Pansonic Lumix FZ200: I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200. Do any UHH members have experience with this camera...

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John

seeSAW Loc: Western Mass

I have the Panasonic and like it. I suggest you do a comparison of the two cameras' image quality for your self and make your decision.

Violameister Loc: michigan

johneccles wrote:

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John

I have the immediate predecessor the the FZ200: the FZ150. There is only a little difference between them. The FZ150 does everything I need. I do mainly travel photography and do not print, but do project HD images and videos in public travelogues. The only problem I have with the FZ150 is excessive noise at higher than 200 ISO. I don't think the FZ200 fixes that. But there is adequate noise fixing software available that this has not been a serious problem.

Neubee Loc: Wisconsin

Go for it. Good Luck..

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I don't know that she has the latest camera in this series, but if you'd like to see photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix bridge camera, go to Carol Snow Milne Photography on facebook.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

johneccles wrote:

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John

Lots of material on YouTube on this camera to help with your evaluation.

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

johneccles wrote:

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John

Hi John

I have the FZ200. I bought it as a back-up for my Canon 5D11 when we went to the Galapagos, which was just as well as my Canon and its 28-300mm lens ended up in the sea. The FZ did a wonderful job and I think it is a great camera. It fits my hand well, the f2.8 throughout the zoom is a major bonus and the results are very sharp. I'd recommend you find one and hold it to see how it feels to you, but having tried out the Canon SZ50 when thinking what to buy, I thought the FZ was far superior. But that's just my personal opinion.

Grampy Loc: Canton, Michigan

johneccles wrote:

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John

Hi John, I just went through what you're going through. I spent a month evaluating bridge cameras and weaned it down to the FZ200 and SX50. Tough decision, but ended up ordering the FZ which will arrive next week.

Roscomar Loc: Middle Georgia

I purchased the FZ200 a few months ago to carry on a couple of recent vacations instead of my Nikon D700 with a bag full of heavy lenses. So glad I did. It is light as a feather and image quality (with that Leica lens) is fantastic. Video is excellent too if you're so inclined. It does't have the reach of the Canon SX50, but the constant 2.8 aperture throughout its range, more than made the difference for me. My only complaint.....the manual is embarrassingly pitiful. Fortunately, Graham Houghton's You Tube video tutorials or his new FZ200 book (available at Amazon) are excellent references. Good Luck!

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hello Grampy, let me know how you get on. I am leaning towards the FZ200 because I already have a TZ30 P&S.
Thanks, John

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi Roscomar, thanks for your reply, I have two Olympus EPL 1 cameras each with their own lens, one zoom and one prime so like you I prefer not to carry all that stuff when on holiday, thus I am considering the FZ200.
heers,
John.

GeneinChi Loc: Chicago, IL

My FZ200 came yesterday. Cant't wait to get into it. My final reason for buying when after comparing all the pluses and minuses of the bridge cameras in this category is that it felt best in my hand. Looking forward to seeing your work.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

johneccles wrote:

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John

Here is how DPReview rates both cameras. The FZ200 wins in almost every category.

canonuser25 Loc: Cardiff (Wales NOT England)

Hi. I too bought the FZ200 to avoid carrying my 7D plus a bag full of lenses on holiday. I attach some images taken on a trip up the coast of Norway to show the benefits of the f2.8 aperture and using the camera as straight P&S. I can recommend Graham Houghton's book on the FZ200

Interior of art nouveau museum, Alesund

(Download)

Shot using the "through glass" option in menu

(Download)

Shot using "lanscape" option in menu

(Download)

JustMissedItDon Loc: Carson City, Nevada

I have the FZ 200 and images are great. The full zoom at f2.8 gives this camera a lot versatility. I have had several Panasonics, including the FZ 150 and have never been disappointed. The electronic eyepiece is exceptional.

johneccles wrote:

I am considering changing my Olympus CSC cameras and lenses for a good Bridge Camera such as the Lumix FZ200.
Do any UHH members have experience with this camera, it has enough zoom for my photography but the constant F 2.8 aperture would be a real bonus to me.
I have looked at the Canon SX50 but I've homed into the FZ200.
Thanks, John