Getting ready to pull the trigger on a new camera. Need tips: I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory...

fishmaven Loc: Ohio right now

I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory packages. What accessories should I get when I purchase the camera? Panasonic's site doesn't list some of the things the reviews mention. None of the local camera shops even stock this camera. I've been a Nikon guy, but it's my first venture in a digital format. Brand of SDHC cards? Thanks for even considering giving a reply.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Welcome to UHH. Have you been to B&H? You might do a search on the link above regarding 42nd. Street Photo. I don't know anything about the FZ200. Good luck.

destair Loc: East Tennessee

I have one for sale that is only a few weeks old and has less than 100 shutter releases. I am selling in an effort to being able to afford a full frame. The Fz is absolutely like new.

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

Panasonic cameras are not sold in a lot of local camera shops. Watch out for those "bundle" deals. They can be tricky.

Go to a reputable camera store and check out the Olympus Stylus 1 camera.

--Beagleman

riada22 Loc: Edinburgh - Scotland

fishmaven wrote:

I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory packages. What accessories should I get when I purchase the camera? Panasonic's site doesn't list some of the things the reviews mention. None of the local camera shops even stock this camera. I've been a Nikon guy, but it's my first venture in a digital format. Brand of SDHC cards? Thanks for even considering giving a reply.

I have four Panasonic Lumix cameras of various design one of them being a bridge camera the FZ45 and I love them all. I would advise another battery or maybe two depending on how much you will use the camera. I looked up the FZ200 and it looks good, especially having the hinged screen at the back. I don't use a neck strap I use a wrist one as the camera is very light, but that's a personal thing. Good shooting.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Have a FZ70 and love it. Great all purpose camera. Not a fan of bundles, however. Ask them to unbundle it and give you a price on just the camera. If they won't, price the camera at Amazon.com or other on line sources. See how much extra you are really paying for the "bundle" components. The bundle may turn out to be a wonderful deal.

As stated above, you will need an extra battery (or two), a UV Filter to protect your lens is probably a must, and any hi performance/hi speed 16gb or larger card will probably keep you happy. Several threads on this site dedicated to Cards that are worth looking over.

Have fun.

Grandpa

SonyBug

Do you have any Nikon lenses? If so they may go on a new Nikon camera and you would have more versatility than changing brands. Just Sayin'

drmarty Loc: Pine City, NY

fishmaven wrote:

I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory packages. What accessories should I get when I purchase the camera? Panasonic's site doesn't list some of the things the reviews mention. None of the local camera shops even stock this camera. I've been a Nikon guy, but it's my first venture in a digital format. Brand of SDHC cards? Thanks for even considering giving a reply.

Welcome to the forum! Stick with Nikon!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

fishmaven wrote:

I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory packages. What accessories should I get when I purchase the camera? Panasonic's site doesn't list some of the things the reviews mention. None of the local camera shops even stock this camera. I've been a Nikon guy, but it's my first venture in a digital format. Brand of SDHC cards? Thanks for even considering giving a reply.

BBB does not have a rating on 42nd Street Photo. Here is a summary from the BBB website for a total of three years

Complaint Type Total Closed Complaints
Advertising/Sales Issues 32
Billing/Collection Issues 7
Delivery Issues 2
Guarantee/Warranty Issues 0
Problems with Product/Service 13
Total Closed Complaints 54

I do not think that 18 complaints per year is excessive. How does their price compare to Adorama or B&H. You cannot beat the customer service at either Adorama or B&H - and that IS worth a few bucks extra. Also get fees for taxes and shipping. Sometimes these can turn a bargain into a nightmare. One company (not one of the three in question) wanted to charge me 10% sales tax and $35 shipping on a six ounce clamp mount that cost under $40. Their total cost was $79; B&H was $36 & Adorama wanted less than $40 because of a tax issue. Sometimes the lowest price is the worst value!

amehta Loc: Boston

fishmaven wrote:

I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory packages. What accessories should I get when I purchase the camera? Panasonic's site doesn't list some of the things the reviews mention. None of the local camera shops even stock this camera. I've been a Nikon guy, but it's my first venture in a digital format. Brand of SDHC cards? Thanks for even considering giving a reply.

To start, you need very few accessories with a bridge camera like the FZ200. An extra battery is good as riada22 suggested. I would not get a tripod at this time, first see how you use the camera and then decide if you need a tripod or monopod. I think SanDisk and Lexar are generally reliable SDHC cards, and 16GB or 32GB should be big enough for most needs. Again, an extra card is a good idea. There are other brands which are good too, so I'm not suggesting that these are the only ones to get, but it's an easy starting point.

kwbybee Loc: Oklahoma City

Go to Youtube and search the Panasonic FZ200, Graham Houghton has a lot of tutorial videos on that camera and it is very capable. My wife owns it and loves it. She likes the picture quality and the portability, it is a Leica lens.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

insman1132 wrote:

Have a FZ70 and love it. Great all purpose camera... (show quote)

All the tips sound good, except a UV Filter is absolutely not a must, while a Circular Polarizing filter is.

Lots of great reviews of this camera. I lost my Canon SX50 which I loved and put to great use. I probably will replace it with the Lumix, but will wait until I see the features of the Canon SX60 due out in late May. It's rumored to feature the constant f/2.8 of the Panasonic.

Be sure to look at some of the YouTube postings on the Lumix.

The articulated LCD screen is a great feature to consider, no matter what your ultimate choice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

fishmaven wrote:

I'm about to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ200. I've found a good deal at 42nd St Photo, but I don't like their accessory packages. What accessories should I get when I purchase the camera? Panasonic's site doesn't list some of the things the reviews mention. None of the local camera shops even stock this camera. I've been a Nikon guy, but it's my first venture in a digital format. Brand of SDHC cards? Thanks for even considering giving a reply.

I hate those packages. They throw in low quality things you don't want or need and raise the price of the camera you want. I even avoid getting a DSLR with the kit lens.

I tend to use SanDisk cards, but there are many good brands. Get cards with a high transfer rate.

catfish252

Like some of the folks have said 'Bundle deals can be tricky', usually it is inferior quality knock off brands that really won't enhance your cameras abilities and you may find them frustrating. If your camera deal is published on 42 Photo website then give either Adorama or B&H a call and most every time they will match it. My advice on the bundled items after buying my D60 years ago with a bundle is don't. Buy the camera outright. Another resource to check when buying online and wondering about the seller is http://www.resellerratings.com

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

catfish252 wrote:

Like some of the folks have said 'Bundle deals can... (show quote)

I have a bunch of tiny tripods and cleaning kits that were included with items I bought, but they're not worth using. I should throw them out, but I tend to keep things. :-(