News

Just when you thought the compact camera had long since had its day, Panasonic may have offered the format one last gasp in the form of the new Lumix ZS99 (or TZ99 outside North America). Admittedly, the new model isn’t much more than a modest upgrade of its predecessor (ZS80D/TZ95D), but it’s still interesting to see a point-and-shoot being released at a time when the cameras in our phones have made it quite a challenge to get your hands on a compact camera.

Like its predecessor, the ZS99 is still built around a 20-megapixel Type 1/2.3 (mm) sensor with 5-axis image stabilization and sports a 24–720mm equivalent lens, but Panasonic have completely done away with its predecessor’s electronic viewfinder, leaving the 1.84M-dot LCD display to take care of finding duties alone. The other hardware change, to bring the camera a bit more up to date, is the new USB-2.0 Type-C socket, rather than the previous Mini USB.

Available from early-to-mid February, the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 will have an MSRP of $500. Whether any underwater housing manufacturers will support the ZS99 remains to be seen—though Ikelite’s ZS80 housing (albeit discontinued) offers hope!
 

PRESS RELEASE

Panasonic Announces Two New Cameras: Compact Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G97 and Pocket-Sized Travel Zoom LUMIX ZS99

Newark, N.J. (December 17, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new cameras to its LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and Travel Zoom ZS99.

The new LUMIX G97 and ZS99 offer a wide range of updated photo and video features to bring excellent image quality and usability to enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers alike.

LUMIX continues to develop its lineup to satisfy the needs of a wide range of creators and continually deliver value, innovation, and reliability to its customers.

LUMIX ZS99: New Pocket-sized Travel 30x Zoom Camera

Compact and feature-packed, the LUMIX ZS99 travel zoom camera is perfect for capturing life's adventures.

Powerful 30x zoom in a pocket-sized body

Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens*¹, the LUMIX ZS99 offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom so that you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate details with stunning clarity.

With in-built 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, you can enjoy high-quality videos even at full zoom.

Unmissable Moments in 4K

Record high-quality 4K video at 30p or capture quick bursts of 4K PHOTO at 30fps to ensure you never miss a moment. Additionally, its ability to capture HD high-speed video at 120fps adds creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.

Packed with travel-ready features

A tiltable 1,840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while USB Type-C charging ensures you’re always powered up on the go.

Easy image sharing

Connect instantly with built-in Bluetooth® v5.0*² and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to your smartphone.

Price and availability

The new LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2024 for $499.99 at valued channel partners.

*¹ 35mm camera equivalent.
*² The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.