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| The FZ80 makes a good street/documentary camera. It is ideal when capturing the moment is more important than getting a "perfect" photo (whatever that might be). |
To make best use of the FZ80 a few basic accessories are required.
Lens filter On user forums I often read spirited debates about the advisability of fitting a protect filter to the lens. My practice and recommendation is always to fit one if a filter thread is provided. It is easier to clean the filter than the front element of the lens without the risk of damaging the lens.
The filter is particularly useful if one is photographing near the sea or in bad weather or in dusty or sandy conditions.
If a high quality filter is used I have never found it to degrade image quality to any detectable extent.
The filter thread on the FZ80 is 55mm.
I use Hoya HD or one of the higher grade B+W multi resist models. Yes these are quite expensive but the filter does not go with the camera when it is eventually sold on.
Carry bag There are many models which will do the job. Some users like the “lens down” style but after years of trying various options I find the in-bag lie as shown in the photo provides easiest access to the camera with good protection.
I use a Think Tank Mirrorless mover 10 which provides a perfect fit for the FZ80 with plenty of room for spare batteries, cards and microfiber cloth.
Spare batteries I find battery life highly dependent on usage patterns If I just make photos without flash and refrain from chimping on the monitor I can get about 500 shots per charge. But time spent on playback or reviewing camera settings or using flash quickly depletes the battery.
So I carry one or two spares. Best are genuine Panasonic BMB9E but I have used and read about off brand copies which work well enough.
Battery charger Sadly the quest for low price point has seen the loss of separate chargers from the box of budget and some not-so-budget cameras. Some users like the USB charging system provided with the FZ80 as it makes carrying a separate charger un-necessary.
I buy a separate charger from a third party supplier and usually charge via this.
Wrist strap The camera comes with a neck strap in the box and some users like to work with this. But the neck strap takes up space in the carry bag and always seems to get in the way when I am using the camera.
I prefer to use a simple wrist strap and carry the camera in my right hand when out and about.
You can spend anywhere from one dollar to 50 dollars on a wrist strap or make one using a shoelace.
Memory cards For casual photography just about any SD card will do. But for sport/action with burst mode or 4K video a fast card is desirable. Versions with 95 Mb/sec write speed and higher are now readily available. I stay with major brands to reduce the risk of defective products.
Microfiber cloth I always carry a small cloth in a plastic sleeve to clean the lens filter, screen and EVF eyepiece.
Dioptre adjustment wheel Some cameras have a loose wheel. This is easily fixed with a patch of black electrical tape or a small blob of clear or black silicone sealer. In either case the wheel can be freed up for further adjustment.
Lens hood ? None is supplied, none is available from Panasonic and there are no bayonet mount lugs for one.
Various aftermarket models are available to screw into the front filter thread.
However consider carefully if that is the right way to go. A lens hood is a nuisance, takes up space and needs to be free from vignetting with the lens at its widest setting.
If sun is falling on the lens I just block it with my left hand. I can easily see in the viewfinder if the hand encroaches on the field of view.
Screen protector ? Various sages solemnly advise us to fit a screen protector to prevent scratches. Generic ones are inexpensive and might possibly be worthwhile. But I have been using cameras with an unprotected monitor screen for several years without major problems.
I guess a reputable brand won’t hurt as long as it doesn’t leave sticky stuff on the screen when removed.
Converter lenses The FZ80 is compatible with the LA8 adapter, LT55 Teleconverter and LC55 close up converter lenses. These are also compatible with the FZ70.
Some users have fun with these accessory lenses but to my mind the whole point of using an all-in-one superzoom model is to avoid the need to fiddle about with changing lenses.
Straight out of the box the FZ80 offers good close up ability and 1200 mm (equivalent) at the long end really is as much zoom as I care to manage.
Clip on flash units 200L, 300L and 580L I have no experience with these flash units as yet but given the modest capability of the FZ80 indoors one of these could prove quite useful, especially if pointed at the ceiling for bounce light.