Wondering what would be the differences between the Lumix FZ1000 vs Lumix FZ1000 II since they almost look the same from the product images? Read along to find out!
The photographers around the world have been witnessing launch after launch events and have found it hard to find the right camera. Panasonic has recently under the shadow of the S1, launched a new camera in the form of Lumix FZ1000 II. Yes, it is designed as the upgrade or sequel to the existing Lumix FZ1000. How does it compare with the already existing device? We will check out the two cameras in more detail.
Lumix FZ1000 II – An Overview
The FZ1000 II is designed for the photographers, video bloggers and other camera users who want to upgrade from the smartphone camera experience. When comparing the device to its predecessor, we came to know that the two cameras are almost equivalent to one another in terms of sensor size and the lens system. The massive changes are in the realm of shooting functionality and the user interface.
The Image sensor
The FZ1000 and FZ1000 II have the same sensors – 1″ 20.1 MP MOS sensor and Leica 25-400mm f/2.8-4 lens. Panasonic has stuck with the same Sony sensor because the predecessor has had the best performance in terms of the functionality and picture quality.
Post Focus Mode
This is the new functionality added to the successor. The Post Focus functionality lets you focus the image after it has been taken. We have all experienced an issue where we have shot a picture and find that the image has not been focussed well enough at the right spot.
The post focus mode lets you focus on the intended subject even after you have finished shooting. This can be an excellent option for an enhanced shooting experience, especially in situations like macro photography or portraits in low-light conditions.
4K Photo Mode
Well, this has nothing to do with the 4K resolution that we use while shooting videos. The 4K Photo Mode takes multiple shots of the same subject. The camera comes with one of the best frames per second performance with 30 fps functionality.
Once these multiple shots are taken, they are analyzed, and the best among them is chosen as the primary photo and saved. This feature can be one of the best options for shooting moving objects. If you are a sports photographer, you will find it quite interesting and useful.
Focus Tracking
This is a feature that is equivalent to 4K photo functionality. The difference lies in the fact that the older functionality chooses the best photo from among the multiple shots. The focus tracking feature takes various images at different focal lengths and combines them.
This can help you improve the depth of field in the final image. This additional functionality in the shooting features helps you in macro photography or any other shooting modes.
User Interface (UI)
This is yet another area that has found a few improvements when compared to the Lumix FZ1000. The touch screen interface has been a welcome gesture. Given the fact that it has been one of the most common features on DSLRs and digital cameras, it should indeed make a lot of sense.
The screen has received a bump in terms of the resolution. It has now been upped from 921k-dot to 1,240k. The screen tilts at a 270-degree angle and thus should be an excellent option. You can take photos from virtually any perspective.
A few other changes
Apart from the significant differences that have been outlined above, there have been a few subtle differences. A new Zoom Compose Assist feature now comes built-in along with 4K Photo and Video. Some of the best features that the camera offers you include a new minimum aperture of f/11, 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S.+, high-speed burst shooting, wi-fi, and various photo styles.
The camera is now Bluetooth compatible and offers you the options of sharing your content right away to a smartphone or laptop without having to connect the devices through wired connectivity.
The Comparison Chart: Lumix FZ1000 vs Lumix FZ1000 II
Having understood the minor tweaks that Panasonic has introduced on the new Lumix FZ1000 II, it may be a good idea to compare them in a side by side comparison chart. Such a head to head comparison will help you compare the features of the two cameras at one place.
| Features / particulars | Lumix FZ1000 [amazon_link asins=’B00KOUIBZW’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’de94ccfb-5f17-4bd8-b4ee-e4f7f7569355′]
| Lumix FZ1000 II [amazon_link asins=’B07NQDGBPN’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4b975cdf-3030-44d8-9721-aedd2987fa2a’]
|
| Sensor Size | 1″ 20.1 MP MOS sensor | 1″ 20.1 MP MOS sensor |
| Lens construction | 25-400mm f/2.8-4 | 25-400mm f/2.8-4 |
| Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmarit | Leica DC Vario-Elmarit |
| Video resolution | 4K at 30 fps | 4K at 30 fps |
| Zoom functionality | 16x optical zoom | 16x optical zoom |
| Viewfinder | 2,359K-dot OLED | 2,360k-dot OLED |
| Screen size | 3.0 inches | 3.0 inches |
| Screen type and resolution | LCD at 921k dots | LCD at 1240k dots |
| The frame rate for continuous shooting | 12 fps at 8 MP | 30 fps at 8 MP |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Yes, HYBRID O.I.S. 5-Axis Image Stabilization | Yes, HYBRID O.I.S. 5-Axis Image Stabilization |
| Flash | Yes, built in | Yes, built in |
| Post-focus functionality | No | Yes |
| Image auto marking feature | No | Yes |
| Phot presets | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Focus Stacking | No | Yes |
| 4K Photo | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom Assist | No | Yes |
The above comparison should provide you a useful input into the features and functionality offered by each of the two competing cameras. So, which among them should you go with? Well, the decision should be dependent upon what you own right now.
If you already are a proud owner of Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, it may not be a great idea to upgrade to the new Lumix FZ1000 II. The two cameras do not differ too much, and it may ideally not be an upgrade in the real sense. However, if you are considering buying a new camera, the Lumix FZ1000 II should be one of the prime choices for your needs.
The Concluding Thoughts
The Lumix FZ1000 II brings in a few new changes to the Lumix FZ1000 launched a few years ago. However, the changes are not so massive that you can dump your FZ1000 and lay your hands on the new FZ1000 II. These are minor tweaks as we have discussed in the above comparison, and as such may not be the right upgrade.
But yes, if you are buying a new camera and confused between the Lumix FZ1000 and Lumix FZ1000 II, it would be a great idea to go with the new FZ1000 II for obvious reasons.