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Panasonic FZ70

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200 (Bump to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 20-1200mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 606g - 130 x 97 x 118mm
  • Launched July 2013
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
63
Imaging
40
Features
53
Overall
45

Panasonic FZ70 overview

Panasonic FZ70 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially announced on July of 2013. It uses a 16 MegaPixel, CMOS 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The FZ70 stands at #54 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #520 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to try out our Smart camera filter to get camera rankings based on your personalized factors.

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Below is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Panasonic FZ70 history

The Panasonic FZ70 comes with a history of related cameras. Here, you can discover all past and current models alongside important specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ80 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ80
FZ70 vs FZ80
20-1200mm
F2.8-5.9
18MP1/2.3"2017
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ300 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ300
FZ70 vs FZ300
25-600mm
F2.8
12MP1/2.3"2015
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ70 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ7020-1200mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ200 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ200
FZ70 vs FZ200
25-600mm
F2.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ60 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ60
FZ70 vs FZ60
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
16MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ150 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ150
FZ70 vs FZ150
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
12MP1/2.3"2012
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ47 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ47
FZ70 vs FZ47
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ40 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ40
FZ70 vs FZ40
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ100 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ100
FZ70 vs FZ100
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ35 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ35
FZ70 vs FZ35
27-486mm
F2.8-4.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ28 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ28
FZ70 vs FZ28
27-486mm
F2.8-4.4
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Panasonic FZ70 Pros and Cons

Below is a list of advantages and drawbacks of the Panasonic FZ70 based on aspects which are often viewed as important in a digital camera.

amazing zoom range (20-1200mm 60.0 x zoom)
built-in flash
features face detection focus
features tracking autofocus
good battery (400 per charge)
great min ISO (100)
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
image stabilization (Optical)
includes HDMI out
long zoom (1200mm)
manual focus
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
really wide (20mm)
saves RAW files
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
lacks phase detect auto focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low resolution screen (460 thousand dots)
missing external microphone support
missing headphone support
missing Timelapse mode
more heavy than others (606g)
screen does not articulate
slow at tele end (f5.9)
slow max aperture (f2.8)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
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Panasonic FZ70 Sensor info

The Panasonic FZ70 is powered by the Venus Engine processor. The sensor specification in the Panasonic FZ70 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels at aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is more desirable than digital stabilization as the latter may produce cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 16 megapixels and supports a standard ISO range of 100 - 3200. This ISO can also be widened digitally to a high of 6400. RAW format is supported which means that you have wider room to maneuver in post.

The graphic underneath illustrates the FZ70's sensor dimensions when compared to other popular sizes. The FZ70 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is outlined in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 sensor size Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

To get an understanding of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic FZ70 dimensions

Panasonic FZ70 weighs in at 1.34 lb (606 grams / 21.38 ounces) and features exterior measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams so the Panasonic FZ70 is weightier when compared with various rivals.

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Underneath is a picture of the Panasonic FZ70 alongside a softdrink so you can have a feel for its scale.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 dimensions scale

The top view just below will show you the button design on the FZ70.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 topview buttons dials

Panasonic FZ70 Lens info

The FZ70 features a built-in lens providing a focal range of 20-1200mm giving it a 60.0 x zoom which is very good and would enable you to zoom all the way in.

At the widest 20mm, the lens will have an aperture of f2.8 which is fairly slow and not the best in low light occasions and you may find it hard to capture good bokeh. You would also have to increase the ISO setting resulting in noisy photos. At the tele end, 1200mm is terrific zoom and comes at f5.9 making it very sluggish and you will need to go with slower shutter speeds.

Photography Glossary

Panasonic FZ70 Connectivity

The FZ70 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can send files and in some cases alter settings without the hassle of connecting directly to the camera.

Certain applications even allow a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external display. Almost all cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB port.

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Panasonic FZ70 Video info

The maximum video resolution in the Panasonic FZ70 is 1920 x 1080 and it can capture in MPEG-4 and AVCHD file format. 1080p resolution provides a good balance for video quality and file sizes but FULL HD will not give you much room to downsample. The camera doesn't feature a mic and headphone port which means you have no control over your audio. It is probably best to order another model should you need better audio in your videos.

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Panasonic FZ70 Weather Sealing

Panasonic FZ70 doesn't include weather proofing so damp conditions can easily damage the camera.

Panasonic FZ70 Screen and Viewfinder

The Panasonic FZ70 houses a 3 inch fixed display boasting a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Unfortunately the display isn't a touch screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 screen and viewfinder Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The View Finder specifications regarding Panasonic FZ70 are below:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • ViewFinder Resolution 202 thousand dots
  • ViewFinder Coverage 100%

Viewfinders can be very helpful for sunny outdoor situations which will make the camera screen washed out and hard to view.

Panasonic FZ70 Shutter info

Panasonic FZ70 continuous shooting rate is 9.0 fps. The highest shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.

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Panasonic FZ70 Flash and Hot shoe info

Panasonic FZ70 boasts both in-built flash and external flash ability.

Panasonic FZ70 Autofocusing info

Panasonic FZ70 boasts just Contrast Detect AF and does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more faster & accurate when compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera boasts Face detection which makes it useful for taking portraits of people.

It boasts 23 focus points to select from. It also has Tracking AF for subjects on the move. Panasonic FZ70 has the ability to use manual focus in case it is needed for low light or you want to have more accurate control on focus.

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Panasonic FZ70 Battery life

The battery for the Panasonic FZ70 is designed to last for 400 pictures as per the CIPA benchmarks making it higher than average when compared to its class. The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has the highest possible (600) battery life for this group of cameras.

Underneath is a number of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the strongest battery life:

Panasonic FZ70 for varying forms of photography

The following chart gives a analysis of the Panasonic FZ70 for varying forms of photography. To check out more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Panasonic FZ70 as a Portrait photography camera

The Panasonic FZ70 gets a score of 56 which is average, meaning that it is reasonably adequate to use for portrait photography. Photographing portraits favors heavily to sensor specs, support for RAW files in addition to the capability to use off-camera flash.

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manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
offers face detect autofocus
saves RAW files
very small sensor size (1/2.3")

Panasonic FZ70 Street photography factors

Getting a reasonable rating of 49, the Panasonic FZ70 is somewhat suitable to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera offers a fine balance of picture quality plus portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
supports RAW formats
screen is fixed
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
heavier than competition in class (606g)

Panasonic FZ70 Sports photography highlights

A reasonable sports photography points total of 55 means the Panasonic FZ70 is fairly adequate for photographing sports. A camera really should have fantastic autofocus plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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excellent zoom range (20-1200mm 60.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
includes tracking autofocus
good battery (400 per charge)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect auto focus

Travel photography with Panasonic FZ70

Size is pretty important in choosing a camera for travel. Over-all, the Panasonic FZ70 gets a moderate 55 for a travel camera which makes it relatively suitable to take on your vacations.

Photography Glossary
good battery (400 shots)
resolution is good (16MP)
flash built-in
decently wide (20mm)
great reach (1200mm)
no Time Lapse recording
heavier than others in class (606g)
display is not selfie friendly
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)

Panasonic FZ70 Landscape photography advice

For those who are looking to purchase a camera for landscape photos, the biggest aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Panasonic FZ70 at it's moderate score of 54 as a landscape camera is fairly adequate in the current market.

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manual focus
relatively wide (20mm)
screen size is good (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16MP)
supports RAW files
great battery pack (400 per charge)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of Time Lapse mode

Panasonic FZ70 Vlogging info

A vlogging camera ought to posses a articulating screen, microphone input and if possible image stabilization. Considering all things, the Panasonic FZ70 is not appropriate for vlogging as it delivers a horrible score of 26.

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relatively wide (20mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
has face detect autofocus
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
display isn't selfie friendly
doesn't have mic support
heavier than competition (606g)

Panasonic FZ70 Alternatives

If you need alternatives to the FZ70, below is a range of the highest rated cameras which fall within the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The graph below will give you a bird's eye view of the FZ70 versus it's top scoring rivals listed earlier.

Following are additional cameras you might take a look at as alternate options. To read through a comprehensive comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Panasonic
Model
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2013-07-18
Physical type
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Powered by
Venus Engine
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW images
Max native ISO
3200
Max boosted ISO
6400
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points
23
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
20-1200mm (60.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/2.8-5.9
Macro focus range
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3 inch
Resolution of screen
460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen tech
TFT Screen LCD Display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
202 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage
100%
DXO scores
DXO All around score
41
DXO Color Depth score
19.4
DXO Dynamic range score
10.8
DXO Low light score
171
Features
Slowest shutter speed
8 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
9.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
13.50 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (50i/60i, 25p/30p), 1280 x 720p (50p/60p or 25p/30p), 640 x 480 (25p/30p)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
606 gr (1.34 lbs)
Physical dimensions
130 x 97 x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6")
Other
Battery life
400 photographs
Battery style
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots
1
Launch price
$300