Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 4K Digital Camera, 20.1 Megapixel 1-Inch Sensor 30p Video Camera, 10X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, HYBRID O.I.S. Stabilization, 3-Inch LCD, DMC-ZS100K (Black)

I'm an experienced "enthusiast" amateur who has owned 10+ DSLRs and advanced "point and shoots". The Lumix ZS100, on balance, is the most advanced and most competent high quality camera I have ever held in my hand. It packs all of the capabilities of most mid-priced DSLRs and has a 250mm Leica optical lens (that zooms further up to 1000mm equivalent with its seamlessly integrated digital zoom). The ZS100 also includes a phenomenal 4K photo burst video/photo option and also has post shot focus (by allowing you to shoot simultaneously along multiple focal points). In short it includes an unbelievable amount of technology in a very small package. Also I believe it is the only compact "point and shoot" camera on the market with both a large 1 inch sensor (approaching DSLR size) and a 10x optical zoom. And, with almost all of the capabilities of a DSLR it is about 1/4 the size and weight. I expect to leave my DSLR at home from now on. The fully interactive touch screen and separate digital view finder (useful on sunny days) are both quite decent and somewhat unusual in this price range. And not sure why some are complaining on this site, the picture quality is top notch, comparable to the best of them at this sensor level and below. And I think the picture equals or beats many DSLRs with larger sensors. And its a pretty good bargain, especially with the $100 price drop that happened at the end of August (I suspect a new model is around the corner, but so what). And if you are looking for a bargain, what clinched it for me is that Panasonic is running a free three year warranty extension through March of 2018. So be sure NOT TO PAY FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON YOUR OWN. Just search on "Lumix camera extended 3 year warranty" and you should find the registration forms (you need to buy it new from Amazon directly or one of Panasonic's other authorized USA dealers to get this deal.) You can set the camera to "auto" mode and forget about all the settings, but I would not recommend this camera if that's what you are going to do. Yes, as other reviews have said, to take advantage of all of the features (even for an experienced hobbyist) will take a bit of homework as using all these options can be (if you choose) a complicated. The mini-manual in the box is not very good, so be sure to download the full 400 page instruction book from the Panasonic support site. It is a bit dense but quite comprehensive. Also I would recommend the third-party guide book written by Alexander White available on Amazon. It is great book (hard copy or Kindle). So if you are pretty experienced and looking for a very advanced, high quality, easy to travel with camera this is the right one for you! And the free extra 2 years on your warranty (3 years total), will give you peace of mind if you are worried about all the technology that Panasonic has squeezed into the ZS100.

I've had my ZS-100 for about a month now and have had the opportunity to use it in a bunch of different circumstances. It is an AMAZING camera - fast, sharp, versatile. I love its 4K photo burst capability, which makes it possible to grab perfect action photos (in my case, portraits of squirmy babies whose expressions can change in a nanosecond). And I was frankly stunned by how quickly the pop-up flash recycles. The camera feels nice and solid in my hand, the controls are easy to access, and I appreciate the ability to switch from LED to electronic viewfinder (although some reviewers complain about the quality of the EVF, I have no complaints about it). The only thing I wish it had is built-in GPS ... I know GPS is a battery-drainer, but I travel a lot and appreciate having built-in geotagging. I'll adapt. I've probably owned a couple dozen cameras before, from film SLRs to DSLRs and mid- and high-end point-and-shoots, and I think this one might be my favorite. It took me a few weeks to find a case that fits the ZS-100 well. I ultimately bought TWO cases. The Case Logic QPB-202 molded case fits the ZS-100 perfectly, but the ZS-100's lens thickness doesn't leave room in the case's inside pocket for a spare battery or SD card unless you're careful to insert the camera with the lens towards the top, not the bottom, of the case. Its snug fit and hard-shell cover make it a good case for tossing the camera in a backpack or larger camera bag. I also bought an Ape Case small digital bag (#AC165), which offers a slightly roomier fit for the camera itself, plus a small exterior zippered pocket that's large enough for a couple of spare batteries and SD cards. It also has two exterior mesh pockets (can't think of a use for them, unless I decide to make a custom-fit rain cover for the case) and two interior mesh pockets that could, I suppose, hold batteries or SD cards - but I'd rather be able to get the camera in and out without snagging on anything. I use the Ape Case to carry the ZS-100 when I want quick access to it and am not carrying it in a backpack. AN ADDENDA FROM 2019: Several months ago the zoom ring (under the shutter button) began to freeze. I looked around online for solutions, and it looked dire - e.g., shipping the camera to a Panasonic repair facility in Texas and spending more for the repair than a new camera costs now. I also found that lots of other people have run into this problem, with a variety of Panasonic LUMIX cameras. I was really bummed because I LOVE this camera. But then I saw a suggestion from someone somewhere online about putting some PTFE-based lubricant on a cotton thread and running it under the frozen ring. I got a bottle of 3-In-One multi-purpose PTFE lubricant and gave it a try, using just a tiny, tiny amount. It worked! The ring moves smoothly again. Whew.

I picked up the ZS100 as I was going to some indoor sporting events and they didn't allow camera bags/or backpacks, but I wanted something better than my iphone to work with. There are several choices in the "big" sensor compact-point-and shoot camera arena. I went with the ZS100 due to it's superior zoom (25-250mm equiv). However, there's a big trade off that comes with that reach, namely the slow lens. 2.8f-5.9 (tele), if you're zoomed and indoors, and if whatever you're shooting is even remotely moving, you're going to get a blurry mess. It's main competitors, the Canon Powershot G7 and Sony RX100 both have much faster lenses, but don't have nearly the reach of the ZS100. So it's a trade off either way. Outdoors, things get a bit better, video is also quite good as you'd expect with a Panasonic . As far as using the camera goes, if you've used Panasonic DSLR before, you'll be right at home, it's an easy camera to use. Battery life is very good, I did a couple hundred shots without the flash and used less than 50% of the battery. The EVF is very small, and is basically useless IMHO. Overall it's a fine camera, It won't replace your DSLR/mirrorless big sensor camera, but it does offer up a quite of bit of capability for a camera that easily fits in your pocket.

If you want a camera that is compact. has a large sensor and a useful zoom range, then the ZS100 is for you. Granted, there are negatives to this camera. Compared to other 1" inch sensor compacts, the lens is on the slower side. The max aperture of 2.8 is little over one stop slower compared to other 1"in cameras like the RX100/G7X. Zooming in to 70mm drops the max aperture down to F4.5 and at 100mm, it is at F5.2. These high Fstops take a hit on low light situations. If you are shooting in a dim setting, I would stay below 70mm to maintain acceptable image quality. Also zooming out to 250mm results in a soft image. Granted, it is substantially better than smartphone/iPhone digital zoom but it is no DSLR zoom lens. The camera also lacks a rubber grip but has a indent. 4K video also has a small crop to 37mm, so you lose some wide angle. The viewfinder is on the smaller side and the screen is fixed. Now with the main negatives out of the way, here are things that I like about this camera. The combination of size,sensor size and zoom range is unmatched. There were definitely compromises but I like the balance. Compared to 1”in sensor bridge cameras like the FZ1000, the ZS100 is one fifth the volume and retains the 1”in sensor and max aperture. The sensor size for a ultra compact camera is also a plus. The 1”in sensor is a step up over the smaller 1/2.3 sensors found in cheaper compact zooms. You will get usable images up to ISO 6400. The ZS100 also beats out its 1’in compact sensor rivals(RX100/G7X) by offering a 10x zoom lens. In outdoor settings, the 10x lens is substantially more useful than the short 3x zoom on the RX100. 4K video is of high quality(100 mbps) and unlike the RX100 MK4, you can record up to 15 minutes of 4K. At under $700, the ZS100 is $250 dollars cheaper than the RX100 MK 4. Overall, if you can overlook the compromises, the ZS100 offers a great value and a nice blend of features and form factor.

5 stars, even though, or even because, its auto-closing lens cover jammed within a week of starting to use it. But by that time I was enormously impressed by the quality of the photos from this pocket camera (but you better have pretty big pockets). So I called Amazon, and was stunned by the speed and quality of Amazon customer service. Within minutes the issue was resolved: another ZS100 was send that day, and I received UPS mailing labels for the return of the flawed camera. Two days later, I was back in the woods with a ZS100 again. I've been using Panasonics for a few years, now; the pocket models like this one and larger bridge cameras like the FZ200 and 300. While their operating system requires study, once you've got it down it's reasonably intuitive. I'm primarily a nature photographer, shooting while hiking and kayaking. If I'm expecting to do some serious photography, I take the bridge cameras. But if I don't want the weight/hassle, I take the smaller cameras. The ZS100 will fit into a pocket, but it does have to be a big pocket, and in a loose fitting pair of pants, or you'll struggle getting it in and out. A small fanny pack works as well or better. Photos are clear and crisp. You can choose your level of control, from shooting full Auto to complete manual. A huge range of pre-sets are possible, including 3 Custom settings: mine are set to general landscape photography, quick response animal shots, and the 4K Burst mode. 4K Burst wasn't something I had expected to make much use of, but I've discovered that being set up to use it lets me take some great pictures of birds taking off and landing from lakes and rivers. All in all, and excellent camera backed up by excellent Amazon customer service.

UPDATE 12/26/2021 I replaced the ZS100 with the ZS200 The ZS200 feel better on the hand and the thumb grip makes it easier to hold securely. In addition, it increases the zoom range from 25-250 to 24-360 and offers a better viewfinder. The only issue I have is that it will show the focus square on a person’s face but still focuses on the background. My workaround is to use track focus and touch the face to force it to focus on it. This camera an not and will not replace more capable aps-c cameras but it allows me to have a camera handy everywhere I go. And no, there is no phone in the world yet that can replace it. Original review of ZS100: I just got this camera. I had a TZ5 years ago but have been using mirrorless since 2016 and have for some time been considering a pocketable premium PS camera but had not found one at the right price until now. First thing to note is that the mode dial and Fn1 button placement on this camera is probably the worst I have seen. The mode dial is hard to turn and the Fn1 button is where the thumb goes when you are holding the camera and I keep pressing it inadvertently. I am going to see if I am able to disable the Fn1 button. Stabilization on this camera is really good. Panasonic is known for having unmatched stabilization and this camera, once again proves it. The quick menu on the TZ was very easy to navigate. This one is more complicated. I still don’t know if there is any menu customization. The view finder is just OK. It helps when needed but it is not great. I have to do more testing and then I will report back.

This is simply the best compact zoom I have ever used. Bar none. This Panasonic ZS-100 is the ONLY fit in your jacket pocket 1 inch sensor compact with a longer zoom (as of this review). It does many things very well. The video is outstanding - 1080p or 4k. If you are looking for quality pictures and video WITH a zoom look no further. If however you are looking for a low light camera with a 1 inch sensor, this really isn't it. I would direct you towards Sony or Canon's f1.8-2.8 camera's (but you get less than half the zoom). There are trade offs either way you go. I have used a 1 inch sensor Canon before and I will say while the quality of the pictures is great, I really missed being able to zoom farther. The post focus function on the camera is very nice - taking pictures in post focus allows you to focus on any area of the picture taken - after you have taken the picture!. It can be a very useful tool. I'll add that I'm shooting just in JPEG format (raw is available) and I'm extremely impressed. I had planned on getting a Canon dslr 80d because I have Canon lenses and using that along with this camera for quality pictures but after playing around with the Panasonic I just don't feel I need to do that. If I can get away with quality pictures and not have to lug around a heavy dslr I'm all in. I will probably end up selling my Canon dslr lenses instead. I don't think some of the negative reviews here give credit how impressive this camera is for how small it is. There are a few things that I didn't like about this camera (as with any camera). It seems to hunt when I'm looking for a target in shadows or low light. My wife also mentioned that she wished the touch screen icon was a slight bit larger in tracking mode (or a way that we could adjust the size somehow). All in all it's a great camera as long as you know what you are buying. Again, for low light with very little zoom go with a Sony or Canon f1.8-2.8. If you need zoom in a compact camera with quality pictures and absolutely fantastic video, this Panasonic ZS-100 is your camera.

This camera is enough to make a seasoned DSLR user happy: excellent features, options, flexibility, and compact size that makes it easier to travel with. The primary reason I bought this camera was for travel. Previously, I brought my Canon 60D with me, but after awhile, it gets heavy, so I wanted something that would produce comparable photos. I spent several months researching and even spoke to several professional photographer friends and settled on the DMC-ZS100. The photos were sharp, it was compact and fit in my purse, it was easy to use - it worked great! When it worked. On a road trip from California to Florida, I started noticing a lens error whenever I zoomed. Turning it on and off was enough to get it to work again I was concerned it was humidity around the gulf, as it didn't have that issue in drier climates. Still, it worked and I brought it with me to Greece - where the promotional video for it was done. First day there and there is fatal "System Error". The lens zoomed out, got stuck, and wouldn't retract. I tried removing the battery, restarting it - nothing. The camera would not work the rest of the trip. The weather was mild and not humid. I was also very careful with the camera and kept it in a case when not in use. In the end, I ended up using my Galaxy S7 Edge to photograph my trip and upon return, send the DMC-ZS100 to be fixed as it was still under the 1 year limited warranty. To be fair, Panasonic was very good contacting me upon receipt of the item and even left a phone number and other information if I wanted to call and check up on the camera. Please keep in mind that they require that you send it in with all its parts: battery, usb cord, strap, etc. I made sure it was registered, contacted the website via the chat feature to get more information on what was needed to have it repaired, and buried it in shipping peanuts to protect it. I mailed it in for repair last month and received it back yesterday. It works again, but came with instructions not to use in places with humidity, dust, sand, water (including rain); not to drop it or bump it against anything - basically it was sensitive and easily damaged. If you want to use this as a travel camera, I don't recommend it. I feel guilty about having suggested it to a friend who ended up buying it and had lens errors while in Europe. It's a good camera, but it's not a durable one and depending on your travel style and location, the DMC-ZS100 won't cut it. It's far too fragile to be a good travel camera and if you plan to go to the tropics, deserts, beaches, or places where there is a strong possibility of rain, you risk severely damaging the camera. I highly suggest sticking to a mirrorless compact with interchangeable lenses or a water proof camera. Panasonic's waterproof cameras are great, actually! Dropped one on rocks in the Galapagos and it's fine. Overall, when it works, it's a solid 5 Stars. As far as durability, it's a fragile 1 Star. The fact that it did not work out for its intended purpose - as a compact alternative to taking DSLR quality photos - is what resulted in such a low rating. Had I known it was this delicate, I wouldn't have purchased it.