Preview posted 09/19/2016 by Michael Palmer
Full review posted 03/02/2017 by Josh Fate

Quick Take

Pros

iAuto and Program shooting mode are accurate and easy in all situations Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record Outstanding overall image quality Versatile 20x optical zoom is ready for every situation 5-axis Image Stabilization EVF is sharp, clear and a pleasure to shoot with Touch LCD is great for shooting, viewing or any other tough situations Decent Battery Life Loaded with great features and creative shooting modes HDMI output for Still images, Full 1080p and 4K video Audio Input and HDMI and Audio Output

Cons

Tracking AF did struggle at times with our swimming shots High price tag for an all-in-one digicam ND filter controls on Lens Very large camera body

Bottom Line

The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 is an outstanding super-zoom digicam, sporting the power and performance that you would expect from a mid-level DSLR. Add to it its versatility and you have an awesome all-in-one camera for both stills and video. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

In September of 2016, Panasonic announced a new super-zoom, HYBRID camera system. The LUMIX DMC-FZ2500 boasts a 20.1MP 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor mated to the Venus Engine capable of shooting full res RAW and JPEG still images at up to 12fps as well as 4K PHOTOs (8MP) at up to 30fps in bright and low lighting conditions (4 ND Filters and ISO 100 - 12800). You can even take still image and select your focus after the fact.

On the video side of things, the FZ2500 shoots both Cinema 4K and QFHD (aka Ultra HD) as well as Full HD resolutions. In addition to time-lapse and stop-motion animation modes, there are Slow and Quick modes for shooting under or over-cranked footage for, as the name implies, slow or quick motion videos (in HD resolution). To help record and/or monitor audio, Panasonic includes 3.5 mm Microphone and 3.5mm Headphone Jacks.

The FZ2500 also boasts a 3.0" free-angle rear monitor with Touch Pad AF for selecting your focus points on the fly, and OLED Live View Finder, and built-in Wi-Fi which, when used in conjunction with the free Panasonic Image App (for Android / iOS), connects to smart devices to share and transfer images as well as to act as a remote control / screen.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2500 Features:

• 20.1MP 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
• Venus Engine
• 20x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMART lens
• 24-480mm equivalent
• F2.8-4.5
• 4 ND filter setting modes
• 12 fps (AFS) / 7 fps (AFC)
• ISO 100 - 12,800
• 4K Video Recording
• Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 at 24 fps
• QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 at up to 30 fps
• Slow & Quick
• Dolly Zoom
• Time Lapse
• Stop Motion Animation
• 4K PHOTO
• Post Focus
• 3.0" free-angle rear monitor
• Touch Pad AF
• OLED Live View Finder
• 3.5 mm Microphone Jack
• 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
• Side SD Card Slot
• Wi-Fi
• Panasonic Image App (Android / iOS)

Optional Accessories

• External Flash (DMW-FL580L / DMW-FL360L / DMW-FL200L)
• Stereo Shotgun Microphone (DMW-MS2)
• LED Video Light (VW-LED1)
• Remote Shutter (DMW-RSL1)
• 67mm PL Filter (DMW-LPL67) and MC Protector (DMW-LMCH67)

Price & Availability

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2500 is available for $1199.99. See our best price box at the top right of this page to see current online pricing.

What's in the box?

• FZ2500 Camera Body
  
• Battery Charger
• Battery Pack
• USB Cable
• Lens Hood
• Lens Cap
• Lens Cap String
• Hot Shoe Cover
• Shoulder Strap