Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 4K QFHDHD 16X Long Zoom Digital Camera Review
Product
Description
Panasonic
DMC-FZ1000K LUMIX FZ1000K 4K QFHD/HD 16X Long Zoom Digital Camera
Key features include; 4K
QFHD/HD hybrid photography, 4K QFHD 30p video with hybrid 8MP post capture,
Large 1-inch 20.1MP MOS sensor for amazing defocus control , Bright Leica DC
Lens 25-400mm F2.8-4.0, Super-fast LUMIX DFD focusing technology, and
Integrated smartphone WiFi for remote imaging control.
Multiple
Accessory Options to Choose From
For a more rewarding Hybrid
Photography experience, add an optional External Flash (DMW-FL580L) with
built-in LCD video light. The FZ1000 videos offer high-quality, highly
realistic Dolby Digital stereo sound from a built-in microphone. A stereo zoom
microphone features a zoom noise reduction system, and a Auto Wind Cut function
blocks out most of the noise from background wind. With the optional DMW-MS2*
Stereo/Shotgun Microphone, you can adjust the sound gathering characteristics
to match the shooting situation. The impressive flexibility of DMC-FZ1000 goes
far beyond the limit of conventional bridge camera. * Sold separately.
In-camera
Creative Control / Creative Panorama
In-camera Creative Control
adds artistic and original expression to your photos and videos. Plus, create
vertical / horizontal panoramic photos with a unique touch just by swiveling
the camera. [Filter Effects] Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key,
Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome**, Silky Monochrome**,
Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect*, Toy Pop*, Bleach
Bypass, Miniature Effect*, Soft Focus**, Fantasy, Star Filter**, One Point
Color, Sunshine* / ** * Cannot be used in Creative Panorama. ** Cannot be used
in video recording.
4K QFHD
Video – Vibrant, Realistic Motion
Experience the world of 4K
video capture. Enjoy true-to-life, ultra high-resolution images in smooth
motion. Plus, the realistic ambience of audio recording with the optional
Stereo / Shotgun Microphone (DMW-MS2*) with the ability to adjust sound
gathering characteristics to match any shooting situation. For even greater
versatility, switch to manual operation in Creative Video mode and dramatic
slow motion in full-HD 120 fps video**. When recording videos in 4K, use a card
rated as UHS Speed Class 3. * Sold separately. ** The recording format is 30p.
8 Megapixel
Hybrid Photo Frame Capture From 4K Video
8
Megapixel Hybrid Photo Frame Capture From 4K Video
The DMC-FZ1000 offers a true
Hybrid Photography experience for everyone. It combines 4K video recording
capability (QFHD 4K: 3840 x 2160, 30 fps in MP4)* with the ability to switch
easily between video and still capture for the ultimate in image creativity.
The FZ1000 also enables in-camera playback screen grabs of (3840 x 2160)
8-megapixel equivalent hybrid photography photos from 4K video footage to
capture the spur-of-the-moment shots often missed with ordinary still photos. *
4K video can be recorded up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. When recording videos in
4K, use a card rated as UHS Speed Class 3.
8 Megapixel
Hybrid Photo Frame Capture From 4K Video
Large
1-inch 10.1-megapixel MOS Sensor
The newly incorporated
1-inch 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor improves the S/N ratio,
making it possible to capture clear images with minimum noise even when shot at
ISO12800 / Extended ISO25600. Rich amounts of light help produce impressive
defocus with shallow depth of field. The result is truly stunning images in a
wide variety of shooting conditions.
Bright LEICA
DC Lens – F2.8-4.0 25-400mm
The new LEICA DC
VARIO-ELMARIT lens is created especially for the DMC-FZ1000. It has an F2.8-4.0
brightness that resists blurring even with telephoto shots, and an angle of
view that extends from 25mm wide-angle to 16x optical zoom*. Comprising 15
elements in 11 groups, including 4 ED lenses and 5 aspherical lenses with 8
aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit achieves high MTF value. Adoption
of 5 aspherical glass lenses achieves beautiful, evenly smooth defocus with
invisible edge line, which is made possible by Panasonic’s unique aspherical
lens mold technology. * 35mm camera equivalent: 25-400mm.
Bright LEICA
DC Lens – F2.8-4.0 25-400mm
Light
Speed AF with LUMIX DFD Focus Technology
A new linear motor
integrated into the focus system achieves approx. 275% faster* focusing,
compared to the conventional DMC-FZ200. In addition new DFD (Depth From
Defocus) technology shortens the time to set the focus. It instantaneously
calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating 2 images with different
sharpness levels. As a result, ultra high-speed AF of approx. 0.09 sec**
(wide-end) / approx. 0.17*/*** sec (tele-end) is achieved. * Panasonic in-house
examination. ** CIPA standard. When using Live View Finder. *** Infinity to 2m
shooting time lag.
Unwire your
Creativity with Remote WIFI Shooting
Smartphone Enabled Remote
Shooting / Remote View - With the Panasonic Image App, you can utilize a
smartphone or tablet as a remote controller to zoom, set the focus and shoot
from a distance. Easy Share - Instantly upload and share images on social media
using the Panasonic Image App on a smartphone or tablet. Easy Connection -
Simply touching an NFC-compatible smartphone / tablet to the camera, or
scanning the QR code connects to WiFi. Geotagging - Tag location information to
the image by utilizing the GPS log of a smartphone / tablet and share it to the
preferred social media.User rating and reviews
But where does the SLR-sized FZ1000 fit in amongst APS and MFT cameras of similar proportions (some even smaller)? Price and lens range are the best rationale I can come up with. Although I might put together a price-competitive MFT setup, I couldn't match the 25-400mm lens range with any one lens. However, this is probably my single most convincing argument ~against~ owning this camera.
The FZ1000 replaces my beloved but aged FZ50, and improves ~nearly~ every aspect of that classic. The most poignant missing feature is the mechanical zoom ring.
In its place, the FZ1000 features an electronically coupled ring that is a good attempt, but falls short: it turns with a disconnected resistance, despite the reaction time being fairly quick and precise for small movements. For large zoom adjustment, the arrangement is slow, requiring at best four exaggerated twists to span the full 25 to 400 range. The progressive zoom toggle switch that encircles the shutter release is much more suitable for fast adjustments, covering the 25 to 400mm range in about 3 seconds.
Panasonic saw fit to put a lens ring function selector switch right on the barrel, for effortless switching between focus and zoom -- no menu required. Manual focus mode is excellent, with the high resolution EVF, decent subject magnification, and focus peaking (the highlighting of what the camera thinks is in focus) to make this hands-down the most usable manual focus I've used since last film camera (and perhaps even better).
Another menu-less feature I'm enjoying is the drive mode dial, to select between burst, timer, and bracketing. Unfortunately a hard switch is missing for aspect ratio changes, which are relegated to the menu. Although they can be accessed quickly, the mechanical aspect ratio switch on my LX7 is something I use constantly, and would very much like to have seen replicated here.
Navigating the menu is lightning fast, and being familiar with Panasonic's layout over the past few years, I feel right at home. Still, scrolling through page after page of menu options can be a chore (page-by-page scrolling available via the zoom toggle), which is where the five customizable function buttons come in handy -- they can be programmed to access just about any menu function. However, I know I'll have to use this camera regularly for the functions I assign to those buttons to become rote.
This camera is incredibly fast. Power on to first shot is basically instantaneous (well, under a second, for what it's worth), and autofocus is not only "in the blink of an eye," it's accurate. No longer is "half press" a mandatory pit stop on the way to shutter release -- I can fully commit to a shot from zero to full press, and that's ~without~ using the AF tracking mode. Really just incredibly speedy.
Even if I suspect my focus is off, shot to shot shooting jpeg is basically without delay, so there's every opportunity to get the shot. I've been pleased enough with jpeg output that I have no push to make the step across to RAW processing -- something my FZ50 benefited from if only it didn't slow that old camera a crawl. Shot to shot times shooting RAW result in a barely perceptible slow down, but only when compared to spiffy handling of jpeg. The reality is, for single shots, the camera is ready as soon as I am.
Image quality at low ISOs is tremendous, even looking at JPG output with default noise reduction. Photographing well-lighted oil on canvas paintings reveals detailed brush strokes, textures, and accurate colors. In lower light settings, the camera benefits from RAW shooting so as not to lose very fine color details at 1600 ISO, and brush strokes are lost at 3200 ISO even under RAW. But this is pixel-peeping at its worst, and image quality for sharing online at these low light conditions remains excellent.
I don't have large screen 4K television to review the video I've captured, but converted down to 1080, it's excellent. The camera's inner workings are silent on video playback -- no detectable clicks or whirs from the focus and lens drive motors. I love that many of the video settings are available in MP4 format, for PC-friendly editing. The screen grab option results in mostly usable stills, though some images display a video-like "halo" around highly contrasted colors.
Unlike the camera's Super High Drive (50+ frames per second), the 4K screen grab method allows basically unlimited shooting, continuous auto-focus, and a tidy SD card. (In contrast, the SHD 50+ FPS mode is fixed focus, 1 second at a time before filling the buffer, and lots of file clutter.) The SHD mode produces better quality images, if the subject warrants fixed focus and can be timed to 1 second. If you're off by a second, buffer clearing takes anywhere from 5 to 25 seconds, depending on the speed of the SD card installed.
Mainly using this camera to shoot kids and airplanes, I've had the following observations:
- wish I had a little more telephoto reach, like 600mm
- equally wish for slightly wider than 25mm, which is a bit cramped indoors (but that's where the LX7 comes in)
- however, this combo of lens, sensor, and body is a trifecta for most uses
- no problems getting my shots in any lighting condition short of black -- even the focus in low lighting is exceptionally fast and accurate
- focus is crisp and this camera can catch the fast movements, but when I'm fully zoomed in, the sharpness falls off ever so slightly
- I'm puzzled by why Pana left of the electronic ND filter, although i could go old-school and thread one on the end
- the colors out of the camera seem spot on -- particularly impressive are the very natural reds
The high resolution, articulated, BIG LCD display is a huge improvement over the antique-looking FZ50's LCD, and very good even outdoors in bright daylight (though still tough to see when washed direct sunlight). No touchscreen here, but I've never felt the need for that other than swiping and pinching while reviewing photos. But the electronic viewfinder is a treat, with nearly indistinguishable pixels and no noteworthy lag -- I can even see the shimmer of rising heat waves off distant hot asphalt using this display, it's just one step away from looking like an optical viewfinder. Really, the best of both worlds.
The menu is full of options, including a host of choices that might be considered gimmicks. One I had high hopes for are the dynamic shooting exposure modes. Alas, these are turning out to be merely in-camera HDR in disguise (I'm generally not a fan), and the results appear subtly overprocessed. But the 50+ FPS shooting mode is one to keep in the back pocket for the right subjects.
Always a fan of remote controls for family portraits, the WiFi options surpass any IR remote I've owned with any previous camera. Linked to my Android (Motorola Droid Maxx), I'm able to compose and shoot with a "live" (actually slightly delayed) viewfinder, and even retrieve my shots for quick review, uploading to Facebook or email -- or G+, Flikr, Instagram, etc. Geotagging is accomplished via the Panasonic app and the phone's location services; alas, there is no GPS built in to the camera. The downside of the WiFi connectivity is the camera's short range: it's spotty outside of about 10 feet in front of the camera. But the camera's self timer can be utilized, including the 10-second, 3-shot "burst" mode (works with flash!), so I can concentrate on setting up the shot, then put away the phone with a reasonable chance for some good images.
I'm very happy with the battery life. Panasonic is listing 360 shots -- I'm not counting, but just keeping an eye the battery gauge -- like with my LX cameras, it's looking like I won't need to carry around a spare (unlike with my FZ50). First charge was at just shy of 500 shots, with one bar left on the battery display, and that's with quite a bit of "new toy" futzing.
You'll want to pick up a U3 (aka UHS-II) SD card, which the camera absolutely takes advantage of (required for 4K video, and cuts memory write times by 75% vs. a standard Class 10 card). I've long had good luck with memory from Transcend, and am successfully using their Transcend 128 GB High Speed 10 UHS-3 in this camera.
So I still have a few wish list items this camera doesn't have, but from a realistic perspective, the FZ1000 improves on the FZ50 in almost every way, and leaves me nothing to complain about. I considered a 4 star rating because of no mechanical zoom, no ND filter, and no aspect ratio switch, but those are overshadowed by what all this camera does well. So 4½ stars rounds up to 5 -- your mileage may vary
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