Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

I have been looking for a replacement for my Sony a6000 camera that I dropped. I have read BH photo and DP reviews and I like the Panasonic fz1000. Can someone give me a likes/dislikes review if they own the camera. thanks in advance. Bob

TonyL Loc: Coventry, UK

I don't know much about the FZ1000 but I have just acquired an FZ2500 (2000 in UK). I know it's more expensive but it's very good for a bridge camera.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Since you are already familiar with Sony (menu system, etc.), have you considered the a6300? There are many video and hands on reviews re the Panasonic FZ1000 - it’s been a very popular camera.

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

Thanks for your response, yes I looked at the a6300 and yes it has a larger sensor but I liked the f stop range, the swivel lcd screen and the zoom range on the fz 1000 and some of the other features.

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

I recently sold all my DSLR equipment and now use the FZ1000 (and a ZS50 for pocket carry). No, the FZ1000 does not product the quality of a DSLR when matched with a variety of quality lenses, but it is indeed close, especially if you use a "superzoom" lens of 18-250 for example on your DSLR. If i had the $ I would have the DSLR stuff, but probably would have used the FZ1000 more often. Sony does have some better options, so I have read, but all cost significantly more than the FZ1000.

PaulR

Using it since it first came out...if I had to have only one camera, the Fz1000 would be it...great vacation camera...incredible IQ for a super zoom...so many settings and so many options..great travel in the car camera to get out for those spontaneous shots...not good indoors...great for birding and sports...really gets in close..fantastic video...you will love it...

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

I had one and returned it. IQ not that great. Bigger than I wanted and generally not happy with it. Bought the Canon SX50 and not thrilled with that either. Bought the Sony a6000 and love it. I would replace my a6000 if anything happened to it.

11bravo

I've used it for 2 years, EXTENSIVELY for travel. I love it. Extremely versatile. I have no problems with IQ, having 8x12 prints made, no problem. Yes, I'd like a longer lens (my partner uses the FZ300 which has a 600mm, fixed f2.8) rather than the FZ-1000's 400mm f2.8-4.0), but it's long enough and fast enough for me, and I like the additional resolution. I mostly shoot RAW+jpeg, video rarely, but video is nice to have every now and again, e.g., performances. It's light enough I can carry it plus extra batteries while hiking all day. Quick to pull out and zoom in to grab those fleeting photos. I find the auto focus fast and accurate, certainly better than my old eyes. I mainly use the electronic viewfinder (not interested in a touch LCD), but the articulated LCD does come in handy for "over the head" crowd shots, and for "ground up" shots. I like the customizable controls (ability to assign functions to buttons). I mainly shoot shutter or aperture priority. I do like the burst mode for action shots, and I use the "hand held night scene" mode not only for that, but inside museums where flash is forbidden. The menus can take some time to traverse, but you get there. I also like the fact that you can set a home location (and time zone), plus a travel location with dates (previously, I'd usually forget to adjust the time for a couple of days). Very little documentation except for the included instruction manual, so it's a lot of trial and error. Yes, multiple lens do add something, but the convenience of 1 camera, 1 lens works for me. I've never regretted the purchase.

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

I also have experience with the FZ1000 and give it many thumbs up. If I reduced my gear to one camera (I have 3) this would be the ONE, no questions. The positive comments written thus far here would be the very same for me. It feels great in hand and after just a short time, you can operate the camera VERY quickly. It's a winner. Perhaps the best camera purchase I've ever made.

RolandDieter

They are excellent and since the introduction of the FZ2500 you can get the FZ1000 at a good price. The FZ1000 has better IQ; the FZ2500 is somewhat better for video. The two cameras were aimed at different preferences.

taxman Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

My wife has one and it produces very good images. She enjoys using it, but, when she tries to exert some level of manual control over it, such as exposure comp, she had difficulty making it happen.

When she asks me to shoot something with it, I, too, get frustrated trying to do things manually. Maybe it's just us, but, if you want to really take control of the camera, you'll have a learning curve ahead of you.

For a point and shoot photographer, it is a great camera. For someone who wants to take control, it can be frustrating.

3dees

a few years ago I sold all my dslr gear because of severe back issues. bought a FZ1000 and loved it. it did everything I needed, except for one thing. I love macro and this is where I think the FZ1000 is weak. for whatever reason I couldn't take decent macro shots with it. that was enough for me to sell it and go back to my beloved Nikon gear. still have the back problems and I just suck it up. probably should have kept the FZ1000 for walking around.

11bravo

I use exposure comp a lot, and if you PUSH the rotating dial on the upper right back of the camera, it toggles between shutter/aperture adjustment (depending if you're using S or A mode) and exposure control. For P, the push only controls exposure control. Once it's on exposure control, then use the same dial to rotate for + or -.

In my above review, I also forgot to mention the panorama scene mode. I think the camera does a very good job of stitching panoramas. You can select the direction (horizontal or vertical) and the direction of movement (L->R, R->L, U->D, or D->U).

Pkfish Loc: Wilson Wy

I bought the FZ1000 last year and used it for 2 months and sent it back. I thought it took very soft shots. Really didn't like any thing about it.Some folks love it.

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

Thanks to all of you who responded, the positive and the negative reviews. I will look some more but I think it's going to be the fz1000 in the end.