Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

I'll chip in, had many cameras, just like many others here, but I am sold on the Panasonic FZ200. However, the camera can be a nuisance if you have big hands. The buttons are so close together it's easy to trip one by accident, until you get the hang of it.

You have the option of easy mode (Ai & AiPlus) or more advanced modes including manual. The how to book provided is not great but maybe enough to get you started.

For the best tutorials by far go here:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoIf_3ex-YIYG4YJcqPoMf63dkQ6MZsg

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Is the FZ any bigger than the SX or about the same size ?
Anyone know ?

Mojoni Loc: Eastern Tennessee

I've looked at both when I was looking to buy a new camera. I liked Canon's smaller size but in the end I bought the FZ200 for its superior lens quality. I'm very happy w/ my decision.

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I recommended my daughter buy FZ200, then, after reading all the raves in the hog, I told her to get the SX50. After looking at a ton of rather bad pictures from the SX50, I'm thinking she should get the FZ200. I own a FZ18 and I really think it takes at least as good a picture as the SX50, although I looked at one in a store and the 50 really looks and feels good. I think a lot of folks are bowled over by the super zoom, as I was when my FZ 18 was new. I like super zooms, and have an 18x and a 24x and really, *I* don't need the 24. I'd rather have less zoom and better picture (bigger sensor is what I want). 95% of the SX50 pictures posted here look blurry when looked at full size. That makes me nervous about that camera. I haven't changed my recommendation yet, but I do feel confident she will like either one.

Also, avoid Snapsort like the plague, they are really off on their ratings.

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

What I see on the screen (or viewfinder if I use it) is very important to me. I want it to be as close as possible to the picture I'm about to capture. My old FZ18 has a great screen, my old P90 has a lousy screen. I wouldn't buy a camera today that had a lousy screen, if any do, but it's important I think.

Photog

Right on! I do not know where the SnapSort folks come from but time and time again, I disagree with their ratings. I am pleased to see the flood of pro Panasonic comments. I have had both the FZ200 and SX50 in my hands and the Canon feels more like a toy than a camera. If someone is after the most telephoto they can get, then go for the Canon, but the FZ200 is quality, fast glass, solid feel, and plenty of reach for most of what I need. It is refreshing to hear from so many folks on this topic.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

That's just silly, with better resolution the easier it is on the eyes long term viewing. Not to mention creating image viewing color accuracy and better viewing in sunlight.

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I own 2 bridge camera's. A Panasonic FZ18 and a Nikon P90. Both are/were about the same class and price range. The Panasonic about a year older, but is a much nicer camera I think. The FZ18 is packed with features, but the P90 is not. I get and overwhelming feeling that Nikon removes too much stuff from their cheaper camera's, while Panasonic packs all the good stuff into theirs. The problem (for me) is both camera's need better sensors, although I really think the Pano has a better sensor/lens combo than the Nikon. This may have nothing at all to do with the Canon, but, I think about the dumbing down Nikon did (I guess) to make sure there cheap camera's didn't have too much good stuff. Does Canon do this? I can't say, but Panasonic, at least mine, has all the features the expensive camera's have, just not the same sensor. For example, the Pano has raw, full time histogram, better screen and so on.

BTW, I compared the two that I own and use on Snapsort, that's why I recommend everyone avoid Snapsort reviews like the plague.

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

It made me laugh that 2 different people posted link to reviews, with diametrically opposite results! I would be interested to know which company pays the most for advertising on those sites... Of course, I am a cynic!

I am a new sx50 owner, and I love the camera. That lens really lets you reach out and touch someone! The size of the camera is an issue, though. I am still getting used to it, but it is true that this is a very small camera with as many buttons/knobs/control dohickeys as a full size slr. It is difficult to avoid hitting the wrong button occasionally, especially with the right thumb. I have put about 500 shots through mine, and I think I am getting used to the size, but no doubt I will still turn on the delay every now and again.

I don't know anything about the panasonic, so I can't really comment there. Isn't it funny how we all take sides when these regular questions come up?

ggttc Loc: TN

They are both fine cameras, and dont think you can go wrong with either one. I am an sx50 owner and I seriously looked at both and read reviews until blood was coming out of my eyes. I chose the sx50 for the zoom, remote and some other features I thought I would use but dont.

That being said if you got the panosonic folks and canon folks and put them in a room,shuffled a stack of 8x10's and asked them to tell the difference between the cameras...there would be a whole bunch of wrinkled brows and squinting.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

I doubt it....

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

It all depends on where you set your standards. I always try to improve.

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

[quote=Bill MN]It all depends on where you set your standards. I always try to improve.[/quote


What do you mean by improve? My pictures are perfect in that they are as I enjoy them. What you mean by standards? To me a standard is a norm, an average, a par! But whose? Just playing Devils Advocate! I happen to only post my pictures that i like and think the story behind it may interest a hog member. If my picture is not perfect in their opinion, that's too bad! That's just their opinion. My posting the picture means I was happy with it and wanted to share it!

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

I agree with you about snapsort ratings. They are like the computerized boxing matches between fighters who have never actually been in the ring together.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

In looking at camera reviews, frequent comparisons have been made between the Canon SX50 and the Panasonic FZ200. In reality, they are quite different. Comparing them is like comparing an American muscle car to a similarly priced BMW. The muscle car will have far more straight line performance, while giving up handling, braking, and some degree of build quality to the BMW. The 18-21 year old male who would prefer the lumpy muscled Dodge Challenger to the Beemer would also choose the SX50; the better to spy on the MILFs on the beach. The fortyish parent who would prefer the Beemer for its usable back seat, better braking, and more subdued appearance would be likely to prefer the FZ200; better for his kids' sports activities and dance recitals. IMHO, someone considering an entry DSLR feeling limited by its kit lens and unwilling/unable to lay out for more glass, would be better off with the FZ200. For someone who already has a DSLR and is looking for a sidekick, the Canon SX50 is a no-brainer choice. When all is said and done the Panasonic doen't match either the Canon's reach OR the DSLR I.Q. In general, the SX50 seems to be a more popular choice. Horsepower trumps handling after all