Panasonic debuts new bridge camera LUMIX FZ1000 II with 1-inch sensor

The 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-400mm) is integrated to achieve high descriptiveness in detail and resolution to corners. It also produces a stunningly beautiful defocus together with the large-sized MOS Sensor. The minimum aperture is extended to F11. The LUMIX FZ1000 II includes the Zoom Compose Assist function which helps to regain the subject quickly when the sight of the subject is lost in telephoto shooting.

The 1-inch large 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor boasts a high S/N ratio, making it possible to capture clear images with minimum noise even when shot at a high ISO. The Venus Engine features multiple noise reduction systems, such as Multi Process NR, a Random Filter, and an Aperture Filter, to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with natural description. L.Monochrome and L.Monochrome D modes are newly added to Photo Style, making it possible to shoot dynamic monochrome photos with emphasized highlights and shadows while preserving the details.

The LUMIX FZ1000 II records stunningly smooth, high-resolution 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can enjoy using 4K PHOTO to capture those unmissable moments at 30 fps and save them in 8-megapixel high resolution photos. Auto Marking, Sequence Composition, Post Focus and Focus Stacking are also available to make 4K PHOTO even easier-to-use, in more creative ways.

The LUMIX FZ1000 II is also superior in response. Featuring combined DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, not only accuracy but also speed is high with Light Speed AF of approx. 0.09 sec.* Together with the short release time lag and quick start-up time, the LUMIX FZ1000 II never misses those fleeting photo opportunities. High speed bursts can be shot at 12 fps (AFS, JPEG/RAW). It also complies with max.1/4000 (mechanical) and 1/16000 (electronic) high shutter speed.

The LUMIX FZ1000 II incorporates a new high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder). With 0.39-inch 2,360k-dot high resolution in 4:3 aspect, the new LVF boasts approx. 0.74x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. The new 3.0-inch 1,240k-dot free-angle rear monitor with touch control rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down. The menu is also refined to enhance ease of use.

The 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)+ with Active Mode effectively compensates for hand shake. Creative Video mode, High Speed video in Full-HD at 120 fps, Time Lapse Shot, and Stop Motion Animation are also available for a greater variety of video expression.

For more creative freedom, Creative Control, Creative Panorama and Photo Style are available. The LUMIX FZ1000 II includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. The LUMIX FZ1000 II boasts a long battery life of approx. 440 pictures per charge. The camera’s battery can be recharged via either AC or USB according to the users’ convenience.

* Based on the CIPA standard, when using the rear monitor.

1. 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens with 16x Optical Zoom

The new LUMIX FZ1000 II features the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens (F2.8-F4.0) with 16x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-400mm). Comprising 15 elements in 11 groups, including 4 ED lenses and 5 aspherical lenses with 8 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit achieves a high MTF value. Adoption of 5 aspherical glass lenses in this digital compact camera achieves a beautiful, evenly smooth defocus with invisible edge line, which is made possible by Panasonic’s unique aspherical lens mold technology. The first lens group, located at the front, consists of 4 lenses to minimize chromatic aberration especially at the tele-end. The minimum aperture is extended from F8.0 (FZ1000) to F11, achieving F2.8-F11 at the wide end and F4.0-F11 at the tele end.

The LUMIX FZ1000 II includes the Zoom Compose Assist function. When the user loses sight of the subject at high zoom, it is helpful to regain the subject in a wider angle of view. The Zoom Compose Assist function makes it possible to zoom out and quickly retarget the subject at the original zoom ratio with a press of the dedicated button.

2. 1-inch 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine

The LUMIX FZ1000 II incorporates a 1-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel high resolution. This large MOS Sensor improves the S/N ratio, resulting in a dramatic reduction of noise even when shooting at ISO 12800. A rich amount of light helps to produce an impressive defocus with a shallow depth of field.

The image processor Venus Engine boasts high performance with a quad-core CPU that enables high speed signal processing required for rich video recording, such as 4K. The advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) applies effective noise reduction and detail processing according to each component frequency. Plus, a random filter granulates chromatic noise to be blended into the image even more naturally. As a result, max. ISO 25,600 (Extended) is achieved. An aperture filter is capable of controlling a wider frequency range. It adjusts the amount of sharpness according to the frequency level, resulting in a faithful stereoscopic effect. The Venus Engine also excels in color reproduction with accurate evaluation of each color even if it is similar not only in color phase but also in saturation and luminosity. Moreover, the 3D color control image process reproduces the color gradation, especially those of sky and human skin, even more smoothly and naturally. Also, the luminance level of the brightness is seamlessly described. The combination of the High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves stunning picture quality going beyond the limit of most digital compact cameras.

For more creative expression, L.Monochrome and L.Monocheome D modes are newly added to Photo Style, making it possible to shoot dynamic monochrome photos with emphasized highlights and shadows while preserving the details. The user can adjust the grain effect between High/Standard/Low for more creative monochrome photo shooting.

3. 4K capability brings an evolution in videography/photography – 4K video and 4K PHOTO

The LUMIXFZ1000 II is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos but also high quality videos even in 4K. It features an outstanding 4K video recording capability (4K: 3840×2160, at 30p or 24p in MP4.*¹*² With 4KPHOTO, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-megapixel equivalent resolution by extracting a frame of the most photogenic timing out of the 4K burst file to save as a photo. Three exclusive functions are integrated to make 4K photography even easier: 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. The 4K Burst shooting allows consecutive shooting at 30 fps, which can be used just like photo burst shooting.

Choosing the best shot out of hundreds of frames recorded with 4K PHOTO is now easier with the newly added Auto Marking function. It lets the user jump to the nearest frame where the differences are obvious between consecutive frames to minimize the time it takes to choose the best shot. Sequence Composition makes it possible to make a stromotion image by synthesizing multiple images shot at a fixed frame with 4K PHOTO. A unique image reflecting the subject’s motion can be produced easily in the camera without needing a special retouching process.

The LUMIX FZ1000 II comes with the Post Focus function that enables users to select the in-focus area even after shooting. It is helpful in situations like macro shooting where severe focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. This function has been developed by combining the high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) autofocus technology and 4K technology.

A newly integrated Focus Stacking function enables users to adjust the focus area after shooting by combining multiple images shot with the Post Focus function in the camera. Users do not need to perform severe focusing during shooting, yet they can get images with the defocus as they want or pan-focus images by simply selecting the focus area after shooting. This is beneficial when shooting macro shots of insects, small accessories and so on.

*¹ 4K video can be recorded for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. When recording motion pictures in 4K, use a card rated as UHS Speed Class 3.
*²  Motion images can be recorded for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.

4. High-Speed Response and Stunning Mobility

For even faster response and higher mobility, the LUMIX FZ1000II integrates a dedicated linear motor into the focus system. The Light Speed AF with the adoption of DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology shortens the time to focus. It also boasts high-speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) and 7 fps (AFC) for up to more than 100 (JPEG) / 26 (RAW) images to capture fast moving subjects in-focus. The LUMIX FZ1000 II is capable of releasing the mechanical shutter at max.1/4000 sec and 1/16000 with the electronic shutter, which reduces washouts even under strong sunlight.

In addition to this, the stability of continuous focusing is now even smoother by minimizing wobbling in both photo and video recording. Together with the quick start-up and short release time lag, the LUMIX FZ1000 II never lets photographers miss those fleeting photo opportunities.

5. Intuitive Control by OLED LVF, new touch-control rear monitor and optimum design

The FZ1000 II boasts a high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder). With 0.39-inch 2,360k-dot high resolution in 4:3 aspect, the new LVF boasts approx. 0.74x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. With an eyepoint of approximately 20 mm, it offers high visibility with comfort for users wearing glasses. It is always sharp and clear from the center all the way to the corners.

The new 3.0-inch 1,240k-dot free-angle rear monitor with touch control rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down to offer approx. a 100% of field of view. Adopting a static-type touch control system, it immediately lets users focus on the subject by simply touching the screen and releasing the shutter. It is free and easy to enlarge the target point with the fingertips for precise focusing.

Operability is also improved in the LUMIX FZ1000 II, allowing intuitive control. The front/rear dual dial system enables direct setting of the shutter speed and aperture. For quick access to the target setting menu, the user can assign the frequently-used functions to a total of 13 Fn buttons including 3 new buttons on the lens barrel and 5 on the touch control menu.

6. Other features

Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n)

The FZ1000 II integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet installed with Panasonic’s dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. Users can choose the picture quality of the photos to transfer using Image App. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. This enables the camera to activate by simply using a smartphone/tablet or adds a GPS geotag on the photos automatically.

Long battery life and AC/USB Power Charging

The LUMIX FZ1000 II boasts a long battery life of approximately 440 pictures* per charge. Thanks to the newly adopted eco 30 fps mode, approximately 430 pictures can be shot even when using an LVF. The camera’s battery can be recharged via either AC or USB according to the users’ convenience. 
*When using the rear monitor

Exposure / WB / Focus / Aperture Bracket

In the FZ1000 II, Focus Bracket and Aperture Bracket are new additions to the conventional Exposure Bracket and WB Brackets for users to choose the best shot later. In Focus Bracket, a maximum of 999 images can be shot with different focus points. The Aperture Bracket lets users have multiple shots with different depths of field.

The FZ1000 II will be available at valued channel partners in March for $899.99.

• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
• The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
• “AVCHD Progressive”, “AVCHD”, the “AVCHD Progressive” Logo and the “AVCHD” Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• Some accessories are not available in some countries.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Blu-ray players, Home Audio, Technics, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Beauty, Grooming, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine’s 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good.  Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution.