Panasonic TZ200 - meh
So I was in JL yesterday and saw they had two "used" TZ200's. Both at £300 each, so half price. Opened the boxes and both were as new and I suspect returns. So I bought one as I had been looking for one in the classifieds for a while.Very disappointed. In general the pics are good as you would expect but attempt any zoom over 150-200 and the softness kicks in. I would expect cropping to be no problem but the images are over smooth when cropped in and in general there is a lack of detail in zoom shots.
Now, I'm not expecting DSLR quality but my RX100 V1 is always sharp be it all at a much less zoom range. I believe its the same sensor and I did not have too high expectations and maybe I'm being over critical. But the extra zoom appears to a waste of time. Taking it back which is a shame as it is a bargain. Found the lack of a tilting screen a tad annoying in the flesh and the touch screen is a bit sensitive IMO
Are my expectations too much ? I've not used the camera but that sounds about right, when the RX100M6 came out I liked the idea of a compact longer zoom but I couldn't justify the new Sony as I'd still want to keep the 24mm F1.8 on my mk IV. The TZ200 looked ideal as it would be a cheaper addition allowing me to swap between the RX100M4 and TZ200 as needed but on reading reviews and user feedback on the TZ200 didn't seem good so I decided against the idea.
I have a DJI Mavic 2 Pro which also has the Sony 1in sensor and I was very disappointed with the sharpness, it's nowhere near as good as my RX100 but it's still better than its 1/2.3in predecessor and has vastly better dynamic range and high iso so combined with the fact there's no alternatives I've stuck with it.If it was a handheld camera though I probably wouldn't though. I think the concept in the TZ200was a good one but the execution, especially given the price, is poor. I still reach for my RX100 Mk1 when I want something small to carry around in London, Oxford and so on. It takes sharp colourful pictures that crop well and without the long lens. The TZ200 has kind of made my mind up about long zoom compacts with 1" sensors in that they are not worth it. The older TZ60 I have is still goodat zoom images. Just disappointing the TZ200 is, relatively, bad. The long lens RX100's are supposedly extremely good and far better than the long lens Panasonics but unfortunately there's an eye watering cost to go with the quality of the Sony's. £1k plus doesn’t really seem value for money. But such is the Sony policy. Returned the Panny so on the lookout for a used RX100 I’ve or v. But I’m in no rush and really want it for the EVF as much as anything else. Bit of a casual purchase.
Shame about the Panny by for £600 retail I expected a lot more given the very good lesser TX’s are so useful
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