Panasonic fz1000

The announcement for the Panasonic FZ1000 happened at midnight last night but it’s been bouncing around the rumor mill for a few weeks now. The Fz1000 looks like it’s designed to compete directly with the Sony RX10. Both cameras are crossover “all in one” super zoom hybrids and both cameras share the same sensor. Where the Panasonic FZ1000 moves things forward is in it’s very impressive zoom range (25-400mm f/2.8-4 35mm Equivalent) , it’s ability to record 4k internally just like it’s bigger brother the GH4, and, of course the price.

At an MSRP of $897, the Panasonic FZ1000 is $400 less than the Sony RX10 and it brings many of the features from the GH4 to the table. With a very attractive EVF, flip out screen, and most of the key video features like focus peaking, (UHD) 4k recording, clean hdmi out, and zebras, the FZ1000 looks like a pretty attractive camera for the price.

Panasonic fz1000 -2

Here’s a quick look at the specs.

  • 20.1 megapixel 1″-type MOS sensor
  • 25-400mm equiv. F2.8-4 Leica lens
  • 5-axis ‘Power OIS’ stabilization
  • XGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots
  • 3-inch fully-articulated LCD with 920K dots
  • 4K (3840×2160) video at 30p, 100Mbps MP4
  • 1080p at up to 60p, 28Mbps (MP4 or AVCHD)
  • 120fps quarter-speed 1080p
  • 3.5mm microphone socket
  • Clean HDMI output
  • Zebra pattern and focus peaking
  • Wi-Fi with NFC

Where I’m a little skeptical on the FZ1000 is the 1″ sensor. I understand that Panasonic is using the same sensor as the Sony RX10, but it would have been great if they could have lowered the MP count and increase the low light performance. Also shooting on a 1 inch sensor is a far different experience in terms of DOF when compared to APS-C or even an M4/3 body. At the same time $897 is a really good price for something that records 4k. As a video camera it’s nearest 4k capable competitor the Sony AX100, is more than twice that price and as a stills camera the Sony RX10 is a $400 price jump. Hopefully a camera like this will put some pressure on other manufactures to start including 4k as a standard feature. Canon are you listening?

Even with the shortcomings of a 1 inch sensor, the Panasonic FZ1000 is going to make a very attractive option for those looking for an all in one device. I’m sure it’ll sell out fast. You can get on the preorder list at B&H or on Amazon, like the GH4 I think the FZ1000 will probably see a price jump once the initial stock runs out.

Tags: , , ,