Hi Trevor, thanks for the comment appreciated. The music is one of the royalty free ( or supposed to be but isn't actually for any commercial application [or you tube]) from the Sony Vegas editing suite. Hope you enjoy the camera.
Hi thanks for the comment, To answer the questions, the 150 does have a panorama assist mode, the camera uses a different battery ( as usual with Panasonic upgrades) I haven't been able to establish the battery life yet but has certainly as much power as the one in the 150
Thanks for your comment, the f2.8 at 600m really does make the difference for getting camera shake free images as the shutter speed is increased by a couple of stops, and the evf is brighter and slightly bigger. Limit the camera to ISO 400 and every shot is usable.
Hi thanks for the response. No one would ever think of using 2 or 4 x digital zoom with their cameras The camera sensor, although digital output in 256 discrete levels for each primary colour, is driven by an analogue photo diode. Increasing the ISO on the camera boosts the analogue gain ( boosting the noise) and this is digitised along with the signal. In days of film the emulsion had a specific ISO rating. The base sensitivity of the camera should be used EXCLUSIVELY and no more than 2 stops
Yes both of the camera will take stills during video with any problems with the main video. the resolution is dropped to 3.5Megapixel and you are limited to 9 stills per video clip when using the 50p mode. If you are in autofocus mode you will see the camera re-acquire focus in the video as you press the shutter release.
Hello. I now always shoot aperture priority, with the lens set to F4 and the iso at 100 and then for video I just use the record button in this mode as it seems to deliver adequate video without having to go to manual video mode.
Very well spotted, the upper and lower tracks in the editor were incorrectly marked so the images were reversed. I have put annotation labels in the video to change them over.
This video shows off the internet at it's BEST....the sharing of useful information. I've just discovered the Panorama mode in the SCENERY setting which I'll be using quite frequently when out hiking. Does the FZ150 have the Panorama Mode? Do these cameras use the same battery? Did you notice any difference in battery life? I have no doubt the info in this video will be the determining factor in decisions to upgrade to the FZ200 or not, by those already owning the FZ150.
No, this is not the case, notice I didn't reply to AZOROJO or seramon07 either at the time. I had difficulty in extracting exactly what you wanted from your comment and was going to look at again later. I get quite a few message now everyday and as a rule I always respond to questions - directly if the answer is quick and later if I need to review what is needed to answer.
You're right, of course. I first just wanted to replace my canon miniDV. Cameralabs reviews got me interested. Your channel made me want to do more than clear video souvenirs. I want my 10 years old to see how tenderly her parents see her. I hesitate between FZ200, GH2 and EOS 650D with video AF. I was hoping it featured brighter colors like 60D in your video. But, tests on youtube made me think the FZ200 video AF was the smoothest. I need advice on what camera would let me learn and evolve.
That's right Bob it does allow F11 in video but remember the final resolution needed for video is far below stills resolution so diffraction effects are almost lost in the down resolving. It still makes sense to use ND filters to keep away from the small apertures though as every bit of image resolution will help give a better end result - as with using a fixed mount for the camera when shooting video to keep the codec from having to compute motion and down sample.
Thank you for your generosity. I really value your videos, the wealth of information you give. In your text you say "In video mode the processing within the FZ00 seem to deliver better results". I guess you mean the FZ200. Am I right? (that was question 1) Thank you so much
The EZ mode is applied in IA video mode giving you X48 zoom - effectively 2x digital zoom which is quite usable in good light. However you must ensure that motion deblur is turned off to use it. using 2x in stills mode is quite usable also
Hi Graham, thanks for posting your series of videos on the FZ200.On the strength of watching them countless times over the Christmas period we decided to purchase one and we are very pleased with it.Stills and video are first class .On this particular video the music is stunning I was wondering if you could tell me who it is by please ?.Keep up the good work.Many thanks. Regs Trevor
Hi Bob. The small sensor in this camera dictates the size of optics needed to fill the sensor area. In the design of the lens the iris (aperture) will be decided by the focal length of the lens. Because the focal length is small so the aperture (diameter) becomes small. Physics come into play here and a small diameter causes diffraction. It happens at f7.1 in the FZ200. It Physically doesn't go to F16 only F8. There is enough DOF at F4 for landscape pictures at 24mm for what you need, pin sharp
As far as I remember, the FZ150 had guided Panorama, i.e. you get to see guides to help you align pix. Not automatic Panorama mode like the one Sony introduced on some cams and might also be available on the FZ200.
Hey Graham how are you, thanks for sharing these test. I really hope Panasonic updates their fz200 firmware with better ISO performance as the fz150 seems to be nice , and noticed too that the sensor went back down from fz150s 1/2.3 inch sensor to 1/2.33 back again .This minor change might explain the bad isos
The f2.8 lens effectively gives you about 2 stops of light benefit over the sx50. This means you can shoot with 2 stops lower iso. I would say it depends on the scene type I have shot with iso 1250 and 2500 and when using RAW files the results were very acceptable. It must be remembered that you will always get noise with the small sensor, it depends on how it is processed. Canon appear to process jpeg better however the video from the fz200 is also very good at iso 2500. It is a tough choice.
The answer to this is in user opinion of image quality. For most users f2.8 at 600mm gives acceptable image clarity. If you want the very best then you need to close down a couple of stops to get the best optical performance ( as with all lenses prime and zoom) I guess the main function this camera was designed for is video where the image quality isn't so much dependent upon lens quality. For video the f2.8 produces some very convincing video.
Thinking of buying the FZ200, like the price & zoom. However I notice images in the background seem fuzzier. U say, "It shows the f2.8 lens is respectable in performance and with a sweet spot (as expected) at f4.5 in these tests. F8 aperture produces refraction and loss of detail in both cameras so is best avoided if you want the sharpest images. I want my landscapes w/ sharp detail throughout depth of field so I would prefer to use F16. I Video mostly with some wildlife. Any Suggestions?
Thanks so much for your series on this cameras! Your teaching & photos are great! I knew from your videos that FZ200 only closed down to F8 for stills but, I thought it went down to F11 for video. Is that not the case? Only meant F16 on my old SLR but, I was running out of words. I relate everything back to my old SLR but, do not understand digital. Also wish it had iso of 25 but, again old SLR thinking. So many advantages to digital. Thanks
I'm looking to buy a DSLM,DSLR or SUPERZOOM. I mostly do videos, livingroom style. Outside a zoom is a must (children-in-trees style). I was considering GH2 (kit + zoom = more dollars) and FZ150, but in your video comparing them with the EOS 60D, GH2 doesn't have a big enough advantage on FZ150 compared to EOS 60D (to my ignorant eyes). Am I right to think EOS AF is less efficient (a must in a child-on-a-bike-coming-fast style) , that FZ150-200 are tough to beat? (question 2).
Hello Graham, thank you for the videos, I've been watching many of them and became a subscriber! I have a question: for what applications do you think the FZ200 would be worth paying 25% more than what the FZ150 currently is sold for? Thanks a lot!!! :)
On paper the specs for the SX50 are superior with apparently less noise in the camera jpegs. Some initial reviews seem to back up that argument. It has a lower base iso of 80 but a widest aperture of f3.5 which could limit low level light stills if the iso's above 800 turn out to be noisy. A really long zoom will mean the image stabilisation will have to work hard for pin sharp hand held shots. I would research more on forums like dpreview.com for more information on both cameras.
The two cameras are almost identical in operation, you will benefit from the wider aperture f2.8 lens of the FZ200 if you are doing interior video with any zoom applied as teh FZ150 losses aperture as you zoom making the camera up the iso to compensate and this will lead to more noisy images and video
Dear Graham, your reviews are extraordinary. Thank you for this wonderful review. Can you PLEASE make another review of comparison between FZ150 and FZ200 shoots, similar to this without commentary and with ONLY THIS MUSIC that you added in background of this review. This music makes your review extra relaxing. Thank you very much in advance.
Hello Graham. I want your opinion. I have owned a digi camera and now I want to buy one. I need it for photography and videos. My list is following: Panasonic dmc-fz150, Panasonic dmc-fz200, Panasonic dmc-fz62, Sony dsc-hx200v/300v, Fujifilm finepix hs30exr. What would you recomend or list it from top to bottom. Thank you very much in advance!
Thanks for the video choosing a camera is hard, can i ask do you know does the FZ150 or FZ200 camera take stills while while doing a video without leaving a black frame or some type of interruption to the video like the Canon sx50 does? i really want to be able to take photos during videos and seems the Sony does this seemlessly and the stills quality is still pretty decent, thanks
I sold the FZ150 after I had purchased the FZ200. For me there is very little difference in quality between the two - perhaps the FZ150 is marginally better for stills and the Fz200 slightly better for video but I just love the better EVF performance. I find the tele end of the zoom needs stopping down to f5.6 to get sharpness in stills, f2.8 is good enough for video resolution.
Hi, you are right the evf is much better but still not in the same class as the G2. I am surprised they didn't upgrade the lcd, 460k is a bit dated now. Maybe the G5 body would be a better upgrade path since you already have a m4/3 system. The image quality is, as i'm sure you will agree, much better. It's the compromise of one camera with all built in focal lengths versus interchangeable lenses.
On p. 73 of the Pan. FZ200 pdf format manual it talks about Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) & claims a 46.9x EZ zoom producing smaller pictures with no deterioration then on to a 2x extra "intelligent" digital zoom & a (presumably not so intelligent!) 4x digital zoom. Have you explored this feature & does it make a) sense or b) a worthwhile feature out in the field rather than back home in Photoshop. Numbers get it up to & past the SX50 & to a magnification where EVF quality is important. thanks Steve
Should have added that this EZ feature is just for photos not as the manual states when recording motion pictures. So I guess this is posted in the wrong place as it relates more to the still performance of the FZ200. Sorry, Steve As ever grateful for the advice you so freely give.
Hi, I guess the best way to arrive at a purchase decision is to list the must have features and then check the reviews and specs again. For example power zoom is not always desirable - you really shouldn't zoom whilst filming. It is there to allow you to set a fixed focal length and then film. So here the GH2 and 60D gain points. Ease of manual focus - most bridge have electronic focus = awkward. Image quality GH2 is better (less moire than 60d) and much better than FZ200. Budget and weight.
Hello Victor. It would be unfair for me to rank the cameras not knowing precisely your photo/video needs, the lighting you would be shooting under. I would only say in my experience of these cameras the FZ200 is my best all round camera choice.
I noticed that you made a mistake in "side by side comparison" of 25mm. FZ150 & FZ200 should be the other way around because 2 person was walking in the images of FZ200. And in fact the image of FZ200 is sharper than FZ150.
Now that FZ200 is available, would there be a reason for me to buy the 150 instead of the 200, apart from hard earn dollars? (question 3). Thanks again
Use A (aperture priority mode) then with the back control wheel you can set the iris from F2.8 to F8. I have several tutorials under the FZ200 playlist on my channel that may help you understand the camera better
I am sorely tempted to upgrade my FZ150, but will bide my time for now. I am hoping the next FZ (FZ250) will have an EVF of the same quality as the G2 (assuming the FZ200 isn't quite there) and also I want a 920K pixel screen. I've got used to that on my Nikon and it's really the way to go. I'm a bit disappointed by the Nikon D5100. It's feels very limiting compared to the Panasonic G2. That the G2 can meter for my old Nikon lenses wheras Nikon's own D5100 can't is particularly galling.
Hi, I have several tutorials which show the use of supplementary lenses for getting close up photos with the FZ100/150 and also the use of aperture priority a nd shutter priority modes. Waterfalls require you just set a shutter speed of about 1/8 to 1/2 second to get the blurred effect - in bright light you may need a neutral density filter to achieve these times. Take at look at my main channel page and the playlists you might find the answer here.
For wildlife shooters the 200 is more realistic as the f2.8 lens allows lower light levels (2-3 stops) or higher shutter speeds, the evf is much better to use. Video is superior with the 200, slightly at the expense of the still images up to iso 200.
Beautiful video, GRAHAM, COMPARING TWO OF THE BEST OF TIMES SUPERZOOM. IF I HAD TO CHOOSE THE FZ200 buy without hesitation, because the history of photography has never been a ZOOM 25-600 F/2.8, 500 mm and 600 mm AF MANUFACTURED / 4, or sometimes F/5.6, BUT I never saw a 600 mm or 500 mm f/2.8. ,. And then there's the electronic viewfinder is useful to frame. There is not much difference in price: 380 euros and 535 EUROS FZ150 FZ200. THAT IS THE PRICE IN SPAIN.
To be fair panasonic are trying to craft a camera which will appeal to a whole range of consumers from novices to serious amateurs who don't want to carry dslr kit around for either weight or security issues. Much is driven by marketing and peoples expectations are elevated. People now expect cameras to be able to image black cats in cellars and take pictures of craters on the moon. I wish one manufacturer would break the mold and bring out a camera with fixed ISO 80 and f1.7 14-100 lens 10Mpx
Would you believe I haven't yet had a look at the G5. I was so dismayed by the G3 that I have rather ignored the Panasonic m43 cameras recently. I really want to love my Nikon D5100, but I just don't like it. I can't argue with the results, but it makes me work to hard for them. Panasonic cameras are much more user-friendly.
Thanks I'm selling my Canon reflex 550d and going back to bridge camera. I had a fz28 and loved it. I could catch anything and making videos was fan even with a tripod simulating a steadicam. I love making slow motion videos. My wife wants a lighter camera capable to catch a picture or a video easy with autofocus and making even far from tre subject. So I think this is my best choice.
I'm no Panasonic "fan-boy" and some of their business or marketing ideas could be interchanged with "BS" I recently tried the new power zoom lenses designed for the GX1. Premium lens and premium price. However after just an hour of testing I went straight back with it, it was actually much softer than the 14-45 basic kit lens and the manual focus ring was so tiny as really unusable. The 200 is good in daylight, but not good as the hype states in low light - it is worse than a TZ30
Ok thanks seems the Sony and this one work much the same with the video, im told the sony drops photos to 10 megapixel, not sure about photo limits, would prefer the panasonic, but its more expensive, got til May, so will be looking for price drops, specials between the FZ200, canon sx50 and Sony dsc 200 something the name i can never rememeber
Thanks Graham! I think for me will be worth spending the extra $100 for the FZ200 then. Video and zoomed in stills with eventual less-than-ideal lighting conditions are some of the applications in the top of my list. :)
Hi there, do you know "Photo SFXart Tricks" (search on Google for it)? On their website you will find a useful free video featuring the right way to take awesome photographs. It made it easier for Matt to take pictures that leave you with that wow-effect after you take a look at them. Hopefully it helps you as well.
Thanks for your comment, I'll try to keep up the quality of productions.
Hi Trevor, thanks for the comment appreciated. The music is one of the royalty free ( or supposed to be but isn't actually for any commercial application [or you tube]) from the Sony Vegas editing suite. Hope you enjoy the camera.
Hi thanks for the comment, To answer the questions, the 150 does have a panorama assist mode, the camera uses a different battery ( as usual with Panasonic upgrades) I haven't been able to establish the battery life yet but has certainly as much power as the one in the 150
Thanks for your comment, the f2.8 at 600m really does make the difference for getting camera shake free images as the shutter speed is increased by a couple of stops, and the evf is brighter and slightly bigger. Limit the camera to ISO 400 and every shot is usable.
Thanks for your further testing Graham. Now I think you are seeing the horrendous noise at the higher ISOs that I was seeing. Thanks for the effort.
Hi thanks for the response. No one would ever think of using 2 or 4 x digital zoom with their cameras The camera sensor, although digital output in 256 discrete levels for each primary colour, is driven by an analogue photo diode. Increasing the ISO on the camera boosts the analogue gain ( boosting the noise) and this is digitised along with the signal. In days of film the emulsion had a specific ISO rating. The base sensitivity of the camera should be used EXCLUSIVELY and no more than 2 stops
Thanks for viewing and your comment, appreciated.
Yes both of the camera will take stills during video with any problems with the main video. the resolution is dropped to 3.5Megapixel and you are limited to 9 stills per video clip when using the 50p mode. If you are in autofocus mode you will see the camera re-acquire focus in the video as you press the shutter release.
Hello. I now always shoot aperture priority, with the lens set to F4 and the iso at 100 and then for video I just use the record button in this mode as it seems to deliver adequate video without having to go to manual video mode.
Very well spotted, the upper and lower tracks in the editor were incorrectly marked so the images were reversed. I have put annotation labels in the video to change them over.
This video shows off the internet at it's BEST....the sharing of useful information.
I've just discovered the Panorama mode in the SCENERY setting which I'll be using quite frequently when out hiking. Does the FZ150 have the Panorama Mode?
Do these cameras use the same battery? Did you notice any difference in battery life?
I have no doubt the info in this video will be the determining factor in decisions to upgrade to the FZ200 or not, by those already owning the FZ150.
No, this is not the case, notice I didn't reply to AZOROJO or seramon07 either at the time. I had difficulty in extracting exactly what you wanted from your comment and was going to look at again later. I get quite a few message now everyday and as a rule I always respond to questions - directly if the answer is quick and later if I need to review what is needed to answer.
You're right, of course. I first just wanted to replace my canon miniDV. Cameralabs reviews got me interested. Your channel made me want to do more than clear video souvenirs. I want my 10 years old to see how tenderly her parents see her. I hesitate between FZ200, GH2 and EOS 650D with video AF. I was hoping it featured brighter colors like 60D in your video. But, tests on youtube made me think the FZ200 video AF was the smoothest. I need advice on what camera would let me learn and evolve.
Stills and video performance might be indistinguishable in most cases, however the advantage of the f2.8 lens at longer zooms has to be considered.
That's right Bob it does allow F11 in video but remember the final resolution needed for video is far below stills resolution so diffraction effects are almost lost in the down resolving. It still makes sense to use ND filters to keep away from the small apertures though as every bit of image resolution will help give a better end result - as with using a fixed mount for the camera when shooting video to keep the codec from having to compute motion and down sample.
This basic test for both cameras was done in standard colour mode and auto white balance.
Thank you for your generosity. I really value your videos, the wealth of information you give. In your text you say "In video mode the processing within the FZ00 seem to deliver better results". I guess you mean the FZ200. Am I right? (that was question 1)
Thank you so much
The EZ mode is applied in IA video mode giving you X48 zoom - effectively 2x digital zoom which is quite usable in good light. However you must ensure that motion deblur is turned off to use it. using 2x in stills mode is quite usable also
Thanks, appreciate the comment.
Hi Graham, thanks for posting your series of videos on the FZ200.On the strength of watching them countless times over the Christmas period we decided to purchase one and we are very pleased with it.Stills and video are first class .On this particular video the music is stunning I was wondering if you could tell me who it is by please ?.Keep up the good work.Many thanks.
Regs
Trevor
Thanks for a really infomative video! If only all reviews were like this... look forward to seeing more of your work.
Hi Bob. The small sensor in this camera dictates the size of optics needed to fill the sensor area. In the design of the lens the iris (aperture) will be decided by the focal length of the lens. Because the focal length is small so the aperture (diameter) becomes small. Physics come into play here and a small diameter causes diffraction. It happens at f7.1 in the FZ200. It Physically doesn't go to F16 only F8. There is enough DOF at F4 for landscape pictures at 24mm for what you need, pin sharp
What a relief. Thanks so much for taking time to answer and Cheers!!
As far as I remember, the FZ150 had guided Panorama, i.e. you get to see guides to help you align pix. Not automatic Panorama mode like the one Sony introduced on some cams and might also be available on the FZ200.
wonderful video. a side-by-side comparison on a split-screen would make it easier to appreciate the comparison.
Hey Graham how are you, thanks for sharing these test. I really hope Panasonic updates their fz200 firmware with better ISO performance as the fz150 seems to be nice , and noticed too that the sensor went back down from fz150s 1/2.3 inch sensor to 1/2.33 back again .This minor change might explain the bad isos
Beautiful video! A side-by-side comparison on a split-screen would make it easier to appreciate the comparison these 2 great cameras.
thanks for the feedback, it is appreciated.
Thank you for the correction.
Also the images from 2:22 should be put annotation as FZ150.
The f2.8 lens effectively gives you about 2 stops of light benefit over the sx50. This means you can shoot with 2 stops lower iso. I would say it depends on the scene type I have shot with iso 1250 and 2500 and when using RAW files the results were very acceptable. It must be remembered that you will always get noise with the small sensor, it depends on how it is processed. Canon appear to process jpeg better however the video from the fz200 is also very good at iso 2500. It is a tough choice.
I echo these thoughts entirely, thanks for the comment and view, appreciated.
EOS 60d doesn't AF in video mode as far as i am aware. so the FZ150/FZ200 would be a better choice
The answer to this is in user opinion of image quality. For most users f2.8 at 600mm gives acceptable image clarity. If you want the very best then you need to close down a couple of stops to get the best optical performance ( as with all lenses prime and zoom) I guess the main function this camera was designed for is video where the image quality isn't so much dependent upon lens quality. For video the f2.8 produces some very convincing video.
Thinking of buying the FZ200, like the price & zoom. However I notice images in the background seem fuzzier. U say, "It shows the f2.8 lens is respectable in performance and with a sweet spot (as expected) at f4.5 in these tests. F8 aperture produces refraction and loss of detail in both cameras so is best avoided if you want the sharpest images. I want my landscapes w/ sharp detail throughout depth of field so I would prefer to use F16. I Video mostly with some wildlife. Any Suggestions?
Thanks so much for your series on this cameras! Your teaching & photos are great! I knew from your videos that FZ200 only closed down to F8 for stills but, I thought it went down to F11 for video. Is that not the case? Only meant F16 on my old SLR but, I was running out of words. I relate everything back to my old SLR but, do not understand digital. Also wish it had iso of 25 but, again old SLR thinking. So many advantages to digital. Thanks
I'm looking to buy a DSLM,DSLR or SUPERZOOM. I mostly do videos, livingroom style. Outside a zoom is a must (children-in-trees style). I was considering GH2 (kit + zoom = more dollars) and FZ150, but in your video comparing them with the EOS 60D, GH2 doesn't have a big enough advantage on FZ150 compared to EOS 60D (to my ignorant eyes). Am I right to think EOS AF is less efficient (a must in a child-on-a-bike-coming-fast style) , that FZ150-200 are tough to beat? (question 2).
Hi, great video. Thanks. I was wondering which one would you recommend between FZ200 and Cannon SX50? Thanks.
Hello Graham, thank you for the videos, I've been watching many of them and became a subscriber! I have a question: for what applications do you think the FZ200 would be worth paying 25% more than what the FZ150 currently is sold for? Thanks a lot!!! :)
On paper the specs for the SX50 are superior with apparently less noise in the camera jpegs. Some initial reviews seem to back up that argument. It has a lower base iso of 80 but a widest aperture of f3.5 which could limit low level light stills if the iso's above 800 turn out to be noisy. A really long zoom will mean the image stabilisation will have to work hard for pin sharp hand held shots. I would research more on forums like dpreview.com for more information on both cameras.
The two cameras are almost identical in operation, you will benefit from the wider aperture f2.8 lens of the FZ200 if you are doing interior video with any zoom applied as teh FZ150 losses aperture as you zoom making the camera up the iso to compensate and this will lead to more noisy images and video
Dear Graham, your reviews are extraordinary. Thank you for this wonderful review. Can you PLEASE make another review of comparison between FZ150 and FZ200 shoots, similar to this without commentary and with ONLY THIS MUSIC that you added in background of this review. This music makes your review extra relaxing. Thank you very much in advance.
Hello Graham.
I want your opinion. I have owned a digi camera and now I want to buy one. I need it for photography and videos. My list is following: Panasonic dmc-fz150, Panasonic dmc-fz200, Panasonic dmc-fz62, Sony dsc-hx200v/300v, Fujifilm finepix hs30exr. What would you recomend or list it from top to bottom.
Thank you very much in advance!
Thanks for the video choosing a camera is hard, can i ask do you know does the FZ150 or FZ200 camera take stills while while doing a video without leaving a black frame or some type of interruption to the video like the Canon sx50 does? i really want to be able to take photos during videos and seems the Sony does this seemlessly and the stills quality is still pretty decent, thanks
I sold the FZ150 after I had purchased the FZ200. For me there is very little difference in quality between the two - perhaps the FZ150 is marginally better for stills and the Fz200 slightly better for video but I just love the better EVF performance. I find the tele end of the zoom needs stopping down to f5.6 to get sharpness in stills, f2.8 is good enough for video resolution.
Hi, you are right the evf is much better but still not in the same class as the G2. I am surprised they didn't upgrade the lcd, 460k is a bit dated now. Maybe the G5 body would be a better upgrade path since you already have a m4/3 system. The image quality is, as i'm sure you will agree, much better. It's the compromise of one camera with all built in focal lengths versus interchangeable lenses.
On p. 73 of the Pan. FZ200 pdf format manual it talks about Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) & claims a 46.9x EZ zoom producing smaller pictures with no deterioration then on to a 2x extra "intelligent" digital zoom & a (presumably not so intelligent!) 4x digital zoom. Have you explored this feature & does it make a) sense or b) a worthwhile feature out in the field rather than back home in Photoshop. Numbers get it up to & past the SX50 & to a magnification where EVF quality is important. thanks Steve
Thanks. let me see what type of image I will get
Unfortunately i have now sold my FZ150 so I cannot do this comparison test for you.
Should have added that this EZ feature is just for photos not as the manual states when recording motion pictures. So I guess this is posted in the wrong place as it relates more to the still performance of the FZ200.
Sorry, Steve As ever grateful for the advice you so freely give.
Thank you for the reply, good luck with you camera choice.
Hi, I guess the best way to arrive at a purchase decision is to list the must have features and then check the reviews and specs again. For example power zoom is not always desirable - you really shouldn't zoom whilst filming. It is there to allow you to set a fixed focal length and then film. So here the GH2 and 60D gain points. Ease of manual focus - most bridge have electronic focus = awkward. Image quality GH2 is better (less moire than 60d) and much better than FZ200. Budget and weight.
yes that's a typo error it is the FZ200
Hello Victor. It would be unfair for me to rank the cameras not knowing precisely your photo/video needs, the lighting you would be shooting under. I would only say in my experience of these cameras the FZ200 is my best all round camera choice.
I noticed that you made a mistake in "side by side comparison" of 25mm.
FZ150 & FZ200 should be the other way around because 2 person was walking in the images of FZ200. And in fact the image of FZ200 is sharper than FZ150.
Now that FZ200 is available, would there be a reason for me to buy the 150 instead of the 200, apart from hard earn dollars? (question 3).
Thanks again
Use A (aperture priority mode) then with the back control wheel you can set the iris from F2.8 to F8. I have several tutorials under the FZ200 playlist on my channel that may help you understand the camera better
I am sorely tempted to upgrade my FZ150, but will bide my time for now.
I am hoping the next FZ (FZ250) will have an EVF of the same quality as the G2 (assuming the FZ200 isn't quite there) and also I want a 920K pixel screen. I've got used to that on my Nikon and it's really the way to go. I'm a bit disappointed by the Nikon D5100. It's feels very limiting compared to the Panasonic G2. That the G2 can meter for my old Nikon lenses wheras Nikon's own D5100 can't is particularly galling.
Graham, I need a camera for my new business which is taking video on houses for sale.Is the FZ150 more user friendly compared to FZ200.Please advise.
What was you video setting here? Vivid Color? iA? White Balance?
Please compare both mic quality including high & low frequency .
I think I'll stick with what I have for now. I'm sure I'll learn to love my D5100 eventually. :D
If the tele end needs stopping down from f2.8 why is it hailed as a success to achieve f2.8 along then lens?
Hi, I have several tutorials which show the use of supplementary lenses for getting close up photos with the FZ100/150 and also the use of aperture priority a nd shutter priority modes. Waterfalls require you just set a shutter speed of about 1/8 to 1/2 second to get the blurred effect - in bright light you may need a neutral density filter to achieve these times. Take at look at my main channel page and the playlists you might find the answer here.
You sold it because you feel it doesn't live up to your standards. Please share your reasons because I'm about to purchase one.
Great camera and great Panasonic!
For wildlife shooters the 200 is more realistic as the f2.8 lens allows lower light levels (2-3 stops) or higher shutter speeds, the evf is much better to use. Video is superior with the 200, slightly at the expense of the still images up to iso 200.
Thank you very much
I don't know if I got a bad camera or not, but I was seeing that awful kind of noise even at ISO 100 in my camera and my FZ150 did not do that.
Beautiful video, GRAHAM, COMPARING TWO OF THE BEST OF TIMES SUPERZOOM. IF I HAD TO CHOOSE THE FZ200 buy without hesitation, because the history of photography has never been a ZOOM 25-600 F/2.8, 500 mm and 600 mm AF MANUFACTURED / 4, or sometimes F/5.6, BUT I never saw a 600 mm or 500 mm f/2.8. ,. And then there's the electronic viewfinder is useful to frame. There is not much difference in price: 380 euros and 535 EUROS FZ150 FZ200. THAT IS THE PRICE IN SPAIN.
To be fair panasonic are trying to craft a camera which will appeal to a whole range of consumers from novices to serious amateurs who don't want to carry dslr kit around for either weight or security issues. Much is driven by marketing and peoples expectations are elevated. People now expect cameras to be able to image black cats in cellars and take pictures of craters on the moon. I wish one manufacturer would break the mold and bring out a camera with fixed ISO 80 and f1.7 14-100 lens 10Mpx
Would you believe I haven't yet had a look at the G5. I was so dismayed by the G3 that I have rather ignored the Panasonic m43 cameras recently.
I really want to love my Nikon D5100, but I just don't like it. I can't argue with the results, but it makes me work to hard for them. Panasonic cameras are much more user-friendly.
Thanks I'm selling my Canon reflex 550d and going back to bridge camera. I had a fz28 and loved it. I could catch anything and making videos was fan even with a tripod simulating a steadicam. I love making slow motion videos. My wife wants a lighter camera capable to catch a picture or a video easy with autofocus and making even far from tre subject. So I think this is my best choice.
I'm no Panasonic "fan-boy" and some of their business or marketing ideas could be interchanged with "BS" I recently tried the new power zoom lenses designed for the GX1. Premium lens and premium price. However after just an hour of testing I went straight back with it, it was actually much softer than the 14-45 basic kit lens and the manual focus ring was so tiny as really unusable. The 200 is good in daylight, but not good as the hype states in low light - it is worse than a TZ30
Great review. Thanks
Thank you
i have this camera but i dont know what ISO of F stands for :(
Ok thanks seems the Sony and this one work much the same with the video, im told the sony drops photos to 10 megapixel, not sure about photo limits, would prefer the panasonic, but its more expensive, got til May, so will be looking for price drops, specials between the FZ200, canon sx50 and Sony dsc 200 something the name i can never rememeber
thanks! same thing in terms of video in my opinion
if you process the stills from raw then the 200 is better and also for video the 200 is superior in my tests
Thanks Graham! I think for me will be worth spending the extra $100 for the FZ200 then. Video and zoomed in stills with eventual less-than-ideal lighting conditions are some of the applications in the top of my list. :)
stills comparison of no value due to low youtube resolution, fz200 video seems sharper tho..
Hi there, do you know "Photo SFXart Tricks" (search on Google for it)? On their website you will find a useful free video featuring the right way to take awesome photographs. It made it easier for Matt to take pictures that leave you with that wow-effect after you take a look at them. Hopefully it helps you as well.
PANASONIC TM 900 THE BEST!
LOL!