If less is sometimes more?

Panasonic FZ series stands for a long tradition of bridge cameras. So cameras with lots of useful elements of an SLR, as well as features and advantages of compact cameras. For the successor to the almost legendary FZ 50 Panasonic has much time left. Well, four years after the launch of the '50s, the successor appears. In the digital age that's an eternity. For a very long time was the FZ50, despite some weaknesses, the reference in the bridge camera class. Personally, I have no longer expected a direct successor, but that's another matter. Is the new Panasonic flagship model as "epochal" as its predecessor? I was curious.

When unpacking is clear. The usual high quality of Panasonic continues. The camera gives from the outset a very valent and confidence inspiring feel. It is very safe and comfortable in the hand. The handle is ergonomically comfortable and clings to the hand. Panasonic's top model has gained a bit of weight. Equipment side, and more, incl. Lens hood. Accustomed well placed and of the highest quality are the switch and wheel. It could hardly be fine. In addition, everything is vaguely familiar, you feel "at home". Also brand Umsteiger will quickly find her. As the '50s also has the new one hot shoe for receiving a system flash. Quite rightly points out one of the Vorrezensenten that the new FZ visually more reminiscent of a FZ 38 as a FZ50.
This is mainly due to the lens. The good old FZ50 was a so-called. Innenfokussierer, so the overall length of the lens did not change when zooming. That has now changed. The lens extends now. But that's of tremendous focal length, otherwise you can not describe, owed by 24-600mm. Here, the FZ has significantly risen compared to its predecessor. In particular, the 24mm focal length are the 35mm of the "old" a significant gain. It just fits more the picture. Friends of indoor and landscape photography will appreciate that. The 600mm at the other end for me but a "Nomusthave". As usual Leica draws the usual high-intensity (2.8-5.2, each beginning WW and telephoto) lens. A proven and quality-promoting cooperation.

Like the predecessor also has the new Large now a folding screen. This is a 3 "LCD with 460,000 pixels. The screen is considerably better than that of the smaller sister, the 38er. Also the electronic viewfinder provides 100% to more than 200,000 pixels. Another advance. The menu is Panasonic typical absolute foolproof and intuitive.
Also in the selection of the sensor is clear that for some time has passed. While the FZ 50 is still a 1.8 "(7.2 x 5.2 mm) CCD sensor had for 10 MP available, new sample with a 2.33" (6,13x4,6mm) C-MOS sensor require almost a half times to MP. But more on that later. Panasonic FZ100 has significantly accelerated. The acquisition of the signal processing of the GH1 creates FZ up to 11 frames per second (fps). When Vewendung of continuous AFs still 5 fps. The shutter lag significantly during. In manual mode, this goes much faster.
Ever many small details to improve the operation have contributed. Succeeded I think the turning wheel on the back. The navigation is so simple and fast. As with my 7D (in Quick mode) I also like the quick access to the most important values ​​via FN key. 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 RAW format has become the standard, even in the FZ.

How then are the images of 24x Zoomerin? At the very beginning: The old lady was clearly FZ50 researchers in terms of noise performance. However, I would have expected after four years more. But even the positive first: The lens with a focal length of 24-600mm provides really great results. This is truly a work of art. How difficult it is to bring a lens over a wider zoom range to the reasonable mapping, show us the lenses of DSLRs. Here probably the great experience of the Leica people plays a major role. Like the "telescope" the 38er delivers the look of the FZ little aberration or vignetting. What's truly amazing for the further increase in focal length.
Subjectively, I find the delivered image quality but no better than that of 38er.Gerade in their exploration of the resolution by increasing fall significant losses in the details on. These are then but a little soggy. Please forgive me as 7D owners these criticisms, but I do think that it should not go unnoticed.
I find, however, succeeded in the macro mode. As early as 1 cm distance is the FZ to the point. Even the 50s made their macros well the 100 can do better. The white balance has Panasonic now well under control. The FZ reflects very nice and natural. The color management of FZ is well managed.

Initial tests have demonstrated the FZ 100 an outstanding revised for FZ38 video mode. I let the stand so it really does not interest me and I could not judge well. However, it should be mentioned for video friends but that Panasonic has increased significantly here too.
Like the predecessor, so is the new no bargain. For the price of a FZ 100 you do not get even a DSLR Starter Kit with two lenses, but for this huge zoom range. In addition, it can be assumed that the FZ100 remains relatively stable prices on the used market.

Short and sweet

Positive:
+ Processing and haptics
+ Service, menu and facilities
+ Improved service through dial and Custom Functions
+ Huge focal range
+ Minimum focal length of 24mm
+ Bright optics
+ Very good electronic viewfinder
+ 3 "folding screen
+ White balance very well
RAW +

Negatives:
- High price
- Imaging performance is not perfect

Neutral:
o Improved video mode (full HD resolution AVCHD format and with stereo sound)

My conclusion: Personally, I had not expected it. But unfortunately, the FZ 100 more the next evolution of the FZ 38 because a true successor to the proven and very good FZ50, which was a very long time at the top of the bridge camera segment and saw come and go several Bridges. Here I would have hoped for more from Panasonic. The huge focal length as well as the resolution of 14MP is a concession to the market for me. For me incomprehensible, as the FZ50 was an institution at the Bridge cameras long and this was not necessary. The popular saying: "Sometimes less is more". But this does not apply for the sensor. The could have been a little bigger.
Maybe that's also calculus and the fear of our own mirrorless GF1 abzugraben the water. For "Wahoo" it is not enough for me, unfortunately.