Panasonic has announced its new ‘hybrid’ bridge camera at Photokina 2016, the Panasonic FZ2000, which offers unlimited 4K video recording, 20x optical zoom and a 1in MOS sensor.
The Panasonic FZ2000 is aimed at semi-professional videographers and enthusiasts, and is capable of unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4 and Full HD video at an ultra-high bitrate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB).
Users can choose from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the usage.
What’s more, Panasonic FZ2000 users can buy an optional software upgrade which enables the camera to comply with V-Log L video recording.
The Panasonic FZ2000 is also capable of real-time image output to an external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video.
Other features available for videographers include Dolly Zoom, VFR (Variable Frame Rate), Time Lapse and Stop Motion Animation.
As well as 4K video, the Panasonic FZ2000 also boasts Panasonic’s 4K Photo mode. In this mode the FZ2000 captures a 4K burst and allows you to extract still frames and save them as 8-megapixel files.
Panasonic’s Post Focus technology is also on-board the FZ2000, which uses a combination of frames to allow photographers to change the point of focus post-capture. Meanwhile, Panasonic has introduced a new Focus Stacking feature that allows photographers to take multiple images of the same frame with different areas n focus and combine them all into one image.
The Panasonic FZ2000 inherits a lot of technology from its sibling, the GH4, chief of which is its 1in, 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor.
Another key selling point of the Panasonic FZ2000 is a newly developed Leica DC Vario-Elmart 24-480mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 lens with 20x optical zoom.
The new lens is comprised of 16 elements in 11 groups and promises minimal ghosting and flaring, Panasonic says. It also features a guide-pole mechanism within its internal structure to allow for stable footage when zooming in during video recording.
Panasonic FZ2000 price information wasn’t available at the time of writing, nor was a release date.
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