Rather splendid, a review of the Panasonic FZ1000 camera

The Panasonic FZ1000 is one of the best all round cameras I have ever owned (and this includes far more expensive models). As the old adage goes, it's not the name on the tool that matters so much as whether or not it does what you want, and the versatility of the Panasonic is it's greatest strength.

Although this blog isn't a review site (anyone reading it can testify to that), I've decided that occasionally I will write about equipment I've used (or use) if I believe in it’s worth, and think others might be interested in reading about my experience with the camera in question. Without any doubt the FZ1000 fits into both those categories. I should add that this won't be a review in the normal sense, and those who might want details and tests will need to look elsewhere (I'll add some recommended links at the end), but what I hope it provides is an honest assessment by someone who loves photography. The photographs in the article will be my own, taken with the camera itself.

So, what's there to like?

In short lots, but for me there are two main aspects that make this camera stand out: the lens and the quality of the sensor.

The Lens

The lens is impressive, a Leica badged zoom lens with an ‘equivalent’ range of 25-400mm (equivalent that is to a 35mm camera) that allows both a respectable wide angle and an extremely useful telephoto end that still produces good results.

The Sensor

As good as the lens is on the Panasonic, on it’s own it wouldn't be enough, and this is where the 1” sensor makes the difference, perhaps more than you would think. The sensor, considerably bigger than is normal for cameras such as this, really makes a difference, not only in overall quality, but also in resolution that the 20 megapixels provide.

Other advantages

The Electronic View Finder (EVF)

I know that many prefer an optical view finder, I do myself (but suspect this will change at some point), but considering it is an EVF, the one in the camera is excellent. It is very clear, there is very little lag when moving the camera and, if you like video at all, the EVF allows you to record directly through the viewfinder making it easier to stabilise the camera. As mentioned before on this blog, an EVF is also great for previewing what the image will look like (for example in Black and White) and also allows you to compose in the square, one of my favourite formats.

Things to consider

• Only one lens. As is often the case, strengths might also be considered weaknesses. Although there is a macro facility on the camera, those wanted a specialist lens or those outside the range of the Panasonic should look elsewhere.

• Battery life. In my general use I felt the battery life went down quite a lot (if you want to use this camera I would always recommend buying a spare).
• Not completely weather proof.
• Image quality. As good as the camera is, it can’t beat the image quality that can be achieved from cameras with larger sensors (particularly full frame). This is something for any potential owner to consider to consider for themselves, just how important is this, and how does it stack up against the versatility that the FZ1000 offers.

Summary

As I mentioned earlier, this is one of the best cameras I have used. Not because it’s the best in every respect, far from it, but because it seems to get close enough in nearly everything to help me get the images I want. As good as the FZ1000 is, I did eventually sell it in order to help fund a full-framed camera with interchangeable lenses, something that I currently need. Happily, the Panasonic was bought by a gentleman moving the other way, that is, selling his larger camera and separate lenses. He tells me he is delighted with his purchase. I would certainly recommend it for consideration.

Further resources (if appropriate)

• DP Review post
• This camera is often considered together with the Sony RX10, for a comparison of the two you might want to go here.

Please   email me should you have a comment or query relating to this post.

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