Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic FZ1000 II: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Superzoom Bridge Cameras

Selecting a capable bridge camera is one of those decisions where your photographic needs, budget, and expectations intersect dramatically. I’ve spent the better part of 15 years testing thousands of cameras - from humble point-and-shoots to professional-level beasts - and in this comparison, we’re putting two distinct superzooms head-to-head: the Kodak EasyShare Z981, which came on the scene back in 2010 as a budget-friendly, enthusiast-targeted zoom beast, and Panasonic’s more recent FZ1000 II, a 2019 flagship that raised the bar for large-sensor versatility in a bridge body.

If you’re curious about how these two stack up - be it for portraiture, wildlife, or travel - I my tested, analyzed, and compared every angle so you don’t have to buy blind. Let’s dig in.

Kodak Z981 (left) is clearly more compact, Panasonic FZ1000 II (right) feels heftier but more solid in hand

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

At first glance, the Kodak Z981 is a classic “bridge” camera in the sense that it mimics an SLR body style but remains remarkably compact and lightweight. It weighs about 540 grams, with physical dimensions of roughly 124 x 85 x 105 mm. The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a bit of a chunkier rival at 808 grams and a larger footprint (136 x 97 x 132 mm), which feels noticeably more substantial but might slow you down during all-day travel or street shooting.

Handling-wise, the Kodak’s smaller size appeals to cheapskate hobbyists and casual shooters who want straightforward controls without muscle fatigue, but it does come with some ergonomic compromises. Buttons are a bit cramped - especially for users with clubs for thumbs. The FZ1000 II “clubs for thumbs” crowd will appreciate Panasonic’s richer control layout, larger grip, and more tactile dials, which come into their own during fast-paced shooting in wildlife or sports scenarios.

Speaking of controls...

The Panasonic’s dedicated dials and joystick outperform Kodak's simpler setup

The Kodak, while offering manual focus and exposure modes, keeps it simple with limited custom buttons and a fairly basic mode dial. Meanwhile, Panasonic generously outfits the FZ1000 II with a mixture of multi-function wheels, a rear joystick for AF point selection, and a mode dial that makes switching between creative styles a breeze. For serious shooters, this translates into significant time saved chasing menus.

Sensor and Image Quality Face-Off

Diving into the heart of the camera - the sensor - this is where a large portion of the performance gap becomes unmistakable, especially relevant for enthusiasts with a keen eye for image quality.

(Sensor size plays a pivotal role in dynamic range and noise control; Panasonic’s 1" beats Kodak’s 1/2.3” CCD)

The Kodak Z981’s Tiny CCD Sensor

Kodak’s Z981 boasts a 14-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, measuring just 6.08 x 4.56 mm. While 14 MP seems respectable, this sensor size is standard fare among budget superzooms and inevitably limits dynamic range and low-light performance. CCD sensors tend to have decent color rendition under good light, but suffer more noise at higher ISO levels - and boy, does this camera get noisy beyond ISO 400. Unfortunately, Kodak’s maximum native ISO tops out at 6400 but the usable range is usually 64-400 for clean images.

Panasonic FZ1000 II’s Generous 1” BSI-CMOS

The FZ1000 II includes a large 1-inch, 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring around 13.2 x 8.8 mm. This bigger sensor area (over 4 times Kodak’s sensor surface!) delivers cleaner, sharper images with better dynamic range and depth of field control - critical metrics for portraits and landscapes alike. The backside illumination (BSI) tech improves light gathering, especially valuable in dim scenes.

This sensor shoots raw, and its excellent base ISO range (125–12800 native, with boosted options down to 80 and up to 25600) provides tons of latitude for editing, pushing the envelope on what bridge cameras can do.

In my lab tests and field trials, the FZ1000 II outperforms the Kodak by a mile, providing richer tonal gradation, superior shadow detail, and less color noise. A significant upgrade for anyone serious about image quality.

LCD Screens and User Interface: How Do You See Your Shot?

The Panasonic’s 1240k-dot fully articulating touchscreen vs Kodak’s fixed, low-res 201k display

On the viewing front, Kodak’s Z981 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with a meager 201k resolution - that’s a far cry from today’s norms. Sharpness is poor; live view focusing is sluggish, making judging critical focus challenging, particularly in macro or telephoto modes.

Panasonic’s FZ1000 II offers a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen LCD with a sharp 1240k-dot resolution. Real-world use shows it to be responsive, bright, and easy to angle in awkward situations. Touch to focus and menu navigation is included, speeding up interaction considerably. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) here is also far superior: sharp 2360k-dot coverage at 100% framing, with about 0.74x magnification, providing crucial confirmation when glare hinders the LCD - something the Kodak overlooked with its basic EVF lacking usable specs.

Autofocus and Speed: Locking in Your Subject

In my experience, autofocus (AF) performance sways heavily depending on sensor tech and processing power.

The Kodak Z981 relies on a contrast-detection AF system, offering single AF point selection and center-weighted focusing; no continuous AF or tracking means you’re on your own when targets move. It also lacks face or eye detection, essential in modern portrait or event photography. The continuous shooting rate is an anemic 1 fps - mostly useful for static scenes rather than action.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II, with 49 AF points and contrast-detect AF plus advanced AI algorithms, steps up with face and eye detection, continuous tracking AF, and focus bracketing for macro or focus stacking. Continuous shooting fires at 12 fps, great for wildlife or sports bursts, and the mini joystick lets you instantly switch AF points on the fly.

In shooting test sequences, the FZ handled birds in flight and kids playing soccer without breaking a sweat - something the Kodak simply cannot match.

Lens Range and Optical Performance

Here the Kodak Z981 flexes its monumental zoom reach: a super-telephoto 26-676 mm equivalent focal length (an outrageous 26x zoom at bright-ish F2.8-5.0 to boot). For a camera from 2010, that range is impressive, potentially allowing you to get close to distant subjects without switching lenses. But the image quality at the extreme ends is weak: softness, chromatic aberrations, and reduced contrast show up noticeably at the long end.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II offers a slightly shorter zoom range of 25-400 mm equivalent (16x zoom) but pairs it with a faster aperture at the telephoto end (F2.8-4.0). Because of the larger sensor and superior optics, it produces sharper, crisper images with less distortion and better control over background blur (bokeh).

Paired with Panasonic’s optical image stabilization (OIS), it lets you shoot sharp handheld photos at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds, one area where Kodak’s stabilization also works but lags in real-world effectiveness.

Macro Capabilities

Kodak’s macro focus distance is 10 cm, a bit limiting for intricate close-ups. Panasonic impresses with a 3 cm minimum focusing distance - perfect for flower, insect, or product shots, with better sharpness and focusing precision.

Video Features: Who Wins the Moving Picture Battle?

Kodak’s Z981 shoots video at a maximum of 1280x720 pixels (720p) at 30 fps, without advanced stabilizing tech or microphone inputs. It’s fine for casual clips but won’t satisfy creators seeking higher resolution, frame rates, or professional audio options.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II supports UHD 4K (3840x2160) recording at 30p plus Full HD at up to 60p. It includes advanced video codecs (MPEG-4, H.264), a microphone jack for external audio, and built-in optical stabilization that smooths hand-shake in footage - essentials for vloggers or filmmakers on the go.

The FZ1000 II also features 4K photo mode, allowing you to capture 8MP stills from 4K video streams - a convenient bonus that Kodak lacks.

If video content creation plays a key role in your shooting, Panasonic hands down wins here.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Kodak Z981 runs on 4 AA batteries, which is handy because spares are cheap and found everywhere, but you can expect fairly short runtimes depending on battery quality. No wireless features, no GPS, and basic USB 2.0 connectivity put Kodak strictly in “point and shoot” territory.

The FZ1000 II uses a proprietary Battery Pack (DMW-BLC12PP) with a respectable 350 shot per charge endurance (CIPA). It adds built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, streamlining image transfer and remote control with smartphones to keep pace with modern workflows. HDMI output supports better external monitors.

The weight penalty here is tangible but gives you modern convenience features missing in Kodak’s decade-old design.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized bodies, so neither should be your go-to for serious outdoor abuse in rain or dust. The Panasonic’s build quality does feel sturdier and more reliable, but both require cautious handling.

Pricing and Value: Stretching Your Dollar

At launch, Kodak Z981 was priced around $299 - responding to budget-conscious buyers wanting mega zoom without splurging. The Panasonic FZ1000 II’s MSRP of $898 sets it firmly in the prosumer segment, a serious investment aiming to marry quality, speed, and versatility.

Given that the Kodak Z981 is a decade old and likely only available used, its value proposition today is mainly for casual shooters seeking extreme zoom at low cost and don’t care about high image quality. The Panasonic offers cutting-edge performance that justifies its price for hobbyists and semi-pros who want a do-it-all camera without switching lenses.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Kodak Z981 front Kodak Z981 screen back Panasonic FZ1000 II front Panasonic FZ1000 II screen back

Let’s break down how these two cameras hold up across popular photography niches:

Portrait Photography

Kodak: Limited AF capabilities and smaller sensor deliver less flattering skin tones and weaker background separation. No face/eye detection hampers consistently sharp portraits.

Panasonic: Larger sensor plus face/eye detection and fast zoom produce beautiful bokeh and accurate skin tones, even in tricky lighting.

Landscape Photography

Kodak: Limited dynamic range and lower resolution held back by sensor size, struggling with highlight retention.

Panasonic: Wide dynamic range, better resolution, and more flexible aspect ratios produce immersive, detailed landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

Kodak: Longest zoom range is tempting, but slow 1 fps shooting and weak AF make it nearly useless for active animals.

Panasonic: Fast 12 fps bursts, sophisticated AF tracking, and telephoto reach make it far superior for wildlife capture.

Sports Photography

Kodak: Again, no contest - 1 fps combined with poor AF accuracy don’t cut mustard.

Panasonic: 12 fps, eye detection, and robust AF tracking handle fast movements with confidence.

Street Photography

Kodak: Lightweight and discreet, with quick access to flash, but poor low light and slow AF limit potential.

Panasonic: Heavier and more conspicuous but better low light performance and customizable controls help capture decisive moments.

Macro Photography

Kodak: Decent close-up but limited by minimum 10cm focusing and lack of focus stacking.

Panasonic: Superior 3cm macro focusing, plus focus bracketing and stacking options give creative freedom.

Night/Astro Photography

Kodak: No real astrophotography capability; high ISO noise and shallow dynamic range limit dark scenes.

Panasonic: Higher native ISO range and manual controls support long exposures and clean dark shots.

Video Capabilities

Kodak: HD 720p only with limited codec support. Not ideal for video creators.

Panasonic: Full 4K, microphone input, stabilization, 4K photo modes, multiple frame rates - great for videographers.

Travel Photography

Kodak: Compact body and AA batteries are pluses, but lack of wireless connectivity and weaker image quality are downsides.

Panasonic: Bulkier and heavier but more versatile and reliable for extended trips due to battery life and connectivity.

Professional Workflows

Kodak: Limited RAW support, old USB interface, and no network sharing makes it outdated for pro workflows.

Panasonic: Robust RAW support, fast data transfers, wireless image sharing, and advanced exposure tools suit pros.

The Nitty-Gritty Technical Takeaways

• Sensor Performance: The Panasonic’s 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor offers at least 2 stops of improved dynamic range over Kodak’s tiny CCD, coupled with far better noise control across ISO range.
• Autofocus System: Panasonic’s multi-point, face-aware AF is leagues ahead of Kodak’s center-weighted only, single-point contrast AF - translating to better speed and accuracy in the field.
• Lens Quality: Kodak’s crazy 26x zoom is fun on paper but optical compromises are real. Panasonic trades zoom length for sharpness and speed - a wise trade for quality seekers.
• Body and Controls: Panasonic’s more refined ergonomics, joystick, and touchscreen deliver much faster, more enjoyable shooting experiences for pros and demanding amateurs.
• Video and Connectivity: The FZ1000 II solidly adapts to today’s multi-media needs; Kodak is more a time capsule from its era.
• Battery and Workflow: AA batteries on Kodak give convenience but limit runtime; Panasonic’s proprietary Li-ion offers longer life and wireless pairing.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Kodak Z981
Pros:

• Massive 26x optical zoom on a pocketable device
• Affordable price (especially used)
• Runs on cheap and accessible AA batteries
• Simple interface for casual photographers

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3" CCD sensor with limited image quality
• Poor autofocus system with no tracking or face detection
• Low-res fixed LCD and weak EVF
• Video limited to 720p HD only
• No modern connectivity features or environmental sealing

Panasonic FZ1000 II
Pros:

• Large 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with excellent image quality
• Fast 12fps burst rate and advanced AF system with face/eye detection
• 4K UHD video, microphone input, and 4K photo mode
• Fully articulated touchscreen LCD and sharp EVF
• Good battery life with wireless pairing and HDMI output

Cons:

• Heavier and larger, may not suit street or ultra-light travel
• Pricey compared to more basic superzooms
• No weather sealing limits durability in harsh conditions

Who Should Buy Which?

If you are a casual shooter hunting for extreme reach on a tight budget, and don’t care much about image quality or speed, the Kodak Z981 remains a decent entry ticket. It’s especially suited for those who want a basic travel or family cam with point-and-shoot simplicity.

On the other hand, if you are serious about image quality, want a camera capable of handling everything from landscapes to action sports, need decent video features, and are willing to invest in a future-proof tool, the Panasonic FZ1000 II deserves your attention. Its combination of speed, quality, and modern conveniences make it an excellent all-rounder for enthusiasts and prosumers.

Final Thoughts: The Kodak Z981 Has Its Place, But Panasonic’s Future-Proofs Your Photography

In my hands-on testing, the Kodak Z981 felt like a nostalgic throwback with its massive zoom but dated imaging, controls, and multimedia prowess. It still shines for extremely budget-conscious users or those who prioritize zoom reach above all.

But the Panasonic FZ1000 II is a true bridge camera standout, with rich features, image quality, and performance that justify its higher price tag. It’s a camera that can serve you well whether you’re doing portraits, wildlife, video, or travel photography.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to weighing immediate price versus long-term value and vision for growth. As someone who’s compiled data, tested in varied field conditions, and talked to shooters across all skill levels, I’m confident recommending the FZ1000 II as a smart investment for anyone ready to step beyond the simple superzoom zone.

Happy shooting out there!

If you want to compare specific image samples or step into deep focus stacking tests or low-light videos, drop me a line - I’m always happy to share more insights from the lab.