Panasonic FZ2500 Image Quality

Here we compare the FZ2500 with its 20x 24-480mm eq. f/2.8-4.5 zoom to the Panasonic FZ1000 which has a 16x 25-400mm eq. f/2.8-4 zoom lens. These two siblings share the same or very similar sensors, so the slight differences we see here at base ISO are mostly due to revised processing, as the FZ2500 uses a newer processor. Noise levels look slightly lower from the FZ2500 but so is detail in our tricky red-leaf swatch, however that's mostly due to updated noise processing as noise in the matching RAW files looks nearly identical. The FZ2500 also produces more pleasing colors also due to updated processing.

Above we compare the FZ2500 to its baby brother, the FZ300. The later has a 24x 25-600mm eq. f/2.8 lens coupled to a much smaller 12-megapixel 1/2.3"-type sensor. As you can see, the 20-megapixel FZ2500 clearly out-resolves the FZ300 here at base ISO, and it also produces lower noise levels even though base ISO is a bit higher. Colors are also more pleasing from the newer FZ2500.

The Canon G3X also uses a 20-megapixel 1"-type sensor, but it's coupled to a 25x 24-600mm eq. f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens. Here at base ISO, image quality is comparable between these two rivals, however the FZ2500's image is a little cleaner as well as a bit crisper and contrastier, though the G3X does a better job with the subtle detail in our troublesome red-leaf swatch. Interestingly, the FZ2500 does better with the pink fabric.

This is a comparison with another camera sporting a 1"-type 20-megapixel sensor, the Sony RX10 III. It has a 25x 24-600mm eq. f/2.4-4 lens which is both faster and longer than the FZ2500's. Here at base ISO, both resolve about the same amount of detail in most areas, but the Sony produces a crisper, more contrasty image, however fine detail appears a little more natural from the Panasonic in the mosaic crop. Noise levels from the Sony are a bit lower, but notice the slightly lower base ISO as well. The Sony also does noticeably better in our tricky red-leaf fabric, and colors are arguably more pleasing from the Sony as well.

The Sony RX10 II has a 1"-type 20-megapixel sensor as well, however with only an 8.3x 24-200mm eq. f/2.8 zoom, it has by far the shortest zoom range of the group, and is thus not a direct competitor for some. It's still a DSLR-styled all-in-one in roughly the same price category, though, so we thought we'd include it anyway. Unsurprisingly, the Sony RX10 II's image quality is very similar to its bigger brother, the RX10 III, and so the differences compared to the FZ2500 are also very similar.

Here at ISO 1600, the FZ2500's revised processing does yield marginally better detail as well as more pleasing color, however image quality is otherwise very similar. Both cameras really struggle with our tricky red-leaf swatch, blurring out almost all detail.

Above at ISO 1600 we can see the FZ2500's much larger sensor is paying major dividends in terms of image quality, producing much better detail as well as lower noise and fewer noise reduction artifacts. Color also remains better from the newer FZ2500.

Luminance noise is noticeably higher from the G3X here at ISO 1600, which gives the Canon image a very grainy look. The higher noise from the G3X also interferes with the rendering of fine detail in the mosaic crop, as the FZ2500 is able to hold onto more detail there. The Canon however does better than the Panasonic in the red-leaf fabric, but the Panasonic manages a bit better with the pink fabric.

The Panasonic does a much better job at retaining fine, fairly crisp detail in our mosaic crop while producing much lower noise levels in flatter areas here at ISO 1600. And while the Sony appears to do better in the red-leaf fabric, much of the detail is badly distorted and false. The Sony does however continue to produce better contrast and more neutral colors.

Again, a very similar comparison between the FZ2500 and RX10 II here with the Panasonic producing a cleaner, more detailed image except in the red-leaf fabric.

Apart from improved contrast and colors, image quality from these two siblings is similar, with both obviously struggling to retain fine detail at ISO 3200.

There's just no contest here at ISO 3200, with the FZ2500 producing a much more usable image than the FZ300 in every regard.

High luminance noise continues to hold the Canon G3X back, with a much grainer, blurrier image than the FZ2500 here at ISO 3200.

The Sony RX10 III's noise reduction algorithm renders fine detail as very soft and blotchy while leaving behind more luma noise in flatter areas. Contrast is generally better from the Sony, but otherwise the Panasonic comes out ahead in this battle.

Similar to the previous comparison, it's the Panasonic that produces a better image here, although both are stretched in terms of usable sensitivity for a 1"-sensor.