Panasonic has just announced two new 4K capable cameras – a new bridge-style Panasonic FZ1000 II super-zoom and a pocket-able, travel-size friendly Lumix TZ95 (which will be sold under the Lumix ZS80 model name for the North American market, TZ95 for the rest of us). Some of you may be familiar with the original Panasonic or Lumix FZ1000, which was announced way back in 2014, and the successor model does not stray too much from the OG camera.
The Panasonic FZ1000 II features a 20 megapixel 1-inch High Sensitivity CMOS sensor, which sports a high signal to noise ratio for cleaner images in low light situations, which may be an improvement over the predecessor, despite what appears to be the same sensor as before. Regardless, the FZ1000 II has a fixed 16x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with a 25-400mm zoom range and a (FF) equivalent aperture of f2.8-4.0 for smashing bokeh and pleasing backgrounds.
Of course, the Lumix FZ1000 II shoots 4K at 30fps (3840 x 2160 at 30/25/23.98fps), however don’t expect 10bit or any other advanced LOG style shooting here; this is a much more simplified camera given its target market and sub-$1,000 price point. The camera’s Photo Styles include the newly added L.Monochrome D mode for enhanced monochrome images featured in other Lumix models.
The lens appears to be the same as on the original FZ1000. From browsing through the spec sheet, I am not seeing major upgrades on the internals in the FZ1000 II, but mostly cosmetic and minor updates, which may or may not be of great value to those enthusiasts out there looking for a one stop-shop solution for their photography needs.
There is a newly added Zoom Compose Assist features, which helps you not lose your subject when it suddenly leaves the frame. The Lumix FZ1000 II also features 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer) to compensate for handshake to and give you more blur-free images at every focal length.
FZ1000 II has an improved quick start-up time and features a fast autofocus of approximately 0.09 seconds, with a burst rate of 12fps (AFS), plus a high-speed (electronic) shutter sporting 1/16000 seconds. LUMIX’s famous 4K Photo capabilities also makes an appearance. Fleeting moments can be captured at a stunning 30 frames per second, giving you the option to choose the best frame later. A newly added Auto Marking feature helps you to find the right shot quickly and easily.
Other exciting 4K Photo functions include Post Focus, Focus Stacking and the ability to combine multiple images for a fun “stromotion” effect. The FZ1000 II is also equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (4.2) and Wi-Fi connectivity (IEEE802.11b/g/n).
The flip-out screen is a nice touch, while a high-speed and high-precision 0.39-inch OLED Live View Finder with 2,360k-dot resolution and 0.74x magnification makes focusing and framing much easier. The rear 3.0-inch, 1,250k-dot articulating LCD includes touch-control and can rotate 180 degrees to the side and 270 degrees up and down for low-angle shots, selfies or vlogging applications. USB-C charging via external power banks is also possible.
Panasonic FZ1000 II Features
- 20.1 Megapixel 1-inch CMOS Sensor
- Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 16x Zoom 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0
- 4K UHD at 30/25/23.98 fps // 1080p up to 120fps
- 5-axis IBIS (Hybrid O.I.S.)
- 2.36m-Dot OLED Live View Finder
- 3.0-inch Fully Articulating LCD Monitor
- ISO 125-12800, up to 12-fps continuous
- 4K Photo Modes and Sequence Composition
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Price: $899 USD / £770 UK
- Available: March 2019
The Panasonic FZ1000 II is going on sale in North America for $899 USD (pre-order at B&H), or around £770 in the UK.
If you are looking for something really pocket-sized, then the new Lumix ZS80/TZ95 may be worth a look.
The Lumix ZS80/TZ95 features a 20.3MP 1/2.3″ High Sensitivity MOS sensor (much smaller than the 1-inch of the FZ1000 II), which despite its size boasts rich image quality with reduced noise and high sensitivity to an expanded ISO 6400. Continuous shooting up to 10 fps in single-shot AF mode, 5 fps with continuous AF, or 30 fps at 8MP in the 4K Photo modes are also possible.
The camera can record in 4K UHD up to 30fps and is also equipped with a 30x Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom with an impressive 24-720mm equivalent focal length range along with a maximum aperture range of f/3.3-6.4. The lens construction also incorporates aspherical elements to minimize spherical aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom range for increased image clarity and sharpness.
The TZ95/ZS80 benefits from the 5-axis POWER Optical Image Stabilizer and a nice 2.33m-dot electronic viewfinder aided by a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth come standard so you can share images or remotely control the camera from a smartphone or a tablet.
The Lumix ZS80 is available in Silver or Black and can be pre-ordered for $448 from authorised dealers such as B&H.
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