Meet the World's First 4K Compact Camera, the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

Something pretty exciting was just announced by Panasonic a few hours ago. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 camera is a bridge-style point-and-shoot camera that shoots in 4K at 30 fps, making it the world's first compact camera to shoot at that level of resolution. Other than its large 20.MP 1" MOS sensor, it also features an ISO of up to 25600, continuous 50 fps shooting, and built-in wi-fi -- which sounds pretty good, especially for a hybrid photo/video camera.

So, no -- the Lumix DMC-FZ1000 wasn't designed specifically for filmmakers -- and not even in the way DSLRs weren't designed specifically for filmmakers, but ended up becoming the go-to camera for shooters on a budget. With these smaller compact cameras, though, users could get a pretty decent camera without the heft and price of a DSLR, but would have to sacrifice image quality in return. Panasonic's intention with the FZ1000 was to change that -- to make a bridge-style camera that gave users the mobility and affordability of a compact camera with image quality comparable to that of a DSLR.

Here are a few of the FZ1000's specs (for a complete breakdown, go here):

• 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
• Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 16x Zoom Lens
• 25-400mm f/2.8-4 (35mm Equivalent)
• 4K QFHD Video Recording at 30 fps
• 0.39" 2,359k-Dot OLED Live View Finder
• 3.0" 921k-Dot Free-Angle LCD Monitor
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
• HYBRID O.I.S. 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• Light Speed AF with LUMIX DFD Focus
• ISO 25600 and 50 fps Continuous Shooting

And here's a video demonstrating its image quality:

The DMC-FZ1000 is now available for preorder for $897.99 on B&H and the shipping date is expected to be July 31st.

Link: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 camera with 4K video and 1″ sensor announce -- Photo Rumors