PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 4K Point and Shoot Camera, 16X LEICA DC Vario-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Lens, 21.1 Megapixels, 1 Inch High Sensitivity Sensor, DMC-FZ1000 (USA BLACK)

I purchased this camera shortly before my recent trip to the Galapagos, and I am SO glad I did. Im essentially an amateur photographer who simply wants to get the highest-quality pictures possible when using automatic modes (or pre-set "scene" modes), and this camera took absolutely phenomenal pictures under those conditions. Even on maximum zoom - without using a tripod - I can count the grains on sand on the faces of marine iguanas. I can zoom on a picture of a frigatebird and see myself reflected in its eyeball. The sport mode was terrific for capturing birds in flight. Extremely happy with picture quality and overall experience with the camera. Highly recommended. The pivoting LCD screen was extremely helpful for composing shots for eye-level pictures of animals and birds on the ground or in trees/bushes.

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Theres no such thing as a perfect - or even best - camera. Theres only the camera thats best for you. For me, the FZ1000 has quickly become the camera I carry 99% of the time. I still have my Canon t3i, and a really nice assortment of glass for when I have a specific image in mind that needs the Big Guns. But, after using just a Lumix FZ200 on a 6-week European vacation, I experienced the ease of carrying a single-piece camera outfit (...and the "little" FZ200 even yielded a few prints that I expect will sell well.) When I read about the FZ1000, I took the leap, and Im glad I did. Ive shot stills and video in all kinds of light, from wide to telephoto and macro, and the FZ1000 surpassed expectations. Although (like virtually every camera) the 1000 works best when theres great lighting, and you use the middle of the zoom range, Ive gotten decent image quality under stage lights, dusk, clouds, and indoors, using both ends of the zoom. Am I compromising anything to use the FZ1000 instead of my t3i? Sure. On the ends of my zoom range, the FZ1000 is softer and less forgiving of tricky lighting than my Canon lenses. Still, I can easily travel with the one-piece FZ1000, and make shots that would get away if I had to change a lens. Remember this: The 35mm film camera was a portable compromise. It didnt produce the huge, detailed image of a view camera, but you could take one with you FAR easier than you could take a bigger rig. For me, this is the essence of using the FZ1000. Ive examined my photo history, thought about my shooting habits, and selected the FZ1000 as the go-to camera best suited for most of my needs. If, like me, youre looking for a great camera thats easy to keep by your side wherever you go, you wont be disappointed with the FZ1000. It is incredibly feature rich (see some of the online reviews...) and, at $875, a real deal.

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I love this camera. It is very intuitive. I am going to purchase a printed copy of the 367 paqe Advanced Camera Manual off of the internet in order to learn more about it. I have also signed up for a Camera Class not to learn the camera so much but to get better photos when the lighting is not ideal. Dont get me wrong the camera did great in Auto mode. I just want to understand more about light & camera settings. Love: 1. Out of the box Auto Mode - fantastic photos & videos. 2. Zoom - easy to focus on desired subject at a distance. 3. Fast Focus - easy to photograph my busy 3 year old grand daughter (she is busy & fast) Cons: 1. Large - About the size of a DSLR. However no camera exists in a small body that does what this one does. 2. PhotoFunStudio 9.5PE : If you used a previous Panasonic camera with PhotoFunStudio & Windows Movie Maker. It will no longer work. PhotoFunStudio 9.5PE only converts videos to .mov or .mp4. Windows Movie Maker does work with these file types. You will either have to purchase new video editing software or video converter software. Unknown: 1. I havent tried the Wifi connection yet. 2. I dont use the 4K Video option as I dont have anything to play 4K Video. MP4 Video requires no conversion to play outside of camera. I did convert some HD Video to MP4 & MOV formats using the included software CD. I have several Panasonic Cameras and in my opinion they are all good for amateurs who just want a point and shoot. I purchased a Sony RX10 & kept it for a couple of days. It did not have enough zoom to suit me. It wasnt as intuitive as the Panasonic. I had a hard time getting it to focus on a subject at the long end of the zoom. I may have gotten a bad unit as I could tell it had been tried out before. Clock was set, items out of baggies etc. The Sony was smaller & built better than the Panasonic. However I am thrilled with the Panasonic. I also purchased a square trade warranty from Amazon (these are cheaper than on Square Trades Website). If you are on the fence between the Sony RX10 & this one I would pick this one if you are inexperienced.

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