The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 Digital Camera, which boasts a 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and exceptional video specifications like DCI 4K format video at a true 24.00 frames per second, comes close to being the point-and-shoot that can do anything. A versatile Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-4.5 lens with a powerful 20x optical zoom benefits from all of these features. This optic offers an exceptional 24-480mm equivalent zoom range and makes use of numerous specialised elements to ensure clear images. Along with manual control rings, a 0.74x 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and a 3.0" 1.04m-dot free-angle touchscreen LCD, the camera also has a DSLR-like body design that is very ergonomic.
The FZ2500 has amazing video features, most notably DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) recording at 24 frames per second in addition to more traditional UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) and Full HD options. This is interesting because the camera is typically stills-focused. For professional grading capabilities, this capable camera also includes Panasonic's CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V picture profiles, and it can add V-Log L via an optional upgrade. Along with this, the camera can output video over HDMI with a professional-grade 4:2:2 10-bit signal and has high bit rates of up to 200 Mbps using the MP4 and MOV formats. The FZ2500 also has no time limit on recording and an integrated ND filter with adjustable levels.
The high-resolution 1" sensor on the FZ2500 makes it a very capable system for still photos. With an electronic shutter, this allows for sensitivity ranges of up to ISO 25600 and continuous shooting rates of up to 50 fps and 12 fps, respectively. A variety of 4K PHOTO modes take advantage of the power of 4K video to offer another way to capture quick action, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity makes it simple to control and transfer photos to your mobile devices.
20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
With a native sensitivity of ISO 12800 and an expandable sensitivity range of ISO 25600, the large 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor enables high-resolution still image and 4K video recording. The camera can record at up to 50 frames per second using an electronic shutter or 12 frames per second using a mechanical shutter thanks to the sensor's notable speed. Users can record 4K movies and still images instantly thanks to a hybrid workflow, and they can also take in-camera 8MP screen grabs from 4K movies.
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 20x Optical Zoom f/2.8-4.5 Lens
The extensive Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 20x optical zoom lens elevates the FZ2500 into the category of bridge cameras. With a 24-480mm equivalent zoom range and a wide-angle to super telephoto lens, this optic makes it simple to capture both expansive landscapes and far-off subjects. The camera is compact thanks to a variable f/2.8-4.5 maximum aperture, and the 9-blade diaphragm aids in producing smooth bokeh. In order to reduce aberrations and enhance sharpness and contrast, the 16 element in 11 group construction uses one UHR lens, four ED elements, five aspherical lenses with a total of eight aspherical surfaces, and five aspherical lenses.
DCI 4K Video Recording
The FZ2500 has a long list of noteworthy features, but DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) video recording is at the top of the list. The FZ2500 is an effective tool for video producers and hybrid shooters, offering DCI 4K and UHD 4K options with frame rates of 29.97p, 23.98p, true 24.00p, as well as 25p, and a high bit rate of 100 Mbps. With the addition of the frame rates of 59.94p and 50p as well as the capacity to shoot at a very detailed 200 Mbps, Full HD also experiences a significant performance boost. For Full HD recordings, users will also have access to a Creative Video Mode that provides options for a range of frame rates, from 2 fps for quickening your shot to 120 fps for ultra slow motion.
Numerous high-end video recording features, such as flat CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V profiles for colour grading, are included, transforming this into a more professional tool. Additionally, shooters have the option to add V-Log L to the FZ2500 via an optional upgrade. In addition to all of this, video shooters can output footage over HDMI with a time code and a 4:2:2 10-bit signal for the highest quality and flexibility in post-production. While 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks allow the use of external microphones and real-time monitoring, a customised video GUI makes shooting much more intuitive. The FZ2500 also has an integrated ND filter for quickly adjusting your exposure and does not have any time recording restrictions.
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
The 4K capabilities also include a special focusing technique called Post Focus. This feature offers a variety of distinct focusing ranges to choose from by shifting the specific point of focus throughout the burst shooting as a 4K MP4 file at 30 frames per second is recorded. When the image is being played back, you can use the touchscreen on the camera to tap the specific area you want to be in focus, and an 8MP JPEG file will be generated. The original burst can be divided into several separate files with various points of focus, and focusing assist tools can be used to have even more control over the precise in-focus area.
You can schedule the taking of a series of pictures with shifting focus using a built-in focus stacking feature. With this method, you can take advantage of the best aperture while also enhancing the depth of field in your captured scene.
5-Axis HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization+
5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ is an advanced image stabilisation system that reduces the appearance of blur when shooting one-handed video and helps to correct for camera shake when recording HD movies. It corrects for five different types of camera shake that frequently have an impact on more dynamic movement types when recording while moving.
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 provides 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
- Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology affords impressively fast and precise autofocus performance to suit photographing moving subjects.
- Focus peaking is available for easier, more accurate manual focusing control.
- 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.
- Still Image Scene Guide modes: 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, and Monochrome.
- Photo Style modes: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, L.Monochrome, L.Monochrome D, Scenery, Portrait, Custom, Cinelike D, Cinelike V.
- Picture Adjustment settings: Contrast, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, and Saturation.
