An up to date model of Panasonic’s superzoom digicam from 2017, the brand new Lumix FZ80D retains the identical 18MP sensor however has a vital change that is because of European laws: it has an USB-C connection.
If you want compact all-in-one cameras – or bridge cameras, just like the pioneer Olympus IS-1 – and applaud the comfort of USB-C, then you’ll admire that Panasonic has, in some way with out a lot fanfare, up to date its previous FZ80 by introducing a USB-C sort connection that was lacking from the earlier mannequin, first launched in 2017. The addition is so vital that now it’s talked about in the important thing options of this mannequin. Panasonic says that “the camera’s battery can be recharged via USB Type-C according to your convenience” … to which one can add, “and according to European legislation”.
There is a motive for this replace: in accordance with the Common Charger Directive 2022/2380 accepted by the Council of the European Union, all units with wired charging capabilities should characteristic a USB-C port to be eligible on the market inside the area. This implies that from 28 December 2024, all cellphones, tablets and cameras offered within the EU will need to have a USB-C charging port, as Europeans need to scale back digital waste and make electrical home equipment extra sustainable. Laptops might be compelled to observe the identical rule, beginning spring 2026.
The usual sensor
So, Panasonic is well timed altering its digicam, including the necessary USB-C connection the identical manner Apple did with its iPhone 15 sequence, so as to have the ability to promote it in Europe. In truth, the brand new FZ80D remains to be constructed across the identical 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor, which means it’s an previous digicam in time period of specs. It apparently does proceed to promote effectively, or else Panasonic would introduce a brand new mannequin, with a contemporary sensor. Whatever is the rationale, a bridge digicam like this continues to be a welcome possibility for a lot of customers and makes use of, and that explains why Panasonic is updating the mannequin.
The zoom lens continues to be the 60x Optical Zoom (35mm digicam equal: 20-1200mm) that may seize something from shut macro to very distant topics. In truth, the digicam continues to have the identical highlights we talked about right here at ProVideo Coalition in 2021, after we included the mannequin in a single article about shopping for strategies. Here are the important thing options:
- Exclusive 4K PHOTO mixed with 4K video seize efficiency.
- 18.1MP sensor decision.
- Optically stabilized 20-1200mm (60X) LUMIX DC VARIO lens
- Fast and correct focusing using LUMIX DFD focusing system.
The authentic FZ80 has what Panasonic calls “travel ready technologies”, like “USB charging and Wi Fi connectivity to your mobile device” with HDMI D, Micro USB and USB 2.0 offering “additional connectivity to your favorite devices” however now the USB interface adjustments, to observe the laws from the European Union.
New viewfinder and rear monitor
The adjustments within the new mannequin embody the all-new USB-C connection, a a lot bigger and higher-quality digital viewfinder, which matches from 1.16 million dots to 2.36 million dots and the rear LCD, which can also be sharper, growing from 1.04 million dots to 1.84 million. According to Panasonic, “thanks to a 2,360K-dot OLED Live View Finder of approx.0.74x (35mm camera equivalent), you always have a clear view of your environment even in bright sunlight. A bridge camera for everyone that is perfect to take on your adventures.”
The new 3.0-inch rear monitor with a excessive decision of roughly 1,840k-dot options greater visibility even for sunny outside capturing, Panasonic claims, including that “touch control immediately lets you to set focus to the subject by just touching it on the screen and you can even release the shutter.”
While the earlier model had Wi-Fi connection built-in, it apparently is gone from this mannequin. Panasonic’s web page for the merchandise doesn’t point out it within the specs. The beneficial worth for the Lumix FZ80D is $479. The common worth for the unique FZ80 is $399.99, and you’ll find it at some retailers, together with Filmtools.
