bridge camera (Page 2): Just took the plunge on the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. Haven't given it a good work out yey, but the 24x zoom (600 mm equivalent) and the constant f2.8 throughout...

Ken1945 Loc: Virginia

Just took the plunge on the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. Haven't given it a good work out yey, but the 24x zoom (600 mm equivalent) and the constant f2.8 throughout full range was my immediate draw. Since it is not the "latest and greatest", prices are more than reasonable. Because it is a bit older, there are more tutorials and videos out there that can help me over the rough spots.
Will get brave enough soon to throw a couple of pictures onto the site and see what y'all think!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

sr71 wrote:

Panasonic FZ1000 or Sony RX10 II in that order.

Sony RX10 or Pany FZ1000 - in that order .......RX10 goes 24-400mm f2.8 with 2X CIZ.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I agree that the hx400v is a good choice. If budget is an issue, try the sony hx100v, used same bells and whistles but only 30x.

wolfd Loc: Vancouver, Canada

imagemeister wrote:

Sony RX10 or Pany FZ1000 - in that order .......RX10 goes 24-400mm f2.8 with 2X CIZ.

Actually the RX10 zoom only goes 24 - 200mm, whereas the FZ1000 zoom is 25 - 400mm.

BlokeOzz Loc: Morphett Vale South Australia

Panasonic FZ1000, Check Youtube, hundreds of videos on the FZ1000 and comparisons with other cameras, and the FZ1000 wins the shoot out on most Videos it is a true Bridge camera, and I for one reckon it is the best purchase that I have ever made. :thumbup: :thumbup:

tnste Loc: New Westminster, BC

I just bought a bridge camera; a Lumix FZ1000 which is one of the highest rated bridge camera available. I am just getting familiar with it but it takes amazingly sharp pictures and can shoot in RAW. It also can shoot 4K video. I bought it because as much as I love my Canon 7D it is a heavy best when travelling by air. I wanted a camera that has all the functionality of a DSLR and has a good quality lens with a good optical zoom range. A local camera store calls this camera their flagship bridge camera.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Ken1945 wrote:

Just took the plunge on the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. Haven't given it a good work out yey, but the 24x zoom (600 mm equivalent) and the constant f2.8 throughout full range was my immediate draw. Since it is not the "latest and greatest", prices are more than reasonable. Because it is a bit older, there are more tutorials and videos out there that can help me over the rough spots.
Will get brave enough soon to throw a couple of pictures onto the site and see what y'all think!

I am looking to replace my Canon SX700 with a bridge camera with a viewfinder.... I never thought of the Lumix FZ200 but now that you have pointed it out -- it sounds too good to be true - constant 2.8 and under $500 ! I had been leaning toward the Sony hx 300 -- but I'll check this out.. THANKS

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

imagemeister wrote:

Sony RX10 or Pany FZ1000 - in that order .......RX10 goes 24-400mm f2.8 with 2X CIZ.

negatronies big ben, FZ1000 or Sony RX10 in THAT order you don't lose much in lens speed and one gets a slightly better camera to boot at a better price.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

TommiRulz wrote:

I am looking to replace my Canon SX700 with a bridge camera with a viewfinder.... I never thought of the Lumix FZ200 but now that you have pointed it out -- it sounds too good to be true - constant 2.8 and under $500 ! I had been leaning toward the Sony hx 300 -- but I'll check this out.. THANKS

I have an FZ200 and I regard it as a very good camera. It has a host of features and allows you to go manual if you wish. The only negative that I regard as truly negative, is that manual focus is a bit on the fiddly side, even a bit frustrating. The rest of it is easy. I downloaded Graham Houghton's book on the FZ200 and found it to be a wealth of information. It makes understanding the camera easy. Or at least a lot less frustrating.

The FZ200 has a 1/2.3" sensor, but at 12.1 MP, it delivers clear, sharp images. For a larger sized, full featured, light walkabout camera, this is a good one.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Far North wrote:

I have an FZ200 and I regard it as a very good cam... (show quote)

Great thanks for the tip on the instructional book!! I have no intention of going manual - that is what my DSLR's are for.. this camera will be for my "non thinking" days
thanks again !!

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

TommiRulz wrote:

Great thanks for the tip on the instructional book!! I have no intention of going manual - that is what my DSLR's are for.. this camera will be for my "non thinking" days
thanks again !!

Even left to its own devices, the camera does a pretty good job. This was taken on full auto.

(Download)

VernzPix

Another ordeal to consider. A long zoom lens brings distant objects closer but is difficult to frame and focus because the slightest movement is multiplied when zoomed in aND iS hard to keep steady handheld. The use of a tripod or solid stationary wall or pole is really needed.

VernzPix

Another ordeal to consider. A long zoom lens brings distant objects closer but is difficult to frame and focus because the slightest movement is multiplied when zoomed in aND iS hard to keep steady handheld. The use of a tripod or solid stationary wall or pole is really needed.

Jschneir Loc: Santa Monica, CA

VernzPix wrote:

Another ordeal to consider. A long zoom lens brings distant objects closer but is difficult to frame and focus because the slightest movement is multiplied when zoomed in aND iS hard to keep steady handheld. The use of a tripod or solid stationary wall or pole is really needed.

The Panasonic has 5 axis image stabilization and I find it easy to use, even at full zoom, and I am 84. I use 1 point focus which helps me stay on my subject. The ability to use 4K video and pull a single 8 MP PICTURE IS VERY NICE. Several of my photo students have it while another larger group have the FZ200 and all seem to be very pleased and bring great pictures into class to discuss. The new FZ300 should be very interesting.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Far North wrote:

I have an FZ200 and I regard it as a very good cam... (show quote)

Thanks again on the tip about Graham Houghton - I bought the camera and watched his videos on You Tube. They were awesome --- I wish he made these videos for my other cameras!!