FZ150 over FZ100 was MASSIVE improvement. FZ200 over FZ150? Hmmm

Hi there,

I very much recall the release of the FZ150, and the gulf in quality that the 2011 model set between its predecessor – the FZ100. To say the least, the 150 was like a breath of fresh air and, in my experience, remains the best bridge camera that Panasonic has produced to date. The Jpegs this model produces are simply wonderful.

Rightly or wrongly, it was apparent that with the announcement of the FZ200 and its F2.8 lens credentials, some potential buyers were expecting a similar leap in advancement between the 2012 and 2011 model.

Luckily for me, I wasn’t one to get carried away with the pre production hype. To me, there was simply no way we’d see a comparable leap as came previously between the 150 and 100. And now we’re a couple of months into seeing the results of those tempted by the FZ200, as good as some of those examples undoubtedly are, I still don’t feel in any way envious of those who could afford to make the 2012 upgrade.

As far as I’m concerned, even accounting for the grey, dismal and dull days we so often see in my part of the UK, I don’t feel I’m missing out by not using a FZ200 with its F2.8 capabilities. Instead, I continue to be astounded by the results attainable with last year’s model in higher ISO settings and remain pleased as punch that I still own the FZ150 instead of the 200.

Whether that will be the case in 2013 (when I assume the FZ250? will appear) remains to be seen of course. In all honesty, I’m likely to be more tempted to upgrade then, if at all! So, how do other forum visitors ‘genuinely’ feel about the FZ150 and 200, assuming, of course, that you actually own or have used either one or both models?

Kind regards

Stevie Boy.