A 25‑600mm (equivalent) F/2.8 lens is an impressive specification for a compact camera, and the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 delivers on that promise.
Written by Stan Horaczek | Published Jul 16, 2015 4:16 PM EDT
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Panasonic’s FZ series has long been known for its powerful zoom lenses, and the FZ300 takes this to the next level with a 25‑600mm (24‑60 mm in 35mm equivalent) lens that maintains a bright f/2.8 aperture throughout the range. This is an extraordinary feature for a camera that remains pocket‑size.
The body houses a 12.1‑megapixel High‑Sensitivity MOS sensor paired with Panasonic’s latest Venus Engine image processor, offering a maximum native ISO of 6,400. While the ISO range is modest compared to some pros‑grade models, the combination of sensor and processor delivers clean images with good dynamic range in a wide variety of lighting conditions.
Video capabilities are a highlight: the FZ300 supports native 4K recording at 3,840 × 2,160 pixels and 30 fps, and includes a new 4K shooting mode that allows users to extract 8‑megapixel stills from 4K footage—ideal for capturing detail without sacrificing resolution.
The camera’s 1.44‑megapixel OLED electronic viewfinder covers 100% of the frame at 0.7× magnification, providing an accurate representation of the final image. On the rear, a 3‑inch static touchscreen simplifies menu navigation and quick access to key settings.
Panasonic has focused on speed throughout the FZ300’s design. Phase‑detection autofocus is faster and more reliable, and the camera can shoot up to 12 frames per second in continuous mode, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment.
We’re eager to benchmark the FZ300 against its predecessor in our test lab, but early impressions point to a compact camera that delivers professional‑grade optics, versatile 4K video, and responsive performance.
