INTRO
The Lumix FZ series of camera's have always been a top choice among people looking for a bridge camera. The FZ-150 was an instant success and the FZ-200 really pushed the standards with the stellar 25-600mm range (35mm eq) constant F2.8 lens and great video recording capabilities. While other manufacturers upgraded their bridge camera's, Panasonic waited 3 years to bring out the FZ-200's successor to the wild, but the big question is, is the upgrade worth it? Well, here is what I feel about the FZ-300 and my reasons to think it is a proper upgrade to the amazing FZ-200, which I've been using for the past 4 years.
When I first saw the specification of the FZ-300 I was surprised that Panasonic didn't change the focal length range nor increased the sensor size or resolution. But, I figured out the problems that these changes could posses. Like, increasing the sensor size means redesigning the already wonderful lens and could make the camera much larger and heavier. Increasing the focal length and keeping the constant aperture can also lead to the same consequences. Increase in the megapixel count mean lower high ISO performance.
CHANGE OF MIND
The thing is, every digital camera have 3 main components resulting in the final image. One is the sensor, second is the lens and third is the Image Processing Engine, or the mind of the camera. Panasonic kept the same lens and more or less the same sensor but the mind, the Image Processing Engine is completely new and is a much more powerful unit. The new Engine enables the camera to shoot 4k resolution video at 100mbps and other 4k functionalities like 4k photo modes. It also enables the camera to focus much faster and accurately with better algorithms, it enables introduction of higher resolution LCD and EVF as the processor needs to push all those pixels constantly. In short, the Lumix FZ-300 is a perfect example of what a camera can be with a new processing unit and here are my 9 reasons why this camera is a proper upgrade to the wonderful FZ-200.
THE REASONS
1. 4k VIDEO AND OTHER VIDEO GOODIES
- Many would still say that 4k is an overkill. But I'm someone who uses a 4 year old Nexus 4, and I'm someone who take care of my things properly and use the most out of it. So 4k, which could be an overkill to many now would become useful after a couple of years...especially for someone like me.
This also comes with many image capturing features like the 4k 30fps photo mode, which captures 8MP stills from the 4k video file enabling us to take 'THAT' moment from the fast moving scene.There is a 'Pre Burst' mode enabling the camera to capture 30 frames before we press the shutter button making sure the shooter doesn't miss a moment.
- 4k video is shot at 100mbps but the best thing is the availability of options to choose between 30p and the cinematic 24p frame-rates. Down-sampling 4k videos to 1080p resolution will result in much sharper 1080p files than the native 1080p recording.
- Manual Focusing is assisted with peaking and also with a rotating dial in the left side of the lens barrel for proper adjustment. The FZ-200 had a manual focus switch which was a pain to use.
- A proper 3.5mm jack for mic inputs rather than the unconventional 2.5mm jack in the FZ-200.
2. WEATHER SEALED CONSTRUCTION
- The FZ-300 is weather sealed to resist dust and some water splash. Whenever I used my FZ-200 in beaches or in dusty conditions, I had to constantly cover the camera but the FZ-300 solves this issue.
- The camera is bigger than the FZ-200, which means, chunkier grip leading to much better steadiness while shooting. The FZ-300 is about a 100 grams heavier and overall larger than the FZ-200 but with the benefits it provide, I think it is something that can be over looked.
3. FASTER & MORE ACCURATE AUTO-FOCUS
- The FZ-300 is incorporated with the DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology, and I'm sure the AF performance would have got a serious bump up from the FZ-200. I've used the GH4 and have tasted the DFD system. Though, the FZ-300 would not be having GH4 like performance, I'm sure the performance when compared to the FZ-200 will be much much better.
4. EVF & LCD
- The FZ-300 boasts an EVF with a magnification of 0.70x, which is much larger than the one in the FZ-200. The new unit is an OLED panel means much smoother and less ghosting. The rear LCD has much higher resolution and have touch functionality. The touch screen can be used to just focus and capture with a single tap, making photo taking and AF area changing process much faster and intuitive.
5. Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi not m=only means quick image transfer to your mobile device on the go, but it also mean, you can use the app in your phone to control your camera and shoot remotely.
6. ELECTRONIC SHUTTER
- The FZ-200 has a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000s, which could only be used at apertures above f4. But with the introduction on an electronic shutter, the FZ-300 gives the shooter the ability to shoot at an insane 1/16000s at any aperture. Electronic shutter also enables to shoot silently, even without the AF confirmation sound.
7. 5-AXIS OIS
- Panasonic claims that it is a much better system than the one in the FZ-200, and I've reasons to believe it. But 5-axis OIS is not available in 4k video recording.
8. IN CAMERA RAW EDITING
- The new processing engine gives the camera ability to edit the RAW files straight from camera. So for quick on the go highlight, shadow, white balance, sharpness or color adjustments we have an option to do so in camera no matter where we are.
These are the 8 reasons that I found in the FZ-300 that made me feel like its a proper upgrade to the FZ-200.
So in short, the FZ-300 is a proper upgrade to the fantastic FZ-200, and this is the embodiment of what a gadget can be just by changing the processing unit and properly utilizing its capabilities.
The Lumix FZ series of camera's have always been a top choice among people looking for a bridge camera. The FZ-150 was an instant success and the FZ-200 really pushed the standards with the stellar 25-600mm range (35mm eq) constant F2.8 lens and great video recording capabilities. While other manufacturers upgraded their bridge camera's, Panasonic waited 3 years to bring out the FZ-200's successor to the wild, but the big question is, is the upgrade worth it? Well, here is what I feel about the FZ-300 and my reasons to think it is a proper upgrade to the amazing FZ-200, which I've been using for the past 4 years.
When I first saw the specification of the FZ-300 I was surprised that Panasonic didn't change the focal length range nor increased the sensor size or resolution. But, I figured out the problems that these changes could posses. Like, increasing the sensor size means redesigning the already wonderful lens and could make the camera much larger and heavier. Increasing the focal length and keeping the constant aperture can also lead to the same consequences. Increase in the megapixel count mean lower high ISO performance.
CHANGE OF MIND
The thing is, every digital camera have 3 main components resulting in the final image. One is the sensor, second is the lens and third is the Image Processing Engine, or the mind of the camera. Panasonic kept the same lens and more or less the same sensor but the mind, the Image Processing Engine is completely new and is a much more powerful unit. The new Engine enables the camera to shoot 4k resolution video at 100mbps and other 4k functionalities like 4k photo modes. It also enables the camera to focus much faster and accurately with better algorithms, it enables introduction of higher resolution LCD and EVF as the processor needs to push all those pixels constantly. In short, the Lumix FZ-300 is a perfect example of what a camera can be with a new processing unit and here are my 9 reasons why this camera is a proper upgrade to the wonderful FZ-200.
THE REASONS
1. 4k VIDEO AND OTHER VIDEO GOODIES
- Many would still say that 4k is an overkill. But I'm someone who uses a 4 year old Nexus 4, and I'm someone who take care of my things properly and use the most out of it. So 4k, which could be an overkill to many now would become useful after a couple of years...especially for someone like me.
This also comes with many image capturing features like the 4k 30fps photo mode, which captures 8MP stills from the 4k video file enabling us to take 'THAT' moment from the fast moving scene.There is a 'Pre Burst' mode enabling the camera to capture 30 frames before we press the shutter button making sure the shooter doesn't miss a moment.
- 4k video is shot at 100mbps but the best thing is the availability of options to choose between 30p and the cinematic 24p frame-rates. Down-sampling 4k videos to 1080p resolution will result in much sharper 1080p files than the native 1080p recording.
- Manual Focusing is assisted with peaking and also with a rotating dial in the left side of the lens barrel for proper adjustment. The FZ-200 had a manual focus switch which was a pain to use.
- A proper 3.5mm jack for mic inputs rather than the unconventional 2.5mm jack in the FZ-200.
2. WEATHER SEALED CONSTRUCTION
- The FZ-300 is weather sealed to resist dust and some water splash. Whenever I used my FZ-200 in beaches or in dusty conditions, I had to constantly cover the camera but the FZ-300 solves this issue.
- The camera is bigger than the FZ-200, which means, chunkier grip leading to much better steadiness while shooting. The FZ-300 is about a 100 grams heavier and overall larger than the FZ-200 but with the benefits it provide, I think it is something that can be over looked.
3. FASTER & MORE ACCURATE AUTO-FOCUS
- The FZ-300 is incorporated with the DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology, and I'm sure the AF performance would have got a serious bump up from the FZ-200. I've used the GH4 and have tasted the DFD system. Though, the FZ-300 would not be having GH4 like performance, I'm sure the performance when compared to the FZ-200 will be much much better.
4. EVF & LCD
- The FZ-300 boasts an EVF with a magnification of 0.70x, which is much larger than the one in the FZ-200. The new unit is an OLED panel means much smoother and less ghosting. The rear LCD has much higher resolution and have touch functionality. The touch screen can be used to just focus and capture with a single tap, making photo taking and AF area changing process much faster and intuitive.
5. Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi not m=only means quick image transfer to your mobile device on the go, but it also mean, you can use the app in your phone to control your camera and shoot remotely.
6. ELECTRONIC SHUTTER
- The FZ-200 has a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000s, which could only be used at apertures above f4. But with the introduction on an electronic shutter, the FZ-300 gives the shooter the ability to shoot at an insane 1/16000s at any aperture. Electronic shutter also enables to shoot silently, even without the AF confirmation sound.
7. 5-AXIS OIS
- Panasonic claims that it is a much better system than the one in the FZ-200, and I've reasons to believe it. But 5-axis OIS is not available in 4k video recording.
8. IN CAMERA RAW EDITING
- The new processing engine gives the camera ability to edit the RAW files straight from camera. So for quick on the go highlight, shadow, white balance, sharpness or color adjustments we have an option to do so in camera no matter where we are.
These are the 8 reasons that I found in the FZ-300 that made me feel like its a proper upgrade to the FZ-200.
So in short, the FZ-300 is a proper upgrade to the fantastic FZ-200, and this is the embodiment of what a gadget can be just by changing the processing unit and properly utilizing its capabilities.
Well justified article, But you haven't posted any photo/video from FZ300.also you mentioned you have used GH4, but not shared any photo/video..neither on youtube!! Would love to see if possible.
ReplyDeleteHey, I have not used the FZ-300 and this is a comparison strictly on the specs. The AF experience is based on my experience with the GH4 with the DFD system. Thank you.
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