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Bridge cameras are still a thriving sub-category within the market for fixed lens cameras, and this may be attributed, in no little part, to the lens zoom range that these cameras provide. According to research conducted by Panasonic, the lens zoom ratio is the most significant characteristic for prospective purchasers of bridge cameras. The quality of the lens follows this, and then image quality comes in last place.
As a direct result, Panasonic has equipped its most advanced bridge camera, the FZ1000, with a 16x zoom range with a focal length similar to 25-400mm. Additionally, this Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens has a maximum aperture that ranges from f/2.8 at its widest point to f/4 at its tightest position.
See: Best Memory Cards for Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
Having a big maximum aperture not only enables the shutter speed to be maintained at safe hand-holdable levels in low light but also enables the photographer to narrow the depth of focus and divide the subject from the background whenever they choose.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Build Quality
It should not come as a surprise that the Panasonic FZ1000 bridge camera has a little more considerable body, given that its image sensor is more significant than those found in Panasonic’s other recent models of bridge cameras. As a result, it is somewhat more critical than the Sony RX10, but on the other hand, it possesses a slightly longer lens (albeit with a smaller maximum aperture at focal lengths above 25mm).
The camera has a good build quality and feels sturdy enough in hand without being overly heavy; nevertheless, it has a more plastic-like texture than the RX10.
Much like existing bridge cameras, the new camera has an SLR-like design, with a thick finger grip and generous dials and buttons that provide direct access to the camera’s most important capabilities.
A mode dial is located on the top of the camera, allowing you to set the camera to shoot in aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual exposure mode. You can also select one of the automatic modes, such as Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) method, which is designed to assist inexperienced photographers.
In addition to being accessed by the mode dial, the Creative Control choices offered by Panasonic feature a total of 22 digital filter effects. These effects include sepia, high dynamic range, toy pop, rough monochrome, soft focus, and miniature products.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Performance
We have discovered that the metering systems featured in the Panasonic G-series of small system cameras are outstanding and that moving from the default setting of the all-purpose Multi option is rarely necessary.
The FZ1000’s multi-metering technology is equally as accurate, and the camera can produce spot-on exposures in various scenarios. It can direct a subject in the right direction while other cameras struggle.
Even though the subject that is being focused on by the active AF point is substantially brighter than a mid-tone, it is still able to generate a foreground that has the correct exposure, as an example, while shooting against a bright overcast sky.
The fact that the FZ1000 has an extended dynamic range is another good news since it means that in many scenarios, the brilliant sky is not entirely overexposed, and some tonal variation is preserved.
The FZ1000’s dynamic range boosting mechanism is capable of helping to widen the scope of tones visible in the shadows and highlights in very high contrast environments; nevertheless, the effect is slight and not too ‘HDR’ in nature (high dynamic range). Similarly, the built-in JPEG-only HDR system of the camera gives images that seem real even when the setting is adjusted to its highest possible level (+/-3EV).
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Image Quality
Any Panasonic camera, including the FZ1000, will produce vivid and distinct colors, and the FZ1000 lives up to the brand’s reputation in this regard. Even if the photographs captured at the telephoto end of the zoom occasionally lost their razor clarity, we could still produce acceptable results handled, which is where this camera shines.
In this day and age of 50x and 60x “super zoom” bridge versions, this lens may not have the most outstanding lens reach in the world, but the combination of the sensor, lens, and resolution seems harmonic and uncompromised. An additional advantage is that there is no discernible fish-eye effect even when the lens is opened to its widest possible angle. Thus, the camera can capture detail even in the four corners of the picture.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 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 |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format | JPEG (DCF, Exif v2.3)RAW (ARW) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (Equiv.) | 25–400 mm |
| Optical zoom | 16× |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8–4 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace 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 | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.7× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,359,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Scene modes | Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child’s Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Handheld Night Shot, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome, Panorama |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 13.50 m (at Auto ISO) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Drive modes | Single-shotContinuousAE bracketSelf-timer interval |
| 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, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 3840×2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p) 1280×720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
| Videography notes | 4K video uses MP4 (100Mbps), 1080p/720p use AVCHD (10-28Mbps) |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (wired) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLC12PP lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 360 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 831 g (1.83 lb / 29.31 oz) |
| Dimensions | 137 x 99 x 131 mm (5.39 x 3.9 x 5.16″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Verdict
A focal length equivalent of 25-400mm is an excellent working range that many SLR photographers would be happy with, although they would expect to carry several lenses to achieve it. While cameras are available with a zoom range significantly wider than 16x, many SLR photographers would be happy with a focal length equivalent to 25-400mm.
However, this is overkill in many instances, and users can quickly get the same framing by moving closer to their subject. Some cameras with tiny sensors give more at the longer end of the focal length, although in many circumstances, this is unnecessary.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Pros & Cons
- 1 inch more sensor space
- A complex array of available options
- Large maximum aperture
- The screen is not responsive to touches.
- Relatively on the big side