Panasonic is proud to introduce a new LUMIX DC-ZS70 as a new model in the popular "Travel Zoom" ZS series. By upgrading the sensor to 20.3-megapixel resolution, the LUMIX ZS70 boasts a 30x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-720mm) packed in a pocket-sized body while enabling 4K VIDEO/4K PHOTO capture. The new tiltable rear monitor allows users enjoy a variety of selfie shots including 4K selfies and panoramic selfies.

The versatile ultra-wide-angle 24mm 30x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens is useful in virtually all situations. Having passed Leica's stringent standards, the LUMIX ZS70 boasts exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity and minimum distortion and flare.

The new 20.3-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor allows users to capture high-quality images even for high-sensitivity recording in dimly lit environments.

The LUMIX ZS70 is capable of recording smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840 x 2160 at 30p (60Hz) in MP4. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-megapixel equivalent resolution as a 4K PHOTO. Additional functionality based on 4K technology are also available. Post Focus enables users to easily select the in-focus area after shooting. The Focus Stacking function allows users to adjust the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with the Post Focus function, all inside the camera. In addition, the LUMIX ZS70 incorporates a Light Composition function with which the camera synthesizes the images by choosing and saving brighter pixels. This makes it possible to produce more luxurious, dramatic images of situations such as fireworks or night scenes inside the camera with ease. 4K Live Cropping in video recording achieves stable panning or zooming with high-resolution 4K video footage. Users can make perfect Full-HD videos by adding impressive effects after recording the original footage in 4K. Thanks to camera’s digital operation, this can be done without physically moving the lens.

For even faster response and higher mobility, the LUMIX ZS70 integrates the DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology to achieve ultra-high-speed AF of approx. 0.1 sec. It contributes to high-speed burst shooting at 10 (AFS)/5 (AFC) fps. The LUMIX ZS70 also features a variety of AF functions, such as Touch AF, 49-point AF, and Low-light AF that help users to get the best results in a wide range of shooting situations.

The 3.0-inch 1,040k-dot rear monitor with touch control tilts up by 180 degrees and the camera goes into Self Shot mode automatically once the monitor is flipped. In Self Shot mode, various functions for selfies are available on the LUMIX ZS70, including a newly added 4K Selfie mode. The beauty functions enable users to shoot portraits – especially of women - more attractively with Soft Skin, Defocusing and Slimming effects. After shooting, aesthetic/make-up retouching can even be applied inside the camera with the Beauty Retouch function. And users can choose to capture the background clearly or defocus it depending on the situation with Background Control mode. Panoramic pictures can also be shot in Self Shot mode. A 0.2-inch 1,166k-dot EVF (Electronic View Finder) with eye sensor is also equipped for easy shooting even in sunny outdoor conditions. The Control Ring on the lens barrel enables quick, intuitive operation. For more creative freedom, RAW image recording, Creative Control filter mode, and Creative Panorama mode are available.

With Wi-Fi® connectivity, users can also connect the camera to their smartphone or tablet to expand the flexibility in shooting, storing, and sharing images.

Packing a powerful 30x optical zoom and 4K VIDEO/4K PHOTO shooting performance in an ultra-compact body, the new LUMIX ZS70 offers the enjoyment of a high-quality photo/video shooting and selfie experience in versatile ways any time and any place.

Other Features

• 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)+, Creative Control, Panorama Shot, AC/USB Charging

Limits

• Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds with [AVCHD] in [FHD/60p] [FHD/60i].

• Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 15 minutes with [MP4] in [4K].

• MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [FHD/30p] [HD]: You can continue recording without interruption, even if the file size exceeds 4 GB or 30 minutes in length, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately.

Samples

https://www.dpreview.com/samples/6248129897/panasonic-dc-zs70-tz90-sample-gallery

Review

Image quality is good in good light, but it’s not fantastic in lower light conditions.

Being able to record 4K video, and also the 4K Photo modes is something which is likely to appeal to many people too. The tilting touch-sensitive screen is super handy for selfies, while the viewfinder is there if you need it, if not to be used all the time.

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dc_tz90_review/

Field test

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-zs70/panasonic-zs70A.HTM#shooting1

https://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Guide-Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS70-ebook/dp/B0757MG1VZ/

White Knight Press has just released Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70/TZ90, a complete guide to the use of the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 camera, which is known as the TZ90 outside of North America. The book shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to capture excellent images and video sequences with this high-quality travel zoom camera. The book explains the use of autofocus, manual focus, aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO, and many other settings. The book discusses the camera’s options for playback, setup, and customizing the operation of its controls.

The book contains more than 450 color photographs showing the camera’s controls, display screens, and menus. The book includes photographs taken using the many creative settings of the camera, including the Photo Style settings; the Creative Control mode picture effects, which provide the ability to customize the appearance of images in dramatic ways; and the camera’s features for burst shooting and shooting in high-contrast lighting conditions.

The book includes a full discussion of the video recording abilities of the ZS70 camera, which offers manual control of exposure and focus during movie recording, and provides ultra-high definition 4K recording of motion pictures. The book also explains the camera’s features for extracting still images from 4K video and using the Post Focus and Focus Stacking features to produce sharply focused images after a shooting session.

In three appendices, the book discusses accessories for the ZS70, including cases, power supply options, and other items, and includes a list of websites and other resources for further information. The book includes an appendix with helpful Quick Tips that explain how to take advantage of the camera’s features in the most efficient ways possible.

DXOMark test

Comparing scores against the ZS100, you can see the advantage the large 1-inch type sensor offers over the ZS 70 across the board, with around two stops’ better color and dynamic range for the larger sensor at base ISO. That translates into a significantly better low-light ISO (Sports score) result of 559 ISO for the ZS100, making it better suited for photographers who want to pump up the ISO a bit in low light.

https://www.dxomark.com/panasonic-lumix-dc-zs70-pocket-power/

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 Digital Camera with Free Accessory Kit (Silver) 64Gb card, $298

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1344037-REG/panasonic_lumix_dc_zs70_digital_camera.html