Field Testing the LUMIX FZ1000

I don’t get excited about every new camera that comes out, especially when it comes to fixed-lens cameras. The LUMIX FZ1000 was definitely an exception. The stand out feature of the […]

Written By Rob Knight

On July 18, 2014
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I don’t get excited about every new camera that comes out, especially when it comes to fixed-lens cameras. The LUMIX FZ1000 was definitely an exception. The stand out feature of the FZ1000 is that it captures 4k video. The idea of a camera with a 20mp 1″ sensor with a 25-400mm f2.8-f4 lens was immediately interesting to me as a camera I could use while I’m traveling with my family or when I’m teaching a class or workshop.

I was able to borrow an FZ1000 to use during my recent workshop in North Carolina. When I’m trying a new machine I just use it as I would any other camera. I assume that the camera will do what I need t too and I push it until I find it’s breaking point. With fixed lens cameras that breaking point is usually related to image sharpness or detail. I’m so used to the touch screen on the LUMIX MFT cameras that a non-touchscreen camera usually drives me crazy as well.

To make a long story really short: the LUMIX FZ1000 blew me away! I spent a day of scouting before the workshop and the first half of the workshop using the FZ1000 exclusively. The flexibility of the 25-400mm Leica lens and the unbelievably sharp and detailed images had me laughing out loud on several occasions. I’m sure my assistant got tired of hearing me say, “I can’t believe I got that shot with this camera!”

Naturally the video quality from the FZ1000 is incredible. Some folks are complaining that the FZ1000 only captures 4k video at 30p, so if you have to have 24p you might need to jump up to a GH4.

Here are a few things that stood out to me while using the FZ1000.

  • The O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer) in the lens is very good. I had no trouble getting sharp shots at handheld at 400mm, and that is not always an easy feat. Some of the video clips I captured with the lens zoomed all the way out are a testament to the effectiveness of the O.I.S.
  • The menus are very similar (if not identical) to my daily-driver LUMIX GH4. That made using the camera very easy and intuitive. Focus settings, Wi-Fi, time-lapse settings, etc were right where I expected them to be.
  • On the subject of comparison to the GH4: the FZ1000 hast the same DFD focus technology as the GH4. In my experience I found the FZ1000 to be just as fast to focus as the GH4, and that is really saying something.
  • You can either zoom the lens with the toggle switch around the shutter button, or by turning the ring on the lens barrel. It is nice to zoom the lens like you’re used to with a traditional camera lens. I did find that the toggle switch is able to zoom more quickly than the lens ring.
  • The EVF is very nice. I believe it is the same resolution as the LUMIX GX7. It is large, clear and easy to use. Unlike the LUMIX FZ200 it does have an eye sensor to activate the EVF.
  • I haven’t seen the flash sync speed of the FZ1000 mentioned anywhere. I suppose because of the video capability of the camera, but the flash specs are impressive. I discovered that the x-sync speed in RC (remote control) mode is 1/3200sec. That means you can drive three groups of speedlights from the camera while shooting at shutter speeds up to 1/3200sec! I can’t wait to try the FZ1000 for shooting hummingbirds with multiple speedlights.

There are only a few things that jumped out at me that would make the FZ1000 even better.

  • Touch screen! I admit that I’m totally spoiled by my touch screen LUMIX cameras. It makes the camera so much easier to use.
  • Weather sealed body. The FZ1000 is the perfect camera for someone who is into hiking, kayaking, etc because of its flexibility and high quality. If it was weather sealed it would be the ultimate “outdoor” camera.
  • The tripod socket is not on the lens axis. I’m sure there is a logical engineering reason for this, but it makes using the FZ1000 on a tripod a bit more tricky.

I received more questions and comments about the photos I posted from the FZ1000 than I did when the GH4 came out. I think a lot of folks are excited about this camera, and I can see why. If you THINK you would like the FZ1000, you’ll LOVE it. If it doesn’t seem like something you need you should probably check it out anyway. You might be surprised!

34 Comments

  1. David

    Thanks for this user review. Very helpful. I too find the FZ1000 a most interesting camera with some impressive abilities. I was shocked when I saw your posting of the sync speeds. So I looked up the specs in the FZ1000 manual (downloaded per this thread: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54027462) and sure enough it does have some very impressive flash sync capabilities and more. Per page 204 in the downloaded manual it looks as though it could possibly sync as high as 1/16000 using the electronic shutter and 1/4000 using the manual shutter. Wow!

    There is a lot to like about this camera and I can see it as being an excellent all around travel camera with impressive image quality and capability for both stills and videos.

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      Thanks for the comment, David. I didn’t have time to look into the manual when I had the FZ1000. Those are some very interesting specs indeed! I noticed that the 1/4000 sync speed is only available at f2.8, but 1/3200 is always available. I will be very interested to try the flash with the electronic shutter. I don’t suppose you’d have to worry much about rolling shutter effects at 1/10000sec 😉

      Reply
  2. Rich

    Thanks for the hands on report Rob. This camera has intrigued me since it was announced. I got into the micro 4/3 because I wasn’t at all pleased with the super zoom I had. I’ve since bought way to much gear for my financial well being. If Panasonic offered a version of this camera with a micro 4/3 lens mount I’d be standing in line waiting to buy it. Thnk of it as a crop sensor. As it stand now the camera that leaves the house with me most often is the GX7. It has virtually all the capability for stills of the GH3 without the bulk.

    Rich

    Reply
  3. M42

    I don’t care about the lack of a touch screen because of the fingerprints that type of screen attracts, which impair viewing the photos I’ve taken. What I do wish this camera had was a longer lens like the FZ200 and so many of its competitors as well as the constant f2.8. Also, a magnesium frame to make the camera feel more substantial and less “toylike”. But all in all, Panasonic got it mostly right with this one.

    Thanks for the review and for sharing your comments.

    Reply
  4. sanu

    How will you rate GH4 & FZ1000 in respect of Image Quality and Low Light? thanks.

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      The larger sensor in the GH4 definitely trumps the FZ1000, but the FZ1000 is better than any fixed lens camera I have used.

      Reply
  5. Steve

    Great review Rob, thanks. Do we know yet if the camera has any form of stabilization when shooting 4K video?

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      Thanks Steve. Yes, the O.I.S. works during video recording. It works quite well too!

      Reply
      • Steve

        Thanks Rob, the reason I ask is that the Panasonic website notes that the Hybrid O.I.S. for the FZ1000 doesn’t work in 4K video recording, as they phrase it. So perhaps a form of digital stabilization? Btw, I use a GH3 now.

        Reply
        • Rob Knight

          That’s interesting… I shot both 4k and HD video. Maybe I’m thinking about the HD recordings.

          Reply
  6. Steve

    However it works, they won’t be able to make enough. Thanks again.

    Reply
      • adam

        Hello Mr. Rob!
        I’m now a happy owner of the FZ1000, but i’m not experienced, could you tell me what are the best settings to get the best image quality out of its sensor? I prefer shooting in RAW format.
        Thank you.

        Reply
        • Rob Knight

          Hi! you can shoot the FZ1000 in RAW format for the best image quality

          Reply
  7. Dallas Dogger

    I recently bought one of these as I am off on a trip to Canada and dont want to carry all my pro gear. I have to say I am blown away by the shots from the FZ – 1000, for day to day stuff, the DSLR’s can stay at home!

    I use Nikon D4’s and D810’s every day and the shots from the Fz1000 are not compromised.

    Reply
  8. Pittsburgh Video production

    I enjoy using the fz1000 for the reach. I just tested the fz1000 for fun at a 45min Award Event For The American Red Cross in Pittsburgh and it did great at iso 200 and 400 in 4K. I also shoot with the GH4 and it seems to be about a stop or more difference in iso performance.
    Great review!
    Shaun

    Reply
  9. Rick Hill

    Will the FZ1000 photograph a bullet in flight?

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      I don’t see why not if you have the right lighting setup

      Reply
  10. David Morehead

    I am downloading and installing the Version 2 firmware right now. It adds 4K at 24 FPS. No need to jump up to the GH4 for this setting now. 🙂

    Reply
  11. michael m

    Hello,

    I recently purchased A Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, and was wondering if you encountered audible noise while using your example? It is similar to the sound a laptop computer fan makes only scaled down and less uniform in nature. The audible noise has a variation in volume and tone, and a bit of a grinding element to it, but the best way to describe it would be to say the camera sounds as if it has small ventilation or cooling fan inside running constantly.

    I would like to know if this is something I should return the camera for as a manufacturing defect, or if something is malfunctioning? It certainly seems as if the built-in microphone would pick it up during video recording.

    With stock settings, the sharpness was a little less than what I expected given the very good press this camera has received. Before I start tweaking the settings, I would like to get a definitive answer on the question of the audible noise that the camera makes. If I turn OIS and many other options off, it still makes the noise.

    Any light you could shed on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

    Regards,

    Michael

    Reply
      • michael

        Hello,

        I included a description in my first paragraph originally, which I will reproduce here:
        It is similar to the sound a laptop computer fan makes only scaled down and less uniform in nature. The audible noise has a variation in volume and tone, and a bit of a grinding element to it, but the best way to describe it would be to say the camera sounds as if it has small ventilation or cooling fan inside running constantly. To that I can add: Imagine that fan with a bad bearing, and you will have the sound.

        If you still have your example, turn it on, and place your ear next to the camera. If yours makes the sound, you will hear it.

        Regards,

        Michael

        Reply
        • Rob Knight

          Hi Michael,
          Sorry about my short reply. The WordPress dashboard doesn’t show entire comments, and I didn’t realize I missed most of yours!
          My FZ1000 doesn’t make any noises that sound like “a fan with a bad bearing”. The noise and the poor image quality make me wonder if your camera might have a problem with the image stabilizer. Please email me and I will put you in touch with one of the Panasonic engineers. They can tell you whether or not you need to have your unit repaired or replaced. rob@robknightphotography.com
          Cheers

          Reply
    • Fuller

      I get that noise. I call it spurious emission because whenever I turn the camera on, it sends the police radio scanners in my office at work into a frenzy of static.

      Reply
  12. John M

    I plan to get the FZ1000 this Summer (2015). I want to use RC TTL lighting with 2 or 3 remote flashes in RC mode for portraits/macro shots/general use, with the camera pop up flash disabled (other than signaling the remotes).
    * Are the FL360L / FL580L flashes the only ones that will do this 100%?
    * I’ve heard that their LED lights flash brightly every few seconds to communicate back to the camera and are very annoying. Is this true?
    * I assume the lower portion of the remote flashes (with the LED light) have to face towards the camera for best communication, while the top big flash rotates to the subject, correct?
    * Do the remote and pop up flashes communicate over white light or infra-red?
    * If it is infra-red, can an IR filter be put over the pop up flash and the remote LED lights to avoid the annoyance and still work fine?
    * If it is white light (and the blinking is annoying), do you have a suggestion of an alternate way to do this, such as Aokatec radio transmitters and different flash units?
    * Should I assign all 2 (or 3) remote flashes to a single group, or assign each to a different group? I saw in a manual it suggests to a single group.
    * If assigned to a single group, can each remote flash be set to a different intensity on the remote flash itself, so that I can control which are strong or dim, while still being able to adjust the overall brightness of the group on the camera as shown?

    Thanks!
    (if possible, please CC your response to my email)

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      Hi John,
      * Are the FL360L / FL580L flashes the only ones that will do this 100%?
      No, you can use Olympus flashes and some Metz models as well.

      * I’ve heard that their LED lights flash brightly every few seconds to communicate back to the camera and are very annoying. Is this true?
      Yes, but you can turn that off. It’s designed to remind you that your flashes are on and receiving.

      * I assume the lower portion of the remote flashes (with the LED light) have to face towards the camera for best communication, while the top big flash rotates to the subject, correct?
      Yes, like the Nikon or other line-of-sight systems.

      * Do the remote and pop up flashes communicate over white light or infra-red?
      IR as far as I know.

      * Should I assign all 2 (or 3) remote flashes to a single group, or assign each to a different group? I saw in a manual it suggests to a single group.
      It depends on what you are doing. Multiple groups are handy if you want the lights set differently from one another, such as a main light, fill light and hair light.

      * If assigned to a single group, can each remote flash be set to a different intensity on the remote flash itself, so that I can control which are strong or dim, while still being able to adjust the overall brightness of the group on the camera as shown?
      I *think* the power output for each group would be adjusted from the camera. You could adjust the intensity of separate flashes in a single group by changing their distance to your subject.

      Thanks for the question!

      Reply
  13. Emma Chalz

    Hello there
    I really face a hard time with the popup flash in my fz 1000
    I always open the fash but it doesnt work and my shots are too dark
    I fail to understand what could be the possible problem
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      Any pop-up flash is only effective out to a few feet.

      Reply
    • bloke

      Check if you’re using electronic or manual shutter and what shutter speed you’ve selected.

      Reply
      • Rob Knight

        yep… electronic shutter could definitely be the issue

        Reply
    • Aaron Ward

      This stumped me for a while too. Silent Mode = ON, which makes the camera silent (not surprisingly) but it also disables the mechanical shutter and the consequently the flash.

      I love the silent mode after coming from a DSLR but fill-in flash from the local flash is handy. You can almost run the camera silent by turning down the beeps in the menu but to use the on-camera flash you do need the mechanical to be active and that makes does make a noise.

      Reply
  14. MICHAEL SQUIRES

    Hello Rob Knight.
    Off tangent a bit here……
    I would like to try infrared photography with my FZ1000, and initially I cannot for the life of me create a decent picture……(I am experienced in general photography)…
    The main problem is that when I do get an image of any sort, I also receive a central flare…..
    Panasonic have just replied this morning saying that this camera will not be able to deal with Infra red photography (using branded filter).
    Can you comment please?
    Thank you
    Michael

    Reply
    • Rob Knight

      Some sensors are not suited for IR photography. I had a Canon converted years ago that had the same problem you described.

      Reply
  15. dave

    Came across this blog having owned a FZ1000 for over 18 months. I sold my Nikon DSLR and don’t miss it one bit. Sharp photos at any time of day or night, and at any focal length, provided I take a bit of care. Perfect vacation camera to capture more than just holiday snaps. I’m not seeing anything about the FZ2000 to tempt me away just yet, Canon’s offer isn’t even close, and the new Sony RX10 III is crazily expensive.

    Reply

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