Weathersealed Panasonic FZ300 4K bridge camera announced

Panasonic has introduced the Lumix FZ300, a fixed-lens camera with an SLR-like design that offers weathersealing, a 24x zoom lens, and 4K video recording.

A new superzoom camera has just been unveiled by Panasonic and it goes by the name of Lumix FZ300. It is here to replace the FZ200 with numerous new features and an updated design among others.

The new Panasonic FZ300 comes packed with a 24x optical zoom lens that offers a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range and a 35mm equivalent of 600mm at the telephoto end, while in some markets it will be known as Panasonic FZ330.

Panasonic FZ300 comes packed with a 12.1-megapixel sensor.

Panasonic FZ300 becomes official with 24x f/2.8 zoom lens and 12.1MP sensor

This bridge camera is said to deliver cutting-edge image quality from wide to telephoto focal lengths. The Panasonic FZ300 sports a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with a 35mm focal length equivalent of 25-600mm.

The lens comes with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 that will be constant throughout the zoom range. All the technologies in the lens, such as the Nano Surface Coating, are there to increase image quality by reducing ghosting, flare, color bleeding, and distortion among others.

The image quality is also given by a 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch-type image sensor that comes with Multi-process Noise Reduction technology and with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 6,400.

Panasonic FZ300 features a 35mm focal length equivalent lens of 25-600mm and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8.

Panasonic added multiple 4K modes for 4K enthusiasts

Just like Panasonic has accustomed its fans in recent times, the Lumix FZ300 is capable of recording 4K videos. It can do so at up to 30fps, while also being able to shoot 4K photos when recording 4K videos.

The 4K Photo mode supports multiple functions, including 4K Burst Shooting that captures 8-megapixel photos at up to 30fps. 4K Burst Start/Stop is a function that shoots 4K photos at the touch of the shutter and ends it at the second touch of the shutter. Finally, 4K Pre-Burst captures 60 4K shots before and after releasing the shutter button.

The camera comes with built-in optical image stabilization technology that works even when shooting videos. However, the 5-axis IS system is not supported when capturing footage at 4K resolution.

Panasonic FZ300 has a 3-inch articulated touchscreen and a built-in electronic viewfinder on the back.

Lumix FZ300: a weathersealed bridge camera with a fast autofocus system

Panasonic FZ300 comes with design and autofocus improvements as well. The bridge camera supports Light Speed AF and Depth from Defocus technologies, which are said to offer an autofocus speed of 0.09 seconds.

The bridge shooter provides a burst mode of up to 12fps in single AF mode and of up to 6fps in continuous AF mode, respectively. Speed is an important part of the Lumix FZ300, so the camera features an electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/16000s.

As for the design, this shooter is both dustproof and splashproof. This means that photographers can keep using it in harsh conditions without a problem, including the fully-articulated 3-inch display and the built-in electronic viewfinder.

Panasonic FZ300 will become available this October for under $600.

Panasonic to begin shipping the FZ300 this fall

The new Panasonic FZ300 employs a built-in flash and autofocus assist light. It also comes with an SD card slot as well as USB 2.0, microphone, and HDMI ports.

The integrated WiFi and NFC technologies will make sure that the bridge camera connects to a smartphone or tablet for file transfer or remote control purposes.

Its battery offers up to 380 shots on a single charge, while its dimensions are 132 x 92 x 117mm / 5.2 x 3.62 x 4.61 inches.

Panasonic will release the Lumix FZ300 in a black color in October for a price of $599.99. As expected, Amazon is already offering it for pre-order.