Al Lockwood
The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 is a do-it-all fixed-lens bridge camera with an amazing set of capabilities, both still and video. Its aimed at the intermediate-level photographer---particularly one who travels---who wants much more than a point-and-shoot, but that too. I would call it a P&S that has a decent lens bolted onto a decent computer. As such, it has more menus than McDonalds. It will shoot anywhere from full manual to full auto, with all manner of effects if desired. I found image quality to be...good but not quite crisp. My experience of battery life is far shorter than advertised: as the battery runs lower the camera may behave erratically. Never travel without a spare (battery and camera). I bought my FZ1000 as a replacement for my nice new DMC-FZ2500, the 1000s bigger brother. I was quite pleased with the 2500 for the 6 weeks it worked. When it failed, neither online tech support nor the Panasonic repair depot in Texas could or would repair it, three-year warranty notwithstanding. I sold it for parts. I can only hope that my FZ1000 doesnt fail, too: I cant afford to scrap two cameras. Buyer be informed.