The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ100 is one of the most advanced compact digital cameras you are likely to find. Standard features include 14 megapixels and a 24x optical lens, but it is when you start to dig deeper you find out more about the power Panasonic has built into the Lumix DMC FZ100.
Starting with the lens it has a focal length equivalent to 25 – 600mm in 35mm format. This gives it wide angle qualities as well as the more obvious telephoto ones. As with other Panasonic digital cameras an extra zoom mode is available to you. This allows you to increase the amount of zoom on offer when you shoot at lower resolutions. The maximum amount of zoom is 50.6x when you shoot at 3 megapixels and under.
You also have access to a full set of manual exposure controls. These include aperture priority and shutter priority.
One feature that really appeals to me is the free angle LCD screen. This means that you can pull the LCD screen away from the camera body and twist it around to an angle that suits you. This is especially useful if you are in an awkward shooting position. It also gives you the option of moving the screen away from direct sunlight. The screen is 3 inches in size. A further option for composing your photos is an electronic viewfinder.
Looking at the specification for the movie mode I cannot think of a compact digital camera offering more options that the Lumix DMC FZ100. The 1080p resolution on offer is currently the maximum available from a compact digital camera. This is a step up from the more standard 720p. Stereo sound can be recorded. In creative movie mode shutter speed and aperture size can be adjusted. In addition there is also a high speed movie mode. This allows you to record QVGA movies at 220 frames per second. These movies can then be played back in slow motion. There are also a set of movie scene modes available.
The Lumix DMC FZ100 also has an impressive high speed burst mode for still photography. This can fire off up to 15 full resolution photos at a top speed of 11 frames per second.
A hot shoe is available for adding an external flash unit.
Panasonic DMC FZ100 Details
Style
Extended Zoom
Megapixels
14
Zoom
24x
LCD Screen
3
MemoryCards
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Resolution
4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 1:1
File Formats
JPEG / RAW
Focal Length Equivalent
25 - 600mm
Shutter Speed
60 - 1/2000 seconds
Aperture
F2.8 - 8 (W) / F5.2 - 8 (T)
Sensitivity
Auto / i.ISO / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400)
White Balance Settings
Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Flash / Halogen / Color Temperature / White Set 1 / White Set 2 / (Selectable at Normal Portrait, Soft Skin, Creative Portrait, Normal Sports, Creative Sports, Objects Close-up, Creative Close-up, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Panorama Assist mode? / White Balance Adjustment (2-axis adjustable, ±9steps each, Blue/Amber and Magenta/Green bias)
ExposureCompensation
1/3 EV step, +/-3 EV
Viewfinder
Electronic
Flash Modes
Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, Flash Synchro; 1st / 2nd
Flash Range
9.5m
Shooting Modes
Portrait mode : Normal, Soft Skin, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative / Scenery mode : Normal, Nature, Architecture, Creative / Sports mode : Normal, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative / Close-up : Flower, Food, Objects, Creative / Night Portrait : Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Creative, Panorama Assist, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Flash Burst, Panning, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Photo Frame, High Speed Movie
Maximum Movie Resolution
1920 x 1080
Maximum Movie Frames Per Second
30 fps
Maximum Movie Duration
Unknown
Macro Focus
1cms
Metering
Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot
ManualControls
Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority
Image Stabilisation
Yes
Lens Converters
Yes
Self Timer
10 seconds or 2 seconds
Video Out (TV Playback)
Yes
Computer Connection
Yes
Batteries
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
Dimensions
124.3 x 81.2 x 95.2mm
Weight
540g
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Panasonic DMC FZ100 Specification
Where to Buy - Panasonic DMC FZ100
