Panasonic Lumix TZ200 review

A one-inch sensor plus a 15x optical zoom make for a decent specified compact useful for a wide variety of creative pursuits

Panasonic Lumix ZS200
(Image: © Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

There is plenty to admire about the Panasonic Lumix TZ200, even aside from the headline grabbers of a one-inch sensor size and a 15x optical zoom reach from a ‘travel zoom’ camera that will slip unobtrusively into a jacket pocket or rucksack pouch when on the go. Solidly constructed with an aluminum build and ergonomically laid out, it offers a good blend of hands-on control yet point-and-shoot accessibility, with the option to fish around in its pool of creative filters effects if we tire of its automatic results.

Pros

  • +

    Five-axis image stabilization supports hand held use

  • +

    4K video clips up to 30fps capture speed

  • +

    Larger than average one-inch sensor size is a boost to image quality

Cons

  • -

    Priced at a premium

  • -

    Rear plate LCD screen doesn’t tilt

  • -

    Electronic viewfinder is tiny

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Nigh identical in size and almost identical in its control layout too, the Panasonic Lumix TZ200 (known as the ZS200 in North America) is an obvious sibling to the same manufacturer’s 30x optical zoom lens Lumix TS70/TZ90. Both are to be filed in the ‘Travel Zoom’ category of portable digital compacts.

While the TZ200’s optical zoom isn’t quite as impressive at 15x, we do get a 20.1-megapixel larger-than-average-for-a-compact-camera one-inch sensor secreted into its chassis, in theory allowing for optimal image quality when compared to the smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor size found in most other compacts. At one time Panasonic’s long running ‘TZ’ series of compacts ruled the roost for anyone looking for a pocketable companion for pictorial keepsakes from their holidays and weekend breaks. A few years on from its original announcement as its manufacturer’s range topper in 2018, can the ZS200 still offer a compelling reason for anyone looking for a capable digital compact to make a purchase?

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Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 years’ experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and the Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge, Gavin is well placed to recognize great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters and cameras straps.