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Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500 4K Point and Shoot Camera, 20X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.5 Lens, 21.1 Megapixels, 1 Inch High Sensitivity Sensor, 422 10-bit, HDMI Out, DMC-FZ2500 (USA BLACK)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Name | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 19 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1-inch |
Image Stabilization | Digital, Optical (5-Axis) |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Metering Description | Center-Weighted Average, Multi, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Form Factor | Compact |
About this item
- The ideal hybrid camera choice for the advanced 4K video enthusiast and photography enthusiast alike
- Large 1-inch 20.1 Megapixel sensor and bright 20X LEICA VARIO-ELMART F2.8-4.5 lens
- 4K Ultra HD video recording plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus and internal Focus Stacking modes.Operating humidity:10%RH to 80%RH
- “CINELIKE D” and “CINELIKE V” for cinema-like gradation, time code, live HDMI output (4:2:2/8 bit or 4:2:2/10 bit), and lens ND filter controls
- Optional V-Log L upgradability for purchase, and an out of the box unlimited recording duration Weight:Approx. 915g / 2.02 lb (Body only)
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This Item Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500 4K Point and Shoot Camera, 20X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.5 Lens, 21.1 Megapixels, 1 Inch High Sensitivity Sensor, 422 10-bit, HDMI Out, DMC-FZ2500 (USA BLACK) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $847.99$847.99 | $697.99$697.99 | -7% $788.99$788.99 New Price: $847.99 | $739.95$739.95 | $547.99$547.99 | $399.00$399.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 29 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 29 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Zoom | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.3 | — | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Picture quality | 4.3 | 4.1 | — | — | 4.8 | 4.0 |
Auto focus | — | 4.5 | 4.0 | — | 4.5 | 3.4 |
Image stabilization | — | 4.2 | 4.5 | — | 4.7 | 4.6 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Minty Gadgets (we track serial numbers) | 6ave | Adorama | Amazon.com |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | OLED | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | — | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | Close-Up | Wide Angle | zoom | Zoom, Wide Angle | Zoom | Telephoto |
zoom type | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | — | Optical Zoom | Optical zoom | Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom |
shooting modes | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Manual, Shutter Priority, Sports | — | — | Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Panorama |
connectivity tech | HDMI D (Micro), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0) | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HDMI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Micro HDMI | HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi |
video resolution | 4K UHD 2160p | 2160p | 2160p | 2160p | 4K UHD 2160p | FHD 1080p, FHD 1080p |
What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
3:25
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Customer Review: Great do-it-all 4K Camera
W. N. Byers
Product Description
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500 offers a hybrid mix if photo and 4K video capture features that make up its backbone. The FZ2500 is built around a large 1-inch 20.1 Megapixel sensor and bright 20X LEICA VARIO-ELMART F2.8-4.5 lens. Video professional will enjoy features like “CINELIKE D” and “CINELIKE V” for cinema-like gradation, V-Log L upgradability, time code, live HDMI output (4:2:2/8 bit or 4:2:2/10 bit), lens ND filter controls, custom video GUI, and a system frequency selectable from 59.94 Hz (NTSC), 50.00 Hz (PAL), or 24.00 Hz (CINEMA). Combining all that with edit worthy MP4 (LPCM) and MOV, bit rates extended up to 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), and no recording duration limit, and it’s a video producer’s dream camera. Traditional photo enthusiast benefit from all this 4K video prowess because Panasonic’s 4K technology has changed photography for the better with new creative tools like 4K PHOTO, Focus Stacking, and Focus Stacking built-in.
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Multi area, Contrast Detection, sensor |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 1040 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 20.1 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 19 MP |
White balance settings | Auto, Incandescent, Daylight, Color Temperature, Cloudy, Shade, Flash torch |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Hotshoe |
Image Stabilization | Digital, Optical (5-Axis) |
Flash Modes Description | Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, First-Curtain Sync, Forced On, Forced On/Red-Eye Reduction, Off, Second-Curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
Supported Image Format | JPEG, RAW |
Video Capture Format | 4k |
Video Capture Resolution | 4K UHD 2160p |
Video Input Format | NTSC/PAL |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Video Output Interface | USB 2.0, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, 2.5mm audio |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
---|---|
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Model Name | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 |
---|---|
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Number | DMC-FZ2500 |
Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #120,109 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #744 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B01LX7JSPJ |
Number of Items | 1 |
Color | Black |
Guide Number | ISO Auto1.6 to 43.3' / 0.5 to 13.2 m (Wide)3.3 to 25.9' / 1 to 7.9 m (Telephoto) |
Included Components | Battery Charger, Lens Cap String, Battery Pack, Shoulder Strap, Lens Cap, Lens Hood, camera, Hot Shoe Cover, USB Cable |
Maximum Storage Temperature | 85 Degrees Celsius |
Lower Temperature Rating | 32 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Upper Temperature Rating | 70 Degrees Celsius |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.3 x 5.42 x 4.01 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 2.1 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | Close-Up |
---|---|
Aperture Modes | F2.8 |
Optical Zoom | 20 x |
Digital Zoom | 4 x |
Maximum Aperture | 2.8 f |
Minimum Aperture | 4.5 |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
Compatible Mountings | Micro Four Thirds |
Focus Type | Auto Focus |
Maximum Focal Length | 25.4 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 24 Millimeters |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 67 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 25600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 80 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Metering Description | Center-Weighted Average, Multi, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Battery Capacity | 7.92 Watt Hours |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Audio Input | Stereo |
Connectivity Technology | HDMI D (Micro), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0) |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 12 fps |
Controller Type | Remote |
Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi |
Flash Memory Type | SDXC |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Memory Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
Special Feature | Shockproof, Temperature Extremes, Waterproof, X-Ray Proof |
Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | Videography, Photography |
Digital Recording Time | Unlimited |
Microphone Form Factor | Built-In Microphone |
Supported Audio Format | AAC, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM |
Form Factor | Compact |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | No |
Operating Humidity | 10 to 80% |
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, zoom range, and image quality of the digital camera. For example, they say it's a great all-around camera, with an excellent lens and 20x powered zoom. Customers are also impresseded with the ease of use, versatility, and touchscreen. That said, opinions are mixed on focus and performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the camera. They mention that it takes great pictures, 4K video looks super good, and converts its ultra high definition into 8 mega-pixel stills. They also say that the camera is really nice and provides a good editable picture.
"...First of its kind? I think so. Yes, and the lens is very clear. Is it as clear as the Zeiss lens in the RX10IV? No it is not. But that is IMHO...." Read more
"...The picture quality with the FZ2500 is amazing! 4K video looks super good and best of all there is no time limit to shooting video!..." Read more
"...I feel that I get acceptable sharpness in those shots. Near the edge of the frame, not so much but I can tolerate that in casual shots...." Read more
"...Towards the high end of the optical zoom the images were just are not as crisp as one would expect for this price...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the camera. They say it has an excellent lens with a very useful zoom range, and is well-engineered. Customers also say it's a great bridge camera for video, a good all-around camera, and a worthwhile alternative for video. It has a nice camera app that connects through WiFi to their tablet, and there are a lot of improvements for stills.
"...It is, without a doubt, a great fixed lens prosumer video camera with one of the best zooms in the video world of camcorders and cameras under 2,000..." Read more
"...: I know this model is mostly about video, but there are a ton of improvements for stills too (my main thing)... What I like: 480 mm eqiv zoom is..." Read more
"This camera takes good video. That is not in dispute. The camera itself is modern, feels good in the hand and has an array of modern features...." Read more
"...The F2.8 lens is sharp for video (no comments on photos) and the fast tracking focus does a decent job...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the zoom range of the camera. They mention that the super zoom is great, and the stabilization works very well. The camera offers a 20x powered zoom capability, and it has a dolly zoom feature. The zoom is easy to use, and does not move, making it easy to maintain balance. The advanced 4K video capabilities and excellent image quality make the camera a great choice for those looking for a high-quality digital camera.
"...its ultra high definition into 8 mega-pixel stills, and it even has Dolly Zoom where the image stays still as the background can either zoom forward..." Read more
"...improvements for stills too (my main thing)... What I like: 480 mm eqiv zoom is amazing; dual rings on lens useful; neutral density switch..." Read more
"...The ability to take 4K video bursts and then select an image to save to a still is helpful in "sports" and "nature" movement..." Read more
"...The FZ2500 also has a higher max video resolution...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They mention that the touch screen makes it easier to manage the functions of the camera, and it is easy to reprogram. They also appreciate the highly intuitive menu system and the help text that scrolls across the top. Customers also say that the camera is easy in auto mode and has enough control to suit the most finicky of users. Overall, customers find the camera beautiful and a pleasure to use!
"Just got it so this is an early set of impressions. Easy to use in auto mode, and a ton of extras that take hours to learn...." Read more
"...In general, the touch screen makes it easier to manage the functions of the camera.I really like the integration of the function buttons...." Read more
"This is a remarkably full-featured camera. It is fun to shoot with. I like how balanced it feels in my hand...." Read more
"...Both cameras are beautiful and a pleasure to use...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera versatile with a full range of control and features. They also say it's easy to use and has lots of depth. Customers also mention it'd be great for travel and ideal for cruises.
"...Easy to use in auto mode, and a ton of extras that take hours to learn...." Read more
"...camera itself is modern, feels good in the hand and has an array of modern features. So what is the problem? It boils down to 1...." Read more
"...It can provide a great zoom, and has a ton of features to enhance your experience and photos." Read more
"...I love about this camera, is that it has so many creative and advanced features for a camera in its price range...." Read more
Customers find the touchscreen on the digital camera super to use, and appreciate the integration and programmability. They also say the fully articulating touch screen works well and is not a gimmick. The camera feels great in hand and has the same intuitive controls as ever.
"...on lens useful; neutral density switch (good for stills too); touch screen works well... not a gimmick, very useful...." Read more
"...Cell phone app to transfer pictures and to remotely control the phone is easy to use.CONS..." Read more
"...The touch screen is super to use and quite frankly I don't know why this wasn't added earlier as touching what you want to set is so much easier..." Read more
"...It also has a touch screen, headphone port, and focus bracketing which the FZ1000 does not have...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the focus of the digital camera. Some mention that it focuses very quickly as expected, has excellent autofocus, and has slow motion capability. They also appreciate the many focusing modes and the touch screen, which makes it convenient for adjusting the focus point. However, some customers have reported real focusing issues under multiple conditions, including video, and are unhappy with the soft focus.
"...Well, if you are looking for a great slow, smooth, best zooming bridge video camera, stop here, you do not have to look any farther than the..." Read more
"...There are many focusing modes; some sound great but don't work well, such as the mode that will follow a moving subject..." Read more
"...So what is the problem? It boils down to 1. Auto focus is dismal and 2. The lens is of inferior specs which makes it largely unusable for indoors...." Read more
"...Focusing manually does not help much, if at all, since the autofocus is quite excellent...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the digital camera. Some mention that the ISO performance is good and delivers a very usable and bright image, while others say that it does not do a good job on the focus stacking feature and is useless in 99% of indoor spaces.
"...density switch (good for stills too); touch screen works well... not a gimmick, very useful...." Read more
"...There are many focusing modes; some sound great but don't work well, such as the mode that will follow a moving subject..." Read more
"...The photo quality from the Sony simply shames the Panasonic. No fuss nor muss, just a sharp, vibrant shot almost every time...." Read more
"...It boils down to 1. Auto focus is dismal and 2. The lens is of inferior specs which makes it largely unusable for indoors...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Once the camera is turned on the outer lens is fixed, no movement, only the inner lenses zoom in and out!
It is, without a doubt, a great fixed lens prosumer video camera with one of the best zooms in the video world of camcorders and cameras under 2,000 dollars.
The zoom video part is actually better than the RX10IV Sony IMHO, which is saying a lot!
How many times have you used these bridge cameras and said to yourself, "If I could just slow the darned zoom down, I would not have to jerk the zoom along, If I had not jerked the zoom, it would have looked like a professional video!"
Well, if you are looking for a great slow, smooth, best zooming bridge video camera, stop here, you do not have to look any farther than the Panasonic FZ2500.
It has time lapse, built in filters, and it converts its ultra high definition into 8 mega-pixel stills, and it even has Dolly Zoom where the image stays still as the background can either zoom forward or backward behind the person or object. This all done by the computer inside the camera! First of its kind? I think so. Yes, and the lens is very clear. Is it as clear as the Zeiss lens in the RX10IV? No it is not. But that is IMHO. I looked at one camera each; side by side. Did I buy two dozen cameras each and check each one out? No, I did not.
The FZ2500 has been biased against from the start, from what I read from normal consumer reviews mainly from Amazon and a few from B&H that made me wonder if that old axiom a rolling stone gathers no moss is true. Once that bias gets rolling it is hard to stop and even the professional reviewers who are hard pressed to keep silent on a story that has blossomed and has gained momentum. There is a fear of some reviewers about feeling excluded and being left behind from new news. You have to be quick in the camera new news business because a new camera can become an old camera very, very quick. Reviewers can be left behind, but the Panasonic FZ2500 was about a camera that very well could have ended up being fake news. I know at least two professional reviewers that are regarded at the top of their camera professions, added on to their reviews, later, saying there could be a quality control problem with the Panasonic Leica lens being too soft.
Bottom line. Where there is smoke there is fire. There is that slight chance that there is a quality control problem in the Panasonic factories that make the Panasonic FZ2500, but I doubt it. The reason I doubt it is because the same factories make the FZ200 and the FZ1000 cameras that have very few problems that I can remember reading in the consumer reviews. I own both of those cameras and love each one and feel they are very well built and very well made and have very clear Leica lenses. I can see no differences between the FZ1000 and the FZ2500 camera lens.
Does the RX10IV Sony have time lapse, neutral density filters with built-in control buttons on the camera, and convert its ultra high definition 4k video into frame by frame 8 mega-pixel stills.? Does it have Dolly Zoom? Does it have a fully articulated LCD Screen? No it does not have any of those above options, but I wish it did.
Do you know a camera that does. Yes. I sure do, that would be the Panasonic FZ2500! If you are looking for a prosumer camcorder that weighs heavy on the video part and does a very good side job for stills, look no further. The Panasonic is my pick!
There is a story of Jim Bridger the mountain man sitting around the campfire with other trappers telling this story about wolves that were closing in on him as he ran faster and faster. The wolves gained on him every time his feet hit the ground. What was worse, he said, "there were no trees anywhere," and he was fast running out of wind.
He paused, leaving his spell bound listeners in limbo.
He waited a few more seconds until one of the tenderfoot trappers could not take the silence anymore and bit. He said, "My good man, what did you do? What on earth did you do"?
Jim paused a little longer to gain a little more effect.
Then he said,
"I clumb a tree."
The tenderfoot trapper looked at him in disbelief and said, "Climbed a tree? You just got through saying that there wasn't any trees. Anywhere."
Jim, again paused, took a long draw off his pipe and said,
"There had to be a tree!"
Of course the men around the campfire, howled and burst out laughing. Jim was known for his yard long tales. This story was told by mother's side (Wilson side) of my family.
Jim Bridger was a big imagination mountain man. He told that there was one place out in the West that he came across and he hollered an echo that, later, came back to him six hours later. Six hours before it was time to get up in the morning he would holler,"Time to get up" then six hours later his echoed voice would say, "Time to get up," and this was the way he got up in the morning while he was there. (Wikipedia)
(Think of the speed of sound at 700 miles an hour, and then ask yourself if Jim even had a watch at the time?) Through his wanderings it was later found that he was one of the first white men, if not the first white man, to discover Old Faithful and the, steaming, boiling, unworldly climate of Yellowstone National Park that he often described, but because of his windy tales He never was taken seriously. Years later others followed in his footsteps and described, exactly, what Bridger saw.
The wolf tale is, probably, the closest that Bridger ever came to talking religion. He just didn't know it!
I think this could be this same scenario with the soft lens stories on the FZ 2500. Consumer reviewers wrote in about a possible soft lens that grew into a big story the more it was told. A little lightening in a little cloud turned into a tornado with fire and brimstone.
Judge Judy (on the Judge Judy court TV show) said about some of the false statements made by some of her defendants that it was a "whole lot of who shot John."
She said, "Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining!"
You say, "
"Where there is smoke there is fire."
I say, "Maybe,
but I have the Panasonic FZ200, the FZ1000, and had the FZ2500 for two weeks. All 3 lenses were clear as bells, not as good as Zeiss lenses on the RX10IV Sony, but very good clear lens. All three Panasonic cameras were made in the same factory as far as I can tell.
That's 3 to 0 for me!
I saw no softness in the lens on the Panasonic FZ 2500, but I will admit that I hesitated a bit before I wrote it down and reviewed the camera once again, before writing this down.
All right, which one did I send back... I sent the Panasonic back. But why? Because the RX10IV was the best well rounded camera that I have ever picked up. And Yes, the Zeiss lens was great. It was the clear Zeiss lens, the long 600mm opitcal zoom, 2400mm digital zoom, and the fast speed of the processor that made me take the RX10IV! The 2400mm digital zoom is not that bad in bright light!.
The digital zoom from 600mm to 1200mm Sony calls Clear Digital Zoom, and Sony says it is hard to tell the difference between it and an optical zoom. I was hard pressed to tell any pixel smearing under 900mm and more, but from 900mm to 1200 you will just have to try one out and see for yourself. I do not want to appear as an idiot and undermine my entire review. I just do not want to appear as gushing! I was amazed to say the least!
There are 10 or 12 Canon 1200mm lenses out in the market place that Canon made many years ago. Every once in a while you will see them on e-bay for sale at 50 or 60 thousand dollars. They are a non-zoom lens, and they are about a yard long and the picture I saw looked as if you could make a good dinosaur club out of one of them. I can not imagine the weight of one of those monsters. I think National Geographic has a couple of them. I would love to see compared pictures shot through one of these Canon 1200mm lenses against a RX10IV zoomed out to 1200mm, and while we are comparing them, yes, let us go all the way, get stupid, and put the 1200mm Canon lens on a 2017 full sensor Canon camera to make it really interesting. I am not going to make anymore stupid comments so I will leave it at that.
However, pull out your wallet and shake out those musty, rusty, and crusty, hundred dollar bills that you have been saving back for a rainy day and that have mildew on them and kiss them good-bye because you're going to need them and then some, to buy this sweet little RX10IV Sony camera; around seventeen hundred smackers and before you know it, within a blink of a cow's eye, memory cards, batteries, and such will add up to 2,000 dollars or more real quick! Is it worth it?
Yes it is, for the best all around camera in the world.
Did you notice, I accidentally left out the word "bridge?
I already have the Panasonic FZ 1000 that does the 4-k with the mega-pixel stills. Now, would I have chosen the Sony if I did not have the FZ 1000? I probably would have, but I am not that sure.
If someone is looking for a good long zoom 20X camera leaning heavily on the video side, and wants to spend $700 less than the Sony Mark Four, I would say, "Take the FZ2500, and your saved 700 dollars, and run.
*Note: Camera Decision Review gave the Panasonic FZ 2500 three more points than the Sony RX10IV making it their NO. 1 fixed lens, large sensor, super zoom, point and shoot camera! DP Review gave the RX10IV its Gold Award and gave the Panasonic FZ 2500 its Silver Award; in their reviews of the fixed lens,large sensor super zoom camera picks. The Sony beat it by only three points!
* 1-28-2018 The Panasonic FZ1000 is suppose to have the same lens glass and the 1" sensor as the FZ2500. I just got through taking a picture of a license plate No. at 150 yards away with my FZ1000, then I took the same picture with my RX10IV, the Sony had the much clearer picture by far. I did not notice this until now. I guess I will have to start eating crow about now. However, the FZ1000 has only 16x compared to the 25x Sony.
Happy shooting, Rick
PROS
Highly intuitive menu system, and usually a help text will scroll across the top of the screen to further clarify what the function does.
In general, the touch screen makes it easier to manage the functions of the camera.
I really like the integration of the function buttons. Easy to reach, easy to use, easy to reprogram.
The info included in the display is excellent, it really helped me to know what choices the camera and I were making.
Zoom reach is good.
Flash does a good job, and it's easy to control the intensity of the flash.
The ability to take 4K video bursts and then select an image to save to a still is helpful in "sports" and "nature" movement shots.
Very light.
Cell phone app to transfer pictures and to remotely control the phone is easy to use.
CONS
The light gathering properties of this lens are not so great. I kept having to manually raise my ISO to be able to shoot at a fast shutter speed even when it was sunny outside.
Towards the high end of the optical zoom the images were just are not as crisp as one would expect for this price.
There are many focusing modes; some sound great but don't work well, such as the mode that will follow a moving subject (anything that crosses between you and the subject steals the focus point away -- even smoke in front of a solid object). I really struggled with focusing this camera when zoomed in and finally reverted to manual focus.
When using the electronic viewfinder, as I held my face to the camera my cheek or nose brushing across the touch screen would change my settings.
When some menu settings are enabled they cancel others out. For example: if you forget that you've turned on macro mode, you will not understand why the zoom will not go advance beyond optical zoom to advanced digital zoom; if you turn on silent shooting mode, you can't use the flash. As good as the menu system is, there is no function by which you can review a summary of just the settings you've changed, or identify conflicts in features -- you have to figure it out on your own, or search the Internet for advice from the owners of the DMC-FZ1000 who have been using the older version of this camera for a few years.
Battery life was so-so. In bright light or with a fast moving subject I still prefer the viewfinder, and that chews up battery. Reviewing pictures chews battery power, too. I always went through two batteries per day. ALSO, when the battery goes dead, it is very sudden. It goes from 3 full bars to red and empty in a span of less than 10 shots -- I learned the hard way that one must always have a spare battery for this camera and am still lamenting the shots I could not take on the day this happened to me.