Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II Digital Camera, Black {20.1MP}

Panasonic FZ1000 II: 16x zoom meets 1-inch sensor in one body.

The FZ1000 II packs a 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0 stabilized lens onto a 20.1MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, which is a combination that gives you serious reach and real image quality without a bag full of glass. The 5-axis hybrid stabilization keeps things controlled at 400mm equiv., and the electronic shutter tops out at 1/16000 sec for shooting wide open in bright conditions. Burst shooting runs at 12 fps without AF or 7 fps with continuous AF active, and the 49-point contrast-detect system includes face detection for shooting subjects that move unpredictably.

For video, the camera records UHD 4K/30p and 1080/60p in H.264, with a 3.5mm mic input for cleaner audio than the built-in stereo mic alone can provide. Panasonic's 4K Photo modes let you pull 8MP stills from 4K clips at 30 fps, and the in-camera post-focus and focus-stacking tools are genuinely useful for macro work given the 3 cm minimum focus distance at wide angle. The fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1,240,000 dots pairs with a 2,360,000-dot EVF for flexible shooting positions.

USB charging, built-in Bluetooth, and a 350-shot CIPA battery rating (440 shots via rear screen per editorial testing) round out a travel kit. For anyone who shoots across wildly different focal lengths in a single outing, the value case for this body is hard to argue against.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who refuse to check a bag will appreciate the 16x zoom range spanning 25-400mm equiv. in a single 808g body, covering landscapes and distant architecture without swapping lenses. Wildlife and nature shooters working from fixed positions get 400mm reach at f/4.0 with optical stabilization and 12 fps burst capability. Videographers shooting event documentary work benefit from 4K/30p recording paired with a 3.5mm mic input and a fully articulated screen that allows low-angle or overhead framing. Macro photographers can work down to 3 cm minimum focus distance and use in-camera focus stacking to produce sharp results across the depth of field without post-processing software.

Key Features

• 20.1MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with Venus Engine processor
• 25-400mm f/2.8-f/4.0 stabilized lens with 16x optical zoom
• 5-axis hybrid optical and electronic image stabilization
• 12 fps continuous burst without AF, 7 fps with AF active
• 49-point contrast-detect autofocus with face detection
• UHD 4K/30p and 1080/60p video with stereo mic input
• Fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1.24MP resolution
• Electronic viewfinder with 2.36MP resolution and 100% coverage

FAQ

What's the effective zoom range on the FZ1000 II?

25-400mm equivalent, so you get wide-angle framing at 25mm and serious telephoto reach at 400mm on a fixed lens. That's 16x optical zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture at the wide end, tapering to f/4.0 at full telephoto.

How does the 5-axis hybrid stabilization actually work?

The camera combines optical image stabilization in the lens with electronic stabilization from the sensor and processor. This pairing keeps the image stable at 400mm equivalent, which matters when you're shooting handheld at that reach.

Can I shoot raw bursts, and what's the buffer depth?

Yes, the FZ1000 II shoots continuous raw at 12 fps without autofocus or 7 fps with continuous AF active. The buffer is deeper than the original FZ1000, giving you more frames before the camera slows down during sustained bursts.

Does the touchscreen make exposure control easier?

The new touchscreen LCD on the FZ1000 II pairs with a front control dial that wasn't on the original model, so you've got tactile exposure adjustment without fumbling through menus. The screen itself is fully articulated, so you can angle it for low or overhead shots.

What's the battery situation-can I really charge via USB?

Yes, USB charging is built in. The CIPA rating is 350 shots via electronic viewfinder or 440 shots using the rear screen per charge. You can charge the DMW-BLC12 battery inside the camera via USB-C, which cuts down on cables when traveling.

What video specs should I know about?

The camera records UHD 4K at 30p and 1080p at up to 60p, both in H.264. There's a 3.5mm mic input for external audio, and you can pull 8MP stills from 4K video at 30 fps using the 4K Photo modes.

How does autofocus perform for moving subjects?

The 49-point contrast-detect system includes face detection and works well for general shooting, but it won't match phase-detection AF cameras for fast-paced action like sports. You also can't zoom and autofocus simultaneously, which occasionally costs shots during rapid tracking.