Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 (FZ330) – With 24X Zoom

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 - LCDProduct Summary

  • Release Date: July 16, 2015
  • Focus Type: Autofocus / Manual
  • Sensor : MOS Sensor
  • Zoom: 24X (25~600mm 35 mm Equivalent)
  • Color: Black
  • Availability:  Mid- October 2015
  • Price: $599.99
  • Purchase options: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Key features

  • 12.1MP MOS sensor
  • New Venus processing engine
  • 25-600mm with 24x zoom
  • 1cm macro mode
  • 4k video (30p), full HD 60p
  • Highest sensitivity: ISO 6400
  • EVF organic EL. 1.44 million dots, magnification 0.7 times
  • 3″ 1.04 million dot LCD touch screen
  • In camera RAW development
  • Adopt a new type of linear motor in AF motor
  • Ultra high-speed AF: 3.5 times faster AF speed than the FZ200
  • DFD correspondence
  • 5-axis Hybrid OIS +
  • Wi-Fi built-in. Possible connection to the smartphone/tablet with QR code
  • Dimensions: 131.6 x 91.5 x 117.1mm
  • Weight 691 gFeatures

Features

Stunning Image Quality from 25mm Ultra Wide Angle to 600mm. 
The LUMIX FZ300 inherits a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) that achieves full range at F2.8. Comprised of 14 elements in 11 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 5 aspherical lenses with 9 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit has a compact body that delivers exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at the wide end and color bleeding at the tele end. To achieve full range F2.8 with shallow depth of field, high precision correction performance against distortion is essential. 

With Nano Surface Coating technology, light reflection is dramatically minimized by an entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating with nano-sized structure on the surface of the lens. It results in super clear images with a dramatic reduction of ghost and flare. 

The O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) effectively suppresses vibration enabling clear, sharp images from wide angle to telephoto.  The combination of a 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the new Venus Engine achieves even higher picture quality. The advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) feature applies effective noise reduction and detail processing according to each component frequency. Plus, the newly added Random Filter granulates chromatic noise to be blended into the image even more naturally. As a result, ISO 6400 has been achieved. The aperture filter is capable of controlling over a wider frequency range, and adjusts the amount of sharpness according to the frequency level, resulting in faithful stereoscopic effect. The Venus Engine in the LUMIX FZ300 excels in diffraction compensation to make the resulting image crisp and clear even when shot with a small aperture. In addition, the Venus Engine also improves color reproduction with accurate evaluation of each color even if it is similar not only in color phase but also in saturation and luminosity. The combination of the Digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves stunning picture quality in its natural way – exactly what LUMIX aspires for.

4K Capability Bringing the Evolution in Videography/Photography – 4K Video and 4K Photo
The LUMIX FZ300 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p (60Hz) or 24p in MP4 in addition to the full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60 Hz) videos in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format with practical full-time AF. 

With the LUMIX FZ300 you can take advantage of 4K video recording performance with “4K Photo mode.” Users can capture photo opportunities at 30 frames per second in 8-megapixel equivalent resolution by grabbing and saving the best frame out of the 4K burst file as a photo. Three exclusive functions are integrated to make the 4K photography even easier; 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. The 4K Burst Shooting1 allows consecutive shooting at 30 fps, which can be used just like a photo burst shooting. The 4K Burst (Start/Stop) mode starts consecutive shooting with a single press of a shutter button and stops it with the second press, which is suitable for longer shooting opportunities. The 4K Pre-burst automatically records a total of 60 images right before/after the shutter release. All these functions in 4K Photo mode enable saving pictures in 8-megapixel equivalent high resolution; 3584×2684(4:3), 3800×2534(3:2), 4000×2248(16:9), 2928×2928(1:1) without missing that special moment.

The powerful 24x optical zoom with smooth 2-step zoom and 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+(Optical Image Stabilizer Plus)2 are available in video recording, too. The 5-Axis correction compensates for the vibration occurring in virtually any direction.

High Speed Video enables recording subject with fast motion at 120 fps (NTSC / HD) or 240 fps (VGA), while Time Lapse /Stop Motion Animation are also available.

  • Motion pictures with their file size set to [FHD], [HD] or [VGA] in [MP4]: Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds or the file size exceeds 4GB.
  • – Since the file size becomes larger with [FHD], recording with [FHD] will stop before 29 minutes 59 seconds.
  • Motion pictures with their file size set to [4K] in [MP4]:
  • Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds.
  • – You can continue recording without interruption even if the file exceeds 4GB, but the motion picture will be recorded and played back in separate files.

Rugged Design and Better Control
To be tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the LUMIX FZ300 adopts splash / dustproof rugged design passing the stringent test quality standard of DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) flagship cameras despite its structure with a range of moving parts.

The LUMIX FZ300 integrates a large, bright 1,440K-dot OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder) with approx.100% field of view in 4:3 aspect. It boasts 0.7x magnification and astonishingly high contrast at 10,000:1. Suppressing both blown highlights and blocked shadows, the LVF in the LUMIX FZ300 assures outstanding viewability under any circumstances. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF.

Adopting a static-type touch control system, the 3-inch free-angle rear monitor features approx.100% field of view. The touch-control system immediately lets users set focus on the subject simply by touching the screen and releasing the shutter. It is free and easy to enlarge the target point with fingertips to set precise focus. Thanks to the increased resolution up to approx.1040K-dot and improved color reproduction, the LUMIX FZ300 secures higher visibility even in sunny conditions.  To further enhance the controllability, the LUMIX FZ300 has a side dial in addition to the rear dial. Users can change settings such as aperture, shutter speed with the side /rear dials and can also customize the assignment of functions as well on the Fn buttons. Furthermore, it is also possible to make a temporary shift of dial functions with Dial Operation Switch. 

High Speed Response and Stunning AF Performance
For even faster response and higher mobility, the LUMIX FZ300 integrates a dedicated linear motor into the focusing system to achieve ultra-high-speed AF. In addition, the Light Speed AF is further enhanced with an adoption of DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology3 which shortens the time to set focus. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating 2 images with different sharpness level at 240 fps high signal exchange speed. As a result, the LUMIX FZ300 achieves ultra high speed AF of approx. 0.09 sec4, which is approx. 350% faster than LUMIX FZ200. This improvement is more beneficial as focal length increases. The LUMIX FZ300 boasts high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC) to capture a fast moving subject just in-focus. The LUMIX FZ300 is capable of releasing the mechanical shutter at max.1/4,000 sec (at 25mm wide end) and 1/3,200 sec (at 600mm tele end) and even at 1/16,000 with electronic shutter, which reduces washouts even under strong sunlight.

Together with the quick start-up of approx. 0.88 sec, the LUMIX FZ300 never lets photographers miss shooting opportunities.

The LUMIX FZ300 also comes with new focusing options. The Full Area AF allows setting focus on any part of the approx.100% field of view. The Pinpoint AF helps focusing on tiny area by magnifying the part that can be watched with a frame-in-frame window. With the Low Light AF, AF works in -3EV low-lit situations which is as dark as the moonlight sky with no other light source. For more practical control over focusing, the LUMIX FZ300 incorporates Focus Peaking function that shows the focus position in MF and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peaking of focus while monitoring the subject in live view. In addition to the conventional Face Recognition AF, the LUMIX FZ300 incorporates Eye Detection AF which automatically sets focus right on the eye of human face. The Eye Sensor AF starts focusing by just looking into the LVF. Tracking AF is also advanced in the point of tracking accuracy by estimating the subject’s movement.

Other Features

Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® with Smartphones ADVANCED

The DMC-FZ300 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Pairing the camera and the smartphone/tablet is quick and easy by skipping the password input or by reading the QR code. Once connecting the camera and smartphone/tablet installing Panasonic’s dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android, users can shoot / browse / share images remotely. 

RAW data development in Camera

The DMC-FZ300 is capable of shooting images in RAW and processes them in camera. 

Highlight/Shadow Control

The Live View function is also advanced digitally making it possible to adjust highlight / shadow separately with the rear dial. 3 patterns of settings can be customized in addition to 3 patterns of preset. 

Creative Panorama

The Panorama Shot function allows shooting horizontal/vertical wide panoramic image by shooting sequent pictures easily. Either “Standard (minimum distortion)” or “Wide (maximum angle of view)” can be selectable. Combining with the Creative Control, users can get a dynamic, artistic image.

Other

  • 1cm Macro
  • Silent Mode
  • Level Gauge
  • WB (White Balance) Bracket
  • Creative Control with 22 Filters
  • iA+ (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Photo and Video
  • Multiple Exposure

Expandability with Optional Accessories

The DMC-FZ300 complies with a variety of accessories sold separately. Connecting with the 3.5mm microphone socket, a Stereo/Shotgun Microphone DMW-MS2 enables higher quality sound recording. Users can attach a Close-up Lens DMW-LC55 or a Tele Conversion Lens DMW-LT55 which extends the zoom ratio by 1.7x, equivalent to 1020mm (equivalent to 35mm camera). The External Flash such as DMW-FL580L (GN58) can be mounted, which also works as LED light for video recording.

 

Product Photos

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 - Back

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 - Side

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 - Side 2

Specifications

Metrics Dimensions (W x H x D) 131.6 x 91.5 x 117.1 mm (5.18 x 3.60 x 4.61 inch)
Weight Approx. 691 g without Battery and SD Memory Card (1.52 lb)/Approx. 640 g with Battery and SD Memory Card (1.41 lb)
Pixels Camera Effective Pixels 12.1 Megapixels
Sensor Sensor Size / Total Pixels / Filter 1/2.3-type High Sensitivity MOS Sensor / 12.8 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter
Lens Aperture F2.8 / Multistage Iris Diaphragm (Still Image: F2.8 – 8.0, Motion Picture: F2.8 – 11.0)
Optical Zoom 24x
Focal Length f = 4.5 – 108mm/(25 – 600mm in 35mm equiv. in 4:3)/(26 – 624mm in 35mm equiv. in 3:2)/(27 – 648mm in 35mm equiv. in 16:9)/(30 – 720mm in 35mm equiv. in 1:1)/(28 – 672mm in 35mm equiv. in 4:3 4K Photo recording)/(27 – 648mm in 35mm equiv. in 3:2 4K Photo recording)/(27 – 648mm in 35mm equiv. in 16:9 4K Photo recording)/(30 – 720mm in 35mm equiv. in 1:1 4K Photo recording)/(27 – 648mm in 35mm equiv. in 16:9 video recording / O.I.S. Off / Level Shot function Off)/(30 – 720mm in 35mm equiv. in 16:9 video recording / O.I.S. On / Level Shot function Off)/(30 – 720mm in 35mm equiv. in 16:9 video recording / O.I.S. On / Level Shot function On)/(27 – 648mm in 35mm equiv. in 4K video recording)
Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) 29.4x (4:3 / 8M (M)), 46.9x (4:3 / 3M (S))
Intelligent Zoom 48x
Changing of Zoom Speed 2-Speed Zoom
Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT/14 elements in 11 groups/(5 Aspherical Lenses / 9 Aspherical surfaces / 3 ED Lenses / 1 Nano Surface Coating Lens)
Optical Image Stabilizer/Five Axis Correction HYBRID O.I.S. +* / Yes*/* Except for the high-speed video recording.
Digital Zoom Max. 4x (When Digital Zoom is used simultaneously with Intelligent Zoom, you can only increase the zoom ratio up to 2x.)
Conversion Lens Compatibility Yes
Focus Focusing Area Normal: Wide 30 cm – infinity / Tele 200 cm – infinity/AF Macro / MF / Intelligent Auto / Motion Picture: Wide 1 cm – infinity / Tele 100 cm – infinity
AF Assist Lamp Yes (On / Off)
Focus AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF/Normal / AF Macro / Macro Zoom, Quick AF, Continuous AF (during motion picture recording), Eye Sensor AF, Touch AF/AE Function, Touch Shutter, Touch Pad AF, MF Assist, Touch MF Assist,/AF+MF, Focus Peaking, One Shot AF (Set the Fn button in custom menu to AF-ON), Low Light AF, Starlight AF, AF/AE Lock Button
AF Metering Face/Eye Detection / Tracking / 49-area / Custom Multi / 1-area / Pinpoint (Full area touch is available)
Shutter Shutter Speed Still Image:/Approx. 60 – 1/4,000 sec (Mechanical Shutter)/Approx. 1 – 1/16,000 sec (Electronic Shutter)/Bulb (Approx. 60 sec)/Motion Picture:/Approx. 1/25 – 1/16,000 sec (in 24p recording)/Approx. 1/2 – 1/16,000 sec (Creative Video M Mode / MF Mode)
Finder Viewfinder 0.39″ OLED LVF (Live View Finder) (1440k dots), Field of View: Approx. 100%,/Magnification: Approx. 3.88x / 0.7x (35mm equiv.), Eye Sensor
File File Format Still Image: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.3) / RAW, DPOF/Motion Picture: AVCHD, MP4
Recording Modes Still Image Scene Guide Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child’s Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Handheld Night Shot, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome
Mode Dial / Mode Button Intelligent Auto, P, A, S, M, Creative Video, C (Custom), Panotama Shot, Scene Guide, Creative Control
Creative Control mode Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine (22 filters)
Continuous Shooting Mode (Approx.) [AFS] SH: 60 frames/sec*, H: 12 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View)/[AFC] H: 6 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View)/* Electronic shutter only.
4K Photo Mode (*2) 4K Burst: 30 frames/sec, max. 29 min 59 sec/4K Burst (S/S): 30 frames/sec, max. 29 min 59 sec/4K Pre-Burst: 30 frames/sec, approx. 2 sec/(Depending on memory card size and battery power)/Exif Information: Yes/Selectable Aspect Ratio: Yes (4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 1:1 are selectable)/Exposure Mode: Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE / Manual/Marking Function: Yes (in 4K Burst (S/S) mode)
Motion Picture Recording (*2) 4K Video 3840 x 2160 pixels, 30p (4K: 100Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 30fps) (AAC)/3840 x 2160 pixels, 24p (4K: 100Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 24fps) (AAC)
HD Video 1920 x 1080 pixels, 50p (FHD: 28Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 50fps) (Dolby)/1920 x 1080 pixels, 24p (FHD: 24Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 24fps) (Dolby)/1920 x 1080 pixels, 50i (FHD: 24Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 25fps) (Dolby)/1920 x 1080 pixels, 50i (FHD: 17Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 50fps) (Dolby)/1920 x 1080 pixels, 50p (FHD: 28Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 50fps) (AAC)/1920 x 1080 pixels, 25p (FHD: 20Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 25fps) (AAC)/1280 x 720 pixels, 25p (HD: 10Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 25fps) (AAC)
STD Video 640 x 480, 25p (VGA: 4Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 25fps) (AAC)
High Speed Video 1280 x 720 pixels, 25p (HD: MP4) (Sensor Output is 100fps)/640 x 480 pixels, 25p (VGA: MP4) (Sensor Output is 200fps)
Continuous recordable time (motion pictures) AVCHD FHD/50p: Approx. 170 min (rear monitor), 165 min (LVF)/FHD/50i: Approx. 175 min (rear monitor), 170 min (LVF)
MP4 4K/25p: Approx. 135 min (rear monitor), 130 min (LVF)/FHD/50p: Approx. 170 min (rear monitor), 165 min (LVF)
Actual recordable time (motion pictures) AVCHD FHD/50p: Approx. 85 min (rear monitor), 80 min (LVF)/FHD/50i: Approx. 85 min (rear monitor), 85 min (LVF)
MP4 4K/25p: Approx. 65 min (rear monitor), 65 min (LVF)/FHD/50p: Approx. 85 min (rear monitor), 80 min (LVF)
Exposure Parameters Exposure Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual
Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-3 EV
Auto (AE) Bracketing 3, 5, 7 frames in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV Step, Max. +/-3 EV
Light Metering Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot
ISO Sensitivity Auto / i.ISO / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200/ 6400/(Changeable to 1/3 EV step)
Picture Quality Still Picture Recording [4:3] 4000×3000 (12M) (L) / 3264×2448 (8M) (M) / 2048×1536 (3M) (S)/[3:2] 4000×2672 (10.5M) (L) / 3264×2176 (7M) (M) / 2048×1360 (2.5M) (S)/[16:9]4000×2248 (9M) (L) / 3840×2160 (8M) (M) / 1920×1080 (2M) (S)/[1:1] 2992×2992 (9M) (L) / 2448×2448 (6M) (M) / 1920×1920 (3.5M) (S)
Image Quality RAW / RAW+Fine / RAW+Standard / Fine / Standard
Photo Style Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait, Custom, Cinelike D*, Cinelike V* * When Creative Video mode is selected.
White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Incandescent / Flash / White Set1 / White Set2 / White Set3 / White Set4 / Color Temperature/(2-axis Adjustable)
Picture Adjustment Contrast, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Saturation*, Color Tone**, Filter Effect**/* Except for Monochrome mode. ** For Monochrome mode only.
Aspect Bracketing
Other Digital Red Eye Correction (Red-Eye Removal) Yes (On / Off)
GPS
Wi-FI IEEE 802.11b/g/n/2412 MHz – 2462 MHz (1-11 ch)/WPA / WPA2/Infrastracture Mode / WPS
NFC
Zoom in Motion Picture Yes
Self Timer 2 sec / 10 sec / 10 sec (3 images)
Self Shot Mode No
Display Playback Mode All, Slideshow, Filtering Play (Picture Only, Video Only, 4K PHOTO, Category Selection, Favorite), Calendar
Thumbnails / Zoomed Playback 12,30-thumbnails / Yes
Show Histogram/ Show Highlights Yes / Yes
Set Favorites / Rotate Image Yes / Yes
DPOF Print Setting / Set Protection Yes / Yes
Edit RAW Processing Yes
Resize/ Cropping Yes / Yes
Retouch No
Copy / Title Edit / Text Stamp No / Yes / Yes
Creating Still Pictures from a Motion Picture Yes
Video Divide Yes
PictBridge Support Single / Multi / All / DPOF / Favorites
Setup OSD language Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish
Monitor LCD Monitor 7.5cm (3.0″) Free-Angle TFT Screen LCD Display (1040k dots), AR Coating/Field of View: Approx. 100%, Wide Viewing-angle
Flash Built- in- Flash Auto*, Auto/Red-eye Reduction*, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off * For iA, iA+ mode only./Flash Synchro: 1st / 2nd Slow Sync./Synchronization for flash dimming and exposure compensation/0.3 – 8.8m (Wide / ISO Auto), 1.0 – 8.8m (Tele / ISO Auto)
Media Recording Media SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card (Compatible with UHS-I standard)
Built- in- Memory
Audio Microphone / Speaker Stereo / Mono
Interface Remote Input φ2.5mm for Remote
External Microphone Input φ3.5mm for External Microphone
Interface microHDMI (*3), AV Output (PAL / NTSC), USB (AV/USB Multi)
Power Power Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1200mAh, 8.7 Wh) (Included)/AC Adaptor (Input: 110 – 240V AC)
Battery life (approx.) 380 pictures (CIPA Standard) (*1)
Standard Package Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.7PE/SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.3SE/LoiLoScope (trial version)/Adobe Reader
Standard Accessories Battery Charger, Battery Pack, AC Cable, USB Cable, Lens Hood, Lens Cap, Lens Cap String, Shoulder Strap, DVD

 

Purchase options

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Pop Up Flash

Panasonic DMC-FZ330 available at Adorama | B&H | Amazon