Introduced in 2017, Panasonic have been widely acclaimed with the production of the LUMIX DMC-FZ82 model camera. Receiving praise from many reviewers, the camera is listed as an Amazon Best Seller. This piece will discuss the features and benefits of the FZ82, and present a guide to buyers who may be interested to find out more about this essential budget bridge option.
As a bridge camera, the FZ82 fills a notable niche that exists between buyers of DSLR and point-and-shoot devices. The FZ82 represents a strong budget option suitable for new entrants to the photography world.
While the market continues to be dominated by DSLR and Mirrorless camera options it seems apparent that bridge cameras can offer something to buyers who want a simpler, ‘all-in-one’ option that allows for effortless shooting of any subject. Panasonic themselves describe the FZ82 as an “all-rounder”.
The simplicity of the FZ82 is seen for instance in the lack of removable lens. While limiting to the more advanced end of the market this decision is suitable for photographers who don’t wish to carry additional lenses or worry about any possible damage to the camera sensor.
The inclusion of a 3.0 inch touchscreen LCD screen is representative of the powerful technology within this compact package. As a WIFI enabled camera, the FZ82 can send images to connected products using an official panasonic app.
Despite the compact size of the FZ82, the camera contains a highly powerful 20-1200 mm ‘ultra wide’ angle lens. A wide angle lens is a perk of the bridge camera technology that allows photographers to shoot landscapes and panoramas that are packed with detail. This is further enhanced by the inclusion of a 60x zoom, highly prized at this price range and unusual in a camera of this size and weight (616g).
This high level combination of wide angle lens and zoom is highly prized amongst tourist photographers who may take part in activities like wildlife photography. This is because the photographer can shoot images in high quality with an effective still resolution of 18.1 megapixels, despite being some distance away from the subject.
The FZ82 also includes effective digital image stabilization. Camera shake can be a significant issue in budget camera options due to limitations in shutter speeds but the FZ82 can count on it’s inbuilt stabilization to provide images rich in clarity.
The FZ82 boasts an ability to shoot in 4k video. The ‘4k burst’ feature can also be used to capture 4k quality images amidst dynamic environments. The camera does this by making use of Panasonic’s in-house ‘4k photo’ technology, which provides users with the ability to isolate frames from short 4k videos in order to select desired shots.
Panasonic also detailed the presence of a desirable ‘post focus’ feature. This allows the user to refocus different areas of the image after it has been captured. With the addition of the ‘focus stacking’ feature, multiple focus points can also be created within the same image. This feature promises to save the user time and increase creativity.
Reviewers have been outspoken in praise regarding the Panasonic FZ82. At the time of release in 2017 Camera Labs, Photography Blog and ePHOTOzine have both awarded it ‘highly recommended’ status.
Check out the LUMIX FZ82 here!