Posted by Photo-John on February 21, 2018
My most recent premium point-and-shoot camera top pick was the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 (read my latest point-and-shoot camera buying guide). With a large 1-inch sensor and 10x optical zoom lens, there wasn’t another pocket-sized camera that could match it for overall performance and versatility. However, with the recent announcement of the Panasonic Lumix ZS200, I have a new premium travel point-and-and-shoot camera crush. The new ZS200 adds even more zoom without enlarging the camera in any significant way making it my new favorite pocket superzoom camera.
If you want a full-featured premium pocket camera, you have to make compromises (there are always compromises). There are two cameras at the top, in my opinion – the new Panasonic Lumix ZS200 with its 1-inch sensor and 15x optical zoom lens; or – the Sony RX100 V, with a 1-inch sensor, 3x optical zoom and mind-blowing video performance. Choose the Panasonic for its travel-friendly, versatile 15x 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 zoom lens. Or trade the zoom for the Sony’s super-advanced video performance.
I was disappointed the ZS200 didn’t have updated video performance. Bumping the 1080 resolution video up to 120p would make choosing the Panasonic a no-brainer for me. But for the moment, we still have to choose between video or zoom.
The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is scheduled to be available in late March or early April. The suggested retail price is US $799.99. It’s available for pre-order now on Amazon. If $800 is too much for your budget and you don’t need the extra zoom or high-speed video, you can order the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 for just $549 – that’s down $150 from last year.
Remember – when you use the red “Buy It” links here to shop, we get a small percentage of what you spend. That’s how we get paid for our camera buying guides and reviews. Thank you for your support.
