Zoom lens or buy Panasonic DMC-fz200
Dec 15, 2015 09:02:14 #
I have a Nikon 7100 w/ a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens (my only lens) I don't have a big budget. B&H has the Panasonic referenced above with 25-600mm zoom w/constant f/2.8 aperture on sale ending today 12/15 for $248. It only has 12.I MP and is made in China, not in Japan as some use to be. Thought of buying and using as my zoom. Any suggestions?
Dec 15, 2015 09:22:52 #
Pine Tree
Loc: Paragould Ar.
My wife has the fz-200. The zoom is what she loves about it, not to mention that it is somewhat smaller than the Canon 60D I shoot with. It is a great camera no complaints here.
Dec 15, 2015 09:24:46 #
Ken1945
Loc: Virginia
I have had mine about 2 months and find that it is a great camera...now if only I could be good enough to use it!
Dec 15, 2015 09:27:24 #
Arlene777 wrote:
I have a Nikon 7100 w/ a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens (my only lens) I don't have a big budget. B&H has the Panasonic referenced above with 25-600mm zoom w/constant f/2.8 aperture on sale ending today 12/15 for $248. It only has 12.I MP and is made in China, not in Japan as some use to be. Thought of buying and using as my zoom. Any suggestions?
Good morning. I have the FZ200 and find it to be a very good camera. Even though it only has a 1/2.3" sensor, it has very good IQ. The zoom works well, and if you don't have a need for a longer lens, you should be satisfied with the FZ200. I particularly like that the lens stays at f/2.8 all the way through its zoom range. This camera has proven to be a good one. And that price is a good one.
Dec 15, 2015 10:26:04 #
Arlene777 wrote:
My wife has the previous FZ150 version as her "wildlife" camera. She uses it for trips to places like Yellowstone. When the bears pose properly, her images are fantastic. .... B&H has the Panasonic referenced above with 25-600mm zoom w/constant f/2.8 aperture on sale ending today 12/15 for $248. ...
All cameras have limits. In this case the smaller sensor may limit extreme cropping or enlarged prints. It is also the smaller sensor that allows the equivalent of 600mm in an easy use package. Sometimes the long lens photographers at Yellowstone can be more interesting than the wildlife. One woman had a custom built floor in the back of her Suburban with padded compartments for her gear. She brought a boyfriend to carry it and set it up. But, she pressed the shutter button!
Keep in mind the B&H has a terrific "satisfaction guarantee" policy. Normally you have 30 days to send something back for any reason. During the holiday season, they extend that to February 1.
Buy the camera. You will like it. But, if not, send it back.
Dec 15, 2015 10:37:09 #
bsprague wrote:
My wife has the previous FZ150 version as her &quo... (show quote)
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Just wondering if it makes sense to buy it instead of a zoom lens to fit my d7100 . So instead of changing lens, just have the second camera.
Dec 15, 2015 10:43:21 #
Arlene777 wrote:
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Just wondering if it makes sense to buy it instead of a zoom lens to fit my d7100 . So instead of changing lens, just have the second camera.
Nothing wrong with that concept. And it's probably less expensive, plus it gives you flexibility.
Dec 15, 2015 10:48:57 #
Arlene777 wrote:
I probably should have been more clear. I think it does make sense.Thank you for taking the time to respond. Just wondering if it makes sense to buy it instead of a zoom lens to fit my d7100 . So instead of changing lens, just have the second camera.
1. You will get very good images
2. It costs a lot less than a lens for your Nikon that will have that much telephoto effect.
3. It will be far easier to use because it is a lot lighter and smaller.
4. For full telephoto shots you may need a tripod. The bigger, heavier Nikon combination will need a bigger, heavier tripod. (Maybe even a Suburban to haul it around!)
5. You won't be needing to change lenses in the field.
If you're goal is to make 30"x40" gallery prints, this does not make sense. If your goal is personal it does make sense. My wife and I share a Canon printer that makes 13x19 prints. Her camera works well for that unless she tries to crop to much in her computer.
Dec 15, 2015 10:51:09 #
Yes, much less expensive. But, smaller sensor and only 12.1 mp. Will I still get good IQ for enlarging past 8 x 10?
Wingpilot wrote:
Nothing wrong with that concept. And it's probably less expensive, plus it gives you flexibility.
Dec 15, 2015 10:58:36 #
Arlene777 wrote:
Yes, much less expensive. But, smaller sensor and only 12.1 mp. Will I still get good IQ for enlarging past 8 x 10?
Absolutely. While a sensor may have more megapixels, for the same size sensor, resolution might be higher, but it can suffer in low light conditions. The 12.1mp sensor in the FZ200 are actually larger in size and are able to gather more light, resulting in better low light situations. Can you make 8x10 enlargements without losing IQ? Yes you can.
Dec 15, 2015 11:04:39 #
Arlene777 wrote:
My wife prints very nice 13x19 prints on our Canon printer. She has not tried larger. Perhaps one of the posters here with a FZ200 can send you an original image file straight from the camera and you can try a print!Yes, much less expensive. But, smaller sensor and only 12.1 mp. Will I still get good IQ for enlarging past 8 x 10?
Dec 15, 2015 11:08:20 #
Thank you, Bill. I don't think I'll be making poster size prints. Thanks for reminding for about B&H policy.
bsprague wrote:
I probably should have been more clear. I think i... (show quote)
Dec 15, 2015 11:26:12 #
If anyone can post images taken with their Panasonic FZ 200 I would love to see them.
Arlene777 wrote:
Thank you, Bill. I don't think I'll be making poster size prints. Thanks for reminding for about B&H policy.
Dec 15, 2015 12:24:24 #
Arlene777 wrote:
If anyone can post images taken with their Panasonic FZ 200 I would love to see them.
Dec 16, 2015 11:02:47 #
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