Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II: review of the bridge camera
Nice and handy like a full-fledged SLR or system camera, but with a fixed zoom: the bridge cameras of the FZ series are aimed at more demanding photographers and filmmakers who can do without changing the lens. The latest model from Panasonic is the Lumix FZ1000 II. The test by COMPUTER BILD reveals what the camera can do.
Really big viewfinder
The most striking difference to the predecessor Panasonic Lumix FZ1000: The viewfinder of the FZ1000 II shows a larger image. With a viewfinder magnification of 0.74x, it is just as large as the top model Panasonic Lumix FZ2000, which took first place in the best list in the test. In addition, Panasonic has better placed the sensor, which automatically switches to the viewfinder when the photographer takes the camera to his eye. He’s now sitting over the viewfinder. This prevents unwanted switching from the display to the viewfinder when operating the camera via the built-in touchscreen. The display has a slightly higher resolution (1.24 instead of 0.92 megapixels).
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Top image quality thanks to the 1-inch sensor
The Lumix FZ1000 II again has an image sensor in 1-inch format (sensor 8.8×13.2 millimeters) – this is around four times larger than that of cheaper compact cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix TZ96. This ensures a significantly better image quality. The sensor of the FZ1000 II comes with the same resolution as its predecessor (20 megapixels), but has revised electronics. The image quality is top, but the difference to the FZ1000 is quite small. Only flash shots look clearly better with the successor. When it comes to bridge cameras, the Lumix FZ1000 II is one of the absolute best, even its bigger sister, the FZ2000, is just a tad better.
With a viewfinder magnification of 0.74x, the viewfinder is slightly larger than that of its predecessor. Second practical improvement: The sensor for switching to the viewfinder is now on top. This prevents accidental switching when the photographer operates the camera via the display.
Great camcorder replacement
In 2014, the Lumix FZ1000 was one of the first compact cameras that also filmed in 4K (3840×2160 pixels). The successor can do that too. The 4K photo function is new, similar to that of the Lumix TZ96. The FZ1000 II series records at 30 frames per second with a slightly reduced resolution of 8 megapixels. For example, the point on which the camera should focus can be subsequently determined with the “Post Focus” function. Another 4K photo effect is the “Stromotion” function, in which an image from several shots is displayed in a stroboscopic manner. Those who prefer to shoot videos in 4K will get great shots: sharp, bright and beautifully detailed. Only the white balance takes a little longer to adjust the color reproduction correctly when the light changes quickly.
Example photos Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II
Very high speed
The Lumix FZ1000 II needs a good second to switch on, after which it reacts really quickly: After only 0.10 seconds, it had focused and released, regardless of whether it was in daylight or in a somewhat dim environment. It also works really well with series: It manages a good 12 frames per second and even adjusts the sharpness. The continuous autofocus is not quite as precise as that of top professional cameras such as the Nikon D5 or Sony Alpha 9, but it has a high hit rate (see photo gallery). The only disadvantage in the serial picture mode: the zoom function is paralyzed during a serial picture recording, the focal length cannot be changed – zooming only works before and after.
The fast zoom takes up a lot of space. The larger housing required for this also offers a large handle and many buttons and dials that make operation easier.
Battery lasts long
An advantage of the revised electronics – they consume less power. This is especially noticeable to those who take a lot of photos: If you constantly shoot picture after picture, you get over 3,900 photos from one battery charge. With the predecessor, it was over after just under 500. Only photographers who like to film a lot need a second battery. The battery can be charged in the camera via a USB cable. However, Panasonic also includes a charging cradle, which means that the battery can also be recharged outside of the device if desired. Practical for second batteries.
High picture quality
Responsive autofocus
Test conclusion Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II
the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II (Test score 2.0) is a chunk that packs a punch: the superzoom camera reacts at lightning speed and its 16x zoom also fills the frame with distant subjects. The comparatively large 1-inch sensor delivers really good photos and videos, and the viewfinder is nice and big and bright.
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