Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera Review

Recording Options

Videos may be recorded in up to 1080/60p AVCHD, with a bit rate of 28Mbps. Other resolutions include 1080/60i, 720/60p, 1080/30p, and 720/30p. When appropriate, sensor output is 60 frames per second, so this is true 60p capture, not interpolation.

Smaller 480p videos may also be captured, at speeds up to 240 frames per second. Find out how the performed in our video image quality test./r:link_to_content

Video Controls

All the PASM modes are available for video shooting, and all related settings may be changed even while a recording is in progress. An analog zoom slider has been included on the left side of the lens barrel, just like we might see on a camcorder, however the slider is no more or less sensitive than the zoom lever surrounding the shutter release, so we don't really understand the point.

Auto Controls

Of course video clips may also be captured at any time, in any mode, using the red video record button on the top of the camera. Videos may be recorded in concert with most picture effects and scene modes too. The processing power of this camera continues to impress.

Zoom

Zoom control is unlocked while a recording is in progress, though once again, we find the left side zoom lever quite redundant. Adjustment speed is also slowed quite a bit to cut down on mechanical noise.

Focus

Autofocus behavior while a recording is in progress is controlled by the mechanical focus slider on the left side of the lens barrel. The camera will autofocus continuously while the slider is set to AF or AF Macro, and will not adjust focus automatically while this slider is set to Manual. At any time, even in manual mode, pressing the focus button below this slider will command the camera to attempt a lock on the current framing.

Audio Features

Wind cut may be set to automatic or off in the menus, and there's also a dual function input connector on the left side of the body that can be used for an external microphone (or a remote shutter).