First surprise of summer: the announcement of Panasonic Lumix FZ82D. This new bridgeequipped with a zoom 20-1200 mmarrives 7 years after its predecessor and offers some notable improvements, including a more defined viewfinder and screen. The FZ82D also incorporates a processor Next Generation Venus Enginepromising better responsiveness. Here’s a look at its features.
Introducing the Lumix FZ82D
One might have thought that the era of bridges was over. The latest models had been on the market for several years and manufacturers seemed to have abandoned this segment of the photo. Then, here at the beginning of July 2024, Panasonic surprises with the presentation of his Lumix FZ82Dan entry-level bridge designed to be as affordable as it is versatile.
Looking closely, the latest one is not entirely new. Indeed, the FZ82D is largely inspired by the FZ82device presented by the Japanese manufacturer in January… 2017.
Here is the list of technical specifications of the Panasonic Lumix FZ82D:
- sensor : BSI CMOS 1/2,3″ 18,1 Mpx
- low pass filter : N.C.
- processor : Venus Engine
- electronic viewfinder : OLED, 2.36 million dots, 0.74x magnification
- LCD screen : Touch, 3 inches, 1.84 million dots
- autofocus : N.C.
- AF points name : 49
- cover AF : 100 %
- detection : Face and eye
- torment OF : N.C.
- sensitivity : 80 to 3200 ISO (expandable to 6400 ISO)
- rafale : 6 fps with AE/AF tracking, 10 fps without AF tracking
- shutter : 4s – 1/2000s (mechanical) / 1s – 1/16 000s (electronic)
- stabilisation : Oui
- video : 4K 30p, FHD 60p, HD 100p
- video color profiles : N.C
- zoom : 60x, 20-1200 mm
- storage : Slot SD UHS-I
- wireless connectivity : N.C.
- battery : 7.2 V, 895 mAh, 6.5 Wh
- USB port charging : Recharge directe USB-C
- tropicalisation : N.C.
- dimensions : 130,2 x 94,3 x 125,2 mm
- weight : 640 g (with battery and memory card)
- launch price (no) : €479
A small 1/2.3” sensor still unchanged, but a renewed processor
Under the hood, the Lumix FZ82D is equipped with a small sensor BSI CMOS 1/2,3 » de 18,1 MpxThis sensor is a bit dated and smaller than those present in most of our modern smartphones. Its native sensitivity is between 80 and 3200 ISO and maybe extended to 6400 ISO.
Panasonic specifies that the FZ82D recovers a new Venus Engine processorfrom the Lumix G micro 4/3 hybrids, without specifying the vintage. We only know that the body would be faster to focus and better in low light. AF recognition and monitoring of the most diverse and varied subjects would not however be available.
The gust arrives at 10 i/s an AF-S et 6 i/s an AF-C. For a better cadence, one can always opt for the mode photo 4Kwhich allows a capture in 30 i/swithout noise, but only at 8 Mpx.
A 60x zoom, 20-1200mm equivalent: versatility personified
The FZ82D still uses a zoom 60xequivalent 20-1200 mm in full format. It benefits from a sliding opening f/2,8-5,9 and some optical stabilization.
The optical block is based on a formula of 14 elements divided into 12 groups (including 6 aspherical lenses and 3 ED lenses). You can even benefit from a so-called “intelligent” zoom 120xand a crop digital more basic, bringing the focal length to a maximum of… 4800 mmwith a reduction in image quality.
The Lumix FZ82D also features the “ Assistant Composition Zoom. » This allows you to quickly zoom out with the push of a button when your subject is lost from view during a telephoto shot. This makes it easier to find your target again.
The bare minimum in video
As for the video section, the new Lumix bridge can film up to 4K UHD et 30 fps. It is possible to obtain from 60 fpsbut you will have to go back to Full HD. Similarly, the box can also film sequences in slowed down to 100 fps, but in 720p only. We can also reach 200 fps… in definition 480p.
New viewfinder, new screen and new USB port
The Lumix FZ82D thus takes up most features from its elder. It differs mainly in two points: the electronic viewfinder and the screen. L’EVF switches to OLED and sees its definition climb to 2.36 Mpts for a maximum magnification of 0.74x. This is much better than the 1.17 Mpts and 0.46x of the previous version. On the other hand, the body still does not appear to be equipped with an eye sensorwhich will necessarily require pressing a dedicated button to switch between viewfinder and screen. A system that is a little outdated in 2024.
In this regard, the LCD screen also gains in definition and goes to 1.84 Mpts (against 1.04 Mpts previously). Tactile, it still does 3 inches diagonalbut still does not bow.
Simplified ergonomics
For the rest, the Panasonic Lumix FZ82D takes over roughly the same dimensions than its predecessor with 13 cm x 9,4 x 12,5 cm pour 640 g. It is a small, dense box, with a well-hollowed handle. This is all the more essential since the device sees its length doubled when its 60x zoom is fully extended.
On the upper edge of the beast, we note the presence of a PASM wheel above an ON/OFF switch. There is also a REC button, a button for 4K photos (from videos), and a button for the zoom composition assistant function. Further forward, the shutter release button is surrounded by the zoom lever.
The back of the device does not change one iota and we find THE same buttons and layout than for the FZ82. On the left, there is a button to activate the small flash hidden above the viewfinder.
A button to switch between aiming modes, the focus lock button, or a button to change the focus type. The rest of the controls are pretty standard.
Finally, the last physical evolution concerns the appearance of a USB-C port – to comply with the European directive – instead of the old micro-USB port. It allows recharging the device. We also find a microHDMI socket type D installed next to it. The device uses a SD card (UHS-I standard) accessible under the device at the battery level. On this subject, the autonomy is evaluated at 300 views via screen et 220 photos with the electronic viewfinder.
Illustrative photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix FZ82D and provided by the brand:
Price and availability
The Panasonic Lumix FZ82D is available in pre-order at a price of €479. Deliveries should begin in August 2024.
You can find it at Digit-Photo, Miss Numérique, Camara, Photo-Univers, IPLN, at Fnac and in specialist stores.
Our first opinion on the Panasonic Lumix FZ82D
Panasonic is giving us a What a surprise by updating its entry level bridge for summer 2024. The Lumix FZ82D revives a category of devices that we thought had been somewhat forgotten. Fans might appreciate a relatively compact housinga viewfinder and a screen more in line with the 2020s and still a great 60x zoomequivalent 20-1200 mm in full format.
In addition, the new processor should significantly improve focus speedwhich is not insignificant. The more gloomy minds will deplore a case ultimately evolving very little since the previous model in 2017, or even since 2013, and the Lumix FZ72. The sensor 18.1MP 1/2.3″ is still really small and you will have to pay close attention to the exposure conditions, especially at full zoom.
This remains an excellent opportunity to equip yourself with low price of a bridge with a very versatile focal range. The Lumix FZ82D should prove ideal for immortalize your vacation.
