suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I am buying camera for my DIL. Trying to find something with zoom and wifi for under 300.00 or even less. I have read the reviews on many many many point and shoots but still not sure. However the FZ 200 might fit the bill. She has a good eye but not technical, will be using it for her kids activities, family outings and animals. She asked for zoom and high pixels (this does not have high pixels) and
wifi. Anyone have this camera- any other opinions on other cameras? Thanks.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a good camera at a reasonable price. It's gotten good reviews, and it can shoot in Auto mode.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Panasonic is introducing a new camera on or about Jan. 5 - the TZ80 will have a 30x zoom and a built-in EVF. It is expected to be priced in the range you indicated. A more expensive version - the TZ100 - will be introduced at the same time. Full specs are not yet available, but the TZ80 should be worth a look for sure.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Sounds like it might be worth the wait- thanks.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Thanks for the information.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I am currently trying out 2 cameras. One of them is the fz200. I just got it yesterday and by the time the battery charged, it was raining..,again.

But I am planning on going to the park in a few minutes to try it out, even though it is very cloudy.

First positive I noticed, is that the evf is super bright. But a few negatives that have to be overcome as well.

1- it has more buttons, levers, switches and dials than I have ever seen! 17 I think. That is counting the dial on the top rear that you have to push in to change exposure. (I had to read 2 manuals before I learned that.).

2-the button to switch from evf to lcd is on the upper left rear of the camera. I can get used to it. But I don't like it.

3- some of the setting options use icons that were not familar to me. So had look them up to see what they mean.

4-no manual of any kind came with the camera.

All of these I can get used to. But means there is more of a learning curve than with the Nikon P610 that I am also trying out. Just something to consider.

I will know more after I take a few real shots with it. People who have it seem to like it

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My wife has the preceding FZ150. She leaves it in the automatic mode, aims, zooms, shoots and takes wonderful pictures.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Elliern - You mentioned that no manual of any kind came with your FZ200. I believe if you go to Panasonic's website, select Support and the FZ200, you should be able to download a full manual. But it sounds like you really don't like the camera - can you return it to where you bought it?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Few, if any, cameras come with books anymore. They come with disks that include processing software and manuals. We may not like it, but that is the way it is. There are some advantages in that you can have the manual on your computer for easy search and on your phone or tablet for reference while traveling. Some print the manual or have it printed at places like Staples.

seagull5

i have had the pleasure of having the FZ200 for 14 months. It has been a pleasure to use and has given great images. If you decide on this camera you have a great tutor on Utube....a Brit by the name of Graham Houthon.....here is a link...this gentleman is so darn informative and knows and breathes the FZ200 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoIf_3ex-YIYG4YJcqPoMf63dkQ6MZsg
I do own a Sony HX400 Fuji S1 Panasonic FZ200.....and when I want to be sure of a guaranteed good to great shot I Grab my FZ200....she will be happy and is lucky....Do watch a video or two and his settings that he gives you are absolutely great for a good shot...Happy New Year....

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Sorry if I was misleading in my comments. I thought I mentioned I had to read 2 manuals to find what I was looking for. I downloaded the Panasonic manual and Graham Houton's manual. Read them both, too. 😊

I only meant to point out that in my opinion, there would be a learning curve using this camera. But it may be a bigger curve for me and not so much others.

Today was the first time I had a chance to really shoot with it. Unfortunately, I was not very successful. However, I am sure I just need to adjust a setting or two. Every shot was extremely noisy/grainy. Loved the colors. The viewfinder is fantastic. so, going to read some more tonight and try again tomorrow.

It has a 30 day return policy. So I intend to give it a fair chance. But, so far I have gotten good results with the Nikon P610 that I am also trying.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

You are right, Bill. I was just surprised that there wasn't the basic, mostly useless one that says, insert battery here, etc. I did download two manuals to my iPad/phone. I like the one by Graham Houghton Very easy to use.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My wife gets wonderful results with the "iA" mode most of the time. How were you setting it up?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You should start a topic named the "Panasonic FZ200 vs. Nikon P610". Post samples. My bet is that it would be a popular topic here.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I have had my FZ200 for a couple years, now, and have found it to take very nice images. It only seems to get grainy/noisy in low light situations where it sets to a very high ISO. Other than that, it does very well, keeping in mind that it has just a 1/2.3" sensor. Fortunately it has a good processor to back it up.

The zoom works well, however if you use the extended, or digital zoom feature, while it gets out there enough, the IS is disabled and the image degrades. Using a tripod helps out with that.

You are right about it having lots of buttons and such, but with some use and practice it's not that hard to learn. The one thing that my escape someone new to the FZ200 is the fact that the rear control wheel controls both aperture and shutter speed, but you have to push it in to toggle back and forth between the two.

I, too, find that having to use a switch to go from the screen to the EVF is a bit of an inconvenience, but I have learned to live with it.

In my opinion, the FZ200 is a very good camera that would be a great camera if it had a larger sensor. Even a 1" sensor would be an improvement, but I'd rather it had an M4/3 sensor.

My biggest complaint with the camera is that it only stops down as far as f/8, so it has to compensate by manipulating shutter speed and ISO. In my opinion, Panasonic should have at least provided for it to stop down to f/16. On the other hand, one of its best features is the fact that the lens stsys open to f2.8 for the entire zoom range. Most other bridge cameras immediately start stopping down as you zoom the lens out.

All this having been said, I would recommend the FZ200 in a heartbeat. While it is true that Panasonic is coming out with an upgrade model, it won't be cheap, and most certainly not in the OP's price range.