Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review

The LUMIX DMC-ZS20 digital camera with an impressive 20x optical zoom, a 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the ability to shoot full-High Definition (HD). The newly-redesigned lens system, the LUMIX ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality and with Nano Surface Coating technology, the LUMIX ZS20 offers stunning image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare. Beyond the quality of its lens, the LUMIX ZS20 integrates an enhanced built-in GPS*2 functionality, making it easy for users to pinpoint locations where photos were taken and share with family and friends on internet maps.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - Product Features

• High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
• GPS
• 3" LCD touchscreen 
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.1 x 2.3 inches ; 6.6 ounces 
• Shipping Weight: 1 pound 
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. 
• ASIN: B00728ZBA2 
• Item model number: DMC-ZS20K 
• Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - Highlights

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens
With a newly-redesigned lens system, the ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality and with Nano Surface Coating technology, it offers stunning image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - Built-in GPS Functionality
The Lumix ZS20 integrates an enhanced built-in GPS functionality, making it easy for users to pinpoint locations where photos were taken and share with family and friends on Internet maps. Map data can be installed onto the ZS20 via a bundled DVD, giving the camera detailed worldwide maps of major regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise. More than one million landmarks and 82 countries/regions are covered in the bundled DVD map. Geo-tagged images are automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that users can literally trace their photographic journey.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - Amazing Picture Quality
Featuring a newly developed 14.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, the ZS20 is able to provide even higher image quality compared to its predecessors. Coupled with the advanced image processor Venus Engine, the ZS20 features high speed, high sensitivity image recording. High speed burst shooting at 10 fps in full resolution and Light Speed AF allows you to capture even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - Full HD Recording
With the ability to record high-res, Full HD 1920 x 1080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) format or (30p in MP4), the ZS20 is able to produce extremely clear video details, even when subjects are moving quickly. A powerful 20x optical zoom with 2-step Zoom function is available in video recording and the popular iA mode assists users, making video recording as easy as aiming the camera. A stereo zoom microphone provides videos with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, offering highly realistic sound in the captured video. The Auto Wind Cut function helps to block out wind background noise making voices clearer, and mechanical noise caused by zooming is suppressed to improve overall video sound quality.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
The ZS20 features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which automatically activates a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change.  

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Review - Real User Reviews 

Video is smooth and prime quality. Control and button placement is sweet and straightforward to use especially for video with its own button on top. You'll be able to take still photos while recording videos. Telephoto works whereas shooting videos. Single photo 20x and extended 40x telephoto works well and focus stays sharp. GPS tagging works well on behalf of me with Map Flickr and Flickr and will create for a nice trip show for photos taken in the identical trip.

The map data downloaded to the SD chip without a drawback and also the maps create for a pleasant on-camera show of the locations the photos were taken. GPS tagging with the actual name of the location and not simply coordinates could be a feature I wasn't finding in different cameras. It's straightforward to burn through the battery in one to a pair of hours while making an attempt out all the features. I've ordered two additional batteries to make sure a lot of image and video taking time. I like the up to 60 image per second bursts and the more controlled 2 to 10 fps bursts. Reviewing and deleting photos is intuitive and easy.

The ability to bit the screen to inform the camera the main target of the photo is useful on a moving object like wildlife. The up to 14M photos are the best I've taken with a digital camera. USB charging is very useful. I've ordered an AC wall charger for use charging back-up batteries while the camera is in use. I'm glad I waiting for the ZS20 to be released and didn't get the new Nicon or Canon telephoto versions. Smallest of the 20X cameras I was inquisitive about. A great buy for less than $300.