In a nutshell: A funny thing happened with point-and-shoot cameras in recent years. Just as smartphones had all but hammered the final nail in the coffin on the format, compact point-and-shoots started experiencing an unexpected resurgence in popularity. Panasonic, in an effort to ensure they stick around for at least a while longer, has introduced a new model with an impressive optical zoom range.
The Panasonic Lumix ZS99, a successor to the ZS80 series, shares many of the same traits as its predecessor. The pocket sized shooter features the same 20.3-megapixel sensor, 3-inch rear tilting touchscreen display, focus system, and five-axis hybrid optical image stabilization as before, but does get a couple of key upgrades.
The old micro USB port is out, and USB-C is in. To make room for the new port, Panasonic had to ditch the integrated electronic viewfinder meaning you will now to have to rely entirely on the rear LCD to help frame your shots. The refreshed shooter also gets Bluetooth V5.0 and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi wireless connectivity as well a dedicated Send Image button to facilitate media transfers to other devices like your smartphone.
The ZS99’s standout feature is without a doubt its 24-720mm Leica DC lens, which affords true 30x optical – and up to 60x digital – zoom and an aperture range of f/3.3 – 6.4. If you are looking to get a close-up shot of those drones in the night skies of New Jersey, this could certainly come in handy.
Battery life from the rechargeable battery is rated at up to 380 shots per charge, we are told. More advanced features, like focus peaking, is also available for those interested in manual focusing. On the video side, you can capture 4K resolution footage at up to 30 frames per second or HD videos at up to 120fps.
The Panasonic Lumix ZS99 point-and-shoot digital camera will be available in your choice of black or silver when it goes on sale in mid-February 2025 priced at $499.99.
