We get hands on with the Panasonic FZ2000, a compact bridge camera with great video functions. It’s the first of its kind with a 1 inch sensor, built in ND filters and 4K DCI recording on a super zoom lens. We talked to Mark Baber from Panasonic, who explained a little more about the camera. Also, make sure to check out the footage we recorded directly on the Panasonic FZ2000.

The Panasonic FZ2000 was one of the many announcements by the Japanese manufacturer at Photokina 2016. It has a 20MP 1 inch CMOS sensor with a zoom range of 28-480mm at f/2.8 – 4.5. It shoots 4K video internally in both DCI and UHD resolutions, which is a feature many filmmakers will be pleased about. Although it has a fixed lens, the FZ2000 has built-in ND filters (a feature usually exclusive to video and cinema cameras) which means a shallow depth of field at wide apertures can be used even in bright sunlight.

It can also output 4K 24p in 10bit 4:2:2 via HDMI to external recorders like the Atomos Shogun Inferno, giving greater colour depth. The inclusion of 10bit in both this camera and the GH5 is pushing the boundaries of mirrorless and DSLR technology, meaning other camera manufacturers will now need to keep up. Both CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V picture profiles are included in camera, with the V-Log L picture profile to be available as a paid upgrade, ideal for grading in post production.

At wider angles, the 5-way optical and digital stabilization works very well to compensate shake and movement. This of course struggles to keep up at the telephoto end.

For many video shooters using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, this combination of features in a small camera body is a very good reason for not buying a video or cinema camera. The fixed lens can be seen as a downside, but the zoom range and wide aperture (even at f/4.5) gives a shallow depth of fiend on the larger 1 inch sensor.

Here are the detailed specs of the Panasonic FZ2000:

1 inch 20MP sensor

4K DCI at 24p @ 100mbps

4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24/25/29.97p @ 100mbps.

HD recording in 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94p @ 200mbps (All-I), 100mbps (IPB).

1.7x crop in 4K

10bit 4:2:2 4K via HDMI output.

8bit 4:2:0 4K internal recording to SD card.

High bitrates of 200mpbs in MP4 and MOV formats.

Flat profiles (CINELIKE D/CINELIKE V) included.

V-Log L profile to be available as a paid upgrade.

ND filter stops – 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 and auto.

5-way optical and digital stabilization

Fixed 24-480mm f/2.8 – 4.5 lens

Internal focus and zoom lens elements.

ISO sensitivity of 125 to 12800, expandable to 25600.

Mini-jack microphone input.

EVF and touchscreen display like the GH4.

The Panasonic FZ2000 is available to pre-order from B&H now. What do you think of this camera? Could it be the next addition to your kit bag?