At first glance the camera from the Far East is hardly changed. Weight and size are almost identical. The usual first-class workmanship and high quality materials has remained the same. As identical twins look the two cams. At second glance, however, the additional zoom lever falls on. This now sits on the left side of the lens barrel. I think that's very successful, as it improves the handling. The camera can be kept while zooming so stable. Pleasant: the old rocker on the trigger has remained. The projected Leica zoom of 25 to massive 600mm, with a maximum aperture of F2.8 to F5.2 remained focal technically equal. According to Panasonic, however now has a higher quality compensation, which is to reduce the reflections and significantly improve the contrast.
Interestingly, it is in the innards of the Lumix. "Downsizeing" at the max. Resolution. Only 12.1 instead of 15.1 million pixels are now pressed onto the surface of the sensor is also new. This has with 1:.. 2.33 "the identical size of its predecessor, is a clear indication and hope for a better picture quality the new FZ That was for me one of the key criticisms of the FZ 100. Panasonic wants with the new sensor and the speed have significantly improved during the reading, as well as focusing. I was curious how that affects in practice. In particular, the image quality of the new Pana Bridge I was curious.
In short, the coup succeeded. The FZ100 is unrecognizable. The successor is significantly faster. They focused as the devil and felt twice as fast. The image processing is fixed. Panasonic has in this regard not promised too much. Operating replacing the 15MP sensor against a 12MP copy has brought it. Less data, more rapid transfer. Higher frame rate. And the images?
Also since the 150s plays in a different league. The images are not as vermatscht '". The noise has been significantly reduced. ISO now goes to 3200 (previously 1600). Where the Pana is not to be the High ISO Monster. For me at 400 circuit. After that, I'll take the United sensor technology. The images I feel compared to 100 significantly sharper and more detailed. The auto white balance is good. Outliers I had been none. vignetting and other effects are the excellent lens hardly an issue. The colors are panatypisch with a (very) slight without being tendency to rot unnatural. In comparison to the effect of Kodak and Fuji films not unlike. fringing are in contrast to the 50's minimal clearer. But there helps simple Fade Out. The bright and projected by Leica lens is for me a masterpiece. Took me the 50s already thrilled, puts the new again significantly. Although almost 200mm focal length is longer, to use the new lens on the end really good and the pictures are better than the 50s at 420mm. Compared with the FZ50 pictures I have set it. The 25mm focal length is a dream for interior shots and landscapes.
Of course, the FZ can also manually and leaves enough leeway for creativity. The Panasonic can also RAW. A decisive advantage over the smaller, but not much worse, double-digit FZ series. Thus, to elicit the pictures a little more. The folding screen is the first choice and also figure technically a stunner just with macros. Especially with the macros FZ runs with a minimum focusing distance of 1cm runs in top form. One of the specialties of the FZ series. The optical viewfinder is one of the better out of the camp of the EVF and a Bridge OK. Although Sony kanns better, but you must also have something to complain about.
As with the FZ 100 I find the control dial on the back gelugen. The navigation is so simple and fast. As with my 7D (in Quick mode) I like the quick access to the main image parameters via FN key even with the Pana. Ingenious, these values are also freely selectable. A memory function, the FZ, in which the lens focal length and was driving back to restart, as if by magic, at this focal length before turning off notices. The FZ has both a hot shoe for a flash system, as well as a stereo micro terminal. Combined with the very good and clear menu navigation for beginners, the very practical menu programs and their almost wunschlos-making equipment, the FZ is a very very good camera. Especially for intermediates which offers a compact enough facilities and a DSLR equipment appears too large, the FZ is ideal.
Short and sweet
Positive:
+ Processing and haptics
+ Service, menu and facilities
+ Dial and Custom Functions
+ Versatile with large focal length range
+ Minimum focal length of 25mm
+ Bright optics
+ 3 "folding screen
+ White balance very well
RAW +
+ New sensor
+ Improved noise performance
+ Macro mode Closest focusing distance 1cm
+ Accessories, hotshoe, div. Connections
Negatives:
- High price
- EVF (opt.Sucher) could be even better
Neutral (because not used):
o Improved video mode (full HD resolution AVCHD format and with stereo sound)
My conclusion: I like it better downsized the Panasonic Bridge. The revision of the FZ 100 was sorely needed, but also shows that it does not have to be still more resolution. Whether this will be the beginning of a new era as FZ geunkt but is yet to show yet. However, the genes she's got the new "FZ". But the competition never sleeps.
Supplement 11/11: As I was with two (FZ50 / 150) on the road today, today I noticed for handling in direct comparison to the FZ50 a few more things. Had the lateral cover for the SD card as him the Pana oldie was saved. As with many FX and FS models, or even the Pana Evils (GF-1, etc.), the card slot has now been found next to the battery in the base plate into place. Especially when using a tripod or when using the Sun Sniper strap the screw now needs to be resolved so that the valve completely absorbed. When Sun Sniper strap Sniper Strap The Pro camera strap (steel rope, ball bearing screw connection) black lacks not much but it is enough just not quite to the map can be seen, or to insert it into the device. This was solved with the luxurious FZ50. In a direct comparison (the higher speed of the new I let the outside before), the FZ50 proposes bravely, but the 150s Lumix clearly delivers better results in all respects.
