Funny you mentioned weight while hiking. I hike and photograph Glacier National Park in Montana. In the early days before purchasing my FZ1000 I used to carry a backpack with two cameras. One with a long lens and one with a short lens. And all the other accessories. Now... I only carry my FZ1000 or my FZ300. What a difference. Thank you for the video. Hurley Dean, Sandpoint, Idaho USA.
I'm a fan Leica lens series from Lumix. While I only got the FZ100 (one less zero), I do find it more functional camera, compared to my Canon 1000D/Rebel XS. I use the Canon for close range photos, and rather than bringing the Canon telephoto lens with no image stabilisation, I take the FZ100, which weighs only a few grams more, and it comes with OIS stabiliser. And I like how you mention about the continuity with the zoom on the Limix. And you are right, the Aperture range is better on the Canon, hence close up shots are better. But once I go landscape shooting, switching to the Lumix is a better choice, even for those who don't find a lens change process a compromise. Also if you like pocket size super zoom, the Lumix SZ or TZ series are the ones to go.
Hi Jake. I love all your videos. Thanks for sharing. It's been over 3 years and I'm curious if you still use the fz1000 or if you have a new light weight and versatile camera recommendation for a backpacker/photographer?
I've upgraded to their newer camera the FZ2500 which is mostly better. The newer image stabilization seems to fix some issues, but introduces other types of shakes. It's also slower from power on to full zoom. It zooms further, however, has a touch screen, and gets rid of a weird artifact on the lens when shooting wide angle that the FZ1000 has. When I had to send in my FZ2500 to get cleaned, I pulled out my FZ1000 as a backup this summer and it did the usual great!
How do you pair it with your smartphone? I have found that when I take timer photos, they are almost always out of focus, so it would be nice to use the phone as a remote control. I'm a newbie, so be gentle with the technical stuff :)
I bought mine a year ago .I liked FZ200 and purchased this camera as an up grade . I am now liking the camera better than the fz 200 for video . 1080 for slow motion . 4k are the strong points , The 20 MP sensor takes a better still ., but the NEW fz 300 has better optical reach for 4k shooting and has touch screen .. I.just updated the firmware on fz1000 and I don't know why but I am loving the camera again . 20 MP sensor for still raw shots gives better noise levels over the fz 200 or the newer fz300. although auto focus on fz1000 does not work as well..I have not tried the fz300 yet , but it might better at auto focus as the fz200 has beautiful auto focus . I believe your posted video gives an accurate evaluation of this camera . Lets face it we don't work for Natgeo so why bring expensive gear on vacations and family outings .
Rebeca, it took me a bit to figure it out myself, but essentially, you're making a wireless network with your camera (think hotspot without access to the internet) and connecting your phone to that. The first thing to do is to turn Wi-Fi on the camera by hitting the Fn2 button. Select "New Connection", then "Remote Shooting & View". The next screen shows you what the wifi network name and password is. You can either scan the code on your phone or type it in by going to your Wi-Fi settings on your phone and act like you're going to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and you should see it as something like FZ1000-9D1813. Then you'll type in the password and then be connected to the camera. From there, you need to open up the Image App that you can download from the app store. Does any of that help?
hi there, really appreciate your work here.. it's really helpful for a novice like Me, could you also please let Me know whether this is the best bridge camera or do i have to look into Nikon P900 or Sony HX 400v.. please let me know, your advice Wil be very helpful to me n many others lik me 😊
I've not used either of those other models you have, but looking at the specs, the Panasonic has a 1" sensor which will do better in low light than the other two and will give you better images at the megapixels. The other thing that I quickly noticed was the Panasonic is the only one that shoots 4K video. Not sure if this helps, but the comparisons aren't 100% because of the sensor size.
+hike734 Your reply did help me. Thank you for quick n prompt reply. Appreciate your concern for your followers. Thx again mate 😊.. I'll go with the Panasonic 😊..
Hi Jake! Thank you for the video. ONE burning question...does the case logic bag fit the FZ1000 okay?? I got a neoprene thing that it like squeezing into jeans that are 2 sizes too small, and it doesn't offer much protection. Thank you for your reply!! -Janz
The one that I have does great! I actually keep the lens hood on and the lens cap off when I hike so that I can just pull it out quickly and start shooting. But overall, it's not super tight.
Would you recommend this as a video camera? I also really like the Sony a77II because I guess it has an even better autofocus but the FZ1000 has 4k and Slowmo and costs half the price. Any opinions?
Platten|Blau I suppose it depends upon your priorities flexibility/price/weight/quality/features/etc. Overall, I like the quality. One filming limitation I've found is that the highest f-stop is 11. Where that's an issue is when I'm filming things like birds and water. I like to have a slower shutter speed for those applications, otherwise things seem to have a flicker or jittery feel to them instead of having a little bit of motion blur to show movement (if that makes sense). Are you looking to make films or capture video in the "field"?
9 років тому
hike734 Mostly I do indoor videos with a stand but the camera should also have a good autofocus, so I can move it around out of the hand
Platten|Blau I think you'll be fine. The autofocus is super great. The only time I've had some issues with it was when I was doing a pan with the wide angle where it can flutter. I found that setting focus, then switching to manual for pans solves the problem. Overall, however, it's a super great camera and I'd highly recommend it.
Okay, so one last comment on this and I'll let it lie is that you get f2.8 only when the lens is wide. As soon as you start zooming in, it goes to f4.0 by the time you get to 170mm. Of course, this is where buying better lenses and having the flexibility to upgrade later on is helpful. If, down the road, you decide that you want newer camera technology, you're starting from zero again. If you have the separate lens/body combo, you can replace just the body. Either way, it's a matter of your budget/needs/future growth. Good luck!
There are only 2 really amazing bridge cams IMO, the FZ1000 and RX10. My issue with this 4K push is my PC can't even handle playing that yet. It struggles with 60fps 1080p. Full frame is awesome but not for your back when you backpack! =) I carry an A57 w/ 18-135mm, 2 mem cards, 2 backup batteries, and an ultrapod in an ape case and its under 3# for SLR quality. Having the extra zoom like an fz1000 would be nice though! Especially remote snapshots via a smartphone. Mmmmm TEMPTING!! Thanks for sharing Mr 734
The FZ1000 has the longer reach and option of 4K video. The RX10 has the constant 2.8 aperture and what some consider a slightly better lens and IQ. The RX10 is also weather sealed and a bit smaller which both would be factors to consider for a hiking camera.
ELPistoffo brown55061 thanks for weighing in! Honestly I've yet to use the 4K as the file sizes are also much larger and I think that I need to convert them before I can edit them... to a format that would make them even larger... ugh. One nice thing about the 4K, however is that you can extract 8MP images from it. I just did a little test to see where it went from 2.8 to 4.0 and it looks like 2.8 is only at the 25mm point. as you zoom in, it immediately starts counting down and arrives at 4.0mm around 175mm. It's all about trade-offs I suppose. I'm not familiar with the A57... is that from Sony?
brown55061 so if you had your druthers between the Panasonic FZ 1000 and the Sony RX 10 ll what you go with? the Panasonic FZ1000 is not weather proof. help!!
***** I just replied to your email but, for the edification of the audience here.... I would take a look at the new Canon G3X. I'm curious to see what the reviews will be when it gets shipped out more. Spec-wise, it's weather sealed with a longer zoom range which is way more aligned with my shooting style and subjects. It goes from 2.8-5.6, but that's at the telephoto end... and I'm not sure where that will be at the 400mm eq of the Panasonic which is 4.0. The other downside to the G3X is lack of 4K video which I personally don't shoot in yet. If I was purchasing again, I think that I'd look at the G3X. Not because the Panasonic is terrible, but because I'd like the weatherproofing and extra zoom.
hike734 I just looked at the Canon G3X you mentioned......just what I want but no 4K like you say. Deal breaker for me. So close....:) maybe the G4x next year will have 4K. --thanks
When i go on trips now my Nikon stays at home and i stick my gorgeous indestructible red Olympus Stylus TG-3 Tough in my pocket; takes great photos too and absolutely nothing else comes close to its microscope setting for macro ;-)
Well at 16MP I can crop in to take it up to 200mm. Its why the longest Nikon lens I have on my D7100 is 200mm; I can crop that to 900mm and still keep the image sharp. That is the biggest lens I will ever tolerate ;-)
Nice! Thanks for bringing my attention to the Stylus. With my need for the video capabilities I need the longer lens, but I have people asking me for recommendations and the TG-3 looks sweet!
I think the 1 inch sensor in this camera is bigger than the sensor of most super zoom cameras out there ... If that's the case, it's definitely worth pointing out ... Instead of comparing it to a DSLR... Good review = ) Maybe a script would help reduce the chance of "getting more technical than you want to" .... = )
+miru021 Ha! Thanks for the feedback. I completely agree that it bears repeating that it is larger than most of the point and shoots. I like a different perspective. I am coming from the DSLR world, so that was my angle, but the larger, 1" sensor over the other point and shoots definitely caused me to pause and, ultimately, purchase it. I have really enjoyed using it.
+hike734 It's good to know you come from DSLR world and like this camera, I'm really looking forward to buying the FZ1000 = ) your review helped me take that desition = ) thanks ;)
Yes a slight improvement in low light with 16mp, but it's something that needs to appeal to all, slightly more room for cropping or using the ex telephoto mode and take 10mp pic with approx 35-500mm eq as opposed to 25-400mm eq on 20mp, that may be one reason
Does the zoom on this cam when videoing zoom in and out smoothly in a cinematic fashion or is it fiddly and jurkey when trying to zoom slow and smooth?
+David Anthony Batten It's not jerky. It does have a slower and a faster zoom. The big problem is that it's that goofy little ring/lever by the shutter, so you pretty limited control. If you use the ring on the lens as a zoom, it's not manual, so it's using the motor as well. Overall, you can do slow and smooth. (wow that was longer than it should have been)
And I also notice it seems to suffer from choppy film when panning. My Canon Eoas350D does that in 1080p Is there no perfect Video camcorder out there without spending £1000xSS
+David Anthony Batten Part of that for me is because I shoot at 24P to give it a more film like appearance instead of looking like a newscast or something like that. I just have to remember to pan slowly which is just good advice all the way around. ;-)
My FZ 1000 is broken. One day I turned it on and it asked me to "set the clock." It went downhill from there, loosing functions until now, it will not turn on. Any ideas, anybody?
The camera has been sent in for repair. I had to pay $80 up front for shipping and an assessment. If they can fix it, they will phone me and tell me how much. I will make the decision at that time. Now I'm waiting for the phone call. I bought my FZ 1000 2.5 years ago so the warranty has run out. I put 4 double A s in my old FujiFilm and it fired right up. It's adequate for stills and has an amazing SuperMacro function. I will comment back when I know more. .
Here is something I made with the FZ 1000. Shot in high speed therefore no audio. I recorded the audio in another location with the same camera and no external mike. I like the audio. vimeo.com/219761590
I have the Mkii, most recent and share that with my brother. The camera shoots RAW and the JPEGS are decent around 10-12Mb per file. The 400mm can be increased up to 562mm HOWEVER….the file is much smaller in EX-L Mode at 10MP over the 20MP resolution. The only 2 downsides to the EX-L are that there is ZERO image stabilization past the 400mm so keep your framing steady. The Image Quality suffers and you will see it when you go past the 400mm. FYI - I found out from an Optician that the Human Eye Focal Range sits around 150mm with a 1 inch sensor so you will need to subtract that from your 400mm reach leaving you with 250mm of zoom. That will equate to 10x not the full 16x past the eye sight. Many people will ask why the 400mm does not seem that much further than that of the human eye and that is because of these calculations.
Yes you are going from 9 pounds to 2 and more backpacking convenience but please remember that you are also going from 9 pounds PLUS a 5 to 6 thousand dollar price tag to a 2 pound package that covers the same telephoto range yet costs less than 8 hundred bucks. Something that is important considering that many of us aren't made of money yet would like to take good pictures in the field.
BGoldtone Excellent point! There is always a "quality" tradeoff when we go into the backcountry so it's always nice when we find something that has a slight drop-off in quality, a nice price and fits the weight/bulk requirements eh?
Great bear spray in the back corner. I use the same stuff. I spend 30 days in the mountains of Montana the whole month of Sept every year. I cant decide between the FZ 1000(not weather resistant) and the new FZ 300, also Im considering the Sony Rx 10 ll hard to decide. :)
One of my friends in Montana was attacked by a Grizzly and used it and it stopped the bear in its tracks. I have been false charged by a black bear. I carry my spray in my hand when in the thick stuff. I use the spray first, gun second.
Hello Larry, and thanks for your feedback. A couple of things to note. Most grizzlies in the wild don't get to 800 lbs, well at least in Glacier and Yellowstone where most people are hiking and would need it. Second of all, I've never been in a car accident where I've needed my seatbelt, but I don't question its effectiveness. I can look at research and statistics. They all speak to bear spray being an extremely effective deterrent. Also, I have many biologist and ranger friends who carry and prefer bear spray. Some have been charged and some haven't. Any that have, and used bear spray, can speak to its efficacy.
I live within 50 miles of Yellowstone and no resident I know goes into the wild without a firearm. The only park rangers I have ever encountered who think bear spray is effective are liberal anti gun wankers from New York. I never try to talk them out of bear spray. As for the average bear being under 800 lbs., does it matter if you're eaten by a 500 or 900 lb. bear? I hope a bear never charges you and you have time to check the wind direction before pulling the trigger on a can of non-lethal pepper spray. I'm not against liberal anti-gun weenies keeping the bears well fed so they don't come after the rest of us! Thanks.
you must be 12 years old. I know good quality bear spray works and saves the bears life. Your words are full of non factual rubbish and hate. And i am from Montana and carry guns. Carry on.
I liked your video!! =) I am going for the leica version on this one... just because it will hold the value a little longer.. specs i think they are the same....
I haven't. I think that what I like about the FZ1000 and other "bridge" type cameras is that you get a wide lens range all in one package. Of course, you'll sacrifice some sensor size and the glass might be better if you're getting specific ranges, but I'm looking to pair things down for hiking and not having to haul two or three lenses. That being said, have you had experience with the A6000?
hike734 I really need your help i have problem with the panasonic fz1000 with video footage it is not recording clean and i really need your help seeing if my camera is working right with video sameple . Please men i really need your help becuase i live all the way in the caribean and i have to pay allot of money to send to the us to for repair and service at panasonic manafacture so i really need your help men please please help . please .
The optical image stabilization is better on my Canon 70-200mm 2.8L IS II which it should be as the thing weighs a ton and is 2.5x the price of this camera. My wide lens for my Canon, however, didn't have image stabilization, so my pans tend to be better.
hike734 You are telling me that your canon 70-200 IS on your Canon camera has better stabilisation than the FZ1000?? Do me a favor and set your camera to 4k in video mode and zoom out to full optical and digital zoom which will be 2368mm (35mm equivalent) and test off on stabilisation. You canon IS at 200mm will be at best about the same! Yet the fz1000 is at more than 10x the focal length of the canon.. My 70-200 f2.8 VR2 does not hold a candle to the stabilisation on the fz1000
First off, let me say that I think that the FZ1000's IS is great. To your points, I agree that you can zoom in way further and, with software stabilization, you can help it out. I should clarify what I mean when I say that it is better. It is aesthetically more pleasing to me. When shooting with my 7D, I also have a doubler on it which brings it to 640mm (35mm eq). When handholding my camera all racked out, the IS on the 70-200mm is smoother out of the camera. It is by no means, perfect. The FZ1000 does a great job, but it tends to have very small jitters and sometimes will behave more erratic when it's trying to figure out how to stabilize. When you go to stabilize in software, it can be a little ripple-y. From a workflow standpoint for me with doing a lot of blogs where I need to turn around quickly and not have to buy ridiculous amounts of storage, I can't shoot 4K every time either. This of course is my opinion, use, and workflow. Perhaps there are ways that you're using the stabilization that I'm not and would love to hear how you get better IS. Overall, I feel that the 70-200 floats with IS and the FZ1000 moves a bit more erratic with some micro jitters. That's been my experience. (BTW, thanks for the comments! I'm hoping to learn more!)
Thank you Jason. IMO, a camera review from someone who understand the weight / bulk limitations for more than just a day walk away from a parked car. I'm glad I watched this. Thumbsup Kind regards Mick
southerncross100 Thanks! The first step in making a purchase you won't regret is knowing what you want out of it. It's easy to buy something because it's the cheapest, most expensive, most features, etc.
I think you did a good job of comparing a camera that, depending on the lens attached to it, will take some of the best photos that can be made, the Canon, to a camera that is so versatile it almost defies description, the Lumix. It should be pointed out that the Lumix in 4K video mode and the iZoom feature engaged can zoom out to 1,184mm and produce excellent quality. I know, this is video but you can extract 8 megapixels stills from this video in the camera and avoid any post processing of the video on your computer. These stills will produce prints of over 8 x 10 and you'll have to get out the magnifying glass to see any faults in them. Using 4K video to produce stills sounds crazy but that's where we are with this camera if you need a longer reach than the 400mm.
Amos Soma Totally agree with you! I have to say that I have an affinity for shooting in RAW and editing the photos later as I struggle getting JPGs that I'm incredibly stoked with that I'd use for prints. They are great for online twitter/facebook/etc for me. I still struggle with shooting 4K because of the file size. Being a blogger and shooting a ton of short videos, I don't know where I'd store everything as I'm kind of a hoarder for my old footage. :D
+Troy Van der The weather resistant would definitely be nice. The 300 does have a longer lens, but it's due to the smaller sensor. That's always a tradeoff when hiking. With a bigger sensor, it tends to do better in lower light and you end up with more megapixels, but it doesn't bring in things as close for video. Touch screen has always been iffy for me as I feel that the implementation doesn't bring much for me, but maybe it's better with this. My guess is that the 4K and IS is probably comparable. 2.8 throughout would be nice as would the cheaper price point. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts! Always tradeoffs huh? ;-)
While the FZ1000 is a nice camera (and yes, I've shot with it), it's not one I would use hiking, kayaking, etc. Why? Because it has NO weather or water proofing. The weather and water proof Pentax K50 is a better choice for image quality and performance due to it's sensor size being double what the FZ1000 uses. The price of the K50 with kit lens is around $375. vs $800. for the Panasonic. Add the 55-300mm weather proof lens to the K50 and it's still LESS money than the Panasonic. With the crop sensor of the K50, it will exceed the reach of the Panasonic. In low light, the Panny fails while the K50 with it's much larger sensor is great. Couple the K50 with the Sigma 18-300mm lens and it stomps on the FZ1000 for about the same price..and it's weather proof. If video is important, the FZ1000 is the way to go, but that said, there are better choices in video than either.
+Jim McCarthy Those are all great points. I wish that the camera had better weather resistance as I take mine hiking outside where rain does fall. ;-) My biggest love of the Panasonic is in the totality of the package (video, focal length, lens quality), simplicity, and weight. I used to use the 7D with a couple different lens setups which gave me better weatherproofing and lens quality, but it was very heavy. I think it's important to look at what the priorities are of any given situation and determine what works best. What kit do you use? How do you use it?
Yes, the Panny is a excellent package and with decent light, images are outstanding. Since a hiker and kayaker, weather proofing is important. That's why I just very recently added the Pentax K3..call me impressed and at a outstanding price of $550. for the body. Outstanding reviews and I can see why..full magnesium body, water proof, fast at 8fps, etc. So now my K50 is my backup and I'm set to shoot my next event.
You got it! Some folks think it is a straight up review of the camera. It really is a review of the camera for the purpose of hiking. That helps some people and others find it pointless and irrelevant which is totally fine as well.
No worries. BTW, if you decide to get it from amazon, click on the link in the blog (www.hike734.com/practical/hiking-with-the-panasonic-fz1000/) where I talked about it. I get a little coin for it. :D
Funny you mentioned weight while hiking. I hike and photograph Glacier National Park in Montana. In the early days before purchasing my FZ1000 I used to carry a backpack with two cameras. One with a long lens and one with a short lens. And all the other accessories. Now... I only carry my FZ1000 or my FZ300. What a difference. Thank you for the video. Hurley Dean, Sandpoint, Idaho USA.
That's really cool Jake! I love the Jackrabbit you captured. I know how fast they move.
Technology just keeps giving us better and better toys. Just ordered my FZ1000 with 256GB UHS3 SD.
+rtrain67 How are you liking it so far?
+hike734 he does not :P
I'm a fan Leica lens series from Lumix. While I only got the FZ100 (one less zero), I do find it more functional camera, compared to my Canon 1000D/Rebel XS.
I use the Canon for close range photos, and rather than bringing the Canon telephoto lens with no image stabilisation, I take the FZ100, which weighs only a few grams more, and it comes with OIS stabiliser.
And I like how you mention about the continuity with the zoom on the Limix.
And you are right, the Aperture range is better on the Canon, hence close up shots are better.
But once I go landscape shooting, switching to the Lumix is a better choice, even for those who don't find a lens change process a compromise.
Also if you like pocket size super zoom, the Lumix SZ or TZ series are the ones to go.
Big sensor for a bridge, good choice !
Great points. I think it is a great all-around hiking camera that delivers enough quality for the weight/cost ratio.
I'm just tired of having to haul a bunch of lenses and such. It's nice to have nice quality with simplicity.
Thank you so much, this is the best review for this camera I've seen!
Excellent 4k videos and pictures !! Feature-packed, light-weight, inexpensive too.. Overall, very happy with mine !
Hardly carry my dslr anymore..
I agree. For the longest time I kept shooting 2k HD, but have started shooting 4K more and am impressed.
Hi Jake. I love all your videos. Thanks for sharing. It's been over 3 years and I'm curious if you still use the fz1000 or if you have a new light weight and versatile camera recommendation for a backpacker/photographer?
I've upgraded to their newer camera the FZ2500 which is mostly better. The newer image stabilization seems to fix some issues, but introduces other types of shakes. It's also slower from power on to full zoom. It zooms further, however, has a touch screen, and gets rid of a weird artifact on the lens when shooting wide angle that the FZ1000 has. When I had to send in my FZ2500 to get cleaned, I pulled out my FZ1000 as a backup this summer and it did the usual great!
Does it come with a shoulder strap, also what flash mount is recommended? Thx
I just bought this! And I hike and backpack. Upgraded from an FZ200
How do you pair it with your smartphone? I have found that when I take timer photos, they are almost always out of focus, so it would be nice to use the phone as a remote control. I'm a newbie, so be gentle with the technical stuff :)
You can buy a remote, cabled shutter release for the FZ-1000 on Amazon.
I bought mine a year ago .I liked FZ200 and purchased this camera as an up grade . I am now liking the camera better than the fz 200 for video . 1080 for slow motion . 4k are the strong points , The 20 MP sensor takes a better still ., but the NEW fz 300 has better optical reach for 4k shooting and has touch screen .. I.just updated the firmware on fz1000 and I don't know why but I am loving the camera again . 20 MP sensor for still raw shots gives better noise levels over the fz 200 or the newer fz300. although auto focus on fz1000 does not work as well..I have not tried the fz300 yet , but it might better at auto focus as the fz200 has beautiful auto focus . I believe your posted video gives an accurate evaluation of this camera . Lets face it we don't work for Natgeo so why bring expensive gear on vacations and family outings .
+Brian Ellsworth Nice followup! Yeah, when I go hiking, this thing packs a HUGE punch for 2.1 lbs and saves my back.
Just purchased a second hand mint FZ1000 camera and I have to say ...it scores all the points
Sounds like a win!!
Rebeca, it took me a bit to figure it out myself, but essentially, you're making a wireless network with your camera (think hotspot without access to the internet) and connecting your phone to that. The first thing to do is to turn Wi-Fi on the camera by hitting the Fn2 button. Select "New Connection", then "Remote Shooting & View". The next screen shows you what the wifi network name and password is. You can either scan the code on your phone or type it in by going to your Wi-Fi settings on your phone and act like you're going to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and you should see it as something like FZ1000-9D1813. Then you'll type in the password and then be connected to the camera. From there, you need to open up the Image App that you can download from the app store. Does any of that help?
hi there, really appreciate your work here.. it's really helpful for a novice like Me, could you also please let Me know whether this is the best bridge camera or do i have to look into Nikon P900 or Sony HX 400v..
please let me know, your advice Wil be very helpful to me n many others lik me 😊
I've not used either of those other models you have, but looking at the specs, the Panasonic has a 1" sensor which will do better in low light than the other two and will give you better images at the megapixels. The other thing that I quickly noticed was the Panasonic is the only one that shoots 4K video. Not sure if this helps, but the comparisons aren't 100% because of the sensor size.
+hike734 Your reply did help me. Thank you for quick n prompt reply. Appreciate your concern for your followers. Thx again mate 😊.. I'll go with the Panasonic 😊..
Where did you get the FZ1000 from? Amazon? Thanks! Great vid
Hi Jake! Thank you for the video. ONE burning question...does the case logic bag fit the FZ1000 okay?? I got a neoprene thing that it like squeezing into jeans that are 2 sizes too small, and it doesn't offer much protection. Thank you for your reply!! -Janz
The one that I have does great! I actually keep the lens hood on and the lens cap off when I hike so that I can just pull it out quickly and start shooting. But overall, it's not super tight.
thank you so much for taking the time!! : )
Would you recommend this as a video camera? I also really like the Sony a77II because I guess it has an even better autofocus but the FZ1000 has 4k and Slowmo and costs half the price. Any opinions?
Platten|Blau I suppose it depends upon your priorities flexibility/price/weight/quality/features/etc. Overall, I like the quality. One filming limitation I've found is that the highest f-stop is 11. Where that's an issue is when I'm filming things like birds and water. I like to have a slower shutter speed for those applications, otherwise things seem to have a flicker or jittery feel to them instead of having a little bit of motion blur to show movement (if that makes sense). Are you looking to make films or capture video in the "field"?
hike734 Mostly I do indoor videos with a stand but the camera should also have a good autofocus, so I can move it around out of the hand
Platten|Blau I think you'll be fine. The autofocus is super great. The only time I've had some issues with it was when I was doing a pan with the wide angle where it can flutter. I found that setting focus, then switching to manual for pans solves the problem. Overall, however, it's a super great camera and I'd highly recommend it.
hike734 Okay, thank you!
Okay, so one last comment on this and I'll let it lie is that you get f2.8 only when the lens is wide. As soon as you start zooming in, it goes to f4.0 by the time you get to 170mm. Of course, this is where buying better lenses and having the flexibility to upgrade later on is helpful. If, down the road, you decide that you want newer camera technology, you're starting from zero again. If you have the separate lens/body combo, you can replace just the body. Either way, it's a matter of your budget/needs/future growth. Good luck!
There are only 2 really amazing bridge cams IMO, the FZ1000 and RX10. My issue with this 4K push is my PC can't even handle playing that yet. It struggles with 60fps 1080p. Full frame is awesome but not for your back when you backpack! =) I carry an A57 w/ 18-135mm, 2 mem cards, 2 backup batteries, and an ultrapod in an ape case and its under 3# for SLR quality. Having the extra zoom like an fz1000 would be nice though! Especially remote snapshots via a smartphone. Mmmmm TEMPTING!! Thanks for sharing Mr 734
The FZ1000 has the longer reach and option of 4K video. The RX10 has the constant 2.8 aperture and what some consider a slightly better lens and IQ. The RX10 is also weather sealed and a bit smaller which both would be factors to consider for a hiking camera.
ELPistoffo brown55061 thanks for weighing in! Honestly I've yet to use the 4K as the file sizes are also much larger and I think that I need to convert them before I can edit them... to a format that would make them even larger... ugh. One nice thing about the 4K, however is that you can extract 8MP images from it. I just did a little test to see where it went from 2.8 to 4.0 and it looks like 2.8 is only at the 25mm point. as you zoom in, it immediately starts counting down and arrives at 4.0mm around 175mm. It's all about trade-offs I suppose. I'm not familiar with the A57... is that from Sony?
brown55061 so if you had your druthers between the Panasonic FZ 1000 and the Sony RX 10 ll what you go with? the Panasonic FZ1000 is not weather proof. help!!
***** I just replied to your email but, for the edification of the audience here.... I would take a look at the new Canon G3X. I'm curious to see what the reviews will be when it gets shipped out more. Spec-wise, it's weather sealed with a longer zoom range which is way more aligned with my shooting style and subjects. It goes from 2.8-5.6, but that's at the telephoto end... and I'm not sure where that will be at the 400mm eq of the Panasonic which is 4.0. The other downside to the G3X is lack of 4K video which I personally don't shoot in yet. If I was purchasing again, I think that I'd look at the G3X. Not because the Panasonic is terrible, but because I'd like the weatherproofing and extra zoom.
hike734 I just looked at the Canon G3X you mentioned......just what I want but no 4K like you say. Deal breaker for me. So close....:) maybe the G4x next year will have 4K. --thanks
When i go on trips now my Nikon stays at home and i stick my gorgeous indestructible red Olympus Stylus TG-3 Tough in my pocket; takes great photos too and absolutely nothing else comes close to its microscope setting for macro ;-)
That does look like a great option. I sometimes wish mine were smaller as well. It's always a compromise. I like being able to zoom in a bit more.
Well at 16MP I can crop in to take it up to 200mm. Its why the longest Nikon lens I have on my D7100 is 200mm; I can crop that to 900mm and still keep the image sharp. That is the biggest lens I will ever tolerate ;-)
Nice! Thanks for bringing my attention to the Stylus. With my need for the video capabilities I need the longer lens, but I have people asking me for recommendations and the TG-3 looks sweet!
woops, sorry to bug again! Is your's the Case Logic DCB-304 Compact System/Hybrid Camera Case?? Thank you!..
That looks like the one. I can't see any model number tags or anything in mine, but it sure looks like it!
I think the 1 inch sensor in this camera is bigger than the sensor of most super zoom cameras out there ... If that's the case, it's definitely worth pointing out ... Instead of comparing it to a DSLR...
Good review = )
Maybe a script would help reduce the chance of "getting more technical than you want to" .... = )
+miru021 Ha! Thanks for the feedback. I completely agree that it bears repeating that it is larger than most of the point and shoots. I like a different perspective. I am coming from the DSLR world, so that was my angle, but the larger, 1" sensor over the other point and shoots definitely caused me to pause and, ultimately, purchase it. I have really enjoyed using it.
+hike734 It's good to know you come from DSLR world and like this camera, I'm really looking forward to buying the FZ1000 = ) your review helped me take that desition = ) thanks ;)
what is your favorite hike in Glacier and favorite hike in all of Montana. --thanks
Probably my favorite Glacier hike is the Pitamakan-Dawson hike. Realistically speaking, I've had some amazing experiences on "mundane" trails.
thanks!
I think the new RX 10 ll stays at 2.8 all the way through the zoom and is weather sealed....tough call. still not decided
I have this camera and I keep the auto focus on face reconization and it's good!!! But this camera is go good.
Why did they put a 20 MP sensor in there? The low light performance would be much better if it had 16 MP.
Yes a slight improvement in low light with 16mp, but it's something that needs to appeal to all, slightly more room for cropping or using the ex telephoto mode and take 10mp pic with approx 35-500mm eq as opposed to 25-400mm eq on 20mp, that may be one reason
Does the zoom on this cam when videoing zoom in and out smoothly in a cinematic fashion or is it fiddly and jurkey when trying to zoom slow and smooth?
+David Anthony Batten It's not jerky. It does have a slower and a faster zoom. The big problem is that it's that goofy little ring/lever by the shutter, so you pretty limited control. If you use the ring on the lens as a zoom, it's not manual, so it's using the motor as well. Overall, you can do slow and smooth. (wow that was longer than it should have been)
cheers
And I also notice it seems to suffer from choppy film when panning. My Canon Eoas350D does that in 1080p Is there no perfect Video camcorder out there without spending £1000xSS
+David Anthony Batten Part of that for me is because I shoot at 24P to give it a more film like appearance instead of looking like a newscast or something like that. I just have to remember to pan slowly which is just good advice all the way around. ;-)
Yeh i know, but then i twitch trying and not the Camcorder Lol
Do you still use this?
My FZ 1000 is broken. One day I turned it on and it asked me to "set the clock." It went downhill from there, loosing functions until now, it will not turn on. Any ideas, anybody?
I certainly don't. Is it still under warranty? Sounds like nasty hardware issues.
The camera has been sent in for repair. I had to pay $80 up front for shipping and an assessment. If they can fix it, they will phone me and tell me how much. I will make the decision at that time. Now I'm waiting for the phone call. I bought my FZ 1000 2.5 years ago so the warranty has run out. I put 4 double A s in my old FujiFilm and it fired right up. It's adequate for stills and has an amazing SuperMacro function. I will comment back when I know more. .
Here is something I made with the FZ 1000. Shot in high speed therefore no audio. I recorded the audio in another location with the same camera and no external mike. I like the audio.
vimeo.com/219761590
I have the Mkii, most recent and share that with my brother. The camera shoots RAW and the JPEGS are decent around 10-12Mb per file. The 400mm can be increased up to 562mm HOWEVER….the file is much smaller in EX-L Mode at 10MP over the 20MP resolution. The only 2 downsides to the EX-L are that there is ZERO image stabilization past the 400mm so keep your framing steady. The Image Quality suffers and you will see it when you go past the 400mm.
FYI - I found out from an Optician that the Human Eye Focal Range sits around 150mm with a 1 inch sensor so you will need to subtract that from your 400mm reach leaving you with 250mm of zoom. That will equate to 10x not the full 16x past the eye sight.
Many people will ask why the 400mm does not seem that much further than that of the human eye and that is because of these calculations.
Yes you are going from 9 pounds to 2 and more backpacking convenience but please remember that you are also going from 9 pounds PLUS a 5 to 6 thousand dollar price tag to a 2 pound package that covers the same telephoto range yet costs less than 8 hundred bucks.
Something that is important considering that many of us aren't made of money yet would like to take good pictures in the field.
BGoldtone Excellent point! There is always a "quality" tradeoff when we go into the backcountry so it's always nice when we find something that has a slight drop-off in quality, a nice price and fits the weight/bulk requirements eh?
Great bear spray in the back corner. I use the same stuff. I spend 30 days in the mountains of Montana the whole month of Sept every year. I cant decide between the FZ 1000(not weather resistant) and the new FZ 300, also Im considering the Sony Rx 10 ll hard to decide. :)
How do you know that bear spray is great? Have you successfully deterred an eight hundred pound grizzly charge?
One of my friends in Montana was attacked by a Grizzly and used it and it stopped the bear in its tracks. I have been false charged by a black bear. I carry my spray in my hand when in the thick stuff. I use the spray first, gun second.
Hello Larry, and thanks for your feedback. A couple of things to note. Most grizzlies in the wild don't get to 800 lbs, well at least in Glacier and Yellowstone where most people are hiking and would need it. Second of all, I've never been in a car accident where I've needed my seatbelt, but I don't question its effectiveness. I can look at research and statistics. They all speak to bear spray being an extremely effective deterrent. Also, I have many biologist and ranger friends who carry and prefer bear spray. Some have been charged and some haven't. Any that have, and used bear spray, can speak to its efficacy.
I live within 50 miles of Yellowstone and no resident I know goes into the wild without a firearm. The only park rangers I have ever encountered who think bear spray is effective are liberal anti gun wankers from New York. I never try to talk them out of bear spray.
As for the average bear being under 800 lbs., does it matter if you're eaten by a 500 or 900 lb. bear?
I hope a bear never charges you and you have time to check the wind direction before pulling the trigger on a can of non-lethal pepper spray. I'm not against liberal anti-gun weenies keeping the bears well fed so they don't come after the rest of us! Thanks.
you must be 12 years old. I know good quality bear spray works and saves the bears life. Your words are full of non factual rubbish and hate. And i am from Montana and carry guns. Carry on.
remembering to say FZ1000 isn't so hard, is it?
I liked your video!! =) I am going for the leica version on this one... just because it will hold the value a little longer.. specs i think they are the same....
Have you tried Sony A6000
I haven't. I think that what I like about the FZ1000 and other "bridge" type cameras is that you get a wide lens range all in one package. Of course, you'll sacrifice some sensor size and the glass might be better if you're getting specific ranges, but I'm looking to pair things down for hiking and not having to haul two or three lenses. That being said, have you had experience with the A6000?
It is not weatherproof at all. I have 2 of those for video shooting and that part is what bothers me the most.
כל מילה נכונה !
hike734 I really need your help i have problem with the panasonic fz1000 with video footage it is not recording clean and i really need your help seeing if my camera is working right with video sameple . Please men i really need your help becuase i live all the way in the caribean and i have to pay allot of money to send to the us to for repair and service at panasonic manafacture so i really need your help men please please help . please .
Image stabilisation is not as good as your canon??? what???
The optical image stabilization is better on my Canon 70-200mm 2.8L IS II which it should be as the thing weighs a ton and is 2.5x the price of this camera. My wide lens for my Canon, however, didn't have image stabilization, so my pans tend to be better.
hike734 You are telling me that your canon 70-200 IS on your Canon camera has better stabilisation than the FZ1000?? Do me a favor and set your camera to 4k in video mode and zoom out to full optical and digital zoom which will be 2368mm (35mm equivalent) and test off on stabilisation. You canon IS at 200mm will be at best about the same! Yet the fz1000 is at more than 10x the focal length of the canon..
My 70-200 f2.8 VR2 does not hold a candle to the stabilisation on the fz1000
First off, let me say that I think that the FZ1000's IS is great. To your points, I agree that you can zoom in way further and, with software stabilization, you can help it out. I should clarify what I mean when I say that it is better. It is aesthetically more pleasing to me. When shooting with my 7D, I also have a doubler on it which brings it to 640mm (35mm eq). When handholding my camera all racked out, the IS on the 70-200mm is smoother out of the camera. It is by no means, perfect. The FZ1000 does a great job, but it tends to have very small jitters and sometimes will behave more erratic when it's trying to figure out how to stabilize. When you go to stabilize in software, it can be a little ripple-y. From a workflow standpoint for me with doing a lot of blogs where I need to turn around quickly and not have to buy ridiculous amounts of storage, I can't shoot 4K every time either. This of course is my opinion, use, and workflow. Perhaps there are ways that you're using the stabilization that I'm not and would love to hear how you get better IS. Overall, I feel that the 70-200 floats with IS and the FZ1000 moves a bit more erratic with some micro jitters. That's been my experience. (BTW, thanks for the comments! I'm hoping to learn more!)
Thank you Jason.
IMO, a camera review from someone who understand the weight / bulk limitations for more than just a day walk away from a parked car.
I'm glad I watched this. Thumbsup
Kind regards
Mick
southerncross100 Thanks! The first step in making a purchase you won't regret is knowing what you want out of it. It's easy to buy something because it's the cheapest, most expensive, most features, etc.
I think you did a good job of comparing a camera that, depending on the lens attached to it, will take some of the best photos that can be made, the Canon, to a camera that is so versatile it almost defies description, the Lumix.
It should be pointed out that the Lumix in 4K video mode and the iZoom feature engaged can zoom out to 1,184mm and produce excellent quality. I know, this is video but you can extract 8 megapixels stills from this video in the camera and avoid any post processing of the video on your computer. These stills will produce prints of over 8 x 10 and you'll have to get out the magnifying glass to see any faults in them. Using 4K video to produce stills sounds crazy but that's where we are with this camera if you need a longer reach than the 400mm.
Amos Soma Totally agree with you! I have to say that I have an affinity for shooting in RAW and editing the photos later as I struggle getting JPGs that I'm incredibly stoked with that I'd use for prints. They are great for online twitter/facebook/etc for me. I still struggle with shooting 4K because of the file size. Being a blogger and shooting a ton of short videos, I don't know where I'd store everything as I'm kind of a hoarder for my old footage. :D
more features, sealed, touch screen, 24X zoom, image stabilization, 4k video, f2.8 lens
+Troy Van der The weather resistant would definitely be nice. The 300 does have a longer lens, but it's due to the smaller sensor. That's always a tradeoff when hiking. With a bigger sensor, it tends to do better in lower light and you end up with more megapixels, but it doesn't bring in things as close for video. Touch screen has always been iffy for me as I feel that the implementation doesn't bring much for me, but maybe it's better with this. My guess is that the 4K and IS is probably comparable. 2.8 throughout would be nice as would the cheaper price point. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts! Always tradeoffs huh? ;-)
While the FZ1000 is a nice camera (and yes, I've shot with it), it's not one I would use hiking, kayaking, etc. Why? Because it has NO weather or water proofing. The weather and water proof Pentax K50 is a better choice for image quality and performance due to it's sensor size being double what the FZ1000 uses. The price of the K50 with kit lens is around $375. vs $800. for the Panasonic. Add the 55-300mm weather proof lens to the K50 and it's still LESS money than the Panasonic. With the crop sensor of the K50, it will exceed the reach of the Panasonic. In low light, the Panny fails while the K50 with it's much larger sensor is great. Couple the K50 with the Sigma 18-300mm lens and it stomps on the FZ1000 for about the same price..and it's weather proof. If video is important, the FZ1000 is the way to go, but that said, there are better choices in video than either.
+Jim McCarthy Those are all great points. I wish that the camera had better weather resistance as I take mine hiking outside where rain does fall. ;-) My biggest love of the Panasonic is in the totality of the package (video, focal length, lens quality), simplicity, and weight. I used to use the 7D with a couple different lens setups which gave me better weatherproofing and lens quality, but it was very heavy. I think it's important to look at what the priorities are of any given situation and determine what works best. What kit do you use? How do you use it?
Yes, the Panny is a excellent package and with decent light, images are outstanding. Since a hiker and kayaker, weather proofing is important. That's why I just very recently added the Pentax K3..call me impressed and at a outstanding price of $550. for the body. Outstanding reviews and I can see why..full magnesium body, water proof, fast at 8fps, etc. So now my K50 is my backup and I'm set to shoot my next event.
I prefer the FZ300
+Troy Van der Why's that?
The first 3 minutes are pointless and irrelevant.
You got it! Some folks think it is a straight up review of the camera. It really is a review of the camera for the purpose of hiking. That helps some people and others find it pointless and irrelevant which is totally fine as well.
Where did you get the FZ1000 from? Amazon? Thanks! Great vid
Where did you get the FZ1000 from? Amazon? Thanks! Great vid
I got it at B&H right when it came out. I'd get it again.
hike734 Thanks a lot dude! Fast reply, I love it
No worries. BTW, if you decide to get it from amazon, click on the link in the blog (www.hike734.com/practical/hiking-with-the-panasonic-fz1000/) where I talked about it. I get a little coin for it. :D
hike734 No problem, I will make sure to do it. Have a great day!