Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 / TZ30

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, also named TZ30 outside North America, is a high-spec and high-zoom compact digital camera and it is the seventh model of popular TZ series from Panasonic. The Lumix ZS20/TZ30 is also a premium Panasonic’s travel compact camera with the body made almost entirely of metal and featuring a 20x optical zoom Leica lens, 14.1 MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor, 3-inch touch-scree LCD display and 1080p Full HD movies at 50/60 fps with Dolby stereo sound.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 has an built-in GPS that not only does the ZS20 log your location, but also it has a database of landmarks and maps of ninety countries. The Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) keeps image sharp and clear in any shooting conditions. The Panasonic DMC-ZS20 has also an Venus engine processor and an Intelligent Noise Reduction that deliver the best image quality possible. In addition, the Lumix ZS20 comes equipped with futuristic extras, such as a 3D photo mode that can record MPO file for playback on 3D TVs or other devices.

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 specifications:

• Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmar, 12 elements in 10 groups
• Sensor: 1/2.33-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensor, 14.1 effective MP
• Aperture: F3.3 – 6.4
• Optical zoom: 20x
• Digital zoom: 4x
• Image stabilizer: Power O.I.S.
• File format: Still image: JPEG; 3D image: MPO; picture: AVCHD, MP4
• Video: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60p/50p
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 3200
• Monitor: 3.0″ TFT Touch Screen LCD display, 460K dots
• Storage: Built-in memory (12 MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory card
• Connectivity: mini HDMI, AV Output, USB 2.0 High Speed

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 reviews:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 can record AVCHD Progressive video at 1920 x 1080 at 60p or 60i. The ZS20 uses the AVCHD codec which allows for recording time of up to 30 minutes and easy viewing on an HDTV. The ZS20 makes it possible to use the optical zoom while recording a movie. The lens moves slowly, so the noise from the motor is not picked up by the microphone. More such details you can find on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20/TZ30 review from dpreview.com.

Another Panasonic DMC-ZS20/ TZ30 review comes from ephotozine.com website. You can find there more sample images and videos with different settings. This website says:

 Image quality is good, with good colour and detail and the high speed shooting and rapid focus certainly help get good shots. Video is impressive with a high speed option as well as the ability to record GPS information with videos. In fact, there’s very little to complain about with the Panasonic Lumix TZ30 and the camera makes an excellent compact camera.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20/TZ30 produces images of very good quality. The MOS sensor of Lumix DMC-ZS20 produces noise-free images at ISO 100-400, with limited noise and colour desaturation starting to appear at ISO 800. More about image quality of ZS20 you can read on Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS20/TZ30 review by photographyblog.com. The experts of this website conclude:

The combination of a long zoom, quality image sensor, full 1080p HD movies and a range of modes for every user level in a pocket camera is a compelling one. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 is therefore a very deserving winner of our highest Essential award.

 

The Panasonic ZS20 is not difficult to use. The physical switches for power and shooting/playback modes are a nice touch and help stop the camera from accidentally turning on. The camera’s physical mode dial and quick menu aid usability for intermediate and advanced users. More about ZS20’s controls, handling and usability you can read on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 review from digitalcamerainfo.com. The author of this review says:

 Altogether the Panasonic DMC-ZS20 is a fine camera, an extended zoom model that doesn’t sacrifice too much in key areas (color accuracy and lens performance) while surpassing our expectations in others (high ISO performance). For a camera that provides a very attractive combination of size and zoom range, you can live with its faults of you take advantage of its strong points.

The Lumix DMC-ZS20/TZ30 is an attractive, solid camera with exemplary build quality. This camera is designed with the needs of travel photographers in mind. More about this, you can learn on Lumix DMC-ZS20/TZ30 review from techradar.com.

In Panasonic Lumix TZ30 review, the experts of whatdigitalcamera.com website are impressed, among other things, by the touchscreen technology of ZS20. A simple press on the screen will focus on the subject in that location and it is even possible to focus and fire the shot with one single press to the screen.