Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II Review

Panasonic FZ1000 II
92%
Overall Rating
Based on 5 expert reviews



The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II might not be the most talked about camera on the market, but it is one of the best superzoom "bridge" cameras available. If you want an all-in-one imaging solution instead of a pricey DSLR or mirrorless camera and a whole bunch of expensive lenses to carry around, the FZ1000 is the way to go. With an excellent Leica-branded 16x optical zoom lens that's equivalent to a 25-400mm range, effective 5-axis optical image stabilization for keeping those long shots sharp, and a decent 1-inch image sensor, plus the ability to shoot 4K video, the FZ1000 II offers the full package. Yes, there are superzoom cameras out there with longer zooms and all-in-one models with better image quality, but this Lumix is the best do-everything model you can buy, reviewers agreed. It's not cheap though and doesn't offer any huge upgrades over its predecessor, but most of the criticisms of the FZ1000 II are relatively minor quibbles. This superzoomer is a super choice.

PROS & CONS
Pros
+ Excellent Leica-branded 16x (25-400mm equivalent) optical zoom lens
+ Solid image quality from 1-inch sensor
+ Effective image stabilization
+ Helpful tilting & side-swiveling 3-inch rear touchscreen
+ Large, clear electronic viewfinder
+ Fast 12 frames per second burst mode
+ Good 4K video with mic input
Cons
+ Only slight upgrades over previous model
+ No weather or dust protection
+ Large camera
+ Fairly expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Full Model Name
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II
Camera Type
Superzoom Camera
Resolution
20.1MP
Sensor Size
1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
Kit Lens
Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 16x optical (25-400mm equivalent) F2.8-F4 built-in superzoom lens
Frame Rate
12 frames per second
Video
4K
Stabilization
5-Axis Hybrid O. I. S. (Optical image Stabilizer. I. S. )
ISO Range
125-12,800 (native); 80-25,600 (extended)
Viewfinder
2,360k-dot OLED Live View EVF
Built-in Flash
Yes, pop-up flash
Rear Screen
3-Inch (1, 240k-dot) touch control Display rotates 180 degrees to the side and tilts 270 degrees up and down
Card Slots
Single SD slot (UHS-I)
Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Dimensions
5.4 x 3.8 x 5.2 inches
Weight
28.5 ounces
Price
$897.97
Top Reviews
90

"The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II bridge camera keeps the same excellent lens and sensor as its predecessor. It's an excellent performer, but we wish it had some level of weather protection." - PCMag, read the full review here.

93

"Overall, although the Lumix FZ1000 II may not mark a hugely exciting new entry into Panasonic’s line-up, it’s a great choice for those looking for flexibility and high image quality and comes recommended, particularly for traveling photographers." - Photography Blog, read the full review here.

92

"There’s a lot to like about the FZ1000 II. It has a large 1-inch sensor, great options for video and nice image quality. And its price tag is cheaper than a lot of the competition." - Camera Jabber, read the full review here.

91

"Although the Mark II is a relatively soft update to the superzoom original, it gets a lot right: there's a big and versatile zoom, good quality images and flexibility from both screen and electronic viewfinder. It's less premium than its Sony competitor, but it is also more affordable." - Pocket Lint, read the full review here.

94

"The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II offers the same great 16x optical zoom lens and 20mp sensor as the FZ1000, but updates the camera to include an improved touch-screen, a better electronic viewfinder, and improved controls. Photo and video quality is good, and the camera offers good value for money." - ePHOTOzine, read the full review here.

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