Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II 20.1MP Digital Camera, 16x 25-400mm LEICA DC Lens, 4K Video, Optical Image Stabilizer and 3.0-inch Display – Point and Shoot Camera - DC-FZ1000M2 (Black)

The media could not be loaded. I was looking for a camera to shoot videos for my new video blog. I wanted a camera that was great for recording video as well as for taking stills. The FZ1000 has been great at both so far. I've been really impressed with this camera in terms of its operating speed, its zoom, its ergonomics, and the photos and videos I've taken. Here is a list of my initial thoughts on the FZ1000:Pros:------------------------- Fast performance. Turning the unit on and navigating the menus is all very quick.- The auto focus is super-fast and accurate.- The articulating LCD comes in real handy for my video blogging sessions- Wi-Fi sharing is definitely a require feature for all of my future cameras- Remote Wi-Fi shooting capability is great- The 3.5mm microphone jack is useful. My old camera had a 2.5mm jack that wasn't as compatible with popular mics.- 4K video for under 1KCons:------------------------- The plastic body. Yes, I know they are trying to keep the cost down but I still had to mention it- The body may be a bit bulky for some- I wish the 4K was at 60 fps- I wish the FZ1000 also had a headphone jack- The LCD is not a touch screen- It's not a super zoom, although, I might be asking for too much for this price rangeWhy not a DSLR?------------------------I didn't choose a DSLR because I didn't want to buy expensive lenses, lug all of them around, or spend time switching them. I know I am sacrificing some capabilities by going with a bridge camera instead. I just decided that I'd rather buy a camera that serves my most important needs, not every possible option.Why the FZ1000?------------------------When considering the FZ1000, its ability to shoot video in 4K while costing under 1K was a big factor. I know there aren't a lot of people out there with 4K displays. I just wanted to be among the first to produce 4K content so that I could 1) differentiate my new video blog from established ones and 2) put more 4K content out there to help move more people to the format. Of note, I read that when you down scale 4K video to 1080P, the output looks really great compared to filming at 1080P (don't know if that's true). I also read that zooming into 4K video content can lead to great 1080P content. On the other hand, zooming into 1080P content may lead to content that appears lower in quality (any thought folks?).The FZ1000's fast and accurate auto focus also influenced my decision. I wanted to be able to film in dynamic environments and get the best possible auto focus performance available.Another consideration was Panasonic's reputation for creating cameras that are excellent for shooting videos. I watched and read many reviews on the FZ1000 and on the GH4 and was convinced my next camera would be one of these devices. As I mentioned above, I ultimately decided against getting a DSLR (i.e. the GH4). Perhaps as I progress further into videography, I'll consider adding the GH4 to my arsenal.Wrapping Up------------------------As I mentioned at the top, I've been really impressed with this camera. I like how fast it is. I like some of its unique features such as its remote Wi-Fi control. I like its long zoom, although I do miss not having a super zoom. Mostly I like the HD video this camera produces. I think the FZ1000 ability to record smooth, high quality video is going to help me get to the next level in terms of videography. I totally recommend this camera and I'm very happy with my purchase.Update------------------------I added an unboxing video. Sorry for the low video quality. I had to reduce the quality to meet Amazon's file size limit.

I love this camera. It is very intuitive. I am going to purchase a printed copy of the 367 paqe Advanced Camera Manual off of the internet in order to learn more about it. I have also signed up for a Camera Class not to learn the camera so much but to get better photos when the lighting is not ideal. Don't get me wrong the camera did great in Auto mode. I just want to understand more about light & camera settings.Love:1. Out of the box Auto Mode - fantastic photos & videos.2. Zoom - easy to focus on desired subject at a distance.3. Fast Focus - easy to photograph my busy 3 year old grand daughter (she is busy & fast)Cons:1. Large - About the size of a DSLR. However no camera exists in a small body that does what this one does.2. PhotoFunStudio 9.5PE : If you used a previous Panasonic camera with PhotoFunStudio & Windows Movie Maker. It will no longer work. PhotoFunStudio 9.5PE only converts videos to .mov or .mp4. Windows Movie Maker does work with these file types. You will either have to purchase new video editing software or video converter software.Unknown:1. I haven't tried the Wifi connection yet.2. I don't use the 4K Video option as I don't have anything to play 4K Video. MP4 Video requires no conversion to play outside of camera. I did convert some HD Video to MP4 & MOV formats using the included software CD.I have several Panasonic Cameras and in my opinion they are all good for amateurs who just want a point and shoot. I purchased a Sony RX10 & kept it for a couple of days. It did not have enough zoom to suit me. It wasn't as intuitive as the Panasonic. I had a hard time getting it to focus on a subject at the long end of the zoom. I may have gotten a bad unit as I could tell it had been tried out before. Clock was set, items out of baggies etc. The Sony was smaller & built better than the Panasonic. However I am thrilled with the Panasonic. I also purchased a square trade warranty from Amazon (these are cheaper than on Square Trades Website). If you are on the fence between the Sony RX10 & this one I would pick this one if you are inexperienced.

I have owned a 35mm film SLR, and I currently own an old Cannon T2i SLR with the APS-C sensor. I also own a smaller sensor Nikon B500 bridge camera.This particular camera, with the 1 inch sensor, fills a niche between 'fair quality' bridge cameras and 'excellent quality' SLRs. I like it a lot. Right out of the box, without changing any settings, this thing is one excellent 'point and shoot' camera.With the dial set on 'P', I tried various indoor and outdoor shots and kept saying "Wow" out loud when I viewed them on my 4k PC screen. I purposely tried to shoot into the worst lighting possible, this thing handled my scenes very well.My two favorite lenses with the old film SLR were 55mm and 300mm. I could not afford a zoom lens back then. Having this 25-400mm (equavilent) lens in the size of an average SLR with a (really fat) 55m fixed lens is nirvana for me in the camera world.I enjoy having a decent sized camera, with great zoom, and great image quality. I also enjoy not having to carry around a bag with heavy, expensive, SLR lenses. I was waffling on buying this for a few days due to the price.The Electronic View Finder is what puts this over the top for me. My near vision is a bit poor and carting around reading glasses to use a camera is what made me stop using my old T2i SLR. It got to be too much bother. The EVF on this thing has a diopter adjustment that eliminates my need to use reading glasses. Woo-hoo! I can literally grab it and shoot without fumbling around for glasses.I have no regrets with this purchase. I am extremely satisfied with the FZ1000's quality. I am an amateur photography and I would highly recommend the FZ1000 to anyone with an interest in photography.