Originally posted by BigMackCam Panasonic DMC-FZ82 offers a 21 - 1260mm
My choice would (obviously) be my ZS100 (with it's 1 inch sensor.) Based on what I've learned with my ZS100, my choice would be the ZS1000. The reason being, small sensor cameras are more susceptible to diffraction because of their high aperture values in the long end and small pixel size. The ZS 1000 is ƒ2.8-ƒ/4 so it not only gets you 25mm-400mm equivalent, it gets you ƒ4 at the long end to avoid diffraction. (My ZS100 suffers from visible diffraction in the long end, and try and shoot it a ƒ/2.8, and even moving from 25mm equivalent to 40mm equivalent can mean the ƒ/3.1suffers from diffraction, and by ƒ5.6 it's like a Photoshop water colour filter.) However, the ZS1000 is not a small camera. It doesn't fit in a purse. And if you're used to Pentax's it feels flimsy. But were I buying today, that would be my choice.
But, it doesn't fit in my pocket like the ZS100. There are times when that is really important. I would still want my ZS100 even if I got the 1000. I'd try a ZS100 first, because if it meets your criteria, as in you shoot more wide angle than telephoto, it might work for you.
Of the people I know there are 3 Lumix users who are similar to myself, and one Canon shooter. But I haven't been able to figure out how to effectively use the Lumix, and it at times it gets stuck in settings I have no idea how to undue. If you are used to the simplicity of a phone maybe not a good choice. Recently a friend's wife told me how she didn't really understand her camera and suggested I might be better being more of a camera person. My response was, "hell no, I can't figure the dam thing out." My buddy the rocket scientist bought one based on superior specs.. but he isn't any further along deciphering the menu system as I am. Seriously, when I'm stuck in the field, I just do a system reset to defaults and use default settings. The menu system is impenetrable without some serious study. I'm hoping my rocket scientist buddy will figure it out for me. But if you want to use it like phone with a 16:1 zoom, and ignore the other functions, it's a great camera. Switching into 4k video is about the only thing I do competently.