It has 30x optical zoom and a 20.3 megapixel resolution letting you achieve impressive detail with long focal lengths.
However, Im not sure a 30x optical zoom is enough to justify the price.
To find out more, read my full Lumix ZS99 review.
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
Panasonic Lumix ZS99 review: Design
The Lumix ZS99 is a compact camera with a premium feel.
The camera I tested was the all-black model.
It also comes with a wrist strap to negate any accidental drops.
What I love most about this camera is its size.
This makes it the ideal grab-and-go camera.
But I hear you isnt that the point of a compact camera?
And youd be right.
But in that case, why not just grab your phone?
Becausethiscompact camera offers 30x optical zoom.
And its good too.
The 30x optical zoom gives a 720mm full frame equivalent lens.
Its also good for getting low down shots if you flip the screen 90o.
The display is also a touch screen, so it is super simple to use to focus images.
On the bottom of the camera you will also find the battery compartment which also houses the SD card.
The point and shoot style means it is perfect for anyone who loves to snap pictures wherever they go.
Also, the user-friendly controls mean there isnt much to get your head around.
All of the controls are on the left of the OLED screen.
When I tested I was completely unimpressed.
I found that (with iOS devices at least) the camera only connected when it felt like it.
I could also choose the focal point of the image by tapping on the touch screen.
The dogs face is in focus, so I was happy with this shot.
The camera also has a face detection and tracking feature to identify humans and keep them in focus.
The lines in the image are sharp and the writing on the key in the foreground is clear.
The Lumix ZS99 produces clear and sharp images with true-to-life color representation.
As can be seen from the photo of the bunch of daffodils, the camera delivers well saturated colors.
The hues of the different shades of yellow are vibrant and true-to-life.
It is truly insane.
Because of the 30x optical zoom you get plenty of telephoto reach without a loss in resolution.
At full telephoto, the focal length is 129mm, or a 720mm full frame equivalent.
The first picture of the two mallards on the lake below is taken using the 129mm focal length.
While in natural daylight this camera excels, it struggles in low light conditions, with exceptionally noisy shadows.
The noise issues are particularly problematic in challenging dynamic range scenarios, such as backlit shots.
Its so noisy that it almost looks like a film photo.
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
But you would be mistaken to think so.
The video captured by this camera is shaky at the best of times.
The camera has two stereo microphones on top and these pick up a wide audio dynamic range.
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
The camera also has digital zoom up to 60x (1440mm full frame equivalent) in video mode.
Lumix claims a 380-shot CIPA rating for the battery.
Panasonic Lumix ZS99 review: Verdict
The Lumix ZS99 is a good point and shoot camera.
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
Its 20.3MP resolution produces some decent pictures given the tiny sensor.
Whats more, you’re free to take it anywhere in your pocket.
While this camera is fine if you absolutely need optical reach, its difficult to recommend it otherwise.
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
Taken at 1/8 sec(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
Taken at 1/8 sec(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
