Panasonic has announced the Lumix DC-FZ80 (FZ82 in some markets), an update to its FZ70 consumer superzoom. It provides the same 60x, 20-1200mm F2.8-5.9 zoom lens but adds an 18MP sensor and updated processor, bringing the video spec up to 4K/30p (for clips of 15 minutes or less). With 4K comes Panasonic's assortment of 4K-driven modes including Post Focus, Focus Stacking and 4K Photo. High speed video has been added as well, including 240 fps 640 x 480 and 120 fps 1280 x 720 options. 

Other features include 10 fps bursts (with focus locked), a 3" 1040k-dot touchscreen LCD, electronic viewfinder and, of course, Wi-Fi.

The FZ80 will be available in March for $399.

Panasonic introduces the new LUMIX FZ80, perfect for the outdoor enthusiast to capture amazing moments near and far

The LUMIX FZ80 features ultra-wide and dynamic zoom, 4K video recording and 4K PHOTO 

Las Vegas, NV (January 4, 2017) - Panasonic has today announced the new LUMIX FZ80 from the popular FZ series that packs a powerful optical zoom and superior controllability, including manual operation over photo and video recording. The LUMIX FZ80 features the exceptionally-versatile LUMIX DC VARIO 20mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 60x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm), which makes it possible to capture dynamic landscapes, wild animals and birds from a distance. 

The newly integrated 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and advanced image processor Venus Engine also achieve high-speed response and high-quality images even in high-sensitivity recording.

For an even faster response and higher mobility, the LUMIX FZ80 boasts a high-speed, high-precision AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology[1], which shortens the focusing time. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two images with different sharpness levels at a high 240-fps signal exchange speed. As a result, the LUMIX FZ80 achieves an AF of approximately 0.09 sec[2]. This benefit increases as the focal length grows. 

The LUMIX FZ80 also offers high-speed burst shooting at 10-fps (AFS) / 6-fps (AFC) to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus. Thanks to the touch-control system, users can quickly focus right on the subject and even release the shutter with touch operation to capture fleeting photo opportunities. 

The LUMIX FZ80 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840x2160 resolution at 30p. The powerful 60x optical zoom and POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode suppresses blurring, even in video recording. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can enjoy 4K PHOTO shots and a variety of derivative functions, such as the new Focus Stacking, Post Focus, Light Composition, and 4K Live Cropping. For more creative freedom, Creative Control and Creative Panorama options are available.

The LUMIX FZ80 also integrates a 1,040K-dot rear monitor with touch-control system. Together with the 0.2-inch 1,170K-dot EVF (Electronic View Finder), users can capture subjects in clear focus. It also includes Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image-sharing with easy operation. With hot shoe and compatibility with a variety of optional accessories, the LUMIX FZ80 goes beyond a standard telephoto zoom compact camera while providing high-quality photos and an exceptional 4K video recording experience.

Mitigate distances with a powerful 60x optical zoom lens

The LUMIX FZ80 features the stunningly versatile LUMIX DC VARIO 20mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 60x optical zoom - both as photos and video footage. The 20mm ultra wide-angle lens captures an approx. 140% wider angle of view compared with a 24mm angle of view. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode effectively suppresses hand-shake vibration both in photo and video recording.

The Intelligent Zoom is included with the LUMIX FZ80, which extends the zoom ratio up to 120x equivalent, maintaining high picture quality even when combining a digital zoom. 

Capture unmissable moments with high-speed response, 4K PHOTO and 4K video

The 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor is newly-integrated into the LUMIX FZ80. Together with the high-performance image processing LSI Venus Engine, it elevates the response, sensitivity and image quality to an even higher level. Incorporating high-speed digital signal output technology, the FZ80 shoots 10 (AFS) / 6 (AFC) fps in 18.1-megapixel full resolution with a mechanical shutter.

Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can enjoy 4K PHOTO shots with the LUMIX FZ80. 4K PHOTO lets the user capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps by extracting the best frame from a 4K burst file to save as a photo. Plus, multiple images can be automatically saved as 4K PHOTO shoots all at once. A maximum of 150 frames in five seconds can be saved following a designated frame.

It also comes with the Post Focus function, which enables users to select the in-focus area even after shooting. This is helpful especially in macro shooting where strict focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. This function has been developed by combining the high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology with 4K technology. Both Post Focus and Focus Stacking can be activated quickly with the dedicated button on the top panel.

The LUMIX FZ80 also records stunningly smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840x2160 resolution at 30p in addition to Full-HD 1920x1080 videos at 60p in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format with practical full-time AF. 

The LUMIX FZ80 enables 4K Live Cropping in video recording to achieve stable panning or zooming in video recording. Thanks to its digital operation, panning and zooming images are smooth because it does not physically move the zoom lens. 

A variety of video recording options are also available for users to choose from - High Speed Video, Time Lapse and Stop Motion Animation. High Speed Video records subjects in fast motion at 120fps. 

Take amazing images and video even under strong sunlight

Equipped with a static-type touch-control system, the 3-inch rear screen with 1040K-dot high resolution features an approximately 100% field of view. The touch-control system lets the user immediately focus on a subject and even release the shutter by simply touching the screen.

The LUMIX FZ80 also has a 0.2-inch LVF (Live View Finder) with a magnification ratio of approx. 2.59x / 0.46x (35mm camera equivalent in 4:3) in 1170K-dot equivalent high resolution, 100% field of view. Thanks to the high 60-fps frame rate, image lag is also minimized making it suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects under strong sunlight.

Full manual control is available with LUMIX FZ80 to enjoy more creative photography. The design of the grip has also been re-engineered for stable holding during extended shooting.

Other Features

  • Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® with Smartphones

The LUMIX FZ80 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) to provide a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once the camera and a smartphone or tablet are connected, installing Panasonic's dedicated application, Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. Users can also upload images to a variety of social media services right on the spot.

  • AC/USB Power Charging

The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB based on the users’ preference.

The FZ80 will have a black body and will be available in March for $399.99.

[1] Contrast AF with DFD Technology works only with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses.
[2] In AFS, at wide-end (CIPA).

Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80/FZ82 specifications

Price
MSRP$399
Body type
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Max resolution4896 x 3672
Image ratio w:h4:3
Effective pixels18 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors19 megapixels
Sensor size1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor typeBSI-CMOS
ProcessorVenus Engine
Color spacesRGB
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
Boosted ISO (maximum)6400
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes (4 slots)
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatRAW
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
  • Raw (Panasonic RW2)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)20–1200 mm
Optical zoom60×
Maximum apertureF2.8–5.9
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lampYes
Digital zoomYes (4x)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range30 cm (11.81)
Macro focus range1 cm (0.39)
Number of focus points49
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3
Screen dots1,040,000
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification0.46×
Viewfinder resolution1,166,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed4 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/2000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)1/16000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Intelligent Auto
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene 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
  • Monochrome
Built-in flashYes
Flash range14.10 m (at Auto ISO)
External flashYes
Flash modesAuto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, 1st Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync
Self-timerYes (2 or 10 secs, 3 images x 10 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes
Videography features
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 30p / 10 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n
Remote controlYes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery Life (CIPA)330
Weight (inc. batteries)616 g (1.36 lb / 21.73 oz)
Dimensions130 x 94 x 119 mm (5.12 x 3.7 x 4.69)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
GPSNone