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 snaps
Plenty of "creative" modes
Full Manual control for advanced amateurs
Fast f2.8 glass
4K video, Photo modes
TILTY FLIPPY TOUCHSCREEN. You'll fall in love with this feature. I did.
Image stabilization
Cons:
12MP is small for 2019, but about max for this sensor size
24mm isn't very wide angle
Small 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=1
K&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=1
Extra Batteries
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768TVNR9/?coliid=IDXG6N4V47V09&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Advanced accessories:
Circular Polarizer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004ZCAU/?coliid=I2YVFP9ZRSCDFH&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Variable ND filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQB9L81/?coliid=I15IBTBRTJNRHJ&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof
4.5 | 2,913 ratings
Price: 497.99
Last update: 05-28-2024
About this item
4K video and 4K photo: Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photo technology uses 30 frames per second in high resolution 4K ultra HD video to extract them as photos; You’ll never miss that moment again
Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens: 24x zoom (25 600 millimeter with Full zoom range F2; 8 aperture for enhanced low light shooting meeting the stringent quality standards established by Leica
High image Quality: The 12.1 Megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor with the venus engine excels in diffraction compensation, yielding images that are crisp and Free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings
Rugged Camera Design: Splash Proof/dustproof rugged camera design with tight seals on every Joint, dial and button, so it stands up to harsh weather conditions and challenging
5 Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer Plus: Reduces blur from 1 handed video shooting by compensating for 5 types of movement; Level shot function detects horizon line and maintains it, even if the camera is tilted
Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens: 24x zoom (25 600 millimeter with Full zoom range F2; 8 aperture for enhanced low light shooting meeting the stringent quality standards established by Leica
High image Quality: The 12.1 Megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor with the venus engine excels in diffraction compensation, yielding images that are crisp and Free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings
Rugged Camera Design: Splash Proof/dustproof rugged camera design with tight seals on every Joint, dial and button, so it stands up to harsh weather conditions and challenging
5 Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer Plus: Reduces blur from 1 handed video shooting by compensating for 5 types of movement; Level shot function detects horizon line and maintains it, even if the camera is tilted
Product information
Top reviews from the United States
Richard Brungard
Fantastic value bridge camera!
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2019
Richard Brungard
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2019
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 snaps
Plenty of "creative" modes
Full Manual control for advanced amateurs
Fast f2.8 glass
4K video, Photo modes
TILTY FLIPPY TOUCHSCREEN. You'll fall in love with this feature. I did.
Image stabilization
Cons:
12MP is small for 2019, but about max for this sensor size
24mm isn't very wide angle
Small 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=1
K&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=1
Extra Batteries
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768TVNR9/?coliid=IDXG6N4V47V09&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Advanced accessories:
Circular Polarizer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004ZCAU/?coliid=I2YVFP9ZRSCDFH&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Variable ND filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQB9L81/?coliid=I15IBTBRTJNRHJ&colid=3AROT89CSYJ9V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Images in this review
Jack
Amazing camera
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
Jack
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
Images in this review
StormTrackerJay2
A nearly perfect digital camera....nearly
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2016