Number 1. it is not made for one handed shooting buy a ZS100 for that. The barrel extends and the focus mechanism moves internal so you don't hear the motor under video shooting.
Seems more that pretty good for sports, especially with that 120fps for slo-mo. Seems as good as some pro camcorders used for live sports streaming production but much cheaper. I'm surprised no one that has reviewed this, as far as I've seen, hasn't just raved about how great it is for filming sports footage. But I guess it's because it hardly occurs to them as most such reviewers on RUclips are mainly into RUclips talking head content/vlogging/filmmaking.
It is an excellent camera. Fairly heavy, but handles very well-feels well balanced and comfortable to use-far better than the Sony RX10iii! And the autofocus is always vey fast! Although the lens trombones out, it isn't too bad. But I agree that it's not the most discreet camera!! Probably not advisable to take to North Korea for example lol!! Only had it a few days, but pleasantly surprised how good the image quality is! A shame no minimum weather proofing but at least you can get a pair of cheap rain sleeves for protection for about £7.99.
Extended zoom cylinder is actually good for video shooters.eve for the rig. And size is not really a big problem. Wide angle? Get. Converter. It seems like you want the best camera that fits you.
This is the internet. We like to complain and criticize. Sort of like what you are doing now. It's okay. Everyone does it. The internet tends to bring out the critic in people. No perfect camera exists, but you can find a camera for the perfect situation.
Thanks for a good review. I understand your criticism. For my needs though, this camera is a catch, just bought it because of the video options, and I do hope a firmware update will address the 4K DCI 24p crop- and other issues. I'll be needing this when I learn more about filming.
Funny you said it sucks in low light and you show a night time scene which looks fine. Also, how is that cam not good for vblogging? You said its not for vblogging but you don't say why. The GH4 is use for vblogging and I think its a heavier cam. That is why I am asking.
I think you did a really good job in this review. You covered all the points that I was concerned about. I think that your criticisms are valid. I think the missing aperture ring is problematic for a lot of event shooters. This is really an outstanding camera for the price, but I think I will keep my GH4 as my travel camera. Gerry in Calgary
It depends on the prank. This isn't good for hidden camera work or any environment where you have the potential to drop or hit the camera. This isn't good for low light shooting. So if your pranks are filmed during the day or with lots of light and you're at safe distances from the action, this should be fine. Auto focus at max zoom is only decent in good light, not in low light.
I don't shoot prank videos, so the only thing I can think of when you say prank videos are Borat or Jackass. In those cases, GoPros could work. The HC X1 is good, but it's a big camera that other people will notice. The FZ2500 can be better concealed on a camera operator, it's just not great shooting in real dark conditions. I would also look into a Canon GX10, Canon XA30, Sony AX100, Panasonic VX981.
Request you for Lumix 2500 test on Cinema 24Hz mode. There is hardly any video by professional and video blogger on this mode. Could you share if you have the camera. Thanks in anticipation. Sincerely
I just got the FZ2500 but I can't find a setting that allows for 4K recording at 4096 X 2160 at 25 frames/sec. Highest it goes is 3840 X 2160. I don't get it....The manual says it can record 4096 X 2160 at 24 frames/second. Anybody have an idea?
MENU - Choose Wrench Icon. Go to page 5. Select SYSTEM FREQUENCY. Change frequency to CINEMA 24.00Hz. You will be told to turn camera off and on. Now you can record Cinema 4K at 24fps. Not 25fps. Cinema 4K standard is 24.
I'm sold on the FZ2500. It's the jack of all trades, master of none. And I say that in a good way. If I am shooting a low budget documentary, event, or travel, I will take the FZ2500. It's an all in one package that will work for lots of shooting scenarios. However, the Panasonic GH4 (soon to be GH5) will give you better video quality and performance, but it costs more with lenses and accessories. I also like the Canon 80D for short video clips that I don't want to color grade. The Canon 80D has excellent auto focus for video.
Interesting... i keep going back and forth on wether to get the G85 or the FZ2500 the G85 seems like it has better video quality and to tell you the truth I don't mind the extra lenses, a Wide, Zoom and the kit lens will do. but I like the idea of the ND filters and cinema V-log additions. I would get the GH4 if it had ibs and the GH5 is out of my price range. To be honest i've yet to see some one upload a video with great video settings from the FZ2500 but everyone who has it loves it so... #Decisions
I am in the same boat watching tons of videos trying to decide between the G85 and FZ2500. Once concern was several folks said no image sterilization in 4k, but also come contradictions are on RUclips. I own the G7, and want a second camera for video shoots. My second camera now is a ZS50 which holds its own.
I was shooting pretty fast run and gun, so I didn't write down all my camera settings for every shot. Generally, I was shooting in manual mode, Cine-D profile, Daylight or Tungsten preset white balance, ISO from 200-6400, shutter mostly at 1/60, 1080/30p and UHD/30p, aperture f/2.8 on wide or f/4.5 when zoomed. I had ND filter on during bright days.
So when the lens extends 3" you're no longer a ninja and suddenly the whole world notices you lmao. Who knew a mere 3" was the difference between total stealth and everyone noticing you. Imma call the Pentagon and make sure they reduce all our fighter planes by 3" So basically you're saying this camera is not good for vlogging, indoor shoots, film making, street photography, landscapes, portraiture, time lapse. You just described everything cameras are used for LMAO! Buy this camera if you want snaps of your dog then.
This is a good event video/stills camera, sports, outdoor events, travel. I never said it wasn't good at landscapes, timelapse, or portraiture. I said it wasn't the best for vloggers who film themselves, low light shooters, or street photographers. Also, 3 inches makes a big difference....that's what she said.
One thing that frustrate me about this camera is its aperture. I find the FZ1000 to be too slow on its longer end, and they made this even slower. By the way, you did not explain why will you not use the timelapse feature.
It's a personal preference, but I don't trust shooting long timelapse with the FZ2500 since the lens is so long and it's a fly by wire zoom and focus control. I'm afraid the zoom or focus will shift easily and ruin a timelapse. I'm clumsy. I'm also used to doing timelapses with GoPros where I can set it in the morning and leave it there all day without worrying it will be damaged or fall over. Maybe if I did short timelapses and never left the camera, but I don't shoot like that.
Yeah, the RX10 Mark 3 has a longer lens, so that would be a great camera to compare this one to. The RX10 Mark 1 and 2, which are the ones I'm referencing in my video, only have a 200mm length.
That is incorrect. 4K DCI 24p still crops the sensor. There appears to be a bug in the current firmware that indicates on the LCD that the widest focal length is 25mm. It is wrong. I just did a test of this myself. In the 24.00Hz setting, check out the regular 1080 format. That is true 25mm, then switch to the C4K format, and you'll notice it crops in from the 1080 format.
Because the camera isn't telling me the right focal length, I'm not sure how much it is cropping in. It's close but not the same as the UHD mode because UHD is 3840x2160 and C4K is 4096x2160, so the C4K is wider.
Your video reviews are excellent, and definitely you have brain. This 25-500mm in C4K was the biggest scam from Panasonic. Maybe they didn't do it intentionally, but I was so stupid to believe the 25mm wide angle in C4K, now I have the FZ2000 and despite it is a brilliant video camera, this 36/24 (ish) crop in both UHD 4K and Cinema 4K was a shocking experience. I haven't decided if I keep the camera or sell it. It is a real deal breaker. The other one was that manual focus assist (magnification) doesn't work when you start recording. You can magnify before starting the video but not while recording. Every Sony camera can do that. It's beyond me why Panasonic cannot implement a firmware like that. I am really on the fence to keep it or sell it. The Panasonic HC-X1 video camera has exactly the same lens as the FZ2000, and it has a true 24mm 4K video, as Panasonic is proudly advertising that $3200 camera.
Lots of useful info in there. Thanks. If I may I'd like to ask some specific questions. You seem to know the camera well enough to know the answers and I'm fairly new to UHD cameras. I'm considering this camera for a church camera but we have specific requirements I'm not sure if this camera can meet. So first up, will it record UHD while simultaneously outputting a clean HDMI 1080? We live feed a TV in a side room from the camera so if it fails at that then the rest is irrelevant (I'm looking at you Sony AX100!). The scene I shoot is across a hall at a stage area so the crop factor isn't a problem. If you visit my page you'll find footage of it in the funeral video there, filmed on two DSLRs and kit lenses. Shadows on the back wall from a low ceiling with poor lights, but some small spotlights on the speaker's face. Do you think that'd be enough light for face tracking to keep a lock while fighting the pattern on the back wall? Usually there will be daylight from behind the camera with large windows but I have to cover my bases for the occasional nightime recording. But the difficult exposure adjustment while recording may put me off this camera. Sunlight and clouds happen. I assume the stabalisation can be turned off for tripod use. What do you think about this camera in general for long recordings? We'd run it 2 hours nonstop (would be DC power so batterys not a factor). Heat buildup? I would have preferred the AG-UX90 or the HC-X1 as they are more suited for this but budgets and accountants say otherwise. Hah! Still, they want UHD and future proofing at the same time. So I'm hunting for a camera that does all that. I guess we'd be on 128GB cards too for that length. Thanks for any input you have on this. I'm kind of winging it researching via google and learning as I go.
Yes, it will output a clean HDMI signal while recording internally at UHD. however, it's 422 8bit. if you want to output 422 10bit, it's external recording only. I haven't looked at your location, but I would not trust the autofocus of the FZ2500 in low light. Go manual. I would not use the FZ2500 for long recordings over 2 hours straight. No scientific reason. Just a bias for bridge cameras. I've run my GH4 and GH5 for 2-3 hours straight and they hold up fine, so maybe the FZ2500 can as well. The FZ2500 is not the perfect camera for your shooting situation, but if you could live with the hurdles, it can be worth it. I would personally buy a proper camcorder. Most UHD cameras are crappy in low light, so I'd go 1080p for more cheaper options. A used Canon C100 is still amazing. A C100 mark II even better.
I recorded my review video in 1080, so I didn't want to up convert the 1080 to 4K just to accommodate the 4K test footage. If you want to see the test footage in 4K, I made another video here: ruclips.net/video/N7PsZKtIzTU/видео.html
Thanks for the link to the 4K. My ears popped coming down the mountain watching that! LOL The camera seems to really struggle in low light but at least your hand held looks pretty steady, so many samples people upload have terrible shake that I wondered if the IS works in 4K. I am going on a trip to Patagonia and really don't want to carry Canon lenses and body (especially my 100-400 mm L, it weights a ton) hence my interest in either this Lumix or the Sony RX10 III. It's a tough decision.
The 4k footage is excellent. I do not find the night street shots offensive. I am not afraid of any noise'grain in low light situations, I do hate bad compression. I didn;'t see any bad compression artifacts in the 4k footage. Thanks
The HUNTING is the main reason why I didn't purchase the FZ1000, and this camera has the same problem which will make I pass once again, next time buy the Sony RX10 III
some of the sample footage has shown that the low-light performance of this camera can be quite good.
Number 1. it is not made for one handed shooting buy a ZS100 for that. The barrel extends and the focus mechanism moves internal so you don't hear the motor under video shooting.
Seems more that pretty good for sports, especially with that 120fps for slo-mo. Seems as good as some pro camcorders used for live sports streaming production but much cheaper. I'm surprised no one that has reviewed this, as far as I've seen, hasn't just raved about how great it is for filming sports footage. But I guess it's because it hardly occurs to them as most such reviewers on RUclips are mainly into RUclips talking head content/vlogging/filmmaking.
beautiful test footage
Thank you!
It is an excellent camera. Fairly heavy, but handles very well-feels well balanced and comfortable to use-far better than the Sony RX10iii! And the autofocus is always vey fast! Although the lens trombones out, it isn't too bad. But I agree that it's not the most discreet camera!! Probably not advisable to take to North Korea for example lol!! Only had it a few days, but pleasantly surprised how good the image quality is! A shame no minimum weather proofing but at least you can get a pair of cheap rain sleeves for protection for about £7.99.
Extended zoom cylinder is actually good for video shooters.eve for the rig. And size is not really a big problem. Wide angle? Get. Converter. It seems like you want the best camera that fits you.
This is the internet. We like to complain and criticize. Sort of like what you are doing now. It's okay. Everyone does it. The internet tends to bring out the critic in people. No perfect camera exists, but you can find a camera for the perfect situation.
Thanks for a good review. I understand your criticism. For my needs though, this camera is a catch, just bought it because of the video options, and I do hope a firmware update will address the 4K DCI 24p crop- and other issues. I'll be needing this when I learn more about filming.
Funny you said it sucks in low light and you show a night time scene which looks fine.
Also, how is that cam not good for vblogging? You said its not for vblogging but you don't say why. The GH4 is use for vblogging and I think its a heavier cam. That is why I am asking.
Excellent review, great cam, I have one here.
I think you did a really good job in this review. You covered all the points that I was concerned about. I think that your criticisms are valid. I think the missing aperture ring is problematic for a lot of event shooters. This is really an outstanding camera for the price, but I think I will keep my GH4 as my travel camera. Gerry in Calgary
Does this camera have a manual focus ring so I don't have to rely on AF?
Nice review, good job! Thinking to buy one of these soon.
Hello. Does the Duracell 10050 mAh Power Bank work with the FZ2500?
Thanks for an informative review.
Is it possible to screw on polarizing filters ect to the camera and if so what size are they?
Yes. 67mm thread.
When is somebody going to do a video on the FZ2500 for doing stills and video of ball sports, particularly burst or continuous shooting of stills?
007Stalled 7 the problem everyone looks at it as a video Camera, get the rx10 3 for stills, it's got the best lens and still a great video camera
Good video
Is it good for shooting prank videos and how's the auto focus at max zoom?
It depends on the prank. This isn't good for hidden camera work or any environment where you have the potential to drop or hit the camera. This isn't good for low light shooting. So if your pranks are filmed during the day or with lots of light and you're at safe distances from the action, this should be fine. Auto focus at max zoom is only decent in good light, not in low light.
Video Gizmology ok Thanks
So 4k handycam is a better option then this one?
Panasonic HC VX1 4k Handycam?
I don't shoot prank videos, so the only thing I can think of when you say prank videos are Borat or Jackass. In those cases, GoPros could work. The HC X1 is good, but it's a big camera that other people will notice. The FZ2500 can be better concealed on a camera operator, it's just not great shooting in real dark conditions. I would also look into a Canon GX10, Canon XA30, Sony AX100, Panasonic VX981.
Request you for Lumix 2500 test on Cinema 24Hz mode. There is hardly any video by professional and video blogger on this mode. Could you share if you have the camera. Thanks in anticipation. Sincerely
Comparing the FZ2500 to the GH4 is like comparing apples to oranges. A P&S to a DSLR.
Did you happen to find out how to set it up so it saves settings from video to photos?
I just got the FZ2500 but I can't find a setting that allows for 4K recording at 4096 X 2160 at 25 frames/sec. Highest it goes is 3840 X 2160. I don't get it....The manual says it can record 4096 X 2160 at 24 frames/second. Anybody have an idea?
MENU - Choose Wrench Icon. Go to page 5. Select SYSTEM FREQUENCY. Change frequency to CINEMA 24.00Hz. You will be told to turn camera off and on. Now you can record Cinema 4K at 24fps. Not 25fps. Cinema 4K standard is 24.
Thank you very much. That did the trick.
hmm... You seem on the fence with the fz2500 what other camera would you recommend for video use?
I'm sold on the FZ2500. It's the jack of all trades, master of none. And I say that in a good way. If I am shooting a low budget documentary, event, or travel, I will take the FZ2500. It's an all in one package that will work for lots of shooting scenarios. However, the Panasonic GH4 (soon to be GH5) will give you better video quality and performance, but it costs more with lenses and accessories. I also like the Canon 80D for short video clips that I don't want to color grade. The Canon 80D has excellent auto focus for video.
Interesting... i keep going back and forth on wether to get the G85 or the FZ2500 the G85 seems like it has better video quality and to tell you the truth I don't mind the extra lenses, a Wide, Zoom and the kit lens will do. but I like the idea of the ND filters and cinema V-log additions. I would get the GH4 if it had ibs and the GH5 is out of my price range. To be honest i've yet to see some one upload a video with great video settings from the FZ2500 but everyone who has it loves it so... #Decisions
I am in the same boat watching tons of videos trying to decide between the G85 and FZ2500. Once concern was several folks said no image sterilization in 4k, but also come contradictions are on RUclips. I own the G7, and want a second camera for video shoots. My second camera now is a ZS50 which holds its own.
what Panasonic camera can I use for adventure and more please help thank you
This one is pretty good or a Panasonic GH5 with a 8-18mm, 14-140mm lenses.
Your test footage lacks data so I don't know what settings were used. Auto? Manual? ??
I was shooting pretty fast run and gun, so I didn't write down all my camera settings for every shot. Generally, I was shooting in manual mode, Cine-D profile, Daylight or Tungsten preset white balance, ISO from 200-6400, shutter mostly at 1/60, 1080/30p and UHD/30p, aperture f/2.8 on wide or f/4.5 when zoomed. I had ND filter on during bright days.
what was the fps you used in the test profile and the color profile?? thanks!
29.97p. Color profile was primarily Cine D with some Natural thrown in.
So when the lens extends 3" you're no longer a ninja and suddenly the whole world notices you lmao. Who knew a mere 3" was the difference between total stealth and everyone noticing you. Imma call the Pentagon and make sure they reduce all our fighter planes by 3"
So basically you're saying this camera is not good for vlogging, indoor shoots, film making, street photography, landscapes, portraiture, time lapse. You just described everything cameras are used for LMAO! Buy this camera if you want snaps of your dog then.
This is a good event video/stills camera, sports, outdoor events, travel. I never said it wasn't good at landscapes, timelapse, or portraiture. I said it wasn't the best for vloggers who film themselves, low light shooters, or street photographers. Also, 3 inches makes a big difference....that's what she said.
One thing that frustrate me about this camera is its aperture. I find the FZ1000 to be too slow on its longer end, and they made this even slower. By the way, you did not explain why will you not use the timelapse feature.
It's a personal preference, but I don't trust shooting long timelapse with the FZ2500 since the lens is so long and it's a fly by wire zoom and focus control. I'm afraid the zoom or focus will shift easily and ruin a timelapse. I'm clumsy. I'm also used to doing timelapses with GoPros where I can set it in the morning and leave it there all day without worrying it will be damaged or fall over. Maybe if I did short timelapses and never left the camera, but I don't shoot like that.
The zoom on rx10II is 24mm - 600mm. Longer by a good 120mm when compared to this one's 480 at it's longest!
Yeah, the RX10 Mark 3 has a longer lens, so that would be a great camera to compare this one to. The RX10 Mark 1 and 2, which are the ones I'm referencing in my video, only have a 200mm length.
7:10 you should have mentioned that in 4K DCI 24p it does no sensor crop (min. focal length is 25mm too).
That is incorrect. 4K DCI 24p still crops the sensor. There appears to be a bug in the current firmware that indicates on the LCD that the widest focal length is 25mm. It is wrong. I just did a test of this myself. In the 24.00Hz setting, check out the regular 1080 format. That is true 25mm, then switch to the C4K format, and you'll notice it crops in from the 1080 format.
Oh, good to know, because everyone is just saying that there is no crop in 4K DCI without even checking it. Is the crop the same as in case of UHD?
Because the camera isn't telling me the right focal length, I'm not sure how much it is cropping in. It's close but not the same as the UHD mode because UHD is 3840x2160 and C4K is 4096x2160, so the C4K is wider.
Your video reviews are excellent, and definitely you have brain. This 25-500mm in C4K was the biggest scam from Panasonic. Maybe they didn't do it intentionally, but I was so stupid to believe the 25mm wide angle in C4K, now I have the FZ2000 and despite it is a brilliant video camera, this 36/24 (ish) crop in both UHD 4K and Cinema 4K was a shocking experience. I haven't decided if I keep the camera or sell it. It is a real deal breaker. The other one was that manual focus assist (magnification) doesn't work when you start recording. You can magnify before starting the video but not while recording. Every Sony camera can do that. It's beyond me why Panasonic cannot implement a firmware like that. I am really on the fence to keep it or sell it. The Panasonic HC-X1 video camera has exactly the same lens as the FZ2000, and it has a true 24mm 4K video, as Panasonic is proudly advertising that $3200 camera.
Great comments but the RX10 lens is actually bigger..due to its external, extension zoom..🙏🏾🤗🇦🇺
Good to know. Thanks for the comment!
I know that thing it is a monster oh that sucks it hunts a lot I was hoping it would be better I actually kinda like the fz300
Lots of useful info in there. Thanks. If I may I'd like to ask some specific questions. You seem to know the camera well enough to know the answers and I'm fairly new to UHD cameras.
I'm considering this camera for a church camera but we have specific requirements I'm not sure if this camera can meet. So first up, will it record UHD while simultaneously outputting a clean HDMI 1080? We live feed a TV in a side room from the camera so if it fails at that then the rest is irrelevant (I'm looking at you Sony AX100!).
The scene I shoot is across a hall at a stage area so the crop factor isn't a problem. If you visit my page you'll find footage of it in the funeral video there, filmed on two DSLRs and kit lenses. Shadows on the back wall from a low ceiling with poor lights, but some small spotlights on the speaker's face. Do you think that'd be enough light for face tracking to keep a lock while fighting the pattern on the back wall? Usually there will be daylight from behind the camera with large windows but I have to cover my bases for the occasional nightime recording.
But the difficult exposure adjustment while recording may put me off this camera. Sunlight and clouds happen.
I assume the stabalisation can be turned off for tripod use.
What do you think about this camera in general for long recordings? We'd run it 2 hours nonstop (would be DC power so batterys not a factor). Heat buildup? I would have preferred the AG-UX90 or the HC-X1 as they are more suited for this but budgets and accountants say otherwise. Hah! Still, they want UHD and future proofing at the same time. So I'm hunting for a camera that does all that. I guess we'd be on 128GB cards too for that length.
Thanks for any input you have on this. I'm kind of winging it researching via google and learning as I go.
Yes, it will output a clean HDMI signal while recording internally at UHD. however, it's 422 8bit. if you want to output 422 10bit, it's external recording only.
I haven't looked at your location, but I would not trust the autofocus of the FZ2500 in low light. Go manual.
I would not use the FZ2500 for long recordings over 2 hours straight. No scientific reason. Just a bias for bridge cameras. I've run my GH4 and GH5 for 2-3 hours straight and they hold up fine, so maybe the FZ2500 can as well.
The FZ2500 is not the perfect camera for your shooting situation, but if you could live with the hurdles, it can be worth it. I would personally buy a proper camcorder. Most UHD cameras are crappy in low light, so I'd go 1080p for more cheaper options. A used Canon C100 is still amazing. A C100 mark II even better.
Thanks, that gives me more information to work with. Much appreciated.
Just curious why the demo footage isn't 4K?
I recorded my review video in 1080, so I didn't want to up convert the 1080 to 4K just to accommodate the 4K test footage. If you want to see the test footage in 4K, I made another video here: ruclips.net/video/N7PsZKtIzTU/видео.html
Thanks for the link to the 4K. My ears popped coming down the mountain watching that! LOL The camera seems to really struggle in low light but at least your hand held looks pretty steady, so many samples people upload have terrible shake that I wondered if the IS works in 4K. I am going on a trip to Patagonia and really don't want to carry Canon lenses and body (especially my 100-400 mm L, it weights a ton) hence my interest in either this Lumix or the Sony RX10 III. It's a tough decision.
The 4k footage is excellent. I do not find the night street shots offensive. I am not afraid of any noise'grain in low light situations, I do hate bad compression. I didn;'t see any bad compression artifacts in the 4k footage. Thanks
i wanna put it on a gimbal!
shoot in manual mode longer shutter speeds stick to you iphone
The HUNTING is the main reason why I didn't purchase the FZ1000, and this camera has the same problem which will make I pass once again, next time buy the Sony RX10 III
yeah, the FZ2500 hunts in low light. it's annoying. however, I don't like Sony's still image quality and it's slightly more expensive.
i wont to use camara for advensure nature and youtube videos
you can also connect dummy battery to a usb battery bank
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