Complementing the imaging performance is a long-reaching 16x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens, which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25-400mm. Covering wide-angle to telephoto perspectives, this f/2.8-4 lens incorporates aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements within its construction to realize a sharp, clear image quality with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. HYBRID O.I.S. image stabilization further benefits working in difficult lighting conditions by minimizing the appearance of camera shake across five distinct axes. The lens also utilizes a linear AF motor, that is benefitted by Lumix Depth From Defocus technology to achieve fast focusing performance throughout the zoom range.

The bridge-style design of this camera features both an electronic viewfinder and rear LCD monitor for easier viewing in an array of working situations. The 0.39" 2,359k-dot OLED Live View Finder provides 100% frame coverage with 35mm-equivalent 0.7x magnification while the 3.0" 921k-dot LCD monitor features a free-angle, articulating design to facilitate working from high and low angles. Additionally, the camera also features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to support direct image transfer to, as well as remote control and monitoring capabilities from, linked smartphones and tablets.

Features

The large 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and refined Venus Engine image processor enable high-resolution still image and 4K video recording with native sensitivity to ISO 12800, which can be further expanded to ISO 25600. The two technologies also contribute to a marked reduction in noise through the use of Multi Process NR, Random Filter, and Aperture Filter systems to realize consistent color fidelity and image clarity. The sensor and processor combination also avail notable speed throughout the camera, including the ability to record up to 50 fps using an electronic shutter, 12 fps with a mechanical shutter, or 7 fps with a mechanical shutter and continuous AF.

Benefitting a hybrid workflow, users can switch between recording 4K movies and still imagery instantly and there is also the ability to make in-camera 8MP screen grabs from 4K movies.

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 16x Zoom Lens

Benefitting the image capabilities of the FZ1000, an expansive 16x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is built-in, and provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25-400mm with a maximum f/2.8-4 maximum aperture. The optical design comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, which includes five aspherical elements with eight aspherical surfaces and four extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range. To further extend the effective range of the zoom lens, both Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) and Intelligent Zoom technologies work to increase the reach with minimal image degradation. Additionally, benefitting filmmakers, the speed of electronic zoom can be control within five different settings to better match the scene and recording needs.

 Helping to maintain steady handling with the long zoom lens when recording full HD and HD movies, HYBRID O.I.S. image stabilization is available and minimizes the appearance of camera shake. This image stabilization system compensates for camera movement across five different axes-horizontal, vertical, axis of rotation, vertical rotation, and horizontal rotation-to benefit handheld recording. Additionally, a Level Shot Function works to detect an image's horizon line and maintain it even if the camera is tilted.

4K QFHD Video Recording

A built-in stereo zoom microphone records audio in either AAC or Dolby formats and a zoom noise reduction system, as well as an Auto Wind Cut function, helps to reduce background and internal camera noise during recording. Furthermore, a 3.5mm microphone input is available for utilizing an optional external mic to garner even high quality, more controlled sound.

Light Speed AF with Lumix DFD Technology

Incorporated within the Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is a linear AF motor, which works to achieve fast and precise focusing performance utilizing Lumix DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology. This high speed focusing system shortens overall focusing time by comparing two images with different sharpness levels and then determines accurate subject distance information. At the wide end of the zoom range, AF times up to 0.09 sec. are possible and at the telephoto end, an AF time of 0.17 sec. is achieved.

When using autofocus, both Face and Eye Detection functions can be used to base focus on recognized aspects of a subject, and general subject Tracking AF can also be used to maintain sharpness on moving subjects. Furthermore, 49-area focus, with flexible and scalable single area settings, and Pinpoint AF can also to determine focus across the image. Low Light AF helps to set focus in dim lighting, as low as -4 EV, and, when working with manual focus, Focus Peaking is available to more objectively determine critical focus by highlighting sharp edges of contrast.

Camera Design

Characterized by a large ergonomic grip, manual zoom/focus ring, eye-level viewfinder, and rear LCD monitor, this bridge-style camera features a familiar form factor that affords notable stability while shooting. The 0.39" 2,359k-dot OLED LVF (Live View Finder) provides 100% framing accuracy and has a 35mm-equivalent magnification of 0.7x for a bright, easy to view image that is especially well-suited to use in bright conditions. Alternatively, a rear 3.0" 921k-dot Free-Angle LCD screen is also available, which is ideally suited to working from high and low viewing angles. It, too, has 100% framing accuracy and an anti-reflective coating and wide viewing angle further enable its use in an array of lighting conditions. An eye sensor is also incorporated into the viewfinder's design to automatically detect when a user's eye is up to the finder and to switch between viewing methods.

Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables seamless transferring of imagery from the FZ1000 to smartphones and tablets through the use of the Panasonic Image App, which also permits direct sharing to social media sites. Connection between devices is possible using a QR code system or through the use of NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows compatible devices to tap to connect. Linked mobile devices can also be used to geotag imagery in-camera, for plotting to interactive maps, and to remotely monitor and control the camera's zoom, focus, and shutter release from a distance.