During the Photokina 2016 event, Panasonic introduced slew of new cameras. While most were undoubtedly anticipating the announcement of the GH5, I was most excited about an update to my FZ1000, the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ2500.
The FZ2500 was developed primarily for videographers. As such, it has many unique features that make it great for shooting video. In this article, I review the FZ2500 top features, tech specs, and pros and cons. I also share my buyer’s advice.
Pre-Order the FZ2500: $1197.99 at Amazon.
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Key Features
- Large 1 inch, 20.1MP sensor. F2.8-4.5 Aperature.
- 4K Ultra HD video capture.
- 20x super zoom lens (24-480mm).
- Smooth zooming with smooth adjusting auto focus and aperture
- Articulating touchscreen LCD
- One of the best Wi-Fi implementations in its class
Panasonic FZ2500 Specs
Here are the technical specifications for the Panasonic FZ2500:
| Panasonic FZ2500 | Panasonic FZ1000 | |
| MSRP | $1199 (Buy Now) | $799 |
| Optical Sensor | 1 inch 20.1 MP | 1 inch 20.1 MP |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes, except 4K and Slo-mo |
| Focal Range | 24-480mm | 25-400mm |
| Aperture | F2.8-4.5 | F2.8-4.0 |
| ND filter | Yes (Variable) | No |
| LCD | 3 inch articulating LCD | 3 inch articulating LCD |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| 4K Video | Cine/UHD 4K @ 30p/24p | UHD 4K @ 30p/24p |
| Slow Motion Video | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Fast Motion Video | Yes (2 FPS, 15 FPS) | No |
| Recording Time | Unlimited 4K Recording | 29 minutes, 59 seconds |
| Video File Format | AVCHD, MP4, MOV | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Top bitrates | 4K: 100MBps, Full HD: 200Mbps | 4K: 100Mbps, Full HD: 28Mbps |
| Ports/Jacks | HDMI, Microphone, Headphone | HDMI, Microphone |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Password-less connection | Yes (ON / OFF selectable) | No |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 101.9 x 134.7 mm | 136.8 x 98.5 x 130.7 mm |
| Weight | 2.13 pounds, 966 g | 1.83 pounds, 831 g |
| Battery life | 350 shots | 360 shots |
Panasonic FZ2500 Pros & Cons
The FZ2500 pros and cons below are based on pre-release information as of October 2016. I will be updating this article as soon as I have spent adequate time to review the camera. For now, check out my assessment, based on publicly available information.
Panasonic FZ2500 Pros
Here are some of the pros, benefits, and advantages of the Panasonic FZ2300:
- 1 inch 20.1 MP, superzoom (20x 24mm – 480mm), F2.8-4.5 lens.
- Unlimited 4K video recording with slow motion and quick motion. 4K Photo Mode.
- “CINELIKE D” and “CINELIKE V” for cinema-like gradation. DCI 4K.
- Can change frame rate while recording.
- Ultra High-Speed DFD Focusing. internal Focus Stacking modes. Post Focus Mode.
- Optical image stabilization.
- Internal zoom mechanism.
- Smooth and steady zooming while maintaining focus, smooth aperture. Dolly Zoom.
- Articulating touch screen. 0.74x Large OLED Live View Finder.
- You can use the viewfinder while using the touch screen to change the focus point. You can see the focus square in the viewfinder.
- Six customization buttons, 21 pages of mappable functions.
- Customization buttons on the lens barrel.
- Built-in ND Filter with multiple settings.
- Microphone, headphone, and HDMI ports.
- Live Output via HDMI. 4:2:2/8 bit or 4:2:2/10 bit output capable.
- SD Card slot is on the side!
- One of the best Wi-Fi implementations available.
- Time code.
- Optional V-Log L upgradability for purchase.
Cons:
- Fixed Lens. Not interchangeable.
- Aperture not constant throughout the zoom range.
- Micro HDMI port instead of Standard HDMI port.
Panasonic FZ2500 Price and Release Date
As of this writing, Amazon lists the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2500 price at $1,197.99. That’s about $400 more than it’s predecessor. For the extra money over the FZ1000 you get higher-end 4K recording, a touchscreen LCD, headphone jack, side loading SD card slot, built-in ND filter, slightly more zoom with smooth adjusting autofocus + aperture and more. Sight unseen, I think it’s a worthy upgrade.
Panasonic currently lists the release date for the FZ2500 as “November”. Amazon’s product page, the release date is November 28th, 2016.
Pre-Order the FZ2500: $1197.99 at Amazon.
Should You Buy the FZ2500?
If you are looking for a camera primarily for video, and you don’t need the ability to change the lens, the FZ2500 should be at the top of your shopping list. Like it’s predecessor, the FZ1000, the FZ2500 has a lot of video-centric features
If you are looking for a camera primarily for photography, however, the Panasonic FZ2500 probably isn’t the best choice. I say this mainly because it has a fixed lens and I think most photographers should opt for a camera that has an interchangeable lens system. This way, you will be able to acquire the appropriate lens for a particular job.
Panasonic FZ2500 vs Panasonic GH5?
Without having the FZ2500 in hand, and without a close to the final version of the GH5 to compare it to, the decision right now is squarely on whether you need an interchangeable lens system or not. If the answer is “yes”, and you don’t mind paying more for it, wait for the GH5. Note that the GH5 will likely cost several hundred dollars more than the FZ2500.
Panasonic FZ2500 Review
I have just pre-ordered the Panasonic FZ2500 on Amazon. As soon as I receive it, I will do an unboxing video, followed by a full review. If there is something you would like for me to test or demonstrate in the videos, please post your requests and questions in the comments section below.
Pre-Order the FZ2500: $1197.99 at Amazon.