Snap it up with LumixDMC-FZ300

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ300 is an all-around alternative to more expensive shooters

This week's star is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 - another of those one-tough-cookie sorts. And let me explain why: aside from being splash-and-dust-proof, this bridge camera can stack up against its peers pretty well too.
The FZ300 is slightly bigger and heavier than its predecessor, the FZ200, but that also means it's been souped-up. You have in your hands a camera that can snap up 4K pictures and the results are impressive. Take note, however, that it only has a 12MP resolution; you can start that megapixel myth debate now.
Handling the camera makes you feel like a pro, and all the regular functions are there. There's a hot shoe on top for other accessories, although I didn't see a headphone jack to listen to video recordings. And although it is Wi-Fi-capable, there's no built-in GPS, so forget about geotagging.
Speaking of Wi-Fi, you can use it to send your content to a PC, view them on a TV or AV device, print wirelessly and - most importantly - use the Panasonic Image App, which lets you control the camera remotely. The app is one of the best out there; it responds really fast and you can use it for all essential functions.
The camera comes with a 3" LCD touchscreen display, so you don't have to worry about navigating through the menu and setting things up. The display swivels at practically any angle, which is a big plus point when you're in tricky situations.
There are few quirks I can find with this camera. While the autofocus works well with its great 24x optical zoom, there are moments when it takes time - a lot of time, in some cases - to focus on the subject, especially when maxing out your zoom.

AND SO...
Honestly, I didn't find any major issues with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 - in fact, it's one of the best bridge cameras I've come across so far, having the capacity to go up against a DSLR. Its price, however, is just a few hundred short of a DSLR.
One more good thing about it: it's already available at select stores here in the UAE, although some markets will have to wait until October for a shot at it.

EXTRA BYTE

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / Galaxy S6 edge+
It was always a curious question why Samsung chose to launch its new flagships just before Apple is scheduled to unleash the next iteration of the iPhone soon. At any rate, the Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ look like killers: they're "smartly designed with the most advanced S Pen on the market and next-level wireless charging" and deliver the "ultimate multimedia experience". I'm quite sure you'll enjoy using its 5.7" quad-HD Super AMOLED display and advanced camera system. Here's looking forward to an interesting month.
(Note5: 32GB - Dh2,799; S6 Edge+: 32GB - Dh3,099; 64GB - Dh3,399)
alvin@khaleejtimes.com 
 

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