Fujifilm SL300 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ200: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right bridge camera can unlock new creative possibilities or, conversely, hold you back. In this deep dive, we examine two popular small sensor superzoom cameras - Fujifilm SL300 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ200 - to uncover how they perform across photography genres, technical features, and real-world usability. Both cameras launched in 2012 within months of each other, targeting serious hobbyists and beginners craving high zoom without swapping lenses.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing experience and technical know-how, we'll navigate sensor tech, optics, autofocus, ergonomics, and more to help you find which camera best fits your workflow and artistic ambitions.

First Impressions: Build, Size, and Handling

Before any technical nitty-gritty, the physical feel and control layout dramatically affect your shooting experience.

At 510 g, the Fujifilm SL300 offers a slightly lighter package with compact dimensions that feel manageable during long shoots. The grip is moderately sized, adequate but less sculpted compared to the FZ200.

The Panasonic FZ200 tips the scales at 588 g with a slightly larger footprint but compensates with a deeply contoured grip and well-placed controls. This enhances comfort for intensive wildlife or sports photography where stability and rapid handling count.

Viewing the top panel provides further nuance:

Both cameras feature traditional SLR-style top layouts; however, the FZ200's button placement is more ergonomic with dedicated dials for exposure compensation and mode selection. The SL300 keeps controls simple and straightforward but lacks illuminated buttons or programmable custom keys, limiting quick on-the-fly adjustments.

Verdict:

If you prioritize portability and ease for casual use or street photography, the Fujifilm’s lighter body may appeal. For enthusiasts who want better handling for dynamic shooting, the FZ200’s ergonomic grip and controls offer clear advantages.

Sensor and Image Quality Face-Off

At the heart of any camera’s performance lies its image sensor, dictating sharpness, noise handling, and dynamic range.

Both employ the common 1/2.3" sensor size expected in superzoom types, but the SL300's CCD design contrasts with the FZ200's more modern CMOS sensor.

Technical implications:

• CCD sensors, like in the SL300, traditionally excel in color depth with fine detail retrieval at base ISO but suffer in noise performance and speed.
• The CMOS sensor in the FZ200 harnesses advanced Venus Engine VII processing offering markedly improved low-light sensitivity, higher ISO usability up to 3200 native, and faster data readout.

In practice, this means the FZ200 yields cleaner images in dim conditions, making it much more versatile for indoor sports, twilight wildlife, or astro captures where ISO gain is critical. The SL300 shines under good daylight and delivers slightly higher resolution output, though the advantage is marginal.

Lens and Zoom Performance for Every Scenario

Superzoom bridge cameras live or die by their optics. Let's compare the lenses:

The SL300 touts a longer zoom reach at 30× (24-720 mm equivalent), an advantage in extreme telephoto use such as wildlife or distant sports. However, its aperture narrows significantly at longer focal lengths, limiting brightness and bokeh quality.

Fujifilm SL300 front Fujifilm SL300 screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

Captured in real-world conditions, you can see that the FZ200's constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistently brighter, sharper images throughout its zoom range, enabling better subject isolation and low-light performance. Its close focusing at 1 cm also benefits macro shooters wanting to reveal fine details.

The SL300's wider zoom ratio does permit greater framing flexibility but at the cost of image brightness and stabilization effectiveness at the tele-end.

Autofocus Systems Under the Hood

Autofocus accuracy and speed underpin successful portrait, wildlife, and sports photography.

The FZ200 decidedly outperforms in autofocus thanks to its 23 AF points and a snappy burst rate of 12 fps, enabling sharper tracking of fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes. The SL300's AF system, while reliable for static or slow subjects, is hampered by its slow 1 fps continuous shooting, making it less suitable for action photography.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Review Experience

Live view and electronic viewfinders (EVFs) are critical for composing shots in bright conditions and reviewing captures quickly.

While screen size and resolution are similar, the FZ200’s fully articulated LCD offers remarkable flexibility for shooting at odd angles or vlog-style video capture - a feature absent in the SL300. Additionally, the FZ200 sports a high-res EVF with 100% coverage, delivering a crisp, exact framing that pros appreciate. The SL300's EVF falls short of this clarity and coverage.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Creative Flow

Batteries drain quickly when operating zoom and viewfinders, especially outdoors. The FZ200 offers nearly double the battery life of the SL300, which reduces downtime and the need for spares on long trips. Internal storage options in the FZ200 provide backup for crucial shots.

Video Capabilities Compared

The FZ200’s video specs place it miles ahead for content creators and hybrid shooters, supporting full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, ideal for smooth, high-quality footage. It also includes an external mic jack, critical for professional audio capture - something the SL300 lacks.

The SL300’s HD video is limited to 720p at 30 fps, with no advanced codec or frame rate options. Its sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld shoots but is less effective than the FZ200’s optical stabilization.

Specialty Photography: How Do They Stack Up?

Portrait Photography

• FZ200 delivers better eye detection AF and shallower depth of field thanks to constant f/2.8 aperture - producing flattering bokeh and natural skin tones.
• SL300's max aperture narrowing to f/5.9 limits creative background blur, though decent color rendering is present.
• Both support face detection but lack advanced animal eye or multi-point recognition.

Landscape Photography

• Both offer 1/2.3" sensors with modest resolution.
• The FZ200’s better dynamic range and higher ISO performance enable capturing wider tonal range in challenging light.
• Neither has weather sealing, so care is needed shooting in harsh environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Panasonic wins here with 12 fps burst, fast AF, and good telephoto reach.
• The SL300’s slow 1 fps burst limits performance.
• Optical image stabilization on the FZ200 yields sharper handheld telephoto shots.

Street Photography

• The SL300’s slightly smaller size and weight could appeal due to lower visual impact.
• Both have fixed lenses but moderate max apertures limit low-light discretion.
• The FZ200’s articulating screen helps creative framing but adds bulk.

Macro Photography

• The FZ200 focuses closer (1 cm) with constant f/2.8, enabling vibrant sharp macro shots.
• SL300’s 2 cm minimum is less competitive.
• Both lack focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography

• FZ200’s CMOS sensor and max ISO 3200 allow better noise control at dark exposures.
• SL300 max ISO 1600 restricts versatility.
• Neither camera supports advanced astro modes.

Travel Photography

• SL300’s extra zoom reach could tempt travellers prioritizing framing flexibility.
• The FZ200 affords better battery life, video options, and overall versatility.
• Size and weight differences are marginal but consider your priorities.

Professional Work

• Neither camera suits heavy-duty professional use due to sensor size and basic features.
• The FZ200’s RAW support is an advantage for those seeking post-processing control.
• Both lack environmental sealing common in professional gear.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Both feature standard USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs. Lack of GPS means location tagging requires external solutions.

Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses Overview

Tailored Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

• If you prioritize super-telephoto reach and straightforward shooting with solid zoom capacity, and your work is daylight or casual photography-only, the Fujifilm SL300 is a cost-effective choice. It fits bird watchers, casual travelers, or those new to superzoom cameras who want simple controls and easy operation.

• If you need a more versatile tool with superior autofocus, low-light shooting, and serious video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is well worth the premium price. It suits enthusiast wildlife, sports photographers, hybrid shooters including vloggers, and creatives looking for consistent sharpness and control across genres.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Superzoom Companion

The Fujifilm SL300 and Panasonic FZ200 excel at different ends of the superzoom bridge camera spectrum. What unites them is a shared intent to deliver all-in-one solution compactness and impressive zoom without lens swapping.

Through our testing, Panasonic’s newer sensor, faster burst rates, and stronger lens downplay the SL300’s extended zoom range and simplicity. Both models lack advanced pro features like weather sealing, wireless sharing, or 4K video, but each carves a niche in walkaround versatility vs telephoto reach.

We encourage you to handle each camera firsthand if possible - note how the grip feels, autofocus speed reacts, and menus flow during real shooting. Understanding your typical shooting environment - whether it’s fast action wildlife, confining indoor portraits, or casual travel snaps - will clarify which strengths matter most to your creative journey.

Let this comparison guide your choice, then get out there and frame your stories with confidence. Your next great shot is just a click away.

Additional Resources and Suggested Accessories

• For Fujifilm SL300 users, consider investing in spare NP-85 batteries and a sturdy tripod due to longer zoom and stabilization needs.
• Panasonic FZ200 owners benefit from external microphones and high-capacity SD cards to maximize video potential and continuous shooting.

Checking manufacturer websites and photography retailers will provide latest pricing and firmware updates, ensuring you get the most value from your investment.

Thank you for reading our detailed comparison. If you have specific shooting styles or questions, feel free to reach out for tailored advice. Happy photographing!