Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Review

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.

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 20.1MP 4K Point and Shoot Digital Camera w/ 16X...

Last update was on: March 27, 2024 9:13 pm

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 typeSLR-like (bridge)
Body materialMetal, composite
Sensor
Max resolution5472 x 3648
Image ratio w h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors21 megapixels
Sensor size1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor typeBSI-CMOS
ProcessorVenus Engine
Color spacesRGB
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum)80
Boosted ISO (maximum)25600
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes (4 slots)
Image stabilizationOptical
Image stabilization notes5-axis
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, standard
File formatJPEG (DCF, Exif v2.3)RAW (ARW)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (Equiv.)25–400 mm
Optical zoom16×
Maximum apertureF2.8–4
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View.
Autofocus assist lampYes
Digital zoomYes (4x)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range3 cm (1.18″)
Number of focus points49
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots921,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT-LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification0.7×
Viewfinder resolution2,359,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed60 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)1/16000 sec
Exposure modesProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual
Scene modesClear 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 flashYes
Flash Range13.50 m (at Auto ISO)
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Flash modesAuto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Drive modesSingle-shotContinuousAE bracketSelf-timer interval
Continuous drive12.0 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modesMultiCenter-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 BracketingNo
Videography features
Resolutions3840×2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p) 1280×720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD
Videography notes4K video uses MP4 (100Mbps), 1080p/720p use AVCHD (10-28Mbps)
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (micro HDMI)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote controlYes (wired)
Physical
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionDMW-BLC12PP lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)360
Weight (inc. batteries)831 g (1.83 lb / 29.31 oz)
Dimensions137 x 99 x 131 mm (5.39 x 3.9 x 5.16″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSNone

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 Price

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 20.1MP 4K Point and Shoot Digital Camera w/ 16X...

Last update was on: March 27, 2024 9:13 pm

Joseph
We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

DSLRCameraSearch
Logo
Compare items
  • Cameras (0)
  • Phones (0)
Compare