Let me start by saying that I recently bought the FZ2500 that I am reviewing from Samy’s Camera. So, I must admit bias here. Yep, one of the hazards of working with Samy’s Camera testing and reviewing cameras and lenses; A kind of indentured servitude if you will. But, I am a photographer and have been for over 45 years and have almost seen it all.
I have owned so many cameras because I loved using them to take photographs, especially the Panasonic Lumix FZ2500, which can get me through almost any situation professionally or shooting for myself. And, all this with a small 1” sensor producing 20.1 megabyte files. It just doesn’t seem right but modern technology is improving it all in leaps and bounds.
Last year I owned the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 and was blown away by the 4K video quality and the great zoom range.
The stills were very good; but, what a difference a year makes! The FZ2500, with its 24-480mm (36-720mm in 4K) 2.8-4.5 optical zoom range and improved stills due to their using an improved Leica Vario-Elmarit lens and greatly improved software and improved sensor and Venus Engine, makes it a super powerhouse offering it all in a small package with a sexy lens shade. Yep, I get comments and how great the camera looks; but, I don’t buy cameras for jewelry.
This camera just feels right in my hands. I don’t have to fumble around the menu or buttons since it was a perfect fit for all in just a few days of shooting which is what I want to get the photograph. The large OlED Live Viewfinder is perfect for me after I dial in my correction on their diopter for my eye. I don’t get a sense of anything electronic looking through the viewfinder which can be surreal and distracting; therefore, I can concentrate on my subjects.
The video is so good this camera could be used for a serious production as an A or a B camera. Panasonic’s CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V picture profiles will make it a favorite of videographers and the Indie crowd. They also offer V-Log L as an optional upgrade. I heard it called a GH5 with a fixed zoom lens.
I have explored many of the features offered before on the other Panasonic cameras I have reviewed. There are just too many to test but there is something for everyone. Here’s a list of its fun feaures:
- 5-Axis HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization
- 4K Photo
- Post focus and focus stacking.
- Built in wifi.
And on and on and on. You will not be bored with this camera.
If you are tired of hauling all that gear and want "an all in oner” with exceptional quality - this is the camera.
Now on to the photographs.
[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3932" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3931" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3930" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3929" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Ralph Elliott Starkweather[/caption] Check out the Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 here.