Buying guide for
Lumix Cameras
The majority of creators use their smartphone cameras for social media and casual pictures. Smartphone photography is so convenient. You might want to use a digital camera with more features and better image quality when you're ready to shoot brand partnerships. Though every smartphone has a camera these days, digital cameras with more extensive capabilities and better image quality aren't extinct. A Lumix camera can deliver a variety of features and is available at a wide range of prices. Panasonic's Lumix camera line is an excellent choice for consumers seeking more functionality than a camera phone. If you're looking for a Lumix camera, you'll certainly find one that matches your budget. Panasonic Lumix cameras are a great option, and you can find one in the list above. In our shopping guide, we've listed our top choices for Lumix cameras. Continue reading for more information about Lumix cameras in general.
Types of Lumix Cameras
Panasonic’s digital cameras are all under the Lumix brand name. Here are the two basic types of digital cameras you will come across when purchasing a Lumix camera, as well as some of the advantages you will enjoy.
Fixed lens
The lens is built into the body of a fixed lens camera. You can’t swap out one lens for another, but that doesn’t mean all fixed lens cameras are the same. Different Lumix fixed lens cameras offer different features.
A fixed lens camera has a built-in lens; therefore, you can’t replace one lens with another. Even though all fixed lens cameras aren't the same, different Lumix cameras provide a variety of features:
- Nearly all Lumix fixed lens cameras feature a zoom lens, so you can shoot clear photos of distant objects. A zoom lens records images at a range of focal lengths, ranging from 3x or 5x to a remarkable 60x telephoto capability.
- Lumix fixed-lens cameras can be used underwater, as well as in cold weather or after a fall. They do not typically record high-quality footage of the line, but they are excellent for difficult shooting situations.
- Some Lumix fixed lens cameras feature an image sensor that is larger than usual, producing exceptional image quality. Some Lumix cameras with a one-inch image sensor, for example, outperform smaller ones. Lumix waterproof cameras, for example, usually come with a one-half- to three-inch image sensor.
- Panasonic recently released some Lumix fixed lens cameras that are capable of recording 4K video, which has about four times the resolution of HD video. In addition to introducing 4K video functionality in many different cameras.
Mirrorless ILC
Panasonic manufactures mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) under the Lumix brand name. These advanced cameras make use of numerous lenses to provide a variety of features and abilities. Because mirrorless cameras are more comparable to digital single-lens reflex (DSLRs) than conventional DSLRs, they are not the same. Because mirrorless cameras are comparable to film cameras, a mirror blocks the image sensor's light until the shutter button is pressed. A mirrorless ILC camera either includes an electronic viewfinder or uses the camera's massive rear LCD screen to frame the picture. Since there is no mirror mechanism in the camera, mirrorless ILCs are smaller and lighter than DSLRs. As a result, the image quality is higher than that of most fixed-lens Lumix cameras. Majority of newer Lumix mirrorless ILCs have 4K video capabilities as well.
Lenses for Lumix Cameras
Most Lumix ILCs come with a starter lens known as a kit lens, so you can take photos right away. If you only purchase the camera body, you'll save some money up front, but you'll have to buy a lens separately, so factor that into the cost of your camera. Besides Panasonic, a few other firms such as Olympus manufacture Micro Four Thirds mount Lumix ILC lenses.
Panasonic Lumix Camera Prices
These cameras come in a variety of styles from $200 to $2,500.
- Inexpensive: Many Lumix cameras that cost less than $200 are very simple fixed-lens cameras with small image sensors. Panasonic also offers some waterproof cameras for less than $200. Some of these inexpensive Lumix cameras are older-generation and close-out models.
- Mid-Range: There are many fixed-lens Lumix cameras in the $200 to $500 price range. You may discover an old, close-out ILC mirrorless camera in this category. Some have big zoom lenses or advanced waterproof capabilities.
- Expensive: You can purchase a basic Lumix mirrorless ILC body for $500 to $600, or a more advanced one for $1,000 to $2,500. Fixed lens cameras are also available at this price point. These cameras include large zoom lenses, large image sensors, and/or 4K video recording.
Lenses
- You always get more lens! Depending on your needs, those range in price from $100 to $1,000. Lenses are higher price points produce sharper images and have more telescopic capabilities.
FAQ
Q. What advantages do mirrorless cameras have over DSLRs?
A. Mirrorless ILCs (such as some Lumix cameras) are a bit smaller and thinner than DSLR cameras. This makes it easier to carry the mirrorless models and often makes them more stylish. Mirrorless cameras tend to cost a little less than DSLR cameras with similar features. However, this price difference today is not as great as it once was.
Q. What does “Micro Four Thirds” mean?
A. All Panasonic Lumix mirrorless cameras use the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Micro Four Thirds lenses are compatible with Lumix cameras because they use the same mount. In 2008, Panasonic and Olympus collaborated to develop the Micro Four Thirds format.
Q. Do Lumix cameras have viewfinders?
A. Some Lumix cameras have viewfinders and some don’t. As a general rule, fixed lens Lumix cameras don’t have a viewfinder, which means you have to frame the scene using the LCD screen on the back of the camera. Some mirrorless Lumix cameras do offer a viewfinder, either built in or as an add-on that you attach to the hot shoe. This type of viewfinder is electronic, which means the window is actually a tiny LCD screen.
Q. How important are megapixels in a Lumix camera?
A. Megapixels measure the number of pixels that make up your digital photograph. This is also called the resolution. Lumix cameras have anywhere from roughly 12 megapixels to 20 megapixels of resolution. Cameras with higher resolution create better-quality photos. However, don’t forget about the size of the image sensor when comparing Lumix cameras. Larger image sensors give you a big edge in image quality, even more so than the number of megapixels.