A few days ago I got to travel to the Central Coast of NSW and test some of Panasonic’s newly announced compact cameras (LX7, FZ200, GF5) with a dozen other Australian photographers/technology journalists, guided around the region by famous panoramic landscape photographer Ken Duncan.
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The cameras we were testing were pre-production so there were some glitches but that’s to be expected with any electronics product that isn’t on sale yet. They will be on sale in September/October at the usual range of camera retailers and online stores.
I used the FZ200 most of the time because it reminded me of my first ever digital camera, a Panasonic FZ20 ultrazoom/bridge camera which I purchased just before Christmas 2004.
Digital cameras have improved a lot during the 8 years since, however just like they replaced film as the default choice for most photographers, low/middle range digital compact cameras are now seriously threatened by people using smartphone camera functionality instead.
Panasonic FZ-200
Replacing the previous FZ150 model, The FZ200’s main 2 features are a 24x (25-600mm) zoom and F2.8 aperture throughout which is a world first for a digital compact camera.
Koala – Australian Reptile Park, Central Coast NSW, Australia (click to see full resolution straight out of the camera)
Panasonic LX7
The LZ7 has a slightly smaller sensor than it’s predecessor LX5, however the LX7 lens is very fast at F1.4-F2.3, with a 24-90mm versatile zoom range and the internal 3 stop neutral density filter makes it possible to reduce light for a slower shutter speed.
Veiled Chameleon (Green) – Australian Reptile Park, Central Coast NSW (click to see full resolution straight out of the camera)
Terrigal beach rocks – slow exposure 3 stop neutral density
Panasonic GF5
I didn’t use the GF5 much because the pre-production one I had suffered from focusing issues.
Glenworth Valley Horse Mustering, Central Coast NSW (click to see full resolution straight out of the camera)
Somersby Falls – Brisbane Waters National Park (1/4 second slow exposure hand held)
Photo Slideshow
View all 58 test photos taken with the LX7/FZ200/GF5 that I shared on Flickr. View each photo’s EXIF for camera setting details. Most will be AUTO because I test consumer cameras using them as an average buyer would use them.
For more details visit the DP Review previews of the FZ200, LX7 and G5.
Great looking photos Neerav! Could you tell me how the LX7’s sensor stacks up against Canon’s S100 in terms of color rendition?
Thanks!
I still use my FZ20 when I don’t feel like carrying the bulky DSLR around. It was a great camera in its day, but it’s a bit outdated now. I might have to look into the FZ200 if its usability is similar to the FZ20. Thanks for the review.
Hi,
Your message above says that exif is available, but I am unable to view in my Irfanview program. Could you tell me the exif info for the horse muster photo at glenworth Valley?
Cheers,
Paul