Bridge camera comparison Lumix FZ1000.2 vs Sony RX10.4 3 July 2019

A good bridge camera is a wonderful thing providing a range of focal lengths from wide to very long, good performance and image quality and all this without ever having to change lenses.

In my view the two best bridge cameras available right now are the Sony RX10.4 and the Lumix FZ1000.2.

Either of these models provides a genuinely usable alternative to an interchangeable lens model with a bag full of  prime and zoom lenses.

Purists will no doubt argue that the 15.9mm diagonal (Sony) sensor in these cameras cannot deliver the outright image quality of an ILC with a larger sensor. That is technically true however I have made thousands of photos with these cameras and find their picture quality excellent if the cameras are used thoughtfully. Basically this involves strategies to keep the ISO sensitivity at a low level in low light by utilising slow shutter speeds and wide lens apertures.

This is not difficult. If depth of field requirements in a scene require f8 on a full frame (43mm diagonal) camera, only f2.8 is required on one of the 15.9mm sensor models.

Both cameras are pitched as “full capability” models able to tackle just about any photographic assignment within their respective focal length ranges. Both succeed in this.

Both have a hump-top mirrorless, superzoom EVF style design with a substantial handle, full set of controls for expert use and movable monitor screen.

Both use a version of the Sony 15.9mm diagonal sensor.

4K Photo  The Lumix has, the Sony does not have Panasonic 4K Photo mode. I have found post focus and pre burst to be useful capabilities using this mode.

The sensor in the RX10.4 has additional technology which enables the camera to run continuous autofocus with stills at a remarkable 24 frames per second with live view. In practice however I rarely use 24 fps as this just generates a huge number of files. 10 fps is more useful and gives a slightly higher in-focus rate.

The FZ1000.2 runs at 7 fps with live view.

The Sony has noticeably less viewfinder blackout after each frame.

Apart from the sensor and controls the main difference between the two is the lens. The FZ1000.2 uses the same Leica branded lens as that on the FZ1000 (original) with a focal length of (equivalent) 25-400mm.

The Sony has a Zeiss branded lens covering 24-600mm.

On my tests the two lenses are optically almost identical within the focal length range of the Lumix.

The Sony uses hybrid on sensor phase detect and contrast detect AF and the Lumix has DFD enabled contrast detect AF. Although the technologies are different I find in practice both cameras can effectively follow focus on moving subjects with a high percentage of sharply in focus frames.   

Both cameras are designed to tackle almost any usage requirement including general photography, landscape, family, portrait, close-ups, architecture, documentary, travel, sport/action/birds in flight or perched and more. Both are successful in achieving this.

However the Sony with its faster frame rate, longer lens and shorter viewfinder blackout would be preferred if sport/action is the main usage  expected of the camera.

With its longer lens the Sony is larger and heavier than the Lumix. The difference does not seem like much on the spec sheet but in practice the Lumix goes in a smaller bag and is easier to manage on an all day basis.

A price check today at a large Sydney photo retailer had the Lumix FZ1000.2 at AU$1349 and the Sony RX10.4 at AU$2235.

This puts the Lumix at 60% of the price of the Sony.

I tested the two cameras side by side and found no detectable difference between them with respect to high ISO luminance noise, low ISO dynamic range or color rendition.

I did notice that the FZ1000.2 managed incandescent light auto white balance better than the RX10.4.

The FZ1000.2 is an easier camera to set up in Setup and Prepare Phases of use with more user friendly menus and more manageable hard controls.

The FZ1000.2 has a more anatomically shaped handle and thumb support.

The EVF and monitor on the FZ1000.2 provide a more natural and pleasing view of the world and are more fully adjustable. The FZ1000.2 monitor is fully articulated.

The twin dial control layout of the FZ1000.2 is more streamlined than the rather awkward controls of the RX10.4. Operating the Lumix requires fewer actions each less complex than the Sony.

I find the FZ1000.2 a pleasure to use. The RX10.4 by comparison has a user interface with which I have to wrestle in order to extract the best performance which the camera can offer.

RX10.4: Faster continuous frame rate with less viewfinder blackout. Heavier and more expensive. User interface needs a complete rethink.

Best for high speed sport/action.

FZ1000.2:  Slower but still quite decent continuous AF frame rate. Considerably less expensive. Much nicer more photographer friendly user interface in all its aspects.

Best for all general photography not requiring the 600mm reach or super high frame rate.

FZ1000 original. Great value at current very low prices. Same image quality as the FZ1000.2.

RX10.1, 2: These cameras have a 24-200mm lens and standard contrast detect autofocus, no PDAF, no DFD. Ergonomics on these models is not so good. Sony has the practice of keeping old models in their line-up and also keeping the prices quite high.

Either the FZ1000(original) or Mk2 look like a better deal to me.

RX10.3: Same basics as the RX10.4 but without the high speed sensor and continuous AF capability.   The price is not so much less than the RX10.4 as to make the Mk3 attractive. My suggestion, pass on this one.

All small sensor bridge cams. I have used almost all of these available on the market over the last several years. These cameras have their advocates but I have come to the conclusion that they are not worth whatever they cost. My suggestion: save up and get a Lumix FZ1000.2 or Sony RX10.4.

All small sensor travel zooms. I have used lots of these and again I find them to be a waste of whatever money they cost. The image quality is just not there.