The Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is the latest compact camera to use a large 1-inch-type sensor to help deliver better image quality and low light performance than you typically get from a pocketable camera. The camera also boasts a 25 - 250 mm equivalent lens and 4K video recording, along with Panasonic features including 4K Photo and Post-Focus.
Like the Sony RX100 IV and Canon G7 X, the Lumix DMC ZS100 (or TZ100 depending on your region) uses a 1-inch-type (12.8 x 9.6 mm) sensor. In this case it's a 20.1-megapixel MOS offering which is paired with Panasonic's Venus Engine image processor and a 10x zoom F2.8-F5.9 lens which gives a versatile 25mm-250mm equivalent.
This lets the camera take quality images in a variety of lighting conditions and it has an ISO range of 125 to 12800 (expandable to 80 to 25600). It can also rattle of a quick series of images when needed, too, with a maximum burst speed of 10 fps, or 5 fps with autofocus. To help keep images sharp, there's 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization.
On the video front, the TZ100 is capable of recording 4K 3,840 x 2,160 video at 30/25/24 fps, or Full HD 1080p at up to 60/50 fps. The camera also benefits from Panasonic's 4K know-how with the addition of features including 4K Photo, which lets users extract an 8-megapixel still from a 4K video, and Post-Focus which allows you to choose the focal point of any picture, even after it's been taken.
On the back of the 110.5 x 64.5 x 44.3 mm (4.35 x 2.54 x 1.74 in) cameras is a 1,166k-dot resolution electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch 1,040k dot touchscreen monitor. Built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing images easy and users can have full wireless control and shooting via the Panasonic Image App.
Panasonic has also announced the Lumix DMC-ZS60 (or TZ80) which is another 4K shooting travel-focused camera. This more budget-friendly model uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch 18-megapixel sensor paired with a F3.3-F6.4 30x zoom (offering a 24-720mm equivalent).
4K video recording is possible at 3,840 x 2,160 30/25 fps, and the ZS60 also benefits from 4K Photo, Post Focus, and 5-axis optical image stabilization. The compact camera also packs a 1,166k-dot electronic viewfinder, along with a 3-inch 1,040k-dot touch screen display. Built-in Wi-Fi is again on hand for sharing content and remote control.
Both cameras are due to go on sale in March, with the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 priced at US$700, and the ZS60 $450.
You can check out a promo video of the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 (TZ100) below.
Product pages: Panasonic Lumix ZS100, ZS60