The Lumix ZS200. A Nice Upgrade

#panasonic #lumix #zs200 #tz200
Well, in a bout of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) I bought a new Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (TZ200). But actually, one of the reasons I bought it is I fear it either has been or will soon be discontinued.
In this video I compare it to my existing ZS100 and show sample images and video. Take home is, I'll be selling my ZS100.
Sample image & video slideshow starts at 10:48.
Music: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
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[@michaelflinn7784]

You can't go wrong with this camera. Love mine and does really well for birding and wildlife. Very easy to carry around for everyday use and travel.

[@tonyboyd6434]

Thanks for your work, Todd. I bought this camera as a walk around. People don't seem to worry about this camera being pointed in their general direction unlike the OM1 that I also use. I've been surprised at the sharpness of photos I take given the size of the sensor. Thanks again.

[@Lepewhi]

I bought this camera last spring to take on a 3 week trip to the US. I didn't want to take a camera and different lenses. It did a great job. I could put it in my backpack and the images were quite pleasing. I don't shoot 4K or video, just stills. I was able to capture wild elk. If I had taken my M4/3 with a lens with that reach, I'd have to have carried a lot. No thanks.

[@tommym6248]

I have a ZS200 and it is a very capable, under-appreciated camera that takes great stills yet easily fits in a pocket. When I decided to buy mine, I also had a hard time finding one. BTW, if you can find one, a Tenba Skyline 3 case fits the ZS200 perfectly.

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, it is very capable. Thanks for the case recommendation. It's going to inherit the case I have for the ZS100.

[@raulal00]

well, not really under, it is about 500€ used... i want one, but not paying that much 😢

[@markheds7038]

Nice presentation, great slide show with fantastic captures and subscribed straight after viewing have a great weekend.

[@jamesHiggin5]

I equate this camera to a special forces agent undercover. Extremely versatile and adaptable, gets the job done quickly and efficiently and can be lifted in and out of location with ease!

[@KaciKero]

Nice video,susbcribed from Spain. As I always have liked it, two months ago my wife gave me this camera for my birthday. I thought it was discontinued. Consulting the Panasonic website I saw that there were two firmware updates but I couldn't install them. I finally verified that my new Panasonic is the TZ200D/ZS200D and not the TZ200/ZS200. Both are exactly the same and continue to be manufactured by Panasonic, but it seems that they had to change the specifications of the displays because the supplier stopped manufacturing them. Hence the 'D' designation at the end of the model number.

[@jeffeisenberg4743]

Awesome shots Todd. Just bought my ZS200D it seems to quite amazing for tiny camera. I usually carry my huge pro stuff but tired of lugging it. So will start testing it out at my baseball tournament next week in west Palm. Otherwise it seems amazing as a great travel camera without getting a backache carrying everything around. Not trying to sell photos anymore, just Comfort now. Great shots. Keep on shootin. Jeff Brooklyn N.Y.

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you Jeff! I agree. It’s becoming my most used camera.

[@johnearl2303]

My main camera is a canon 90d and I wanted a compact camera to replace my Panasonic TZ35, I’ve only had my TZ200d (which is an upgrade on the TZ200) for about a week now, I’ve only taken a couple of dozen photos with it and so far have been pleased with the results.

[@trevorfentiman5283]

Had mine about 2 years now but find dust gets on the sensor so you definitely need to get a good case for it, just had mine cleaned and is like new again, worth that one problem for the ease of use and portability

[@ToddBannor]

It can happen. I never carry a compact in a pocket. It’s also not a bad idea to vacuum out cases from time to time.

[@trevorfentiman5283]

Update on mine, the dust is back

[@brianw3822]

Thanks for the video. It helped me out a lot. Still using my LX3.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Once again, Excellent! Great pics there. If they do D/C it do you think they'll come out with a replacement?

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you! Unfortunately, I think cameras like this are coming to the end of the road. Folks like you and me who prefer them over a phone are a dwindling market.

[@JohnMFlores]

Thanks for this. Considering this camera for bicycle touring.

[@sclogse1]

I was looking at the other Panasonic with 1.4 as the widest aperture. Hoping one of these had that. The IBIS 5x sounds great, and I imagine it eats up the battery.

[@ToddBannor]

Actually, battery life is very good. Better than the Sony RX100 models. This is mainly because it uses a big battery. The same one as the LX100 and the GX85 and 9 models.

[@eelco6587]

Hi Todd, Like the camera a lot. Unfortunately it is very prone to dust. When I bought it, it already had a small dust spot on the sensor right out of the box. Got it cleaned and without lots of use and trying to make it dust free it after every use. Still I found lots of dust spots in my photo's again. This is the only reason I wouldn't recommend it😢. Although it is one of the most versatile camera's in this size.

[@ToddBannor]

Did you keep it in a small case or put it in your pocket unprotected?

[@eelco6587]

@@ToddBannor Always in a case. I have the MegaGear Ever Ready Top case.

[@ToddBannor]

Good. These things can happen regardless of brand. I had it happen to an early Canon Powershot. I've yet to get dust into ZS, but my LX100II got a spot after a year. I had it fixed under warranty and so far, so good.

[@NightShooter87]

Good and interesting review. I get so mixed up with Panasonics naming of cameras.

[@ToddBannor]

It’s good they’ve started using Mark II instead of increasing numbers.

[@rayspencer5025]

Why manufacturers don't put filter threads on the front of their high-end point-n-shoots, I have no idea. My Nikon P7700 has one and it works great. My Olympus TG-6 came with an adapter for filters. A lens shade, polarizer, ND are nearly indispensable. I have tried a few kits to allow filters, but none have been that good. I currently am trying the MagFilter version for the ZS-100 on my ZS-200 and it sort of works the best, but the base on the shade/filter adapter is too thick and causes vignetting between 24-30mm. I have another one to try yet, and if that fails I am either going to try to grind down the inside of the MagFilter shade to get rid of the vignetting or glue a step-up ring to the front.

[@ToddBannor]

I think one reason may be they're afraid of overloading the zoom motor if someone tries to put a heavier than normal filter or accessory lens on. I'm pretty sure neither ZS would react well to me putting my Canon 500D close-up lens on them. It may also explain the TG-6 adaptor as well as the adaptor Canon supplied with some of the Powershot G models, such as the G10. I had one of these and had the adaptor for it, but it was kind of a pain to use, since it mounted to the base of the lens and extended past the longest zoom setting.

[@user-mq7mp5mm1p]

Hi Tod, great detailed video, thanks for posting. How do you feel is the jpeg color science between the two? Thanks.

[@ToddBannor]

The ZS200 may be a bit better, but you have to look close to see any difference. But it also has the L Monochrome profile, which is cool.

[@SLLYT]

In the video of the Cooper's hawk, the camera seems to have focused on the tree trunk behind the bird, not on the bird's eye.

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, it's got some wobble back and forth. What I should have done is used touch AF to put a focusing point on the bird. Also, it's a red-shouldered, not Cooper's hawk. The juveniles look very similar.

[@theodoremann1461]

Thanks.... Informative.

[@jamesgordon1495]

Very nice

[@mden2490]

Thank you for the video! Call me crazy as what I am about to say might seem a bit ridiculous, but I'm looking at the Lumix ZS200D and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Mirrorless Camera. The Lumix does reach out to 360mm optically, and from the reviews that have read the optics in Lumix are very good. Let's put aside the argument about more options with lenses with the Olympus, so are you going to see big difference in the quality of the pictures between these two cameras?

[@ToddBannor]

You might be able to tell the difference on a screen if you look closely, but it’s probably minor at lower ISOs. There was a thread on DP Review a few months ago started by someone who has either the Z100 or 200 and MFT Lumix cameras. They put up images and said they couldn’t see a difference. It’s in either the Panasonic Compact forum or the MFT forum.

[@mden2490]

@@ToddBannor thank you so much for your quick response. It's greatly appreciated. From what I can tell from other reviewers, when they share their pictures, I couldn't tell you if it was taken from the Lumix or a standard micro 4/3 or even an APSC. Do you recognize any degrading at the longest zoom range, where you would say...this is where a 4/3 with a lens would do a better job?

[@ToddBannor]

I think probably with long lenses you're better off with MFT. I seem to have a very good copy of the ZS200, because it seems to be fine at the longest focal length. However, I always switch to shutter priority or manual at telephoto because Program mode seems a little too confident in the IS and doesn't raise the shutter speed high enough. Choosing a faster shutter speed in this case makes a difference.

[@mden2490]

@@ToddBannor thanks so much for your response and sharing your knowledge. Made up my mind today and purchased an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Mirrorless Camera (Black) and Panasonic - Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH. Mega O.I.S. Zoom Lens.

[@cshorler]

When you say you were close to the hawk, how close? (20m?) I'm trying to understand how big the frame would be for a subject (seals) ~100m away.

[@ToddBannor]

Pretty close, maybe 20-30 feet, so less than ten meters if I remember correctly. These young hawks grow up in a park filled with people, so they’re approachable.

[@user-dx2jn9vw6b]

Hi, I’m trying to do bulb exposure in M mode. Can’t seem to find way to set shutter speed to [T]. User manual just says set to T (time), don’t know what I’m missing. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[@ToddBannor]

In M mode, make sure you have it set so you can adjust shutter speed. You switch between aperture and shutter speed using the top button on the four-way controller. Turn the dial to the slowest shutter speed and keep going. The last setting is T. It’s not really a bulb mode because you have to press the shutter to start the exposure and again to stop it. Probably best to use the phone app and do it remotely. Hope this helps.

[@user-hp6lg3tm7d]

I think Lumix compact cameras are very overlooked. Thinking of getting a ZS200 myself in the future. Is this camera still being produced? I hope Lumix doesn't stop its production. Update: It turns out that Panasonic is still having their latest compacts like the ZS200D in mass production (the letter D is apparently a designator for the updated displays on the cameras. It also seems that Panasonic has updated the displays many of their compact camera models which are still being manufactured by Panasonic). The ZS200D was released in mid to late 2022, based on what I have seen on DP Review and Panasonic's website under their product guide page.

[@ToddBannor]

The ZS200 has become my everyday carry. Sometimes I carry it and the LX100II in a nondescript canvas bag. It's still easier than carrying a system camera and a couple of lenses and covers almost everything. It looked as if it was discontinued because new ones were hard to find. But I checked today and Amazon has it new and several camera eBay stores have new ones. I don't know if this means it's still being manufactured or if Panasonic still has a lot in stock.

[@rickzabala6020]

Hello Tom, I have ZS100. Maybe I'll upgrade since you say has better stabilization, longer focal length, & especially much better edge to edge sharpness. But one matter. How do you clean your lense front lens protector?? My closure not close all the way.

[@ToddBannor]

If the lens cover won't close, I wouldn't touch it. You could knock it completely out of service. It's definitely something you want done by a professional, so I would send the camera into a service center to get it fixed.

[@tinacecil5080]

Would you recommend this camera for a beginner? I just listen to the young man at our camera shop and I think I really like it. I like how it feels I love the zoom period

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, I think it's fine for a beginner. You can use the Intelligent Auto mode (iA next to P on the mode dial) and shoot totally automatic until you feel comfortable with using the other modes and manual. I'll admit, I rarely use full manual on this camera.

[@gazgazgaz1981]

So from what you said, you can using a step up ring use ND filters with this camera? Nice video help's people who are new to photograph and thinking of purchasing one learn more about the camera and it's capability 👍

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, what you do is put the larger filter on the ring and then slide the ring over the lens barrel when the camera is on. You have to hold it, but the ring makes it easier than trying to hold the filter alone in front of the lens. Also, I mentioned a 46mm to 52mm ring in the video but I actually use a 46 to 67. I started off using a 52mm filter on my ZS100, but I found it was too easy to have your fingers in the shot.

[@gazgazgaz1981]

Thanks for the reply that's great. One more quick question if you don't mind...Can you merge for example 3 photos taken using the auto bracketing feature in camera or would this have to be done on a computer? I understand this can sometimes create a wider dynamic range in certain photos. Thanks again 👍

[@ToddBannor]

If you auto-bracket, you have to merge them on a computer. There is a high dynamic range feature that automatically takes three brackets and merges them, but it isn't available if the camera is set to raw capture or the drive mode isn't set to single shot. It's on the last page of the camera icon menu. Also, I"m about to upload a video that includes the filter step-up ring method.

[@gazgazgaz1981]

Thanks for explaining the Auto bracketing feature, I will have a look at the new video you mentioned showing the step up ring and filter, Cheers 👍

[@sydneycarton2561]

@@ToddBannor Thanks for this. I was a bit confused when you mentioned this in the video, but your explanation here has makes it clear.

[@SrikumarRengaraj]

Nice video. I am also considering to buy this camera. How does it perform during low light?

[@ToddBannor]

It does okay if you keep the ISO under 1600, best at 800 or lower. There are better choices if this is important to you.

[@SrikumarRengaraj]

@@ToddBannor Thank you Todd. Can yon please suggest some alternates to consider?

[@ToddBannor]

I'd look at the Lumix LX10/15, the Sony RX100 series or the Canon G5XII or G7XIII. Everything except the Sony cameras will be hard to find brand new.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

ZS200 or the LX10? The zoom and f/1.8 at the wide end seem to be the main differences. Which would you choose?

[@ToddBannor]

Depends on what's most important to you. I already had the LX100II, so I didn't need another compact with a fast lens.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@@ToddBannor Thanks for the response. Do you like the IQ of the ZS200 over the ZS100? Some say the ZS100 is a bit sharper.

[@ToddBannor]

@@OpenFilmmaker My ZS100 was just a bit sharper in the center, but not sharper across the frame until stopped down to f5.6. And softest corner wide open migrated from one lower corner to the other when zoomed. My ZS200 doesn’t have any of these issues.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@@ToddBannor Good to know, thank you for your response! I'm looking to buy the ZS200 second-hand somewhere. Your videos helped me make that decision.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@@ToddBannor I bought a ZS200!! Looking forward to it. Will make my own review of it once I have a chance to shoot with it. Btw, I saw on Amazon that you have a photo book... and I also saw one about Obama - is that one yours too?

[@robertopezzo]

How good is with low light situations? like in a street full of neon signs situation where I want to take pictures of people passing by

[@ToddBannor]

It probably wouldn't be my first choice for this. If you can keep the ISO under 1600, it might be okay. A larger sensor with a faster lens would be better. The LX100II, Ricoh GR3 or Fuji X100 series would be better. The LX10 in the 1 inch world or the Canon or Sony alternatives also would be better.

[@3dtrip870]

2 questions: does it have pixel shift hi res? How is the macro?

[@ToddBannor]

No pixel shift. Macro, like most compacts, is closest at the wide end, so not that useful. At the long end, closest focus is about a meter, which still gives pretty decent magnification.

[@bergfi]

I am looking to upgrade from my LUMIX LX7, which is a fantastic camera. I am looking for a bit more range, a touch screen with more extensive menu, a viewfinder, and ideally a flip screen. I would like to keep the camera size and weight more on the smaller size since I want to be able to carry it with me most of the time. I am also intrigued by the new camera features that have eye, face, and subject detection. It looks like this model fits many of my wants. Is there any other camera that you would suggest?

[@ToddBannor]

I think if you like the fast lens on the LX7 and don't need the superzoom range, the Lumix LX10 (LX15 in some countries) is a better fit for you. The lens maximum aperture is f1.4 at 24mm eq, and it has a tilt up screen.

[@bergfi]

@@ToddBannor thank you so much for your reply. I like your videos and appreciate your common-sense approach to the subject of photography and cameras.

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

Do you have any experience with the LX100?

[@ToddBannor]

Yes I do: The Lumix LX100 Mark II, a Great Little Camera kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqK0goWAftyfrKM

[@Fecho33]

hi my friend i got this one used and i cant go avobe f8... i can go below but never to f11 or f16, is there any setting im missing?

[@ToddBannor]

Unfortunately, f8 is the smallest aperture available. By the way when you go from f8 to f11, you're going down, not up. There's an implied one over the number. It's a fraction. People seem to have forgotten this since digital came along.

[@Fecho33]

@@ToddBannor ok thanks for the help f8 is enough for me

[@whyiswhy123]

how to set the ring to adjust the focusing peak?

[@ToddBannor]

Not possible. You can only assign that to one of the function buttons.

[@gokibest44ss]

this or this PANASONIC Lumix DC-TZ202D LEICA for pictures?

[@ToddBannor]

They're the same camera. Panasonic confuses us with different names in different countries.

[@gokibest44ss]

@@ToddBannor i bought this camera yesterday but its not sharp it feels like iphone 5 kamera 😂 do you know how to change it to good quality to make it sharp?

[@Ilovecomedy7]

Debating if I should buy iPhone 15 Max Pro or Lumix ZS200

[@ToddBannor]

Funny thing, with all the G9 II excitement, I forgot about the iPhone 15. I think it all depends on whether you prefer camera ergonomics over a phone or not. Also, the Lumix will still do better at telephoto, I think.

[@Ilovecomedy7]

@@ToddBannor I am also considering Lumix ZS80 or Sony DSC-HX99 which has 24-720 mm lens. Have you used these ones before ? I am considering getting a travel camera

[@ToddBannor]

Sorry for the late reply. The ZS80 has a really small sensor compared to the ZS200, so the image quality isn't as good. The Sony also has a much smaller sensor, so the same applies.

[@MuhammadAzeem-uf4bg]

Do you think its worth to get in 2024?

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, if you want the ergonomics of a camera and better image quality than a phone, especially at the telephoto end.

[@tommagness3759]

I was on the point of purchasing a ZS200 when I read about the ZS300 on some threads. Sounds like the ZS300 added some weather-proofing/sealing which might be better protection from the elements, which is a complaint of some. Do you have any thoughts of the difference in performance between the ZS300 vs ZDS200? Which would you recommend for purchase? Thanks for a great video!