Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA

I've been a hobby/amateur photographer for about 10 years now. I went from a simple point and shoot to an early Canon Rebel, which was probably the wrong move in hindsight. Having to switch lenses all the time for a day out with the family for "snaps" got so annoying that I stopped bringing a camera and relied on our phones. Phones can take photos, sure, but unless you're a latest model smartphone user (iphone and pixel) the photos are only ever going to be good enough to share on social media, and *maybe* good enough to print 4x6.I wanted to get back to shooting photos, but I didn't want the hassle of carrying a bunch of gear with me if we were just going to an amusement park, or at a picnic. I looked at Canon bridge/superzoom cameras, (all I had ever owned) but at the 400 dollar range, there was always something about the cameras that I didn't like. Nikon was no better. My sister bought a P900, with it's 600mm zoom, so I looked at that, but I wasn't impressed with the video features (something I have an interest in), the stabilization, lack of hot shoe, and the aperture settings on the lens.Shopping for cameras means compromise. A bridge/superzoom camera is a compromise. You get a small sensor, and you're stuck with the lens that's on it. With the constant f2.8 Leica lens, I started looking hard at the FZ300, and found that it's a VERY popular camera worldwide. Graham Houghton has a ton of tutorial videos on YouTube for the camera, and a user's guide on Amazon that dives super deep into the camera's functions and features. If you want to get creative with photography, and want to have an inexpensive all purpose camera, the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is an excellent choice. The 4k video is great, but most people will only ever use 1080p. The nice thing about 4k is that it can be downsampled to 1080p to produce super clean video. What is really neat about the FZ300 is the 4k photo mode, which gives you burst photos at 30 frames per second. Great to get action shots of your kid's sports, or wildlife action.Pros:Convenient all in one camera for quick snapsPlenty of "creative" modesFull Manual control for advanced amateursFast f2.8 glass4K video, Photo modesTILTY FLIPPY TOUCHSCREEN. You'll fall in love with this feature. I did.Image stabilizationCons:12MP is small for 2019, but about max for this sensor size24mm isn't very wide angleSmall sensor (typical with most bridge cameras at this price)High ISO performance is weak (typical for sensor size)Battery and memory card slot on the bottom interferes with tripod quick release (there is a solution)Overall:Fantastic performer for the price. Not as compact as a 100 dollar point and shoot, but a wonderful start to a photography hobby, or for someone who wants a GOOD camera without the headaches of interchangeable lenses. With the addition of the 4K video, it's perfect for someone who is interested in photography and videography. You can step up to the FZ1000 or FZ2500, but you lose zoom range, but gain MP and sensor size, but you're paying DSLR prices for those cameras. If your budget is $1000 and you want a great camera, look at Canon and Nikon APS-C size DSLRs with 2 kit lenses. If your budget is $4-500 you really can't beat this little gem.Recommended Accessories:ALZO liberator offset mount (moves tripod mount out of the way of the battery door)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019E67Q4S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1K&F Concept 62'' DSLR Tripod, Lightweight and Compact Aluminum Camera Tripod with 360 Panorama Ball Head Quick Release Plate for Travel and Work (TM2324 Black)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015CGRREI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Extra Batterieshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768TVNR9/?coliid=IDXG6N4V47V09&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_itAdvanced accessories:Circular Polarizerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004ZCAU/?coliid=I2YVFP9ZRSCDFH&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_itVariable ND filterhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQB9L81/?coliid=I15IBTBRTJNRHJ&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I used a FZ200 for about five years with very good results, and decided to upgrade simply because I could. Well, I am very glad I did. This camera has enough bells and whistles to keep me occupied for a while, but what's iimportant is that it is a stronger zoom with better stabilization that produces better images, AND IN RAW, no less. Ergonomically, it is ideal. Very well thought out, and Panasonic got rid of the sill little single wheel on the back that controlled everything and that broke so easily. Oh, and the screen is touch sensitive...which is really cool as well as very handy. My only complaint is the battery life. That may be my fault, however; I keep the focus on full time focus, have a lot of program parts running all of the time, and zoom a lot. Attached is are a few recent photographs. All are hand-held. The first is Macro with no touchup at all. 35mm eq Focal length was 25mm, ISO was 400, exposure was 125/sec. The second is at night with only the streetlight and local lighting available. Some slight lighting adjustments have been made. The exposure was 1/.77 sec, the 35mm eq focal length was 50mm and the aperture was f8. The ISO was 3,600. No touchups have been made. The last on is from 30 feet away on a windy day. I used auto spot focus and exposure, aperture is 2.8,, iso 100, exposure was 1/320 sec and the 35mmeq focal length was 600mm - no adjustments whatsoever though it has been cropped. All of the images are .jpeg.

I wanted a camera that took great pictures and had a long zoom for wildlife and scenery. I am a novice but always wanted to be able to capture the beauty around me that I see. Phone camera and point and shoot cameras have never done it for me. But now this one, this bridge camera does it. My concerns were it was older and had only 12 mega pixels. But for most people 12 mp is totally fine. Just look it up on YouTube. A 4k video with a picture taken out is only 8 mega pixels. So set that worry aside. Also I thought there might be too much involved for a beginner. Not true this has tons of auto features, you can make it a point and shoot super zoom camera. Tons of great YouTube videos on how to set up different ways. I am super happy with this camera and highly recommend. You won't be able to find anything better for the price and features.

This camera has an incredible zoom lens that can go from 25mm to 600mm. That's a crazy amount of zoom, and it's perfect for capturing everything from wildlife to distant landscapes.The FZ300 also shoots stunning 4K video. The picture quality is incredible, and the camera is even capable of recording smooth, high-quality footage in low light.In addition to its impressive zoom and video capabilities, the FZ300 also has a number of other features that make it a great all-around camera. It has a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can easily share your photos and videos with others. It also has a hot shoe, so you can attach a variety of external accessories.And to top it all off, the FZ300 is incredibly lightweight and portable. You can easily take it with you on hikes, vacations, or wherever else your adventures take you.Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a fantastic camera that offers a great combination of features and performance. If you're looking for a camera that can do it all, the FZ300 is a great option.In other words, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a zooming marvel with a jack for all trades.