The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 is the first bridge camera to deliver the new ultra HD 4K video format thanks to the inclusion of an impressive 1in, 20.1MP CMOS sensor.
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| PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 |
Panasonic has a long history of delivering high quality video performance across its digital camera line up. Its G-series of CSCs has seen some impressive video innovations, most recently in the form of the GH4 which took the crown of being the first CSC to boast 4K video capture.
The new
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 benefits from this heritage and sees Panasonic break new ground once again, with the model being the first bridge camera to feature 4K video capture thanks to the utilisation of a larger than average 1in, 20.1MP CMOS sensor.
The FZ1000 also features a host of typical bridge camera characteristics, including a reasonable zoom lens and DSLR-esque controls.
The Question is:
The LUMIX FZ1000 solely the preserve of video shooters, or does it deliver a complete shooting experience?
Features
As you might imagine. the real headline feature of the
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 is the camera's capacity to shoot 4K video if you're unfamiliar with 4K, it's the new ultra high resolution image video capture that's four times the resolution of full HD video capture.
The high resolution video capture is made capable by the inclusion of a new quad core Venus IV processor.
If you're not taken by the video potential of the
FZ1000, then consider this when shooting 4K video it's possible to grab 8MP 3849 x 2160 still images from slow motion review, presenting a new way to capture individual frames.
All of this high resolution work is made possible by the larger than average 1in, 20.1MP sensor. This sensor also allows for an extensive ISO range which covers 125-12.00 in its conventional setting and extends to ISO 80 to 25.600.
The new sensor and processor combination also allows for some impressive operational speeds. Panasonic claims that the FZ1000 will shoot 12fps in its burst mode, while also featuring improved AF performance that the manufacturer claims is some 275% faster than its FZ1000 stable-mate.
in terms of
the camera's optics the FZ1000 is not quite as impressive as the aforementioned FZ1000, although is still has a zoom to compete with a range of bridge cameras. The model sport a 16x optical zoom covering a focal range of 25-400mm in equivalent terms and one which is comprised of Leica glass.
Other eye catching features including the model's EVF. The FZ1000 inherits the impressive 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder seen in Panasonic's flagship CSC, the GH4. The LCD screen measures 3in and features a resolution of 921k dots, as well as being of the vari-angle variety.
As you might expect for a
new camera from Panasonic,
the FZ1000 features full WI-fi functionality, while one welcome feature is the ability to edit raw files in camera and output to JPEGs, dispensing of the need to do so on a computer.
Design
As is traditional for a bridge camera,
the FZ1000 features design that's more akin to a DSLR than a compact.
It measures 137 x 99 x 131mm and weight 831g, making it slightly larger than some competing models such as the RX10 (although it still manages to feature an optical zoom twice as extensive as this rival).
The FZ1000 is made from a tough polycarbonate plastic and carries its bulk and weight well thanks to pleasing ergonomics and a substantial hand-grip, meaning that in the hand it feels comfortable and not overly large.
It would have been a positive to see weather sealing included in the body of the FZ1000, but the build quality is of a good enough standard for shooting on beaches or in light rain, for example.
One surprising omission from the camera's specification is a touch-screen. That being said, the body does cater well for shooting adjustment on the camera's body via a host of physical controls.
These include some five customisable Fn buttons along side a host of dedicated controls offering quick access to key shooting functionality such as exposure modes, exposure compensations an ISO control.
The models also benefits from the presence of a lens ring. this feature can be adjusted to control either the camera's zoom or manual focus, although it;s somewhat disappointing that it doesn't cater for further adjustment to control other key functionality such as exposure compensation of aperture control.
All in all, the range of physical controls and their clever placement, along with the ergonomic design, means that the FZ1000 is a pleasure to use and is relatively simple to do so, Anyone picking this camera up for the first time will certainly have a earning curve to overcome, but before long, even a new amateur will be confidently capturing strong imagery using this camera.
Raw V JPEGs
Full resolution 12 frames per second images can be captured in Raw+JPEG mode using the Panasonic FZ1000. a great benefit to photographers wherever speed their subjects are moving at. The in camera JPEG processing does a good job of sharpening lines and boosting colour saturation. However it noise reduction is a LIttle harsh so for low light images especially, we'd recommend using the Raw file and processing in post.
Performance
Panasonic makes some pretty bold claims with regards to
the FZ1000's AF performance in comparison to some of its stable-mates, with the manufacturer stating that it focuses 275% faster than the FZ1000.
Such claims are made possible thanks to the implementation of a new defocusing contrast deception method and a 49 area AF system.
In practice the FZ1000 delivers impressive focusing results, and during testing there was rarely an occasion where the camera didn't deliver prompt, accurate focusing.
There are a host of focusing modes available, including a macro setting which allows for focusing as a close as 3cm, while te manual focusing mode is helped by the lens ring adjustment option.
Unfortunately the lens ring doesn't cater especially well for the second of its functions, namely controlling the camera's zoom. it seems to zoom faster the slower you turn it, somewhat counter intuitively, and as such it's often preferable to use the dedicated zoom slider by the shutter release.
The model's Wi-fi functionality also performs well, while on the whole the FZ1000 meets its claims with regards to continuous shooting rates, Capturing full resolution Jpeg + Raw images at 12 frames per second. That is fast enough to capture anything from action sports to wildlife.
If all of the operating noises and sound notifications are switched off, it is possible to take pictures with the FZ1000 in total silence. This is perhaps on eof the most significant performance features of the FZ1000 and will appeal to photographers who want to take pictures discreetly in sound sensitive environments.
The fact that the FZ1000 inherits the same viewfinder as found on the GH4 is certainly a benefit as it's one of the best units on the market. The EVF delivers bright and clear image reproduction as well as offering advanced functionality including manual focus magnification and exposure preview.
The EVF also benefits from a rubberised eye cup, making it comfortable to use for long periods of time.
Image Quality
Colour and White Balance
Subjecting each camera to our colour chart test reveals any variation and differences in colour between Raw and JPEG file formats.
As well as having a range of white balance presets,
the FZ1000 features a custom white balance setting in which you can store four presets. There are also a range of different shooting modes should you wish to add a more creative colour finish on your images.
In terms of colour,
the FZ1000 produces a good balance between the various hues, while colours also appear pleasingly natural if you wish to add a bit more punch or saturation then the Photo Style Menu allows for fine tweaking.
Exposure
There are several different metering modes present on the FZ1000, with the main "Intelligent Multiple Area" metering setting delivering a pleasing balance between highlights and shadows. Even in difficult conditions
the FZ1000 works hard to retain detail in shadows, and the presence of an "i,Dynamic" shooting mode ensures that you can get more detail the shadows and highlights should you require it.
The FZ1000 also delivers a pleasing dynamic range at its base ISO setting it manages a level comparable to many APS-C DSLRs, and it maintains this higher up the range.
Resolution
Our resolution chart reveals exactly how much detail a sensor can resolve and it;s measured in lines/millimetre, abbreviated to lpmm
As you might expect for a bridge camera with a large sensor and a high mega-pixel count,
the FZ1000 resolves and impressive amount of detail. At the base ISO setting the camera resolves around 30 lines/mm [lpmm], and even when the ISO setting is higher, at around 1600, the model still manages to resolve around 24 lpmm.
The diorama is used to ascertain how image noise is handled through an ISO range. Some cameras produce cleaner results than others.
Noise FZ1000 handles noise well, capturing clean and good quality images in both Raw and JPEG formats up to ISO 1600. Above this setting. JPEG files begin to deteriorate due to noise reduction, while luminace noise remains present.
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Silent shooting
- 4k video capture is a bonus
- Excellent build quality
- Good zoom range
Cons
- Lack of touch-screen
- Proliferation of button may intimidate
inexperienced photographers
Final Verdict
The bridge camera market has long been one of the most competitive going, and therefore for a model to stand out from the crowd it needs to see a reasonable amount of innovation. Panasonic has managed this trick before with the FZ200's fixed maximum aperture lens, and with the introduction of 4k video capture the FZ1000 also impresses by setting new ground.
As mentioned in the design section, we would have liked to see weather sealing included in this camera body, but for the sake of keeping costs down, we can appreciate it being challenging conditions all weather enclosures are available at affordable pries for peace of mind, so we won't count that against it. Although it's not perfect, with the 4k video features in need of some tweaking, the FZ1000 can shoot in near total silence, has a good quality zoom lens and is a pleasure to use, rightly taking its place alongside some of the very best bridge cameras currently on the market.
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 REVIEWS
The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 is the first bridge camera to deliver the new ultra HD 4K video format thanks to the inclusion of an impressive 1in, 20.1MP CMOS sensor.
Andrian Manhatan
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000
4.5 / 5
