Once again, our search for affordable cameras requires us to travel back in time, this time to mid-2015. There's nothing wrong with that, especially if the unit maintains good support and presents a much lower price than usual. Today we come across the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300, a superzoom that might bother some with its 12-megapixel sensor, but the 600mm focal length, the 4K video recording, and weather sealing make up for any limitations.
Price-performance is a combination we should take advantage of in almost any situation, and buying a camera is no exception. The so-called "early adopters" have a very important influence on a product's evolution, but if saving is your priority, a fundamental component of your strategy will be waiting.
Now, the question is: for how long? Some cameras have shown superior resistance to value loss, but others adapted to market circumstances at a more than reasonable pace. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a good example. This superzoom will soon be four years old, and beyond one or two asterisks in its specifications, it will serve you well when capturing nature and recording in 4K.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300: A Little Closer to Everything, Without Risks
Announced originally in July 2015, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 (known as FZ330 in other regions) delivers a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor accompanied by the Venus Engine image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 6,400 without Boost modes, while the shutter speed goes from 1/4000 to 60 seconds, or 1/16000 with the electronic shutter. The main LCD screen is 3 inches with 1.04 million dots, has touch support, and is tilting (up to 270 degrees). You'll also find an OLED viewfinder here, with 100% coverage and a resolution of 1.44 million dots.
Pressing too hard on autofocus would be a mistake with this camera, because it's clear from the start that it lives and dies by its built-in lens. A traditional compromise in superzooms is the reduction in the maximum aperture size, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 brings to the table a focal length of 600mm at f/2.8 across its entire range. More light, less noise, better photos, especially if you decide to shoot RAW, which we recommend at higher ISO values (the JPEG smoothing is a bit aggressive).
Still, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 has Depth from Defocus support, which optimizes contrast detection in the autofocus system, and its Burst mode produces a respectable 12 FPS, which drops to half with continuous autofocus. Need to go faster? No problem: Activate 4K Photo mode, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 will be a machine gun at 30 FPS with 8MP frames.
The interface of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it's only a matter of appearance. In fact, the camera doesn't stray too far from other Panasonic models, with a selector dial and a mode dial on top. The physical Fn1 and Fn2 buttons add an extra layer of customization, and I think they're well placed, but if you disagree, Fn3 and Fn4 are on the back (bottom right and top left respectively).
The mode dial has a standard configuration, with Intelligent Auto (and Intelligent Auto Plus), Program Auto 'P', Aperture Priority 'A', Shutter Priority 'S', Manual 'M', Creative Movie, Panorama, Scene Guide 'SCN', Creative Control (the palette), and Custom 'C' mode to save your favorite settings. In terms of manuals, there are two options: the essential 64-page guide, or the full text that exceeds 350.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is its ability to record 4K video. Its recording reaches 4Kp25 and 4Kp24 (other sources mention p30, but its official spec list doesn't), and it has no problems recording 1080p60. The sensor size isn't a limitation, and with a half-hour cap, you should get all the 4K video you need. In terms of connectivity, Panasonic kept it basic: WiFi n, no Bluetooth or NFC.
Accessories for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 was a bit hard to digest at its original price, but today you can find it for less than 380 euros. That detail completely changes the landscape, turning it into an extremely competitive unit. Add to that the low cost of its compatible accessories, and anyone interested in superzooms can build a personal platform around the FZ300 for a very reasonable amount.
Batteries and Power
The DMW-BLC12 module of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 enables around 380 shots on a full charge. Not bad, but if the idea is to spend a lot of time shooting out there, you need a backup. The compatible Gloxy DMW-BLC12 battery (SKU "DI713,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-112") is an excellent half-price alternative, and the Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car completes the equation.
Tripods and Supports
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 weighs 691 grams with battery and memory card installed. That doesn't make it impossible to handle, but if at some point it feels heavier than usual, then it's time to transfer the effort to a support. A good tripod for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is the Gloxy GX-T6662A, a true classic here at NeoTeo. With 1.6 meters in height and a maximum load of 10 kilograms, this tripod will receive the superzoom without surprises. Want something more compact? The answer is the Clampod Takeway T2. Everything good from the original plus an optimization of its tripod mode, for only 10 euros extra.
Cases and Bags
A very positive element of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is its factory sealing against dust and moisture. The manufacturer imagines its superzoom visiting very strange and not entirely friendly places for a camera, but that doesn't mean transport bags are optional. Want something good and cheap? On one hand, we have the Delta 400a Fancier (SKU "Fancier400a,0714199153"), with an excellent messenger style, and a padded interior with adjustable dividers. And on the other, we discover the Vanguard Discover 22. Very spacious, includes compartments for accessories and personal items, and its tough black exterior looks great (and also protects against rain).
Flashes
Something tells me you won't use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 often in low-light situations, but the last thing you want is to end up trapped in a deficit. That said, adding a flash to your superzoom won't be that expensive. The Meike MK-320 offers a guide number of 32, comes with diffuser, protective case, and a small stand. For just 75 euros it can be yours.
Special Kits
To finish, a small package of miscellaneous kits that will help you protect your camera, and why not, extract more value from it. As dust-resistant as it is, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 deserves to be clean and well maintained. The Gloxy 6-in-1 Kit has everything you need, and for less than 25 euros you shouldn't pass it up. The second recommendation is the portable mini studio 40x40x40, ideal for product photography. Four backgrounds, two lights, a secondary support, and its guaranteed portability.
600mm, excellent aperture, 4K video, weather sealing, solid build quality, and very good photos despite the small sensor. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 delivers much more than we expect, and for under 400 euros, it's hard to go wrong. Good luck!
