As if releasing the Lumix G5 isn’t enough, Panasonic has also announced the release of the Lumix FZ200, a 12-megapixel ultra-zoom camera with a 24x optical zoom and a fixed wide-angle lens. The FZ200 also lets you capture Full HD motion footage and save it in either AVCHD Progressive or MP4 format.
The FZ200’s Leica DC lens has an F2.8 aperture available throughout the whole zoom range, and Panasonic claims that this, alongside its Power OIS optical stabilisation technology, will provide clear and blur-free zoom shots. The FZ200 also has a 48x intelligent zoom and nano-surface coating that Panasonic says will reduce flaring and ghosting.
The FZ200 has a large F2.8 24x zoom
The FZ200 should work well in low-light too, with its Venus Engine image processor and high sensitivity 12-megapixel sensor working together to minimise noise in darker environments.
The FZ200's fold-out display should ease shooting at awkward anagles
The FZ200 is also capable of rapid-burst shooting. It has a high-speed auto-focus and can shoot scenes at 12fps and full resolution, which makes it easier to photograph fast-moving objects.
The FZ200 allows full resolution 12fps rapid-burst shooting
The FZ200's other features include 3D photography, an enhanced Panorama Shot mode for shooting landscapes, and various editing modes, such as the Creative Re-Touch Mode, which is available during playback. We're looking forward to getting hold of an FZ200 soon, so keep checking Expert Reviews for the review.
The FZ200 should be available late August or early September
The FZ200 is priced at £499 and will be available to buy early September, or possibly the end of August if we're lucky.
