Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 Digital Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 Digital Camera stands out as a remarkable point-and-shoot device, offering an impressive array of advanced photographic features. It is equipped with a 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and exceptional video capabilities, including DCI 4K format recording at a genuine 24.00 fps. Complementing these features is a versatile Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-4.5 lens, which provides a substantial 20x optical zoom. This lens incorporates various specialized elements to ensure sharp image quality and delivers an impressive zoom range equivalent to 24-480mm. Furthermore, the camera is designed with a DSLR-like body that enhances ergonomics, featuring manual control rings, a 0.74x 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and a 3.0" 1.04m-dot free-angle touchscreen LCD.

Notably, despite being primarily a stills camera, the FZ2500 excels in video recording, offering DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24.00 fps, alongside standard UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) and Full HD options. This versatile camera includes Panasonic's CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V picture profiles for professional-grade color grading, with the option to upgrade to V-Log L. It supports high bit rates of up to 200 Mbps in MP4 and MOV formats and can output video via HDMI with a professional-quality 4:2:2 10-bit signal. Additionally, the FZ2500 features a built-in ND filter with selectable levels and imposes no recording duration limits.

For still photography, the FZ2500 is highly proficient, thanks to its high-resolution 1" sensor, which allows for sensitivities up to ISO 25600 and continuous shooting speeds of up to 50 fps with an electronic shutter, or 12 fps with a mechanical shutter. The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity facilitates easy control and photo transfer to mobile devices, while various 4K PHOTO modes utilize the capabilities of 4K video to capture fast-moving subjects effectively.

20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor

The substantial 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor facilitates the capture of high-resolution still images and 4K video recording, featuring a native sensitivity of ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 25600. This sensor enhances the overall speed of the camera, allowing for recording at rates of up to 50 fps with an electronic shutter and 12 fps with a mechanical shutter. Supporting a hybrid workflow, users can seamlessly alternate between 4K movie recording and still photography, and they also have the option to extract 8MP screen grabs from 4K videos directly within the camera.

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 20x Optical Zoom f/2.8-4.5 Lens

The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 20x optical zoom lens significantly enhances the capabilities of the FZ2500 within the bridge camera category. This lens offers an extensive zoom range equivalent to 24-480mm, spanning from wide-angle to super telephoto, facilitating the effortless capture of expansive landscapes as well as distant subjects. Its variable maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.5 contributes to a compact design, while the 9-blade diaphragm produces aesthetically pleasing bokeh. Furthermore, the lens is constructed with 16 elements arranged in 11 groups, incorporating five aspherical lenses with eight aspherical surfaces, four ED elements, and one UHR lens, all aimed at reducing aberrations and enhancing both sharpness and contrast.

DCI 4K Video Recording

Among the numerous exceptional features integrated into the FZ2500, the capability for DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) video recording stands out prominently. This camera serves as an effective instrument for videographers and hybrid shooters, offering both DCI 4K and UHD 4K recording options with frame rates of 29.97p, 23.98p, and true 24.00p, in addition to 25p, all at a high bit rate of 100 Mbps. The Full HD performance is significantly enhanced as well, providing additional frame rate options of 59.94p and 50p, along with the ability to record at an impressive 200 Mbps. Users can also take advantage of a Creative Video Mode for Full HD recordings, which allows for a range of frame rates from 2 fps for time-lapse effects to 120 fps for capturing super slow-motion footage.

The FZ2500 is further elevated as a professional tool through the inclusion of various advanced video recording features, such as flat CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V profiles designed for color grading. Additionally, users have the option to purchase an upgrade to incorporate V-Log L into the FZ2500. Video shooters can output their footage via HDMI with a 4:2:2 10-bit signal and time code, ensuring the highest quality and flexibility during post-production. A custom video graphical user interface enhances the shooting experience, while 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks facilitate the use of external microphones and real-time audio monitoring. Notably, the FZ2500 imposes no time recording limits and is equipped with a built-in ND filter for efficient exposure management.

4K PHOTO Capabilities

Besides video, the 4K capabilities also permit recording 8MP stills at 30 fps in a trio of ways:

• 4K Burst: Just as with video recording, this mode will allow you to continuously record 8MP images at 30 fps for up to 15 minutes, making it ideal for instances where you need a fast frame rate in order to capture the best moment.
  
  
• 4K Pre-Burst: This mode is ideal for times when you're unsure of the critical moment to press the shutter button and will record 8MP images at 30 fps one second prior to and one second after pressing the shutter button in order to give you 60 frames to choose from.
  
  
• 4K Burst (S/S): This mode most closely follows the 4K video recording process, and allows you to playback your video, pause at the chosen moment, and use the shutter button to mark a chosen frame from the video and save it as a single 8MP frame.
  
  

Post Focus and Focus Stacking

An additional feature of the 4K capabilities is a distinctive focusing technique known as Post Focus. This function captures images as a 4K MP4 file at 30 frames per second, adjusting the focal point throughout the burst shooting to provide a variety of distinct focus options. During playback, users can utilize the camera's touchscreen to select the desired area of the image for focus, resulting in the creation of an 8MP JPEG file. From the original burst, multiple individual files with varying focus points can be generated, and focusing assist functions can be employed for enhanced precision in selecting the in-focus area.

Furthermore, a built-in focus stacking feature enables the programming of a series of photographs with varying focal points. This method allows for the use of the optimal aperture while also enhancing the depth of field in the final image.

5-Axis HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization+

The 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ is a sophisticated image stabilization system designed to mitigate camera shake during the recording of HD movies. This advanced technology significantly reduces the visibility of blur when capturing video with one hand. It effectively addresses five distinct types of camera shake that are typically encountered during more dynamic movements while filming on the move.

Body Design and Built-In Wi-Fi

• The 3.0" 1.04m-dot rear touchscreen LCD has a free-angle design, allowing you to pull it out, rotate it, tilt it, and more to ensure you always have a clear view.
  
  
• A 0.74x 2.36m-dot Live View EVF is available for more natural shooting at eye level.
  
  
• Physical lens control rings provide tactile control over some commonly used settings.
  
  
• Three programmable function buttons are present on the lens barrel.
  
  
• Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to pair the FZ2500 with smartphones or tablets running the Panasonic Image App for wireless image transferring and remote camera control.
  
  

Other Camera Features

• A mechanical shutter enables a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec, and an electronic shutter function avails a top shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec to better enable working in bright conditions and with wider aperture settings.
  
  
• Creative Panorama mode allows you to create seamless panoramic imagery by simply panning about the scene to capture wide-field views.
  
  
• A built-in pop-up flash can be used to provide additional illumination to scenes.
  
  
• Creative Control modes: Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, and Sunshine.
  
  
• Photo Style settings: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait, Custom.
  
  
• Picture Adjustment settings: Contrast, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Saturation, Color Tone, and Filter Effect.
  
  
• Exposure, aperture, focus, and white balance bracketing.
  
  
• Supported languages: English, Japanese, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Chinese (Traditional).