Panasonic FZ 1000 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 with 4K video recording: Super zoom bridge camera with 1″ sensor

With the Lumix DMC-FZ1000, Panasonic introduces its first super zoom bridge camera with a 1″ sensor and competes with the Sony RX10. The FZ1000 resolves around 20 megapixels on the 13.2 x 8.8 millimetre CMOS sensor, optically zooming 16x from the equivalent of 25-400 millimetres to double the final focal length of the Sony RX10, even if only with an initial aperture of F4 (F2.8 in wide-angle). As a highlight, the FZ1000 is the first compact camera to record videos in 4K resolution, which is around 8 megapixels.

Short evaluation

Pros

• Rapid autofocus, even in the telephoto range
• 4K video function with numerous setting options
• Large, universal zoom range
• Very good operation with many individualization possibilities

Cons

• Tripod thread outside the optical axis and too close to memory card and battery compartment
• Missing touch screen.
• All housing made of plastic, however quite robust.
• Lens with poor edge resolution, also soft images from ISO 1.600

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is equipped with a 1″ sensor with 20 megapixels resolution and has an optical 16x zoom, which covers a small picture equivalent focal length range from 25 to 400 millimetres at a speed of F2.8 to F4. [Photo: Panasonic]

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 not only has a foldable and rotatable 3″ screen, but also a 2.36 million pixel OLED viewfinder. The 7.5-centimeter screen of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 has a resolution of 921,000 pixels and can be rotated and swivelled. [Photo: Panasonic]

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 optically zooms 16x in the 35mm equivalent of 25-400 millimeters. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is easy to operate with its many knobs and dials. Moreover, thanks to the pronounced grip, it lies wonderfully in the hand. The 16x zoom of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 has small-frame equivalent focal length markings on the extended tube [Photo: Panasonic]

On the side of the lens of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 you can choose whether you want to focus or zoom via the adjustment ring. The optical image stabilizer can also be activated here. [Photo: Panasonic]

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 can be expanded with an external flash unit. [Photo: Panasonic]

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 records videos with 4K resolution, an external microphone for sound recording can be easily connected. [Photo: Panasonic]

Inside the Lumix FZ1000, the same four-core Venus engine as in the Lumix DMC-GH4 works to process the large amounts of data from 4K video recordings. The 4K videos with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels are recorded with a maximum of 25 frames per second, in Full HD resolution even up to 100 frames per second are achieved, which allows smooth 4x slow motion. The still images from the 4K video recording can be used to print high-quality A4 photos, if you downsample the videos to Full HD, this results in an incomparable image sharpness, which is not achieved by Full HD devices. The videos are stored in MP4 format, supporting SDXC UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), which is required for 4K recording at 100 Mbps. The 16x optical zoom with Leica label is optically image-stabilized, while the hybrid active mode for Full HD video ensures particularly effective image stabilization. You can film using the direct recording button, intelligent auto shooting and manual aperture and shutter speed adjustment for creative effects. In addition, the FZ1000 has a built-in zoom stereo microphone with automatic wind filter and Dolby Digital stereo. Alternatively, an external microphone can also be operated via the 3.5mm jack socket. The video equipment is completed with zebra patterns, AF tracking and focus peaking.

With dimensions of 137 x 99 x 131 millimetres, the very voluminous camera has a large handle and weighs around 830 grams ready for operation. But it offers everything the photographer needs in the housing. This includes not only the optical 16x zoom of 25-400 millimeters with an initial aperture of F2.8 to F4 and the optical image stabilizer, but also the rotatable and swivelling three-inch screen (7.5 centimeters in the diagonal) with 921,000 pixels resolution, unfortunately without touch function, as well as the 2.36 million pixel OLED viewfinder, which at a magnification of 0.7x relative to 35mm is quite large. Switching between viewfinder and monitor is done automatically by detection. With a delay of only 0.01 seconds, the viewfinder is three times faster than the FZ200 viewfinder.

The lens consists of 15 glass elements in eleven groups, using five aspherical lenses with eight aspherical surfaces. In addition, four particularly low-scatter ED glass lenses are used. The front lens group consists of four elements and is intended to prevent chromatic aberrations, especially in the telephoto range. The lens has an electronic adjustment ring that adjusts either focal length or focus. In addition, there is a ring-shaped zoom lever on the shutter release, which is suitable, for example, for smooth zoom movements at five different speed levels. The 1″ sensor with its area four times larger than that of 1/2.3″ sensors should also ensure good image quality. Each pixel, for example, has 2.4 times the area of the FZ200, which ensures low noise. The sensitivity can be set up to ISO 12,800, with an extension even to ISO 25,600. The new 1,728-zone white balance is also intended to improve image quality by detecting the correct white balance twelve times more accurately than with the FZ200, for example.

The DFD autofocus system introduced with the GH4 is also used with the FZ1000. Together with the linear motor, it is to be focused and triggered in the wide-angle position within 0.09 seconds and in the telescopic position within 0.17 seconds. With DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology, two images with different focus points are compared and the exact focus point is determined, which significantly accelerates focusing. With AF tracking, the FZ1000 achieves 7 continuous shots per second, 12 without tracking.

In addition, the FZ1000 offers intelligent automatic, scene modes, 22 digital effects and semi-automatic and manual setting options for time and aperture. There is also a panoramic swivel function on board. The user can adjust the gradation curve for both photos and videos to the subject situation in order to optimally display shadows and highlights. The digital level indicator shows the user when the camera is tilted. It can also record in raw format, whereby the files can still be converted in the camera into a JPEG, a corresponding converter with many setting options is integrated in the camera. In addition, the FZ1000 has WLAN, which not only allows pictures and videos to be transmitted, but also allows the camera to be remotely controlled via an app, with the Panasonic app offering a particularly wide range of setting options. The connection can easily be established via NFC or QR code. The FZ1000 does not offer a GPS, but the GPS can be used by the smartphone via WLAN.

Autofocus works with 49 AF fields and has face and eye detection, focusing on the eye closer to the camera. In addition, the FZ1000 offers an AF field that can be freely shifted over the entire image field, the size of which can be freely changed, as well as a particularly precise pinpoint AF that focuses on the finest details. The focus magnifier allows up to tenfold magnification at fine zoom levels, and there is no lack of a peaking function. The low-light AF, on the other hand, focuses even in very dark environments of up to -3 EV without disturbing AF auxiliary light, which corresponds to a landscape in the night-time moonlight.

Numerous buttons and operating elements are intended to ensure easy handling, with five Fn buttons providing great freedom in the assignment of functions. In addition, the FZ1000 has an integrated flash and a TTL system flash shoe.

With the Lumix DMC-FZ1000, Panasonic recently introduced a super zoom bridge camera with a large 1″ sensor to replace large and heavy DSLR equipment. With its F2.8-4.0 25-400 mm 16x zoom, it covers a wide focal length range at high speed and offers very high resolution for both 20 megapixel photos and 8 megapixel (4K) videos.

Ergonomics and workmanship

Panasonic has learnt from the experience of Sony, whose RX10 with magnesium case and splash water protection is very high quality processed, but with originally 1,200 euros the entry price for larger groups of buyers was too high. In the meantime, Sony has reduced the EIA to just under 1,000 euros. The FZ1000, on the other hand, is only supposed to cost about 850 Euros, and so savings have to be made in some places where it seems to Panasonic to be acceptable. The main point is the housing. The FZ1000 does not radiate the robustness of an RX10, although it is a high-quality processed plastic. At just over 800 grams, the camera is quite light, at least in relation to its size, even though Panasonic relies completely on glass lenses for the lens, which is no longer a matter of course. So you could say that Panasonic preferred to put the money into the inner values than into the outer ones.

Although the Lumix FZ1000 with its fixed lens is one of the compact cameras, it can no longer be described as compact. It easily takes on the size of a DSLR with a set lens, except that the Lumix has a zoom lens with more light. Thanks to the distinctive handle, the FZ1000 can be held securely, even the little finger can still find support in the lower part of the handle. The grained rubber coating both on the handle and on the back in the area of the thumb provides additional support. The switch-on lever is located below the large program selector wheel, which can be reached by the thumb. Most keys can be operated with the right hand, but some also require the use of the left hand. Basically, the FZ1000 is a camera that needs to be held and operated with both hands, even if this works with one hand in an emergency. The zoom lever and shutter release are easily and precisely accessible for the right hand.

The knobs and wheels are all big enough and easy to operate, even if the high quality of the metal wheels is missing here as well. As known from the G-system cameras, the rear rotating wheel is not only rotatable, but can also be pressed, thus changing at least between two exposure parameters, depending on the program between aperture and exposure time or even the exposure correction. The ISO sensitivity, which is now an equivalent exposure parameter, is unfortunately not taken into account; another key must first be pressed for this. After all, Panasonic now also offers an ISO automatic in the manual program, so that you can set exposure time and aperture and have the exposure controlled by the sensitivity.

The operating concept of the FZ1000 includes five programmable Fn-buttons, some of which are even preassigned with appropriate labels. In the case of the Fn3 key, which calls the Quick menu, reprogramming is even less advisable, since the Quick menu can save you having to go to the main menu. But for calling the flash settings, one has to go to the main menu, for example, so it’s a good idea to put them on the Fn1 button, which is factory-set with the picture style setting that, in contrast to the flash setting, can also be reached via the quick menu. For the wireless flash settings (with internal flash as master) or the flash exposure correction, you still have to go to the main menu. Thus, the FZ1000 is not always permanently operable, unless one sacrifices even more Fn keys, for example for flash exposure correction.

On the back, the FZ1000 has a 7.5-centimeter screen with a resolution of 921,000 pixels. In view of the camera size, the monitor looks almost small in proportion. The screen can be rotated 180 degrees to the side and then 90 degrees up and 180 degrees front or 90 degrees down, so it can be viewed from virtually any angle, even in self-portraits. It’s a shame, though, that Panasonic didn’t install a touch screen, and this was probably also done without in favor of the price.

So the screen is rather a good standard food, but quite different is the high-resolution electronic viewfinder, which can be activated automatically by a proximity sensor if desired. It achieves 2.36 million pixels and has a high-contrast OLED panel, which also has very good drawing in the depths. The viewfinder magnification of 0.7 is almost equal to that of 35 mm full-frame cameras. It’s really fun to work with this viewfinder, especially since you can display an exposure preview, a 3D spirit level, a histogram, a highlight warning, and even the Zebra pattern familiar from the video world. In addition, the viewfinder magnifier can be adjusted in fine steps, focus peaking and, of course, the usual displays for exposure and shooting parameters as well as the white balance preview and one of several grid line patterns. All this can of course also be displayed on the monitor. The viewfinder thus offers numerous advantages and with a refresh rate of 60 fps it also works very fast.

On the handle side, the FZ1000 offers three interfaces that are covered by a common, very tight rubber plug. To release it requires strength, and you risk a broken fingernail. In addition to the USB interface, there is also a micro HDMI socket and a remote release connection. An external stereo microphone, on the other hand, is connected to the opposite side of the housing via a 3.5 mm jack socket, the plug there can be loosened perfectly. The memory card is inserted like the battery on the underside of the camera, and if the metal tripod thread were seated in the optical axis, this flap would remain accessible even when using the tripod. However, this is not the case, the NFC chip is located in the optical axis and the tripod thread is located directly next to the battery compartment. The lithium-ion battery is sufficient for 360 shots according to the CIPA measurement method and is charged in an external charging cradle, the SD memory card compartment also swallows SDHC and SDXC cards, whereby the SDXC speed class U3 is supported, which means that the camera supports cards with a minimum writing speed of 30 MByte per second. If you want to record 4K videos, you should choose at least one U3 card, as this will generate a data stream of 100 Mbit/s or 12.5 MByte/s respectively. But a fast memory card is also always worthwhile when shooting image series, especially in raw data format.

Equipment

As already mentioned, the FZ1000 has a large program selector wheel, which is also used properly. Three of the ten positions are reserved for the automatic transmissions. The Intelligent Auto (iA) adjusts the camera completely to the subject, with functions such as Face Detection, Scene Recognition, Intelligent ISO Auto with Motion Detection, etc. active to set the camera to the best possible setting. Only the flash must be opened manually if necessary. Unfortunately, the intelligent digital zoom is also active and can’t be switched off, so that you zoom into the range from 400 to 800 millimeters (35mm equivalent) faster than intended. This does not change if you activate iA+, which allows corrections of aperture or exposure time and image brightness. Panasonic has combined the pre-selectable motif programmes with a further selector wheel point, where a panorama mode can be found among other things. Another item on the wheel is dedicated to creative filters, where you can choose from 22 lavish effects. If you want, you can use your very powerful FZ1000 like an ordinary snapshot without having to deal with the technology.

However, it becomes interesting for ambitious users when they leave the pure automatic mode and can exert more influence on the image design in the program, aperture or aperture automatic mode as well as in the manual exposure mode. Thanks to the clickable control wheel on the back of the camera, the parameters can also be quickly adjusted with the thumb. A further dial on the left side of the case offers quick access to the shutter release mode, but with only five positions Panasonic was somewhat economical here. In addition to the interval function, the self-timer, the continuous shooting function and the continuous and single-frame modes, there would have been room for the HDR mode, for example, which is hidden in the menu. But let’s get back to the program selector wheel: This also offers two memory locations for individual camera settings and a position for accessing the full range of functions of the video function.

Although the FZ1000 records videos at any time via its own video trigger, which is easily accessible for the index finger behind the photo trigger, one does not see the cropping beforehand and the 4K resolution is also not available. Only if you turn the program selector wheel to the video mode, the full range of functions opens up. If the maximum resolution in AVCHD format is still Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), the option of recording in 4K resolution at 25 frames per second opens up after conversion to MP4. Even for photos of good quality, the 8 megapixel resolution single images of the videos are suitable. Even if you only want to present your video in full HD, there are some advantages with 4K, such as zooming or panning, without having zoomed or panned during the actual recording, or you use the high quality of the 4K videos down-calculated to full HD, which is not only reflected in the sharpness and resolution, but from 4:2:0 8 bits in 4K you can easily calculate 4:2:2 10 bits in 2K (full HD). During video recording, the exposure parameters can be changed, but it is recommended to use an external microphone, just like when zooming, otherwise operating and motor noises will land on the audio track. Zooming during video recording is actually a bit too fast. The autofocus works inaudibly and very quickly. The leveling of the sound is no problem either, the internal stereo microphone can even be zoomed in. The Zebra function and focus peaking are also very useful. Also not from bad parents is the high-speed video function with 100 frames per second at Full HD resolution, which allows smooth quad slow motion.

The continuous-advance function is also impressive, as according to the manufacturer it records 12 frames per second without AF tracking and 7 frames per second with AF tracking. However, the live image is no longer displayed on the screen or in the viewfinder, but always the last photo taken, which can be quite problematic with action motifs, as these threaten to run out of the picture. In fact, we could only measure a continuous shooting rate of 9.1 to 9.5 frames per second, but in JPEG the FZ1000 always keeps up this pace for five seconds, in Raw it’s over after 1.5 seconds. The bracketing function shoots three, five or seven images in a row with exposure distances from 1/3 to 1 EV, making it easy to get started with HDRs, for example.

While the image processing functions for JPEG are still limited, the Lumix offers a built-in converter for raw images, where for example exposure and white balance can be adjusted. The WLAN functionality, on the other hand, is very powerful. This unfolds when you install the free app on your Android or iOS device. The connection is established very easily via NFC or QR code, but those who wish can also enter the WLAN parameters manually. In addition to transmitting images and videos to the smart device, the camera can also be remote-controlled, including live image transmission. The Panasonic app is one of the most comprehensive in terms of configuring camera parameters.

Lens

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 has an impressive 16x zoom with a physical focal length of 9.12 to 146 millimetres. Due to the 1″ sensor with its screen diagonal of almost 15.9 millimetres (crop factor 2.7), this corresponds to a 35mm equivalent of 25 to 400 millimetres in the native 3:2 aspect ratio of the sensor, and that with an initial aperture of F2.8 to 4.0. Practically speaking, the camera not only displays the current 35mm equivalent zoom range on the screen, but also the currently set 35mm equivalent focal length. Depending on the aspect ratio, the focal length shifts in the direction of Tele, in video mode at 16:9 for example to 37 to 592 millimeters. Zoom is achieved electronically either by means of the zoom lever, which encloses the shutter release button, or by means of the electronic lens ring. Both controls support multiple speed levels, with the lens no longer able to follow particularly fast movements on the zoom ring, similar to the Sony RX10. Practically one can use beside the stepless zoom also one with given focal lengths, this function is alternatively put on the ring or the lever or both. This means that the zoom lever can be used, for example, to zoom continuously and the zoom ring can be used to zoom in fixed steps.

The large aperture can’t hold the lens for long, only F3.5 is available at 57 millimetres (KB), and from 170 millimetres the maximum aperture is F4.0. While the noise of the motor zoom and the crackling of the aperture can be heard quite quietly, the camera is able to release the shutter completely silently. Up to 1/4,000 second exposure time, you still have the choice of whether the shutter should work mechanically (quiet click) or electronically (inaudible), purely electronically, even 1/16,000 second short shutter speeds are possible.

The minimum focus distance of one meter with the zoom fully extended allows for proper magnifications at sufficient shooting distance to avoid larger insects from fleeing. Thanks to the 62 millimetre filter thread, close-up lenses can be used, which further improves macro capabilities. In addition, the FZ1000 offers a special macro mode with even higher magnification, but with wide-angle zoom. This leads not only to a visible curvature of the image field, but above all also to a shadow cast by the camera or the lens. By the way, Panasonic does not offer a teleconverter, for example. In view of the slight play of the extended tube and the large lever, a heavy teleconverter is not recommended anyway.

Panasonic promises a rapid autofocus even in the telephoto range, the FZ1000 should focus from infinity to two metres in the wide-angle range within 0.09 seconds, and within 0.17 seconds in the telescopic position. Normally, super zoom cameras in telescopic position are very sluggish and do not even come close to the fantasy values of the manufacturers, who only specify them for the fast wide angle as a precaution, often in the telephoto range, but this is different with the FZ1000. It is the first camera in which we were able to measure exactly the same pure focusing values in the test laboratory as the manufacturer had specified. In practice, a release delay of 0.04 seconds is added, also a very fast value. This masterpiece enables on the one hand the whisper-quiet linear drive, which allows a fast adjustment of the lenses despite the large zoom range, and on the other hand the Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology, which imitates a phase auto focus with the contrast autofocus method. When the focus position is current and slightly changed, measurements are taken and compared. Based on the values, the camera then knows, as with a phase autofocus, in which direction and how far the focus point has to be adjusted, so that only a short “pump” is required for fine focusing. In any case, the result is convincing in practice.