Reading mode: Light Dark

I have the FZ100. I'm ready to buy again, looking at fz200, Fugi HS50 & X-s1

Go to last post
K

KiminWNC

Active member
Messages
85
Reaction score
1
Location
US
I have loved my FZ100 but I am ready to buy again. What I like about my Fz100 is the ability to video (slow mo, high def and reg), screw on 52mm filters (have several) and macro lenses and I already have a remote trigger. I also require a viewfinder, hot shoe and really like the fully articulated LCD. I limit the ISO to 400 and have been very pleased with the quality of photo and video. In fact 2 of my photos won in 2 competitions :) I wish it had a larger sensor. I think the weight is fine as it's not too heavy to carry around. Seems a little odd to me they drop the MP in the fz200 from the fz100. Wish the specs for the Fz250 would be released soon. I shoot indoor and outdoor of moving animals and bugs to landscapes- almost everything except people. I seldom use the flash but bought a diffuser and bounce that in the hot shoe for when I need the flash and don't want to give my blue-eye'd cats red eye. The fz200 flash looks a tad closer to the lens?

I'd also like a fixed 2.8 like the fz200.

Hubby told me yesterday I could start looking for another for birthday or Christmas. Since yesterday morning I've narrowed down from 13 to 3. The last three I outruled this morning were the Fugi SL1000, HS35 and Canon SX50. The other 7 have been deleted from my list so I can't share those.

I'm looking at the fz200, Fugi HS50 and Fugi x-s1

I like the slightly larger sensor in the hs50 and the longer 42x zoom, but it and the X-s1 don't have the fixed 2.8 and they weigh more, and don't have the ability to screw on filters or lenses.

I like the considerable larger sensor of the x-s1 but don't like just having a tilt LCE or the extra weight (double of my fz100).

I've owned a fuji film camera many years ago and was happy with it. I've tried Olympus, Canon, Samsung and the Pany. Oh and Kodak, but won't consider that again.

Just wondering if anyone had thoughts between these 3 choices.

Thanks in advance for your time. I'm so excited to be upgrading after just 2 1/2 years.

Kim
 
KiminWNC said:
KiminWNC wrote:

I have loved my FZ100 but I am ready to buy again.
Click to expand...
The three models you've narrowed your list down to are all good choices.
KiminWNC said:
What I like about my Fz100 is the ability to video (slow mo, high def and reg), screw on 52mm filters (have several) and macro lenses and I already have a remote trigger. I also require a viewfinder, hot shoe and really like the fully articulated LCD. I limit the ISO to 400 and have been very pleased with the quality of photo and video. In fact 2 of my photos won in 2 competitions :)
Click to expand...
Congrats - yes, the FZ-series is a very capable camera. It sounds like the FZ200 would meet your needs and allow you to reuse your existing accessories.
KiminWNC said:
I wish it had a larger sensor. I think the weight is fine as it's not too heavy to carry around.
Click to expand...
Yeah - but as you see with the X-S1, larger sensor = larger camera.
KiminWNC said:
Seems a little odd to me they drop the MP in the fz200 from the fz100.
Click to expand...
The FZ100 struggles with noise above base ISO and Panasonic was lauded for dropping to 12MP for the FZ150 - resulting in better low-light capabilities.
KiminWNC said:
Wish the specs for the Fz250 would be released soon. I shoot indoor and outdoor of moving animals and bugs to landscapes- almost everything except people. I seldom use the flash but bought a diffuser and bounce that in the hot shoe for when I need the flash and don't want to give my blue-eye'd cats red eye. The fz200 flash looks a tad closer to the lens?
Click to expand...
The FZ200 flash is a bit closer to the lens and is also much more powerful - which can be adjusted as necessary. Keep using your diffuser!
KiminWNC said:
I'd also like a fixed 2.8 like the fz200.
Click to expand...
Yes - the reason I upgraded from the FZ150! I shoot at lot at full zoom and struggled to get sharp shots in the golden hour. Both Fujis may struggle here.
KiminWNC said:
I'm looking at the fz200, Fugi HS50 and Fugi x-s1

I like the slightly larger sensor in the hs50 and the longer 42x zoom, but it and the X-s1 don't have the fixed 2.8 and they weigh more, and don't have the ability to screw on filters or lenses.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen much to show that the slightly larger EXR sensor provides noticeably better results. The longer zoom of the HS50 would but nice but the X-S1's 26X is only marginally longer than the FZ200. Both Fujis do provide manual zooming and the phase-detect focus of the HS50 could also allow for better/faster focusing at times.
KiminWNC said:
I like the considerable larger sensor of the x-s1 but don't like just having a tilt LCE or the extra weight (double of my fz100).
Click to expand...
The X-S1 IQ is the best of the three, but that camera has a storied history that includes white orbs, lens droop, focus issues, etc. It lacks the fully-articulated LCD that is a joy to use on the FZ200. It also is unlikely to see an update and may soon be discontinued in favor of the Fuji HS-series.
KiminWNC said:
Thanks in advance for your time. I'm so excited to be upgrading after just 2 1/2 years.
Click to expand...
Wow - such restraint! I already upgraded from my FZ150! The FZ200 would be an easy move as you're already used to their features and menu system and have usable accessories. Since you already own the FZ100 and are looking towards Christmas, you should wait and see what Panasonic comes up with for their next FZ. Plus that timing traditionally hits upon their lowest prices.

--
Bruce
You learn something new every time you press the shutter
 
Last edited:
I've mentioned this before, but none of our purchases are set in concrete; we can always sell later and recover most/all our investment. Have you priced lx150's? I've had good luck selling on Craig's List. I bet you will love the 200, and be sure to watch Graham Houghton's tutorials on YouTube. Cheers

JR
 
kkardster Thank you so much for you info. Sometimes it helps just to have a sounding board, plus you seem to know about the Fuji models too which is helpful.

JR- you're right. Once I have my new camera in hand, I'll put mine up for sale. Can't be cameraless ya know and my Samsung HZ30 keep in purse camera, and I have just never really got each other. I still have have everything including the box so I see no problem selling it and recouping some of what I spent. Plus if I go w. the Fz200 I can use my filters, and macro lenses and I hope the remote. Haven't verified the remote.

Leaning toward the fz200 especially if the larger sensor doesn't really offer up THAT much better IQ. The longer zoom of the Fuji would be nice but I can't think of a time right off that I've wished my Fz100 would go past 24x. If I have - it's rare, and I KNOW I'd like the 2.8.

I can always count on help from this board- Thank you both.
 
KiminWNC said:
KiminWNC wrote:

JR- you're right. Once I have my new camera in hand, I'll put mine up for sale. Can't be cameraless ya know and my Samsung HZ30 keep in purse camera, and I have just never really got each other. I still have have everything including the box so I see no problem selling it and recouping some of what I spent. Plus if I go w. the Fz200 I can use my filters, and macro lenses and I hope the remote. Haven't verified the remote.
Click to expand...
The remote for the FZ100 will also work with the FZ200
KiminWNC said:
Leaning toward the fz200 especially if the larger sensor doesn't really offer up THAT much better IQ. The longer zoom of the Fuji would be nice but I can't think of a time right off that I've wished my Fz100 would go past 24x. If I have - it's rare, and I KNOW I'd like the 2.8.
Click to expand...
That f/2.8 lens will allow for 4X faster shutter speed at full zoom. Only the FZ200 can do that.

Other differences worth noting:
  • At 1.3MP, the FZ200 EVF has the highest resolution.
  • FZ200 LCD resolution is the same as the FZ100 while the HS50 LCD is 2X the FZ.
  • Minimum aperture for FZ is f/8 while the HS50 offers f/11. (Either should really be avoided when possible to prevent diffraction.)
  • FZ200 allows 60s shutter while HS50 is limited to 30s
 
Hello Kim

I am afraid I only have limited experience. I also owned the FZ100, and found it to be a very caperble camera. I used it within its limits and had a lot of fun with it. I now own the FZ200. From what I have read there seems to be a bit of a hit and miss situation with regards to the quality of the images. Some camera are said to be better than others. The FZ200 I have is only 2 months old and the writting on the "Menu/OK button has worn off already. I contacted Panasonic who told me it isn't covered by warrenty. Which has upset me as I really look after my kit. But I have to say that my camera takes very nice pictures. I do notice the difference between the FZ100 and 200 for the better. 2.8 across the range is brilliant,

Steve

Happy snappin
 
kkardster said:
kkardster wrote:
kkardster said:
KiminWNC wrote:
Click to expand...
The remote for the FZ100 will also work with the FZ200
Click to expand...
That is great because the 2 or 10/3 sec timer is not enough time to get in vaca pics usually. I did like that about a Canon I had.
kkardster said:
That f/2.8 lens will allow for 4X faster shutter speed at full zoom. Only the FZ200 can do that.

Other differences worth noting:
  • At 1.3MP, the FZ200 EVF has the highest resolution.
  • FZ200 LCD resolution is the same as the FZ100 while the HS50 LCD is 2X the FZ.
  • Minimum aperture for FZ is f/8 while the HS50 offers f/11. (Either should really be avoided when possible to prevent diffraction.)
  • FZ200 allows 60s shutter while HS50 is limited to 30s
--
Bruce
You learn something new every time you press the shutter
Click to expand...
Bruce, that is very helpful. Again thank you. The LCD being higher res would be nice but not necessarily a must because w. my eyesight being what it is I don't usually cull any pics until I see them on my monitor. I do use the manual focus and it would be nice then but I'm not complaining about the LCD res. by any means.

I do like the blurry backgrounds of shallow depth of field. The main reason the X-s1 was on my radar was the larger sensor and still good zoom. The main reason for the hs50 was the longer zoom. I like silky water and painted clouds so I'd probably feel limited on the HS50. I hesitate just a tad to get too caught up in specs, instead of comparing more final output, even though I'm a spreadsheet making fool, I bought my vanguard tripod on specs and there is one issue that bugs the crud out of me for everyday use.

I still need do some more research and I have time. I hoping the specs will be released for the fz250 and just blow me away on all the new features and low price... I can always hope :)
 
Steve

I read the same about the fz100 if memory serves me right. I set my program mode soon after purchase and use it or S,A,M. I don't think I've used auto after the first few days. I too would be very upset if my text wore off that fast. I like to take care of my stuff. I found Panasonic unhelpful when I wanted to buy a printed manual. I ended up buying a spiral bound off ebay that I like to use. That is another plus to going w. the fz200- I won't' have as much of a learning curve over switching brands. Thanks for your input.

Kim
seajunky said:
seajunky wrote:

Hello Kim

I am afraid I only have limited experience. I also owned the FZ100, and found it to be a very caperble camera. I used it within its limits and had a lot of fun with it. I now own the FZ200. From what I have read there seems to be a bit of a hit and miss situation with regards to the quality of the images. Some camera are said to be better than others. The FZ200 I have is only 2 months old and the writting on the "Menu/OK button has worn off already. I contacted Panasonic who told me it isn't covered by warrenty. Which has upset me as I really look after my kit. But I have to say that my camera takes very nice pictures. I do notice the difference between the FZ100 and 200 for the better. 2.8 across the range is brilliant,

Steve

Happy snappin

--
Sod the skill. Just look at the subject matter.
Click to expand...
 
KiminWNC said:
KiminWNC wrote:

I still need do some more research and I have time. I hoping the specs will be released for the fz250 and just blow me away on all the new features and low price... I can always hope :)
Click to expand...
That last "hope" statement made me chuckle - seems to be the superzoom mantra!
 
It would seem Kim that a lot of people have problems with Panasonic warranties. Of course there will be those who will say I have had no problem, but I am afraid a lot of people will not buy panasonic because of their poor excuses they make for poor quality, such as "thats not covered under warranty". It's a real shame because they are letting themselves down very badly, and at the end of the day the FZ200 is a good camera. (if you get a good one)

Steve
 
I have had the FZ200 for about 2 months. I had a Nikon P510 before. Before that, I had a number of superzooms from Panasonic and Fuji.

There are two things I really like about the Panasonic:

The constant F/2.8 max aperture for the entire zoom range. My wife had a piano recital for her students last week. It took place in a fairly dimly lit church. I was at the back of the church and wanted to zoom in to frame the shot. It was possible to do so without going to an incredibly low shutter speed because of the wide aperture.

The high speed video capabilities - 720HD at 4X, VGA at 8X. It's great for analyzing movement and technique in sports including golf swings and throwing motions.

I like the extra zoom on the HS50. I thought I would really miss the dropoff from 1000mm to 600mm when I sold my P510. However, I haven't. If I weren't interested in sports photography, I would probably go for the Fuji HS50. However, I am, so the FZ200 is best for me.

The X-S1 is supposed to have taken care of the white orb problems. When I handled it in a camera store, it seemed to have problems with focusing in somewhat dim light that the FZ200 didn't have.
 
The samples I saw from HS50 were tragic quality.

X_S1 is much better has 2/3" sensor so bigger one, but it happened white orbs or blue orb in the center.

The first issue was sensor the second lens pronlem so you must be careful what you buy.

FZ200 is the only one 600/F2,8 camera.

So whta to choose? I think depending from photo subjects and focal range you use the most.

For wide angles I would choose X-S1- bigger sesnsor offers better quality and DOF control (a liitle)

But for tele range FZ200 is much better - 2 EV stops allows use lower ISO or freeze the moving subjects.

When you do movie clips - then it is simple FZ200 because Panasonic is unbeatable - Fuji still learns in this matter.
 
Robbo2, thank you for your personal use info. I've never owned a Nikon or Fuji. I've had them on list the last few times I've bought, but they never seem to end up in my hands.

I agree completely with you on liking the 2.8, and I do use the video, high speed and reg and HD- not often but I'm glad I had them. I don't think I knew about the difference in 4x and 8x though. I'll have to look back at my fz100 manual. I took a slow mo video of my best friends daughter jumping a horse and it was very cool, I just wish it could've been a little larger for easier viewing. Oh, and I've done hubby's golf swing too.

I like the extra zoom idea of the fs50 but I know I will miss it less than I'd miss the 2.8 so I guess I'm letting that one go.

If the x-s1 performed better, took better video and had a fully articulated LCD, didn't' weigh double my fz100 and still had a larger sensor- I'd probably go with that.

For now it looks like I'm going to stick the fz200 for what I shoot.

Kim

robbo2 said:
robbo2 wrote:

I have had the FZ200 for about 2 months. I had a Nikon P510 before. Before that, I had a number of superzooms from Panasonic and Fuji.

There are two things I really like about the Panasonic:

The constant F/2.8 max aperture for the entire zoom range. My wife had a piano recital for her students last week. It took place in a fairly dimly lit church. I was at the back of the church and wanted to zoom in to frame the shot. It was possible to do so without going to an incredibly low shutter speed because of the wide aperture.

The high speed video capabilities - 720HD at 4X, VGA at 8X. It's great for analyzing movement and technique in sports including golf swings and throwing motions.

I like the extra zoom on the HS50. I thought I would really miss the dropoff from 1000mm to 600mm when I sold my P510. However, I haven't. If I weren't interested in sports photography, I would probably go for the Fuji HS50. However, I am, so the FZ200 is best for me.

The X-S1 is supposed to have taken care of the white orb problems. When I handled it in a camera store, it seemed to have problems with focusing in somewhat dim light that the FZ200 didn't have.
Click to expand...
 
Chris62 said:
Chris62 wrote:

The samples I saw from HS50 were tragic quality.

X_S1 is much better has 2/3" sensor so bigger one, but it happened white orbs or blue orb in the center.

The first issue was sensor the second lens problem so you must be careful what you buy.

FZ200 is the only one 600/F2,8 camera.

So what to choose? I think depending from photo subjects and focal range you use the most.

For wide angles I would choose X-S1- bigger sensor offers better quality and DOF control (a liitle)

But for tele range FZ200 is much better - 2 EV stops allows use lower ISO or freeze the moving subjects.

When you do movie clips - then it is simple FZ200 because Panasonic is unbeatable - Fuji still learns in this matter.
Click to expand...
Chris62, Since I do use the video and take low indoor light shots of my blue eye'd moving cats w.o flash- I think the fz200 suits me best at this time. Thanks for your info.
 
For now it looks like I'm going to stick with Panasonic, unless someone brings out a game changer before I buy- or if the fz250 has leaps and bounds of useful new features. I'll probably get the fz200 after the specs are released on the fz250. Guessing that will be soon? I hope don't have text that wears off- I want my used stuff I sell to be in top condition and that would really bug me on a $500-$600 bridge camera.

I really appreciate everyone advice.
 
Too many posts to read through them all; but I'll put my 2 cents worth in.

I've owned several Panasonic superzooms, and mosr recently, the FZ150 and FZ200. The FZ150 is a lot like your FZ100; but improved with a better sensor and processor. The move to the FZ200 was prompted by the constant f/2.8 lens and the much higher resolution EVF. I find the controls on the FZ200 to be much better, in that you have three customizable fn buttons. Image quality on the FZ200 is very good and noise is well controlled up to ISO 800 - so with the f/2.8 lens, you should never need higher ISO.

I find the use of iResolution gives just the right amount of sharpening; but opinions vary on this and you may find you prefer other settings. There are lots of posts on this that you can search.

Some of the FZ200 hoods mount quite stiffly. Be sure to only mount or dismount the hood with the camera OFF. so the lens is fully retracted, to avoid possible damage to the lens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top