Light and offering dive ever seen in a bridge, the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 optics makes this one of the best devices of its kind.
For its new bridge, Panasonic stopped the race and favors large sensor image quality and ergonomics. Although, Panasonic Lumix FZ200 which has established itself as one of the best in its class.
The promise
On paper, the new bridge x24 zoom upscale Panasonic seems modest compared to the x42 Nikon P510 for example. And what about the sensor of the Panasonic Lumix FZ200, “only” 12Mpix facing the 16MP P510 and only 200 euros cheaper. But behind these figures lies another truth, the quality. And to see beyond the numbers, the best way is to test!
Reality
Construction of Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is particularly good, feel very reassuring, placing the device in the top of the basket despite a plastic shell which is not met – the Advances in electronics are the components are getting smaller. Good build quality So, though lower than the Fujifilm X-S1.
x24: zoom so modest
The difference in magnification between 600 mm and the FZ200 Nikon CoolPix 1000 mm is not so obvious. There is far more difference between 25 mm and 50 mm, the difference in coverage angle – the angle covered by the zoom-is far more important. Suffice to say that a good x24 zoom is more than enough for 95% of us.
An exceptional optical
Talking about the optical characteristics of Panasonic Lumix FZ200, this is the best so far in the market. At full aperture shots are ultra stung, as if optical reflex was passed by. Hair, fur and other fabric textures are very detailed like never before with this type of device. Of course, a camera with a large sensor – hybrid reflex – offer more material, for more details just offered it a good view. Only the FZ200 already provides very good results for 550 euros, the price of a DSLR entry-level. The price / quality ratio / zoom power is clearly in favor of the bridge. Its constant aperture F2.8 – 25 mm to 600 mm – allows for clear shots to telephoto indoors (museums, subway) at arm’s length and more easily than optical stabilization is exemplary.
12 Megapixels
The quality of optical sensor is to the “modest” definition 12 Mpix. An excellent choice because we believe that avoids smoothing Panasonic details (typical problem too dense sensor) while allowing a good climb ISO. The photos are clean up to ISO 800 and still very usable ISO 1600. The colors are just, neutral trend and excellent optical greatly limits the effects of colored fringe. The video is almost equivalent to that of its competitor Sony HX200v, with a slight advantage to the latter in low light. HX200v and has more than artistic modes and a Sweep Panorama unparalleled. RAW mode – the digital negative – the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 offers a little extra margin to recover details in shadows and overexposed portions, although its small sensor is far from offering much latitude a hybrid sensor / SLR.
Ergonomics and viewfinder
A camera is known for its image quality but also ergonomics: technical perfection is not used much if the device is slow or poorly thought out. The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 shows the know-how acquired by Panasonic last ten years: the grip falls well under the right thumb, the swivel screen is both very clear and very practical, the positioning of buttons is well done. Even EVF is, for once, use: Although small, it is well defined in contrast to low-end electronic viewfinders. It is superior to that of all bridges on the market, Fujifilm X-S1 except (the only one that is really comfortable). Dual zoom control – one side of the trigger and the other on the barrel of the optical – offer greater flexibility especially when holding the camera up to the belly…
Reactive
Besides a good burst – 11 frames per second (JPEG or RAW) within 12 consecutive frames – the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 has an excellent autofocus that hangs easily on. The trigger is also very quick – approximately 0.2 seconds – even in low light. Other performance, firing speed: unlike compact ultra-zooms, it should not generate any sound from the optical to the fight.
The verdict
In developing the Panasonic Lumix FZ200, Panasonic has dropped the numbers game – zooms more powerful, ever more megapixels into sensors, etc.. – To an approach based on the image quality and electronics. A successful challenge since optical exception FZ200 propels it to the top of its class. Images are stitched, clean and free of burrs. It adds a high reactivity, good build quality and refined ergonomics and gets the best bridge to the category with the Sony HX200v.
This was all about the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 camera which is one of the best affordable bridge cameras in 2012.
