20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine

The large 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and refined Venus Engine image processor enable high-resolution still image and 4K video recording with native sensitivity to ISO 12800, which can be further expanded to ISO 25600. The two technologies also contribute to a marked reduction in noise through the use of Multi Process NR, Random Filter, and Aperture Filter systems to realize consistent color fidelity and image clarity. The sensor and processor combination also avail notable speed throughout the camera, including the ability to record up to 50 fps using an electronic shutter, 12 fps with a mechanical shutter, or 7 fps with a mechanical shutter and continuous AF.

Benefitting a hybrid workflow, users can switch between recording 4K movies and still imagery instantly and there is also the ability to make in-camera 8MP screen grabs from 4K movies.

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 16x Zoom Lens

Benefitting the image capabilities of the FZ1000, an expansive 16x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is built-in, and provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25-400mm with a maximum f/2.8-4 maximum aperture. The optical design comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, which includes five aspherical elements with eight aspherical surfaces and four extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range. To further extend the effective range of the zoom lens, both Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) and Intelligent Zoom technologies work to increase the reach with minimal image degradation. Additionally, benefitting filmmakers, the speed of electronic zoom can be control within five different settings to better match the scene and recording needs.

Helping to maintain steady handling with the long zoom lens when recording Full HD and HD movies, HYBRID O.I.S. image stabilization is available and minimizes the appearance of camera shake. This image stabilization system compensates for camera movement across five different axes-horizontal, vertical, axis of rotation, vertical rotation, and horizontal rotation-to benefit handheld recording. Additionally, a Level Shot Function works to detect an image's horizon line and maintain it even if the camera is tilted.

4K QFHD Video Recording

Benefitting from the 1" MOS image sensor, The FZ1000 is able to record 4K QFHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30p with a high bit rate of 100Mbps in the MP4 file format. Full HD 1080 video can also be recorded-at 60p, 30p, 24p, or 60i-in the AVCHD format, as well as Full HD, HD, and SD formats in the MP4 format. Additionally, high speed video recording is possible at 1080p, 720p, and 480p with sensor output frame rates of 120 fps, 240 fps, and 360 fps, respectively. When recording 4K video, use of a UHS-3 memory card is recommended and continuous recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds is possible.

A built-in stereo zoom microphone records audio in either AAC or Dolby formats and a zoom noise reduction system, as well as an Auto Wind Cut function, helps to reduce background and internal camera noise during recording. Furthermore, a 3.5mm microphone input is available for utilizing an optional external mic to garner even high quality, more controlled sound.

Light Speed AF with Lumix DFD Technology

Incorporated within the Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is a linear AF motor, which works to achieve fast and precise focusing performance utilizing Lumix DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology. This high speed focusing system shortens overall focusing time by comparing two images with different sharpness levels and then determines accurate subject distance information. At the wide end of the zoom range, AF times up to 0.09 sec. are possible and at the telephoto end, an AF time of 0.17 sec. is achieved.

When using autofocus, both Face and Eye Detection functions can be used to base focus on recognized aspects of a subject, and general subject Tracking AF can also be used to maintain sharpness on moving subjects. Furthermore, 49-area focus, with flexible and scalable single area settings, and Pinpoint AF can also to determine focus across the image. Low Light AF helps to set focus in dim lighting, as low as -4 EV, and, when working with manual focus, Focus Peaking is available to more objectively determine critical focus by highlighting sharp edges of contrast.

Camera Design

Characterized by a large ergonomic grip, manual zoom/focus ring, eye-level viewfinder, and rear LCD monitor, this bridge-style camera features a familiar form factor that affords notable stability while shooting. The 0.39" 2,359k-dot OLED LVF (Live View Finder) provides 100% framing accuracy and has a 35mm-equivalent magnification of 0.7x for a bright, easy to view image that is especially well-suited to use in bright conditions. Alternatively, a rear 3.0" 921k-dot Free-Angle LCD screen is also available, which is ideally suited to working from high and low viewing angles. It, too, has 100% framing accuracy and an anti-reflective coating and wide viewing angle further enable its use in an array of lighting conditions. An eye sensor is also incorporated into the viewfinder's design to automatically detect when a user's eye is up to the finder and to switch between viewing methods.

Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity

• IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• 2412-2462 MHz (1-11 ch.)
• WPA, WPA2
• Infrastructure Mode, WPS, Wi-Fi Direct
• Dedicated Wi-Fi button
• NFC: ISO/IEC 18092, NFC-F (Passive Mode)

Other Camera Features

• A built-in pop-up flash is available for adding additional light to a scene and a hot shoe is also incorporated into the camera's design to accept external flashes for even greater control.
• Time lapse recording permits the recording of consecutive imagery over a period of time, with the option to automatically compile the imagery into a time lapse video for efficient playback.
• Macro shooting is possible with a minimum focusing distance of just 1.2" at the wide end of the zoom range, or 3.3' at the telephoto end.
• A top mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. at the wide end, or 1/3000 sec. at the telephoto end, helps to freeze fast-moving and work with wider apertures in bright conditions. Furthermore, a top shutter speed of 1/16000 is possible when using the electronic shutter.
• A quick start-up time of 0.66 sec., coupled with fast AF and continuous shooting times, permits intuitive use and swift shooting capabilities.
• A range of Still Image Scene Modes are available to creatively enhance the look of image in-camera: Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Handheld Night Shot, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome, and Panorama.
• Photo Style settings allow you to give images and movies a distinct look prior to shooting: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait, Custom, Cinelike D, and Cinelike V. Furthermore, Picture Adjustments are also available for further enhancement, and include Contrast, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Saturation (not available for Monochrome), and Filter Effect (for Monochrome only).
• In-camera RAW processing is possible, allowing for adjustment over color space settings (sRGB/Adobe RGB), white balance, exposure compensation, photo style, intelligent D-range control, contrast, highlight/shadow, saturation, noise reduction, intelligent resolution, and sharpness.
• Auto exposure bracketing is possible using 1/3, 2/3, or 1 EV steps for up to 3, 5, or 7 frames with a maximum difference of exposure of +/- 3 EV.