Panasonic introduced the Lumix ZS99 point-and-shoot camera for $500 with vertical video, 30x zoom and Bluetooth 5.0

Panasonic has announced the release of a new compact camera, the Lumix ZS99, which will be the successor to the ZS80 and ZS80D. While many manufacturers are curtailing the production of such devices, Panasonic has decided to once again pay attention to the segment of compact format cameras.

Image source: Panasonic

The Lumix ZS99 (sold as the TZ99 in some regions) features a Leica lens with 30x optical zoom, covering an impressive 24-720mm range, and can be extended to double the zoom using iZoom. Technical improvements also include support for Bluetooth 5.0 and the replacement of the micro-USB port with a modern USB-C. In addition, a separate “Send Image” button has appeared on the body, which makes it easier to send pictures to a smartphone.

In terms of design, one of the major compromises was the removal of the electronic viewfinder found on the previous ZS80 and ZS80D. Previously, it was located in the upper left corner of the body and had a resolution of 2.330 million pixels, but now it is built into the LCD display. The camera will be available in two colors – black and silver. Sales will begin in mid-February 2025 at a price of $500.

It’s worth saying that along with the Lumix ZS99, Panasonic also introduced a new mirrorless camera, the Lumix G97, which became an updated version of the G95/G95D.

Among the improvements, as PetaPixel notes, it is now possible to record slow motion video with the 4x Slow motion effect and accelerated video with the 8x Quick motion effect in Full HD resolution, a higher quality display with 1.840 million pixels, support for Bluetooth version 5.0, and the addition of a Send Image button. ) and switching to USB-C charging. Unlike the ZS99, the innovations here did not entail any special compromises. The camera will be sold complete with a 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, sales will begin at the end of February 2025 for $850.