RustyBug
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Upload & Sell: On
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I had looked at the previous versions of the Panny/Leica superzoom bridge cameras, but the sensor was just too small for my taste. I had also looked at the Sony RX10, but the range @ 200mm was just a bit limiting for me to pull the trigger.
The FZ1000 with its longer FL makes it a very useful lens, without sacrificing IQ tremendously. Having a "400/4" equiv lens is something I've wanted for my FF long end as a compromise between weight vs. reach. Except for the Canon DO, there aren't a lot of 400/4 options out there ... so while the vast majority of folks will see this style of camera as a sacrifice ... ummm, it is really a bit of a gain that doesn't exist elsewhere.
Putting it against the Canon 400/4 DO wouldn't be apples to apples @ the DO aspect, but I'll put it against all other 400/4 AF lenses most any day. What, there are no other 400/4 AF lenses in production?
My most notable issues with the camera are small battery means carrying several spares. I would have preferred a mechanical focus rather than focus by wire, but as focus by wire goes, it's not too bad once you get in the rhythm of using it. Folks complain about the amount of zoom @ lens twist requiring multiple movements, but I use the lens twist for focus and the shutter lever for zoom, so it is only one movement. It has a pinpoint focus cross-hair that I like for when I do use AF. It also has tracking AF (which I only tried once) that deserves more exploration @ it impressed me by the way it handled a wild, hip shot @ a moving car.
Since I do zoom (and chimp) quite a bit, I'm kinda tough on batteries, but still get the rated amount from it, so nothing to complain about there really.
It has a rather narrow aperture range, but even at f/4 the lens racked out to max is akin to shooting 150/4, so you're still shooting through 37.5mm entrance pupil (which is a main part of your dof factor) ... smaller sensor making it reach like a 400mm.
I'm back up on two wheels this year, so other than needing something wider than 25 (which I can stitch pano's) when cramped for space, this camera can easily be a one package deal. From a dragonfly to Tetons, that's tough to beat it in a single unit that weighs in at less than a kilo, fits in a small bag and still can produce competition quality images. 
Is it a perfect camera, nope @ no such thing ... but it sure does travel well, and still produce images that are both nice sooc and have room to work in post. Pretty Goldilocks ... as long as you take the time to learn its strengths/weaknesses and make some modest adjustments in your shooting & processing. Imo, no diff than the changes you'd have to learn moving to MF or LF to get the most out of those platforms.
I haven't printed anything yet (I print very little), but I"m looking forward to seeing how the files print (assuming the museum would like one or two of them). On screen, they give me a bit of a "film-like" rendering vibe. We'll see how it plays on paper.
I've got a polarizer (some shots above with/without) that I am liking to use with it. IS works rather well too, btw ... but, MAKE NO MISTAKE ... you must treat this camera with the same respect @ technique that you would give to any serious camera work. While it can certainly be put on Auto or P for some P&S ease, it is also a tool that commands more diligence than most folks will probably desire to give it, because it is a "bridge" camera. Treat her with good technique, and she responds in kind.
Sounding like a "fan-boy" here, but I think Panny/Leica has finally figured it out better than their previous efforts @ how to make a bridge camera. We'll see how the LX100 fares ... I've got pretty high expectations.
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