Panasonic has released what looks to be a "bridge" camera between point and shoot and "complex, bulky DSLRs" called the DMC-FZ 1000. The fixed-lens 25-400mm f/2.8-4 on a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor performs up to ISO 25600 and 50 fps continuous shooting, and features 4K shooting at 30 fps, 1080 at 120 fps, 720 at 240fps and 480 at 360 fps all for under $900.
The new camera could prove to be quite popular with a wide range of shooters, offering 4K in such a small package. Some notable features:
20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
The large 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor enables high-resolution still image and 4K video recording with native sensitivity to ISO 12800, which can be further expanded to ISO 25600. The sensor and processor combination also avail notable speed throughout the camera, including the ability to record up to 50 fps using an electronic shutter, 12 fps with a mechanical shutter, or 7 fps with a mechanical shutter and continuous AF.Benefitting a hybrid workflow, users can switch between recording 4K movies and still imagery instantly and there is also the ability to make in-camera 8MP screen grabs from 4K movies.
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 16x Zoom Lens
Benefitting the image capabilities of the FZ1000, an expansive 16x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is built-in, and provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25-400mm with a maximum f/2.8-4 maximum aperture. The optical design comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, which includes five aspherical elements with eight aspherical surfaces and four extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range. To further extend the effective range of the zoom lens, both Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) and Intelligent Zoom technologies work to increase the reach with minimal image degradation.Helping to maintain steady handling with the long zoom lens when recording full HD and HD movies, HYBRID O.I.S. image stabilization is available and minimizes the appearance of camera shake. This image stabilization system compensates for camera movement across five different axes-horizontal, vertical, axis of rotation, vertical rotation, and horizontal rotation-to benefit handheld recording. Additionally, a Level Shot Function works to detect an image's horizon line and maintain it even if the camera is tilted.
4K QFHD Video Recording
Benefitting from the 1" MOS image sensor, The FZ1000 is able to record 4K QFHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30p with a high bit rate of 100Mbps in the MP4 file format. Full HD 1080 video can also be recorded-at 60p, 30p, 24p, or 60i-in the AVCHD format, as well as full HD, HD, and SD formats in the MP4 format. Additionally, high speed video recording is possible at 1080p, 720p, and 480p with sensor output frame rates of 120 fps, 240 fps, and 360 fps, respectively. When recording 4K video, use of a UHS-3 memory card is recommended and continuous recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds is possible.A built-in stereo zoom microphone records audio in either AAC or Dolby formats and a zoom noise reduction system, as well as an Auto Wind Cut function, helps to reduce background and internal camera noise during recording. Furthermore, a 3.5mm microphone input is available for utilizing an optional external mic to garner even high quality, more controlled sound.
Light Speed AF with LUMIX DFD Technology
Incorporated within the Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is a linear AF motor, which works to achieve fast and precise focusing performance utilizing LUMIX DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology. This high speed focusing system shortens overall focusing time by comparing two images with different sharpness levels and then determines accurate subject distance information. At the wide end of the zoom range, AF times up to 0.09 sec. are possible and at the telephoto end, an AF time of 0.17 sec. is achieved.When using autofocus, both Face and Eye Detection functions can be used to base focus on recognized aspects of a subject, and general subject Tracking AF can also be used to maintain sharpness on moving subjects. Furthermore, 49-area focus, with flexible and scalable single area settings, and Pinpoint AF can also to determine focus across the image. When working with manual focus, Focus Peaking is available to more objectively determine critical focus by highlighting sharp edges of contrast.
Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables seamless transferring of imagery from the FZ1000 to smartphones and tablets through the use of the Panasonic Image App, which also permits direct sharing to social media sites. Connection between devices is possible using a QR code system or through the use of NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows compatible devices to tap to connect. Linked mobile devices can also be used to geotag imagery in-camera, for plotting to interactive maps, and to remotely monitor and control the camera's zoom, focus, and shutter release from a distance.
The camera is available to pre-order for $898 and is expected to ship by the end of July.
25 - 400 wow,, but isn't that glass a little small in diameter to be f4 at 400mm? Or am I just missing something? ( i am in no way versed on lens sizing etc. but every f4 I have seen over 200mm is rather larger than this lens looks)
It's 400 equivilant(full frame), not an actually 400
It's the only weak link in the camera. A superzoom design will always compromise image quality. Although you'll typically see it mostly at the long end, it will affect the short end as well. Would've preferred a shorter zoom range and more optimal image quality. Still a nice package tho.
It's f4 at the long end + it's for a 1" sensor
A 1" sensor has about a 2.7 crop factor compared to a full frame standard. So this lens is similar to a 68-1080mm f/7.6-f/11
As Terry said below the focal length is a Full Frame equivalent. However, they did not change the f-number to a full frame equivalent. This is the same as a 25-400mm f/7.6-f/11 full frame lens. Hence, how they get away with such a small diameter lens. A bit of false advertising.
4K video sample...seems interesting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm3ULX-v04A
There seems to be a lot of compression in the foliage? Hope they put something on vimeo to view the original file from camera
It's all locked off tho. I wonder what rolling shutter will do to hand-held 4k shooting.
120 fps 1080P, 240 fps 720P, and 360 fps 480P too. Nice little package.
The sensor and processor combination also avail notable speed throughout the camera, including the ability to record up to 50 fps using an electronic shutter, 12 fps with a mechanical shutter, or 7 fps with a mechanical shutter and continuous AF. http://0rz.tw/9BIIY
I wonder if this A) can handle UHS-II cards and if B) has a USB 3.0 port. I'm surprised that most new cameras still have USB 2.0 ports.
Uncompressed HDMI?
Interesting camera, not a huge fan of fixed lens cameras, but they do simplify things. Not sure when I would use this but maybe this will fill a gap between consumer dslr and point&shoot. Would be very interesting if it came in full-frame!
Is it true that the slow motion function is only 30p? I wanted to buy this one after all the specs were shown , specially for its video capabilities, that 2.8 lens and that sweet slow motion, but if its only offering it in 30p I may have to pass.
24p/1080 only (noooo!!!) We've had 24/1080 since 2006! lol. They won't answer if un-compressed out. Sad, I really wanted this camera. Also I wont be getting a gh4 either. Will be watching for firmware upgrades on this to see if they fix the 24p problem. 30P? Never use it for anything. Time to go all in with Sony. Come on Lumix. 24P/4K dummies.