Panasonic 14.1 Megapixels Lumix DMC-ZS20 20x SuperZoom First Look Review by TR

On January 31 2012, Panasonic announced two ZS-series SuperZoom compact cameras - the DMC-ZS20 (aka DMC-TZ30) and DMC-ZS15 (aka DMC-TZ25). At only 1.3 inches thick, the ZS20 is the world's slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. The ZS15 has a 16x optical zoom instead. The ZS20 features a newly developed 14.1 Megapixels High Sensitivity MOS sensor. When coupled with the advanced image processor Venus Engine, the LUMIX ZS20 features high speed, high sensitivity image recording.  High speed burst shooting at 10 fps in full resolution and Light Speed AF. The ZS15 sensor is 12.1 Megpaixels.

"We were able to secure some hands-on time with the camera and the first thing we noticed is how fast it was to focus. Shutter lag is a main gripe among users of travel camera, but the TZ30 achieved some very impressive results in our test. The manufacturer claims the Light Speed Auto Focus can focus on an image in just 0.1 seconds, and it outperformed its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix TZ20 in a test involving toy cars whizzing around a track. In addition, the camera can manage continuous shooting at 10 frames per second, ensuring you not only capture the action in focus, but you get the shot you want. In keeping with the range, the TZ30 is compact and fits nicely in the hand, at 104.9 x 58.9 x 28.2mm although the screen size of 3in is a bit of a compromise. However it is a touchscreen and shouldn't be a problem for most smartphone users who are happy typing away on their handset.

The TZ30 sports a wide angle Leica DC lens capable of 20x optical zoom and 40x digital zoom and it is paried with a 14.1 megapixel MOS sensor. Video is shot in 1,920x1,080 50p Full HD AVCHD video recording at 120 frames per second (fps) compared to the TZ20 which only managed 60fps and audio is recorded via a stereo microphone. The camera also features GPS tagging which not only records the name of the country, but also the city and in some cases the sight you are shooting. In low light tests, the TZ30 performed very well compared to its predecessors and produced high quality images which make us keen to test the full product ahead of its March launch in the UK. The Panasonic Lumix TZ30 is a worthy successor to its popular range of compact cameras. With fast focus and low shutter lag, it's a great all round camera with a broad appeal packed into a small package."