GH3 For those using the FZ200- comments???

J

jrod81

Veteran
Hey guys
In my pursuit to find a point and shoot, I came upon the bridge camera FZ200 and am quite excited about it. Before I pull the trigger on the purchase, I'd love to hear what you guys are thinking.
My family is headed to Disney World in 3 weeks. I really wanted to leave the T4i at home and just take a point and shoot. I was leaning toward the S100, but I also wanted to use a point and shoot when I returned home as a "B" camera to documentary/wedding shoots. The only point and shoot I found with an external mic input was the Nikon P7700. I'm still considering that camera but what is ultimately lurring me in about the FZ200 (even though it is not pocket sized) are these items:
1. 2.8 Throughout the lens range
2. EVF and articulating screen
3. Fast enough for children who refuse to sit still
4. External mic input (which is a must for my B camera and ruled out many other cameras)
Two things I'm having a hard time stepping over
1. Price (I can get a cheap SLR for this price range)
2. No 24p
What do you guys think
jared
 
I've owned 2 of the earlier models...WONDERFUL do everything cameras...positively great. Manual controls or I auto, great movies (for what it is of course) Yes, you could get an SLR for the price, but the lenses you would need to cover that ground would defeat the purpose of an all around do everything kind of camera. I can't recommend them enough.
 
thanks pulp... that certainly is good to hear... i suppose now it just comes down to "is this the right bridge camera" of all the ones that are out there... or even the P7700 by Nikon simply because it's smaller
 
If you were considering the S100, you might want to take a look at Panny's LX7. Not much zoom-wise (24mm-90mm) but check out the lens: f/1.4-2.3 :), and plenty of manual control. Video function superb. Just another option. I have the LX5 and love it.
 
I will check out the LX7, but I'm assuming it not to have ext. mic input... but here goes with a google search to find out...
 
Your other option to consider is the excellent Nikon 1 V1, which is on close-out sale at B&H photo for only $349, way down from its original retail price of $899. It has an external microphone input. Its hotshoe is non-standard, though. But you can buy a cheap Nikon adapter for it that will give you a standard cold shoe that you could mount an external microphone on.

Super fast and accurate autofocus, and a much larger sensor than the Panasonic. It has great image stabilization too, for hand-holding either still photos or video recording. Much higher resolution EVF and rear 3 inch LCD screen too.

It is a really fun camera, if you can live with the 3x normal lens zoom range, which is equivalent to a 27mm - 81mm lens on a 35mm full frame sensor camera.

Anyway, do check it out.

Nikon 1 V1 on sale at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=823590&Q=&is=REG&A=details


Nikon V1 coldshoe adapter at Adorama:

http://www.adorama.com/INKASN1000.html


Another option that I like for attaching an external microphone would be to get a compact coldshoe bracket like this Vello:


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734090-REG/Vello_CB_500_CB_500_Dual_Shoe_Bracket.html


P.S. -- If you do get this camera, make sure that the updated 1.2 firmware is installed on it, as Nikon fixed some issues that existed with the original firmware.

https://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/53148
 
I love so much about the FZ200... I really do, but the camera needs to be a $400-$450 camera. I mean the 2.8 thru out the zoom is fantastic... it truly is, but it still will not give the wonderful shallow dof that my wife has grown accustom to getting with so little work on a DSLR. I've been batting off the Nikon 1 for a while but at that price point, I'd be stupid to not consider it...
Back to Bedford Camera I go- good grief!!!!!

At this point, I was planning on getting a T4i (since I just sold my T2i) and then put a $450 Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens with it. That's $1100. Then buy the FZ200 to have for the amazing zoom (thus saving money on buying any other lens for the Canon). That's another $600. I could then use both of those cameras for a two camera setup for documentary/wedding work. BUT, I'd be at $1700-$1800 worth of money and that is just dumb expensive for how limited and spuratic my "photography business" is...

Now the Nikon 1 might be able to take the place (though I understand it is not the camera that a T4i is) of that T4i purchase- that gives my wife the shallow dof in a very small compact camera. Then I can buy the FZ200 still. Then I still walk away with a DSLR (well mirrorless I guess) and the FZ200 for the awesome zoom.

I love forums... I love thinking out loud with you guys. Thanks
 
Or consider the combo of the GH2 kit and the Nikon 1 V1. Together they only come to $1050

They both have affordable fast normal lenses that you could always add. I've found my GH2 to be a very capable little camera.

391659_384498344964225_782526507_n.jpg
 
LanceOregon said:
Or consider the combo of the GH2 kit and the Nikon 1 V1. Together they only come to $1050

They both have affordable fast normal lenses that you could always add. I've found my GH2 to be a very capable little camera...
Click to expand...

I love my GH2. I love my FZ150. And they are not that different in size - but, in my view, neither of them can match the FZ200's constant f2.8 24x zoom lens.

For travel - and as a wedding B cam, the FZ200 will do a great job.
 
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