Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D: Versatile Zoom Power Optical Image Stabilizer Camera
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera with 20-1200mm Zoom Lens, Point and Shoot Digital Camera with 4K Video/Photo recording and Power Optical Image Stabilizer – DC-FZ80D
Brand: Panasonic
Model Name: DC-FZ80DK
Color: Black
Photo Sensor Technology: MOS
Photo Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
Effective Still Resolution: 18.1 MP
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution: 18.9 MP
Supported File Format: MP4
Optical Zoom: 60x
Connectivity Technology: USB
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Description
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D: Versatile Zoom 4K Power Optical Image Stabilization
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D is a bridge camera that stands out for its incredible zoom range, high-resolution imaging capabilities, and advanced features designed for both photography and videography enthusiasts. This camera is packed with features that cater to a wide range of shooting scenarios, making it a versatile tool for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of the LUMIX FZ80D and highlight its strength and potential drawbacks.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D: Versatile Zoom & Power Optical Image Stabilizer Camera
Design and Build
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D boasts a compact and ergonomic design that is typical of bridge cameras. Its lightweight body makes it easy to handle and carry, whether you are traveling or shooting on the go. The camera features a 3-inch LCD screen that provides a clear and bright display for composing shots and reviewing images. Additionally, the large 2,360K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) ensures a glare-free view, even in bright sunlight, which is particularly useful for outdoor shooting.
Key Features
20mm Wide-Angle Lens with 60x Optical Zoom: One of the standout features of the LUMIX FZ80D is its powerful 20-1200mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens. This impressive zoom range allows you to capture everything from wide-angle panoramas to distant subjects with ease. Whether you are photographing vast landscapes or zooming in on wildlife, the FZ80D delivers sharp and detailed images across the zoom range.
18.1 Megapixel MOS Sensor: This camera is equipped with an 18.1 MP MOS sensor, which provides high-resolution images with excellent detail and vibrant colors. This sensor, combined with Panasonic’s imaging technology, ensures that your photos are sharp and clear, even in low-light conditions.
4K Video and 4K Photo Modes: Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D excels in both photography and videography, thanks to its 4K capabilities. It can record 4K videos at up to four times the resolution of Full HD, providing stunning video quality with incredible detail. The 4K Photo feature allows you to extract 8-megapixel still images from your 4K video footage, ensuring you never miss the perfect shot.
Post Focus Feature: A unique and innovative feature of the LUMIX FZ80D is the Post Focus function. This allows you to select the area you want to be in focus after taking the shot. This feature is particularly useful for macro photography or situations where precise focus is critical, giving you greater flexibility and creative control over your images.
POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer): To combat camera shake and ensure sharp images, especially at the telephoto end of the zoom range, the FZ80D is equipped with POWER O.I.S. This advanced image stabilization system effectively reduces hand-shake vibrations, making it easier to capture clear and stable photos and videos even in challenging shooting conditions.
Imaging Capabilities
Auto Focus and Image Quality: Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D uses advanced autofocus technology to ensure that your subjects are always in sharp focus. The camera’s autofocus system is quick and accurate, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action shots. The high-resolution 18.1 MP sensor delivers detailed and vibrant images, while the wide ISO range allows for versatile shooting in various lighting conditions.
Macro Shooting: In addition to its impressive zoom capabilities, the FZ80D also excels in macro photography. With a minimum focusing distance of just 1cm, you can capture detailed close-up shots of small subjects like flowers, insects, and food. This feature opens up a world of creative possibilities for photographers who enjoy exploring the intricate details of the natural world.
Display and Connectivity
LCD and Viewfinder: With 3-inch LCD screen, it provides a clear and bright display for composing your shots and reviewing your images. The 2,360K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) offers a clear view without glare, even in bright sunlight. This makes it easy to frame your shots accurately, regardless of the lighting conditions.
USB Connectivity: It features USB connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer your photos and videos to your computer for editing and sharing. This makes it convenient to back up your files and share your work on social media or with friends and family.
What’s in the Box
When you purchase the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D, you get everything you need to start capturing stunning images and videos:
- Camera Body & Accessories
- 1 Lithium Ion Battery (included)
- USB Cable
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile Zoom Range: 20-1200mm zoom lens offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to capture a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes to distant wildlife.
- High-Resolution Sensor: The 18.1 MP MOS sensor provides excellent image quality with great detail and vibrant colors.
- 4K Capabilities: The ability to record 4K video and extract 8-megapixel still images from 4K footage is a significant advantage for both photographers and videographers.
- Post Focus Feature: This innovative feature allows you to select the focus point after taking the shot, giving you greater control over your images.
- POWER O.I.S.: Advanced image stabilization system ensures sharp and clear images, even at the maximum zoom range.
Cons:
- Fixed LCD Screen: Fixed LCD screen may limit your ability to shoot from different angles and perspectives.
- Battery Life: While the camera includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, heavy use of 4K video recording and zoom functions may drain the battery quickly.
- No Built-in Wi-Fi: Absence of built-in Wi-Fi means you will need to use USB connectivity to transfer your files, which may be less convenient for some users.
So, Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D is a versatile and powerful bridge camera that offers a wide range of features for both photography and videography enthusiasts. Its impressive zoom range, high-resolution sensor, and advanced features like 4K video, Post Focus, and POWER O.I.S. make it an excellent choice for capturing a variety of subjects in different shooting scenarios. While it has a few limitations, such as the fixed LCD screen and battery life, its overall performance and value make it a standout option in its category. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore photography or an experienced shooter seeking a versatile and capable camera, the LUMIX FZ80D is a great investment that will help you capture stunning images and videos with ease.
Craig Szczublewski –
Does everything I need it to do and then some. My first digital camera was a Sony Mavica that had 640×480 resolution and saved photos on floppy disks. That will give you some indication of how long I’ve been playing around with digital photography. For the past several years I had a Canon EOS Rebel T3 with multiple lenses. When I began to travel internationally for work, I wanted something smaller that I could take with me without having to carry both laptop and camera bags. I purchased a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and absolutely loved it. It did everything I needed it to do in truly compact and low-stress “point and shoot.”Recently, I’ve been debating whether to upgrade my Canon and investing in additional lenses or purchasing something new. After much research and soul-searching I opted for what many are calling a “bridge” camera. Although it felt a bit like a step down from a DSLR, I had to recognize that I simply don’t shoot the same way that I used to. I no longer photograph weddings or senior portraits and really just needed a good, reliable camera that was compact enough that I would be more likely to take it with me when traveling. More often than not, I find myself using my iPhone because I didn’t want to have to haul my camera bag around. There were three main reasons why I chose the FZ80 model. 1. Ease-of-use. I already knew from my previous experience with my point and shoot Lumix that this would be fairly easy to use. 2. Affordability. I couldn’t justify the expense of the FZ2500, but felt the features and functions of the FZ80 would meet my needs. 3. Leica lens. Perhaps this is a hold over from my film shooting days, but Leica lenses have a reputation of being extremely high quality. If I was going to be giving up lens interchangeability, I wanted crisp, beautiful photos.I’ve only had this camera for a week and haven’t had much of an opportunity to give it a good trial run, but so far, it’s proven extremely easy to use and has resulted in some decent back yard photos. I only gave it 4 stars though due to the low F-stop range. I know it has a post-image editing tool to customize depth of field, but that seems like too much hassle right now for something that is a step above point and shoot. I haven’t figured out the WiFi link, yet, but am looking forward to playing with that. I’m also looking forward to trying out the video function.The photos below show the “pink” moon on April 10th, a series of shots at different zoom lengths outside of my front door, and some flowers where I played with the various shooting modes.All-in-all, I’m very happy with this purchase. And the best part is that I was able to offset the cost a bit by selling my Canon EOS on eBay.
Rebekah A. Harvey –
Amazing zoom. Camera otherwise OK. This is the spare battery I got, and works well – enter this term into the Amazon search box: B004GK3TBCEasily gives hundreds of shots on a full charge.I have included 5 pre- versus post-zoom images to show you how good it is. Evidence speaks for itself. In the pre-zoom the subjects are near the center in every example, so you do not have to play Where’s Waldo. As you can see the zoom is exceptional. None of these images were taken with a tripod. Indeed for a couple of them, I was in a moving gondola above the mountains with camera in-hand.Other things I liked:•Wifi connect directly to your phone to move images from camera to phone (no internet required).•Long battery length. I did buy a spare too, but was never worried about losing charge. The cam has a battery indicator display anyhow.•Touch screen that you press what you want to focus on.•Remote control your camera using your phone. Great for selfies.•55mm lens means you can add-in other screw-in lenses etc. I used a screw-in 55mm UV filter for my images.Things I did not like:•Not many preset functions on the function wheel.•Panorama will only go left-to-right. Refuses to work right-to-left.•In many cases outside of zoom my cellphone takes better photos.•Camera can be surprisingly complicated for a point-and-shoot camera.•I could not get the macro to work. There are many macro settings and all seem garbage. Cellphone was way better.•Oh, and the annoying “beep” noises when setting up and taking photos left me constantly embarrassed in quiet cathedrals when you are supposed to be silent. No idea if these annoying beeps can be turned off or not.Overall – Buy this for the amazing zoom only. Other features are cute and OK. Let any other feature be a bonus if it works out for you. But cellphone cameras can usually beat this camera for everything but zoom. I still think it is worth the price, especially if you like taking wild animal photos.
Craig Szczublewski –
Bought to take on Safari in South Africa, it did not disappoint. First, I purchased this camera only a few weeks before our Safari trip to South Africa. I based it on several factors, but really wanted the best optical zoom for the cost without the concern of a $2k camera falling into a watering hole or getting damaged. I spent a few days getting used to the automatic mode operation and found a YouTube series from Graham Houghton on this particular model as an incredible tutorial. I got a few small accessories with it (UV lens cover, tulip hood, mono-pod, spare batteries, and charger) as well. The camera is exceptionally lightweight. It fits easily in my field bag alongside the binoculars and does not take up a lot of room. I posted three pics of the same lion: one at base level zoom, one at maximum 60x optical zoom, and one at max optical plus digital zoom. I took a few 4k videos which are very impressive in quality as well. All in all, I am very pleased with this camera’s ease of use, weight, cost, and image quality. I found it interesting that I hardly used my binoculars when out in the bush, I would just zoom in with the camera to see what was going on.