We review the new ultra zoom from Panasonic, with a 60x optical zoom lens and 4K video recording.
| Panasonic Lumix FZ82 (FZ80) in Compact Cameras
The Panasonic Lumix FZ82 ultra zoom is an update to the FZ72, with a 60x optical zoom lens, and 4K video recording. The lens is the equivalent to 20 to 1200mm in 35mm terms, making it one of the widest angle lenses available in a camera, ideal for estate agents, as well as one of the longest zoom cameras available with 4K video. The camera features an improved electronic viewfinder, an 18 megapixel sensor, and a 3inch touch screen.
Panasonic Lumix FZ82 Features
The camera now features a higher resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), with 1,170K dots, compared to 200K dots on the FZ72. The screen on the back is also updated, with an improved resolution, and is now a touch-screen. Built in Wi-Fi makes it easy to remotely control the camera, as well as transfer images to a smartphone.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ82 is one of the cheapest cameras available with 4K video recording.
With an RRP of around £329, it is one of the cheapest cameras available with 4K video recording, along with the Panasonic Lumix TZ80. The Panasonic Lumix FZ82 is also known as the FZ80 and FZ81 depending on what country you're in.
Compared to the FZ72, the FZ82 has these new features:
- 18mp sensor
- 4K video
- 4K photo
- Higher resolution EVF (1170K dots)
- Touch-screen with improved resolution (1040K)
- 10fps continuous shooting
- Wi-Fi, USB charging
As well as offering a wide-angle 20-1200mm equivalent 60x optical zoom lens, the camera offers a 1cm macro mode, which means you get get extremely close to objects.
The camera has full manual controls, and can shoot at 10fps at full resolution (18mp), or up to 30fps at 8mp (in 4K photo mode). shooting features, shooting modes, options, creative effects.
4K video lets you record 3840x2160 resolution video, four times the resolution of FullHD video, and the camera has stereo microphones built-in. 4K photo lets you shoot at 30fps, and then select which photos to save as 8 megapixel images. Post focus using the 4K photo technology to let you set the focus point after taking the photo, and focus stacking will combine all images to create images with more of the photo in focus.
You can use the camera's built-in Wi-Fi to connect the camera to your smartphone for remote shooting, and image transfer. The Panasonic Image App is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Key Features
- 18mp, 1/2.33inch CMOS sensor
- 60x optical zoom lens, f/2.8-5.9, 20mm to 1200mm equivalent
- 4K photo – light speed AF with DFD
- 4K video recording, 120/100fps HD high speed video
- 1170K dot EVF, 1040k dot touch-LCD
- Focus stacking / post focus
- 10fps continuous shooting (5fps with C-AF)
- ISO80 to ISO6400 (extended)
- Lens position resume
- Starlight AF, Touch-AF, Touch-pad AF
- 1cm macro
- Light composition
- P/A/S/M modes
- Wi-Fi and USB charging
Panasonic Lumix FZ82 Handling
The Panasonic Lumix FZ82 is shaped like a mini-DSLR, with a large handgrip, and on the back is a textured area for your thumb. Above this is a control wheel that lets you quickly change settings. The touch screen can be used to change settings, and the Q. Menu button brings up some of the most commonly used options on the screen.
There are a number of function buttons on the camera that can be customised, although the default options are also useful, with quick access to settings, and clear labels on the camera. Build quality is good, as long as you don't mind the plastic feel of the camera.
The electronic viewfinder resolution has been improved, and there is a slightly rubberised surround, along with dioptre correction should you need it. You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point, and you can also use it to set the focus position whilst holding the camera up to your eye, as a "Touch-pad" for the AF point.
On top of the camera is a flash hot-shoe so you can use the camera with an external flash, remote triggers or other accessories. There's also full manual controls, and the camera will shoot raw, letting you process your own images. The FZ82 weighs 616g with the battery and SD memory card fitted.
The menus are clearly laid out, and there is built-in help so that you can find out more information about settings without having to refer to the manual.
Wi-Fi features - With Wi-Fi built-in, you can remotely control the camera with the app giving numerous controls and settings. You can quickly transfer images to your smartphone or tablet, and by using a QR code it's possible to get the connection setup quite quickly and easily. Panasonic's Image App is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Battery life - Battery life is rated at 330 shots according to Panasonic / CIPA test results, or 240 when using the electronic viewfinder. Depending on your needs, you might want to invest in a second battery, particularly if you plan on recording a lot of video. The FZ82 uses the same battery type as the FZ72, so if you're upgrading you'll be able to use any spare batteries you have.
Buy Now
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![]() We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Panasonic Lumix FZ82 (FZ80) SEARCH |
![]() We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Panasonic Lumix FZ82 (FZ80) SEARCH |
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