According to a CNET review, "this is at heart a point and shoot camera." Is this fair? Are the pictures ever really sharp, at or near a DSLR level?
1000208
The FZ is definitely sharper, has better color saturation and better contrast than most Point and Shoot cameras that I have encountered. Its very difficult to go wrong with a Leica lens. Additionally, this takes pictures in RAW format too, so my suggestion would be to shoot RAW and tweak the level (as one would generally do with SLR). Remember you can shoot pretty flat in SLR and then do the necessary corrections in the SW at home
1000209
It's no point and shoot camera. In fact, the FZ200 makes sharper, clearer pictures than the Nikons I've used until recently. Remember, this camera's lens is made by and branded LEICA. That's really all that needs to be said. There are a lot of capabilities built into this camera, such as the ability to control the amount of bokeh in long shots and such as shooting video in different speeds for special effects. I may get into trouble for saying this, but this camera may well represent the future of fine photography... and you'll never have the wrong lens attached for the moment or need to clean dust off your sensor. It's no mere point and shoot camera.
1000210
I think it really straddles both formats very well. It is obviously a fixed lens. However, there are many modes with which to go 'manual' or auto. I am thoroughly enjoying this camera. I have found the picture quality to be outstanding. I am big fan of Leica lens and this one is great.
1000211
Pics are sharp considering this is a 2.8 lens throughout, the main reason I chose this camera. For most instances, the camera flash has proven satisfactory. Instead of popping for a better flash, why not get a small folding reflector for about $25 so you can focus the flash better. This reflector also has several colors depending on how you want to use it.
1000212
It's no point and shoot camera. In fact, the FZ200 makes sharper, clearer pictures than the Nikons I've used until recently. Remember, this camera's lens is made by and branded LEICA. That's really all that needs to be said. There are a lot of capabilities built into this camera, such as the ability to control the amount of bokeh in long shots and such as shooting video in different speeds for special effects. I may get into trouble for saying this, but this camera may well represent the future of fine photography... and you'll never have the wrong lens attached for the moment or need to clean dust off your sensor. It's no mere point and shoot camera. It's no point and shoot camera. In fact, the FZ200 makes sharper, clearer pictures than the Nikons I've used until recently. Remember, this camera's lens is made by and branded LEICA. That's really all that needs to be said. There are a lot of capabilities built into this camera, such as the ability to control the amount of bokeh in long shots and such as shooting video in different speeds for special effects. I may get into trouble for saying this, but this camera may well represent the future of fine photography... and you'll never have the wrong lens attached for the moment or need to... » Read More It's no point and shoot camera. In fact, the FZ200 makes sharper, clearer pictures than the Nikons I've used until recently. Remember, this camera's lens is made by and branded LEICA. That's really all that needs to be said. There are a lot of capabilities built into this camera, such as the ability to control the amount of bokeh in long shots and such as shooting video in different speeds for special effects. I may get into trouble for saying this, but this camera may well represent the future of fine photography... and you'll never have the wrong lens attached for the moment or need to clean dust off your sensor. It's no mere point and shoot camera. « Show Less
1000213
The photos are very sharp. Much better than a standard point and shoot. Does it match DSLR?- don't know as I have not done the comparison. I would estimate that it is near an average DSLR in sharpness. Overall I have been very impressed with the performance.
1000214
The pictures are great, considering the type of sensor and that this is a super zoom bridge camera for hobbyists and enthusiasts, not a DSLR. Because it supports shooting in RAW, you can get some real nice and crisp pictures if you know what you're doing and you understand the camera's limitations.
1652817
Yes, I like the camera very much. I find the menus easy to use and it takes great pictures. I have taken some outdoor shots with a tripod in low light and find the results to be very good for a point and shoot camera. As far as uploads, I don't know. I use Linux on my computers and the utilities are for Windows and I suspect Mac. I pull the pictures from the memory card with a card reader. This Sony support page has manuals for download. You should be able to find the answers there. http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=DSCWX300R&template;_id=1&region;_id=1&tab;=manuals#/manualsTab Yes, I like the camera very much. I find the menus easy to use and it takes great pictures. I have taken some outdoor shots with a tripod in low light and find the results to be very good for a point and shoot camera. As far as uploads, I don't know. I use Linux on my computers and the utilities are for Windows and I suspect Mac. I pull the pictures from the memory card with a card reader. This Sony support page has manuals for download. You should be able to find the answers there.... » Read More Yes, I like the camera very much. I find the menus easy to use and it takes great pictures. I have taken some outdoor shots with a tripod in low light and find the results to be very good for a point and shoot camera. As far as uploads, I don't know. I use Linux on my computers and the utilities are for Windows and I suspect Mac. I pull the pictures from the memory card with a card reader. This Sony support page has manuals for download. You should be able to find the answers there. http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=DSCWX300R&template;_id=1&region;_id=1&tab;=manuals#/manualsTab « Show Less
994236
The X10 and X100 are set a a crazy price for a point and shoot. Might as well get a Leica. Or you can get both aG12 and a S95 for price. The Nikon 1 is not even close to be a point and shoot. It's huge. try sticking that into your pocket, not going to happen. While the Gf2 might be a decent camera it is not a point and shoot. Anything with an interchangable lens is not a point and shoot. Go a little bit bigger, and for the same price, to get a full sized dslr. The image quality would be far better. For the size and money there is nothing better than the S95.
1442810
I agree with Pishkado, the specs on this camera are everything I have been looking for and more. However, the P80 has not received rave reviews and this may be pushing the pixel-count envelope even more. I have had 3 DSLR's (Canon 10D, 20D, and 30D) and the IQ has been outstanding...but the cost of the bodies and lenses plus the "lug factor" is more than I want to endure now. The superzoom that has my eye right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K and I almost pulled the trigger on it when I saw the P90 announcement. I will also wait for the reviews and if they are disappointing, the Lumix will be my choice. I agree with Pishkado, the specs on this camera are everything I have been looking for and more. However, the P80 has not received rave reviews and this may be pushing the pixel-count envelope even more. I have had 3 DSLR's (Canon 10D, 20D, and 30D) and the IQ has been outstanding...but the cost of the bodies and lenses plus the "lug factor" is more than I want to endure now. The superzoom that has my eye right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K and I almost pulled the trigger on it when I saw the P90 announcement. I will also wait for the reviews and if they are disappointing,... » Read More I agree with Pishkado, the specs on this camera are everything I have been looking for and more. However, the P80 has not received rave reviews and this may be pushing the pixel-count envelope even more. I have had 3 DSLR's (Canon 10D, 20D, and 30D) and the IQ has been outstanding...but the cost of the bodies and lenses plus the "lug factor" is more than I want to endure now. The superzoom that has my eye right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K and I almost pulled the trigger on it when I saw the P90 announcement. I will also wait for the reviews and if they are disappointing, the Lumix will be my choice. « Show Less
1720392
Not sure...we didnt keep it ling enough to find that out. Neat little camera with tons of cool features...but just didnt perform up to our expectations. Was hoping to get near DSLR performance but wasnt even close.
1619189
First, great camera, two issues. One it is a big zoom, like you said some times in the little LCD Pic are not sharp once you view on computer screen. Second and the reason I got rid of the camera because sometimes focus is really slow and it can and will take an out of focus pictures occasionally.
1549938
Yes, it's excellent. As an example, I took some photos today while bouncing around on a wagon being pulled by a tractor off road. I was zoomed in on my subject and the shots were crystal clear. This is a truly awesome camera!! The photos are stunning and the image stabilizer is great. I take photos daily and have taken hundreds since I got it and I don't think I've had one blurry shot in any condition. The color is stunning, photos are so sharp and clear. The zoom is excellent on this camera, as is the lens. You won't regret it if you buy it. Highly recommend.
761409
Yes it's a great camera. Pictures have turned out brite and crisp. I took it kayaking last summer and no problems. I have also used it at the water park and got some wonderful pictures of the kids underwater and in the spray. I have been using this camera more than my large 26x high pixel because it's steady and easier to carry for many events. Although I do carry both a lot too.
1089974
THis camera replaced my DX6340 and I am not as happy with the picture quality of the new camera. Like you said, pictures are blurry and just not as sharp. Did these suggestions help you? My husband will be heart broken if I ditch the new one since he gave it to me for Christmas.
2110805
It's still a damn good camera. Their update to it is better quality but aimed at the professional market. 5 megapixel photos and its hd video setting should work just fine for you. I wouldn't pay more than $90 for it though. The problem with the c920 the other answerer mentioned is that it doesn't have motorized pan or tilt.
1919425
Hello Leslie, I haven't explored the video capabilities in depth, but just with base settings, I've been pretty happy with the video capabilities. The images come out clear with smooth fps. I guess it depends on what level of quality you're looking for, at a hobby level, it's been awesome and I am able to use the still photos for my professional work.
557831
I think it's great. It's made me a much better amateur photographer. As far as how current it is, this is the first DSLR I've had any experience with. I have no reference point from which to judge if it's outdate or not.
2086234
Well I do have this camera. And unlike the other review, one week after I got it, I had a wedding to go to in Florida. My pictures came out pretty darn good. In the reception hall, there was a couple of red eye pictures and some were darker than I liked, but overall I was satisfied. Plus, at the time I was still learning to use it. I've owned a Sony, Kodak, and now a Canon camera and I have to say the Canon is the best thus far. Indoor pictures are always tricky because of the lighting. I don't know how soon your wedding is, but my suggestion is to buy the camera, take a couple of pictures indoors with it see how they come out, and decide whether or not if you want to keep it. You can always return it if you don't like it.
375435
I find this camera very satisfactory with both subjects. I haven't used it a great deal yet because I haven't been traveling much these past few months, but the friend who owned an identical camera (and the reason I bought mine) got wonderful pictures with hers. Hope this helps!
1282795
Yes I bought mine brand new years ago. I did not expect it to be a very good camera as I paid a heck of a lot for it. But I did get to lens with it one close the other far. It is totally computerized but you can do your own shooting if you wish. Here is what I can say about the camera. You would think only 14.2 mp wouldn't give you a perfect picture? Well let me tell you the pictures it gives are way to perfect and I will say I'd like to see you shoot a bad picture! As you won't. I'd buy it and have the best fun you ever have experienced!
1512678
It's a mirrorless digital camera with an APS-C sized sensor. See Gregg's answer. If you like this type of camera, ck out their latest updated model. Mine is simply a beautiful piece of equipment. Outdoor shooting is outstanding. Indoor is OK. Flash is limited. I note that Fuji slashed the price just as the new model came out. Piece of advise/do you homework re: these latest "not point and shoot" but not "DSLR" either. Lenses are superb and color is up to the classic Fuji standard. Good luck.
1222504
Yes it is a good camera. It is light weight, quick to focus, can take lots of micro 4/3 lenses, and the price was right. Is it the best camera? Probably not because there are a lot of terrific cameras out there including several updated variations on this model. If you're thinking about dipping your toe into micro 4/3 photography then there is probably no better camera for getting started. Do your research first to see if this might be something you want because there is no substitute for a well thought out purchase.