The Lumix FZ200, announced in July 2012, is one of Panasonic’s most recent flagship super-zoom digital cameras. Succeeding the best-selling Lumix FZ150, it shares many of its great features like the same 24x optical zoom range that’s equivalent to 25-600mm. But while it has all the strengths of its predecessor, the FZ200 boasts several upgrades, like instead of a variable aperture of f2.8-5.2, this model boasts nothing less than a constant aperture of f2.8 throughout the entire focal range.
The FZ200 also features a:
- 3-inch 460K-pixel rotating LCD screen
- 1.31-million-dot electronic viewfinder
- 1920×1080 50p Full HD video recording
- 12.1 megapixel high-sensitivity MOS image sensor
- 12fps continuous shooting without autofocus and 5.5fps with autofocus
Secondary key features include:
- Intelligent Resolution technology
- Light Speed auto-focus
- Port for an optional stereo microphone
- An accessory shoe for an external flash
The FZ200 also offers Power O.I.S anti-shake system, iA (intelligent auto) mode, manual shooting modes, 3D still images, RAW format support, an ISO range of 100-6400, and Creative Control Mode during recording and Creative Re-touch Mode in playback.
The Body:
The Lumix FZ200 shares most of its body styling with its predecessor, with minor changes in appearance, that make it more useable and also add a little to the weight and dimensions.
Measuring 125 x 87 x 110mm and weighing 588g (with the battery and card), the camera’s slightly bulkier body shape allows for a slightly deeper hand grip and thumb rest than the one on previous models, like the FZ150. This feature makes the device feel more secure, and also much more comfortable to hold.
Another addition is found on the top panel, where the previously empty space on the viewfinder head is now occupied with a sliding catch, which pops up the flash. That button’s old location, on the rear panel to the left of the viewfinder is the new home for the EVF/LCD toggle button.
The Versatility:
The new Panasonic design offers a great creative variety to its clients. The compact digital camera comes with 8 new and 6 original creative control effects like Toy Effect and Star Filter, to allow you to take truly expressive and unique pictures. It also offers more shooting control than before, with new features like:
- The Panorama Shot
- The Intelligent Handheld Night Shot, (the iA Mode generates an illuminated night scene)
- The White Balance Bracket function (which allows shooting 3 consecutive photos while adjusting the white balance.)
The camera also allows one to produce 3D Images. For advanced photographers, using the manual control modes allow for even greater versatility and originality.