Panasonic has updated its popular Lumix DMC-FZ1000 in a big way with the release of the DMC-FZ2500/FZ2000. It gains a new lens, larger EVF and variable ND filter, but the big story here is video.
The FZ2500 uses the same 1"-type 20MP sensor as the FZ1000 and ZS100/TZ100, along with its impressive Depth from Defocus AF system. The usual 4K Photo and Post Focus features are available, plus a clever new Focus Stacking option. Wi-Fi is, of course, also included.
From a design point-of-view, the FZ2500 is a large, solid camera with a grip to match. Its 24-480mm equiv. F2.8-4.5 lens is longer but slightly slower than the one on the FZ1000, but its inner workings are quite different. Once powered on, the lens extends and doesn't move even when you zoom, as everything is internal – just like on a camcorder. This, combined with special lens motors, allows for very smooth zooming. Inside you'll find Panasonic's usual image stabilization system, plus something video shooters will appreciate: a variable ND filter with -2EV, -4EV and -6EV options. The 3" LCD is fully articulating and is touch-enabled, and the OLED electronic viewfinder has an impressive magnification of 0.74x.
The real focus on the FZ2500 is video. It can capture both DCI and UHD 4K video at 30p and 24p at a bit rate of 100Mbps. Full HD goes up to 60p at a bit rate of 200Mbps using ALL-Intra compression. The FZ2500 also offers a variable frame rate for both slow and fast motion video. Two other 'big deals' include 10-bit 4:2:2 video output over HDMI (or 8-bit for internal recording) and optional V-Log L support (a $99 extra.) The camera has both mic and headphone jacks and supports Panasonic's shotgun mics and video lamps.
The FZ2500 will ship in November for $1199.
Read our FZ2500 First Impressions Review
Press Release:
LUMIX FZ2500 - The Ultimate Hybrid Compact Digital Camera with Large, 1-inch MOS Sensor
Achieving Unprecedented Performance in Both Photography and Videography
Cologne, Germany (September 19, 2016) – Panasonic is proud to introduce new LUMIX compact digital camera DMC-FZ2500 (FZ2500) that boasts exceptionally high performance in both photography and videography.
The newly developed 20x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens serves as the eye of the camera to achieve excellent detail. An inner zoom structure dramatically enhances the stability of the lens to offer smooth zooming much like a professional camcorder. By combining the built-in ND filters, 4 setting modes of ND filter are available with direct switch operation: -2EV(1/4), -4EV(1/16), -6EV(1/64) and AUTO*1. Users can record videos while keeping the exposure level the same with a fixed shutter speed or with a fully open aperture even in high brightness. Seamless iris control with a nine-blade aperture diaphragm and new galvanometer-type actuator is also equipped.
The new LUMIX FZ2500 evolves beyond the limitation of conventional compact cameras by providing outstanding video recording capabilities. One of the most prominent advances is unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of recording Full-HD videos with an ultrahigh bit rate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without any recording duration limit. Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the application. For global business by professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selected from 59.94 Hz (23.98 Hz) / 50.00 Hz / 24.00 Hz. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of live image output to the external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video. For more unique video expression, VFR (Variable Frame Rate), Slow & Quick motion, and Dolly Zoom are also available as well as a variety of practical functions required for professional video recording.
The large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor lets the user capture clear images with minimum noise even when shooting at a high ISO. The Venus Engine features multiple noise reduction systems to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with natural, true-to-life detail.
The LUMIX FZ2500 packs a host of advanced functions and technologies that let users capture the unmissable moments. The Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signals between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps, resulting in ultrafast auto focusing of approx. 0.09 sec*2. The burst shooting performance is also improved to achieve 12 fps (AFS) / 7 fps (AFC), for up to max.100 (JPEG) / 30 (RAW) images. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps to save as a 4K PHOTO.
Panasonic’s unique technologies further enrich the user's photographic experience. In addition to the Post Focus function, newly integrated Focus Stacking enables to adjust the depth of field after shooting by simply selecting the focusing area.
The LUMIX FZ2500 features an OLED LVF (Live View Finder) with 2360K-dot equivalent high resolution with approx.2.18x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent in 4:3) magnification capability. The large, free-angle 3.0-inch approx.1040K-dot touch-control monitor with approx. 100% field of view makes shooting easier at either a high or low angle.
Wi-Fi® connectivity lets users connect the camera to smartphone or tablet to expand the flexibility in shooting, storing, and sharing images.
With its exceptionally high video performance, the new LUMIX FZ2500 defies comparison with any conventional compact cameras, satisfying even prosumers and advanced amateurs.
*1 Works for still image recording
*2 At wide-end, AFS, 1-Area AF, Live View mode 60fps, based on the CIPA standard.
New Photo/Video Hybrid Lens Delivers Uncompromising Performance
The LUMIX FZ2500 features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMART lens system with 20x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm) and high-speed F2.8-4.5. Comprised of 16 lenses in 11 groups including 1 UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens, 4 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses and 5 aspherical lenses, the lens system boasts high optical performance with minimum ghosts and flaring. This lens system adopts an inner zoom structure with guide-pole mechanism. The guide-pole mechanism minimizes image shifts in zooming and is commonly used in professional camcorders. Together with the inner zoom structure, which realizes exceptional barycentric stability, image shift is dramatically suppressed by 80% compared with the FZ1000 to offer smooth, stable zooming. A coreless DC motor also enables slow, constant zooming from wide to 20x telephoto. Focus tracking performance in zooming is also improved.
A 9-blade aperture diaphragm achieves a soft, rounded defocus, smoothly catching up with sudden changes in brightness thanks to the use of a new galvanometer-type actuator, which is also used in professional camcorders. It assures smooth, seamless iris control even while zooming.
By combining the built-in ND filters, 4 setting modes for ND filters are available with direct switch operation: -2EV(1/4), -4EV(1/16), -6EV(1/64) and AUTO.* Users can record videos while keeping the exposure level the same with a fixed shutter speed or with a fully open aperture even in high brightness.
* Works for still image recording
High Quality Video Recording Performance Meeting Professional Standards
The LUMIX FZ2500 boasts an exceptional video recording performance that has never been seen before in any compact digital camera. It is capable of unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4*1. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of Full-HD video with an ultrahigh bit rate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), with no limit on recording duration.*1 Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the application. For the global business of professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selected from between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz.
The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of live image output to the external monitor in 4:2:2 / 8-bit*2 via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video. Even 4:2:2 / 10-bit is available which is suitable for professional video making that requires serious monitoring of footage. Users can choose to output only the recording content or the content with setting menus individually depending on the display.
To elevate the video expression performance even more, a variety of effects are available on the LUMIX FZ2500. The VFR (Variable Frame Rate) lets users record overcranked / undercranked video, all in Full-HD*3. Max.5x slower effect is available in 24p at 120 fps.. With the newly added Slow & Quick, users can apply a slow or quick motion effect with a press of the Fn button during recording. It is easy to activate 50% slow motion (120 fps) or 200% quick motion (30 fps) recording mode while recording at 60 fps. It is also possible to change the background’s angle of view and make it wider without changing the size of the main subject with a Dolly Zoom. Time Lapse/ Stop Motion Animation video can also be produced inside the camera.
In response to the demands of the cine production market, Panasonic offers a paid software upgrade service for the LUMIX FZ2500 to comply with V-LogL video recording with the purchase of Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU1. Log recording offers exceptional flexibility as well as a wider dynamic range for color grading in the post-production process and V-LogL features log characteristics with 12 steps. V-Log / V-LogL have been developed to feature a similar characteristic curve to Cineon, which is a characteristic curve of film digitalization. Both V-Log and V-LogL have the same characteristic curve, and the LUT (Look Up Table) can be utilized in common.
*1 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode of 100 Mbps or greater.
*2 Setting the HDMI output picture quality
[4:2:2 10bit]:You can output the image through the HDMI connection in higher picture quality, but you cannot record it as a motion picture or still pictures. Ideal when the HDMI output is to be saved on external devices.
[4:2:2 8bit]:You can record the image while outputting it through the HDMI connection. Ideal for recording while checking the motion picture on an external monitor. When using 4:2:2 / 8-bit output, video is recorded in 4:2:0 / 8-bit on SDXC/SDHC Memory Card.
*3 In 24p playback. Effect value varies depending on the recording format and frequency.
Capture Unmissable Moments in Stunning Photo Quality
The LUMIX FZ2500 incorporates a large, 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel high resolution. This large MOS Sensor boasts a high S/N ratio, resulting in a dramatic reduction of noise even when shooting at ISO 12,800. The rich amount of light helps to produce an impressive defocus with a shallow depth of field. Together with the high-performance image processor Venus Engine, high image quality is achieved by optimizing sensitivity, resolution, color reproduction and gradation. The advanced noise reduction system detects edge parts, smooth parts and gradation parts and applies appropriate noise reduction individually. The result is sharp, clear images with precise color reproduction.
The LUMIX FZ2500 incorporates a dedicated linear motor into the focus system to achieve ultrahigh-speed AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology*1 which shortens the focus time. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two images with different sharpness levels at a high 240-fps signal exchange speed. As a result, the LUMIX FZ2500 achieves ultrahigh-speed AF of approx.0.09 sec*2 and high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) / 7 fps (AFC) to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus up to 100 (JPEG) / 30 (RAW) images.
Thanks to this 4K technology, users can experience 4K PHOTO to capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps by extracting the frame with the most photogenic image out of the 4K burst file to save as a photo. Plus, multiple images can be saved as 4K PHOTO shots all at once in the LUMIX FZ2500. A maximum of 150 frames in five seconds following a designated frame can be saved. Users can check these images on a large PC monitor and select the best shot after shooting.
The LUMIX FZ2500 comes with the Post Focus function that lets users select the in-focus area even after shooting. This is helpful especially in macro shooting where strict focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. This function was developed by combining high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology and 4K technology.
The newly integrated Focus Stacking function enables users to adjust the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with Post Focus function inside the camera. Users do not need to focus severely while shooting because they can get the image with the defocus that they want, or a pan-focused image, by simply selecting the focus area after shooting. This is beneficial when shooting macro shots of insects, small accessories and so on.
The 4K PHOTO and Post Focus menus are available on the drive dial for users to activate them more quickly.
*1 Works for still image recording.
*2 Based on the CIPA standard.
Solid Design with Intuitive Control
The LUMIX FZ2500 offers both a sleek, solid exterior design and intuitive control. The dual dial control system around the barrel of the large-diameter LEICA DC lens enables focusing and zooming, and the 4 ND filter setting modes can be changed quickly with a switch that is also located on the lens barrel. The well-defined grip provides a stable hold with minimum fatigue despite its substantial weight. The front/rear dual dial system enables direct setting of the shutter speed and aperture. And the optimal dial, button, lever and switch layout allow intuitive control with comfort in both photo and video shooting.
The LUMIX FZ2500 has a large LVF (Live View Finder) with a high magnification ratio of approx. 2.18x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent in 4:3). The high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display features 2,360K-dot high resolution and 100% field of view. Adoption of the OLED for the LVF achieves high-speed response with minimum time lag of less than 0.01 sec as well as 10,000:1 high contrast for exceptional visibility. With an eyepoint of approximately 20 mm, it also offers high visibility with comfort for users wearing glasses. It is always sharp and clear from the center all the way to the corners.
Equipped with a static-type touch-control system, the 3-inch free-angle rear monitor with 1040K-dot high resolution features approx.100% field of view. It tilts up and down by 270 degrees, which enables shooting at either a high or low angle even easier. The touch-control system lets the user immediately focus on the subject and even release the shutter by simply touching the screen. Touch Pad AF makes it possible to change the focus point while keeping an eye on the subject through the viewfinder when the frame is fixed. It is also useful in after-shooting operations such as cropping 4K PHOTO shots or setting Post Focus.
Other Features
･3.5 mm Microphone Jack / 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
The LUMIX FZ2500 comes with a variety of connection terminals for more flexible shooting options. The 3.5 mm microphone jack is for high-quality audio recording using an external microphone, and the 3.5 mm headphone jack lets the user monitor the audio recording while shooting video in real-time.
･SD Card Compatibility and Side SD Card Slot
For reliable recording of rich video, the LUMIX FZ2500 complies with UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3). The UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) guarantees a constant minimum write speed of 30 MB/s to respond to market needs for 4K video. The SD Card slot is located at the side of the camera for users to change smoothly even when the camera is on a tripod.
･Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® with Smartphones
The LUMIX FZ2500 features Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) 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.
Optional Accessories
A variety of optional accessories are available for the new LUMIX FZ2500, including an External Flash (DMW-FL580L / DMW-FL360L / DMW-FL200L), Stereo Shotgun Microphone (DMW-MS2), LED Video Light (VW-LED1), and Remote Shutter (DMW-RSL1). The 67mm diameter of the PL Filter (DMW-LPL67) and MC Protector (DMW-LMCH67) are also offered for more creative freedom.
The FZ2500 will be available in November at www.shop.panasonic.com and valued channel partners for $1199.99.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500/FZ2000 specifications
Price
MSRP
$1199
Body type
Body type
Large sensor compact
Body material
Metal, composite
Sensor
Max resolution
5472 x 3648
Other resolutions
3:2 (3888 x 2592, 2736 x 1824), 16:9 (5472 x 3080, 3840 x 2160, 1920 x 1080), 4:3 (4864 x 3648, 3456 x 2592, 2432 x 1824), 1:1 (3648 x 3648, 2592 x 2592, 1824 x 1824)
Image ratio w:h
1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels
20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors
21 megapixels
Sensor size
1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor
Venus Engine
Color space
sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array
Primary color filter
Image
ISO
Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum)
80
Boosted ISO (maximum)
25600
White balance presets
5
Custom white balance
Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization
Optical
Image stabilization notes
Hybrid 5-axis available in movie mode
Uncompressed format
RAW
JPEG quality levels
Fine, standard
File format
JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Raw (Panasonic CR2)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)
24–480 mm
Optical zoom
20×
Maximum aperture
F2.8–4.5
Autofocus
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Multi-area
Center
Selective single-point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
Live View
Autofocus assist lamp
Yes
Digital zoom
Yes (2x)
Manual focus
Yes
Normal focus range
30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range
3 cm (1.18″)
Number of focus points
49
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD
Fully articulated
Screen size
3″
Screen dots
1,040,000
Touch screen
Yes
Screen type
TFT LCD
Live view
Yes
Viewfinder type
Electronic
Viewfinder coverage
100%
Viewfinder magnification
0.74×
Viewfinder resolution
2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed
60 sec
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)
1/16000 sec
Exposure modes
Program
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Manual
Scene modes
Clear Portrait
Silky Skin
Backlit Softness
Clear in Backlight
Relaxing Tone
Sweet Child's Face
Distinct Scenery
Bright Blue Sky
Romantic Sunset Glow
Vivid Sunset Glow
Glistening Water
Clear Nightscape
Cool Night Sky
Warm Glowing Nightscape
Artistic Nightscape
Glittering Illuminations
Handheld Night Shot
Clear Night Portrait
Soft Image of a Flower
Appetizing Food
Cute Dessert
Freeze Animal Motion
Clear Sports Shot
Monochrome
Built-in flash
Yes
Flash range
13.20 m (at Auto ISO)
External flash
Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes
Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Continuous drive
12.0 fps
Self-timer
Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 shots @ 10 sec)
Metering modes
Multi
Center-weighted
Spot
Exposure compensation
±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing
±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Format
MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Modes
4096 x 2060 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
4096 x 2060 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone
Stereo
Speaker
Mono
Storage
Storage types
SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI
Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port
Yes
Headphone port
Yes
Wireless
Built-In
Wireless notes
802.11b/g/n
Remote control
Yes (wired or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed
No
Battery
Battery Pack
Battery description
DMW-BLC12 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)
350
Weight (inc. batteries)
915 g (2.02 lb / 32.28 oz)
Dimensions
138 x 102 x 135 mm (5.42 x 4.01 x 5.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor
Yes
GPS
None