a long distance, the f2.8 aperture feature for all zoom settings is the most admirable and useful step forward and in the right direction. The "sister", Leica's V-Lux 4, offers little else (apart from the red dot) that would really warrant spending nearly twice as much than on the FZ200.Body feels firm enough to provide a good grip, and with a Leica lens, what else can you ask for. A great step upwards from the smaller PAS. As with all built-in flash cameras, the serious photographer will use an external flash, but it's not bad for day-to-day shooting.Battery life is OK, but a spare battery should always be at hand.
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The Lumix FZ200 was all that I had hoped for and more. Being able to hand-hold the camera at full zoom is amazing. Photos are sharp and vibrant. I researched several cameras and I do NOT regret my decision.
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Great all-round camera with a fantastic Leica lens. Very sharp, clear (f2.8) and stable giving true to life color. The slow-motion feature on the HD video capture is awesome.
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Initial pictures mostly taken in in intelligent auto mode - came out very nice. It will be fun learning the capabilities of this camera. Impressive zoom lens, and video is way better than our old Canon. Thanks to B&H Camera for prompt shipping and careful packing.
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I am amazed by this new camera however I almost returned it because the manual was so poor. I am new to this type of camera and it was the advanced features that I was most interested in understanding. The manual was useless - worse than useless. The small booklet which accompanies the camera basically instructed me on how to attach the strap and lens cover. Not much more ! The PDF file on the enclosed CD was vague and not helpful in understanding WHY or WHEN a particular action was appropriate. I reverted to You Tube and found a very knowledgeable Englishman -- Graham Houghton - has presented 12 or 13 short videos on how to get the most from my camera. Thank God for You Tube. Mr. Houghton calls his tutorial series "The Missing Manual". So at least I know I'm not the only one who has been frustrated by this poor excuse for a teaching manual. Happily - if one is able to learn how to use it, ...... the camera is great !!!!
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I keep this in my vehicle most times.
Constant aperture at 2.8 zoom 25-600mm is quite nice for hand held shots. Decent movies at 240fps is interesting for short action subjects.
12 FPS VERY HANDY !
This Lens Adaptor is required for mounting the following accessories DMW-LT55-DMW-LC55 to the DMC-FZ200 camera.