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The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II bridge camera was introduced in February 2019, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the FZ1000, but coming in below the FZ2000. The FZ1000 II is a super-zoom camera with a one-inch sensor with 20 megapixels and a 16x optical zoom lens that offers an equivalent of 25-400mm. It is meant to appeal to vacationing photographers who wish to travel while carrying as little equipment as possible.
See: Best Memory Cards for Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II
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The sensor, CPU, and lens are all identical to the one found in the original FZ1000, indicating that this model is more of an incremental update than a total redesign. Additionally, touch sensitivity has been added to the screen’s specifications, Bluetooth connectivity has been added to Wi-Fi connectivity, and the button arrangement has been modified somewhat. In addition, Zoom Compose Assist has been included as a tool to assist photographers when working with more considerable lens lengths.
Other features on the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II include 4K Video and, as usual for all modern Lumix cameras, 4K Photo. Additionally, the camera can shoot 12 frames per second, has an electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million dots, and can be charged by USB.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II Build Quality
The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II has a very identical design to its predecessor, the Panasonic FZ1000. At first sight, the camera might be easily misidentified as one of Panasonic’s tiny system cameras or a primary digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR). It has a hefty grip and a textured finish, contributing to its comfortable handle.
The FZ1000 II may be compared to having a mirrorless camera with many different lenses in your luggage. This makes it excellent for individuals who desire the versatility of numerous focal lengths while traveling light.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II Image Quality
Given that the sensor and lens combination has not been altered from the original FZ1000, it should not be a surprise that we cannot discern any discernible variations in the image quality between the older model and the brand-new Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II.
The colors are vibrant and full-bodied straight out of the camera, demonstrating a high level of realism while still being aesthetically attractive. When shooting at lower ISOs, the overall impression of detail is excellent; however, when shooting at higher ISOs, such as ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 when shooting in low light, there is some image smoothing present; however, and the overall impression of detail remains high when the image is viewed at standard sizes.
The telephoto zoom lens included with the FZ1000 II is not the longest one currently available; nevertheless, by keeping it somewhat constrained, the camera’s body can accommodate a bigger one-inch sensor. This excellent balance provides a slightly extended zoom while retaining a larger sensor’s benefits.
It is lovely to get useable photographs when shooting handheld, even though images captured at the telephoto end of the zoom are not nearly as crisp as those arrested at the wide-angle end of the lens.
When left to its own devices, the all-purpose metering system of the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II performs a reasonably decent job of creating well-balanced exposures. The only circumstances that require any exposure correction modification are those with a high contrast ratio.
When working with artificial light, the automated white balance system performs an excellent job of reproducing true colors without leaning excessively toward yellow or orange tones. This is because it maintains a good level of neutrality.
Because 4K Photo is a feature included on all Lumix cameras currently in production, we sometimes take it for granted. However, photographers attempting to capture the activity of specific subjects, like animals or pets, may find this function to be a beneficial tool available on the FZ1000 II.
The extracted photo with 8 megapixels that you can capture while shooting in this mode does not have the same high quality as the full-resolution images with 20 megapixels. Still, they are adequate for sharing and printing at relatively modest sizes.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II Specs
| Body type | SLR-like (bridge) |
|---|---|
| Body material | Metal, composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 80 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis hybrid (optical + electronic) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.31)Raw (Panasonic ARW) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (Equiv.) | 25–400 mm |
| Optical zoom | 16× |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8–4 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 30 cm (11.81″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,240,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.74× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Scene modes | Clear PortraitSilky SkinBacklit SoftnessClear in BacklightRelaxing ToneSweet Child’s FaceDistinct SceneryBright Blue SkyRomantic Sunset GlowVivid Sunset GlowGlistening WaterClear NightscapeCool Night SkyWarm Glowing NightscapeArtistic NightscapeGlittering IlluminationsHandheld Night ShotClear Night PortraitSoft Image of a FlowerAppetizing FoodCute DessertFreeze Animal MotionClear Sports ShotMonochrome |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 13.50 m (with Auto ISO) |
| External flash | Yes |
| Flash modes | Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, 1st / 2nd Slow Sync. |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuous4K PhotoPost FocusSelf-timer |
| Continuous drive | 12.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via wired remote or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLC12 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 808 g (1.78 lb / 28.50 oz) |
| Dimensions | 136 x 97 x 132 mm (5.35 x 3.82 x 5.2″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II Conclusion
Bridge cameras have traditionally had a rather negative reputation in the past; nevertheless, models like those included in the FZ line make a lot of sense despite this common perception. They provide you with the versatility of numerous focal lengths without the inconvenience of having to change lenses or even carry additional lenses with you wherever you go.
The usual compromise is a relatively tiny sensor. Still, by utilizing a one-inch sensor on the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II, you have a decent balance between zoom length and a sensor that performs exceptionally well. This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
People searching for an excellent bridge camera that is suitable for use as a trip or holiday camera frequently choose the original FZ1000 as their preferred option. The FZ1000 II maintains the same high image quality as its predecessor thanks to its big one-inch sensor and reasonably flexible zoom range, which allow the user to get quite close to the action they are photographing.
The new model comes with a variety of other features that are both practical and enticing, such as an electronic viewfinder, a screen that is touch-sensitive across its whole range of motion, and the helpful 4K Photo choices that Panasonic offers.