Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K, 20.3 Megapixel, 4K Digital Camera, Touch Enabled 3-Inch 180 Degree Flip-front Display, 30X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens, WiFi (Black)

Did I say I loved this camera? Well I do. I love this camera. When it first arrived I was a little disappointed that it is a little bulkier than my previous cameras. I've purchased several generations of the Panasonic ZS series and have loved every one. Well, I was tired of buying refurbs and decided to treat myself to a brand new model, with all the bells and whistles. This was the first camera I've had without GPS built in. Initially I was disappointed that I couldn't get one with it, but connecting it with the cell phone's GPS was easy. On average it's taken about 13 seconds to lock in, the longest was maybe 20 seconds. I was concerned about when I travel abroad if it would work, but from what I've read, you bring your cell phone and even if you don't have phone or internet service, our US gov't tax dollars provide us with free satellite connections all over the planet. I haven't had the opportunity to test this for myself, but there are a few YouTubers who have confirmed it. ANYWAY this thing takes amazing pictures. Granted, all digital cameras have their faults when it comes to focus and lighting issues, but for the most part this thing works like a champ and on rare occasions have I run into any of those problems. The screen is crisp and flips up for selfies, and includes a 4-3-2-1 countdown so you can smile and look ready and natural for the shot. This also worked well when I had to use a mini tripod for a group photo and it 'just' gave me enough time to jump in - although the outtakes are pretty funny with my hair flying in the air as I hadn't quite gotten where I needed to be. And even THOSE pictures are CRISP. It is such a pleasure to take a Panoramic shot and have all the images stitched right on the camera rather than bringing it home and doing it on the computer. How nice to see it instantly to ensure you've captured everything you wanted. I have yet to try it but am anxious to dabble with the burst feature along with another 'stitching' program which takes several photos you've chosen (out of up to 30[?]) and putting them together to show the object-in-motion in a series of positions, while everything else stays the same. THIS you have to use software for, but it's going to be great, I know it. SUMMARY: The camera is great. As far as point-and-shoot cameras go, it is a terrific choice with lots of cool features. It's a little too big to fit in an average sized pocket but if you wear cargo pants, you can probably carry it in there. I chose to get a good case with a strap as I decided that most of the time I KNOW when I'll be taking pictures, and will want it out and ready anyway. The other reason is that these cameras are notorious for getting dust in, behind the lens and will need it cleaned professionally (trust me - as careful as I was it was still a disaster doing it myself). The GPS will work anywhere and tag all your photos accordingly. Panoramic shots, you see in an instant! Burst is terrific too, and the app and/or software will help to make some even more interesting pictures for you to share. You want this camera. I have absolutely NO buyer's remorse.

Short review for the ZS70 here, my full review shortly will be published on my blog (google camera name and photographic-central). Quick rant/explanation: I'm giving it 5 stars for two reasons- One, I can't choose 4.5, and two, there were a couple one star reviews here when either the camera wasn't released yet or there was obvious user error. To me, those aren't valid reviews so the extra half point helps to mitigate them (since Amazon hasn't removed the reviews, and probably won't I'm doing my part to keep things fair). Moving on... Review: There simply aren't any decent pocket-able super zoom cameras on the market that shoot raw. As a professional and enthusiast, I demand raw. I suggest readers who don't use raw learn how to so that they can get the most out of the TZ70. This camera has a very small sensor, but, it is a modern BSI CMOS, which means it's very efficient for the size of its pixels. As long as you have reasonable expectations from a sensor this size, it will probably exceed those expectations. Image quality from raw is much better than I anticipated. The lens is very sharp through the range (just don't go over f5.6 if you can avoid it, natural diffraction kicks in). Therefore the sensor and lens combo out perform a camera of this class. Even dynamic range is better than I could have possibly thought. Credit to technology moving on. When you factor in all its features (a vast array from 4k video to wireless to time lapse video), it's top notch design aesthetics (minimalist, classy, utilitarian), excellent build and ergonomics, this camera is a powerhouse of a pocketable "all in one" compact. My only wish is that the lens were slightly brighter (max aperture through the range), but otherwise it's a camera in its class of sensor size that shadows all others. At first I dismissed the ZS70 because of its packed tiny sensor, but I was shocked and pleasantly surprised looking at the image quality in raw. 1" sized sensors are still going to outperform it mind you, but this sensor is much better than you might think. Once you get it set up, it's a joy to shoot with. That lens is so versatile for all kinds of snapshot photography- from landscapes to macros, action shots to long range stills or portraits. Its fast focusing so even actions shots are within reach. Overall the ZS70 is everything you need in a little point n shoot, and nothing you don't. The controls on the exterior are plenty and holding it is quite lovely for one handed shooting- it's slightly larger, thicker, and heavier than the ZS50/60 but that is a good thing for a camera with such a long zoom. It makes a more stable platform when you are shooting at full telephoto. It has just the right heft to it for a camera of its size and type, welcome if you ask me. The five axis stabilization helps tremendously to keep blur at bay. Most of the controls are customizeable. The LCD is helpful for waist level shots and acts as a sort of angle bi-pod when you place the camera down for more stable shots (if you don't have a tripod for example). The EVF is welcome and usable, and helps in bright light and for extra stability when you are looking through it with the camera pressed to your eye/face. I cannot get over how lovely its designed- all sides are nice n flat, nothing protrudes to snag, there's no obnoxious advertising of features on the camera itself, and everything appears proportionate and cleanly organized. The front and rear grips are improved and excellent. The design looks very Leica-esque - minimalist and beautiful. Great choice in exterior materials, the blend of flat fleck paint and satin metal. The black and silver versions are both excellent and classy. If you print, you can easily make lovely prints to 13x19", and if you have some talent or stack your raw images, you can raise that number substantially (30x40" perhaps!). To me this camera is the sleeper compact out there right now. And it's likely to get more reviews and fans as a result. Overall the ZS70 is the best of the newer ZS series (or TZ series if outside the USA) cameras. It's classy, versatile, discreet, minimalist, and utilitarian. I wish more cameras were designed like this. Keep it up Panasonic! Edit: My full review is now up on photographic-central blogspot dot com :)

I’m a beginner with little knowledge of advanced camera settings so I can only rate this camera from that perspective. Why I like it - -30x Zoom (obviously) -Feels solid - no “cheap plastic” feel here -Touch screen makes it a lot easier to move around menus and choose options. -Great indoor photos - I’ve had compact cameras in the past that performed poorly in indoor settings, but I’m happy with the flash shots I’m getting at birthday parties, convention halls, etc). -Wirelessly transfer photos to my iMac (via iCloud). You have to install an app on your phone or iPad, but once it’s set up it works well). What I’m not thrilled about - -It’s heavier and thicker than any compact camera I’ve ever owned. Definitely not a “shirt pocket” camera, it’s even a tight squeeze for most pants pockets. -While the screen tilts up and down, it doesn’t swivel left to right. Not a big deal, but there are times that would come in handy. -Too many complex settings and options for a beginner. I’m sure this is the case with all similar cameras, but once you have to leave auto mode and dive into the menus for anything other than changing the date, it's overwhelming. Good thing I’m happy with the auto-mode shots I’m getting. I don’t do any video recording so I can’t comment on that. Overall, I’m very happy with the camera and the shots I’m getting from it. The size and weight is my only real complaint.

I'm going to give a review based on what I expected the camera to do, and there are a couple of reasons why I think it's a hands-down camera and who should use this kind of compact camera. It may not be for everybody, but I think I like it more than any other compact camera. I'm not going to complain that there are a limited number of features and they are not on par with features that you'd normally get on any high-end DSLR or mirrorless camera. I think it's just enough for me and those who have recently ventured into the photography world. I've been using this point-and-shoot camera for about a month and a half and these are my thoughts on it.⁣ ⁣ An intuitive UI and a foolproof system⁣ ⁣ When I first bought it, I had a lot of things going on in my mind. How the heck should I utilize this fancy kind of camera? Until it landed on my doorstep, I did a little unboxing and tested it out right off the bat without looking at the manuals. Toggling all the settings and features is a lot easier than I thought it would be. It all goes down to how patient you are with all the settings set to your liking. A very responsive flip-out screen makes everything seamless in focusing on subjects and tweaking exposure and ISO. You don't have to worry about the settings you use even after turning it off because it'll go back to the previous features and settings you set to. ⁣ ⁣ Portability⁣ ⁣ The purported weight of 11.36 oz or 322 g seems like a little burden to carry around in your pocket or fanny pack because it's very lightweight without a case on. I don't have to carry a huge backpack on my shoulder and whenever I have something to capture, I just take it out and shoot right away. Easy peasy!⁣ ⁣ Who is qualified to use this camera?⁣ ⁣ I'd say most of the beginners who are on a budget are looking for the perfect camera to start off with and not for claustrophobes. ⁣ ⁣ Focus accuracy and image quality⁣ ⁣ The focus in the AF mode is quite spot on when there is sufficient light on the subject that you're going to capture. If not, it may be out of focus for a moment, and it'll refocus again. The AF Macro and the Macro Zoom are incredibly impressive when taking pictures of bugs and flowers with sharp details around them, and the focal point where the light enters through the lens is not too terrible when shooting in a low-light condition with minimal blemishes and grainy elements. Equipped with a 20.3MP, the output from this camera is insanely good under some circumstances where there's enough lighting. If you're into those kinds of portrait shots, this camera may not be good for you as the maximum F-Stop is only set at 3.3, but you can put a fake depth of field in the background using an advanced software called Luminar AI. ⁣ ⁣ All in all, it's an impeccable camera for avid photographers with a reasonable price tag compared to other point-and-shoot camera brands and this one is affordable. Ease of use, portability, and great features are what I'm looking for when buying a low-budget one, and this camera does cut it and I highly recommend it!⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Oct. 2020: If you're photographing foliage with a lot of stems & leaf edges, turn off/down i.Resolution. The "i" isn't that intelligent & makes some nasty over-sharpened halos in some spots. My advice, if you like the overall look of the jpeg, shoot raw+jpeg & process the raw using the jpeg as a guide. This isn't needed all the time. Only some scenes have this problem. 8/14/2020 I never played with the weird 4K burst modes. I just mucked with them today. They tend to hang up the camera. They don't seem to offer much over the regular drive modes. They take up two programmable buttons I can put to better use. 7/18/2019 Low light. No camera of this type is going to do well in natural light at last light (9 PM here.) This one is noticeably worse than my SX720HS. And that's bad. 6/29/2019 With an upgraded SD card, I tried the high speed video. The 240 fps VGA mode worked like a dream. To access it, you have to have the camera on [Cinema Camera]M mode. WARNING: Objects in camera fall 1/8th as fast as real life. :) 6/24/2019. With hundreds of pictures down, I really like the flip screen. I also like the auto bracket. I tend to keep it on 1/3 stop; 2/3 seems to be a bit wide. I've turned off the touch screen. Moving the focus position with the tip of my nose whenever I use the EVF is right out. 6/21/2019. Video playback seems to be twitchy on this model. Apparently some cameras, some times have trouble playing back some videos. Check your memory card specs. Even with a high end card, playback is chancy. Recording is fine. Playback on a PC is fine. 6/17/2019. The only serious negative about this camera is the slight increase in size and weight over my old SX720HS. It's about twice the volume. It has reasons for that, with the added features, particularly the tilt-screen and the EVF. I really like high-end, 1/2.3"-sensor, long-zoom, point & shoot cameras. This one is pretty close to the limit. Much more and you have to go to 1" sensor designs, which hurts your zoom range. I currently have: -Canon SX280HS--great camera, still has features no one else has, terrible for videos (I don't care), battery hog (I do care) -Canon SX720HS--basically the SX280HS perfected. I wouldn't normally upgrade this soon, but for, -Panasonic ZS70--this camera, which I got for very short money (thanks Amazon warehouse) * I wasn't that interested in the flip-up screen, I don't do selfies or vlogs. Boy was I wrong. It allows you to snake the camera into positions that would otherwise require a contortionist. * I was interested in the EVF. It's good in dim light, but I'm used to eyeballing pictures from an external screen. Still a plus, but less of one than I thought. * I was interested in the powerful bracketing functions. Still interested, but I'll need a bit more study to make it work. Generally, I shoot in P mode or M mode. Both modes work fine on this camera. The autofocus is better than on the two Canons. The focus modes take a little experimentation to find the one that works best for you, but they all seem to work. 'Standard' color balance is fine. I need to play with 'Natural' a bit to see which one I prefer. The attached photos were all taken on standard. All on a single sunny morning walk after a rainy night in Massachusetts. First impression? This is a really good camera, even at the list price.

I’ve purchased many cameras. I needed a new point and shoot for my overseas trip so I wouldn’t only be relying only on my phone if it got damaged. I’ve had Panasonic previously and wanted the brand again because it was good quality and easy to use. Pros: The zoom is great. I took photos of birds and was glad I had it. I like the wifi feature with image sync app. I can transfer photos to my phone and share them on the internet. It’s also handy if you’re worried about losing the camera or photos and can transfer to phone them backup to a cloud storage app (Shutterfly, Walgreens, etc). The LCD screen adjusts for easy use to take a selfie. It provided better quality than my iPhone 8 in this aspect. Cons: The photo quality is just okay but I admit, I’m pickier than most since I know a little about cameras and photography. I notice grain/noise more than anything. I also felt the colors were flat and always needed to adjust them. Camera is heavy. Bottom line: Certainly not as good as a DSLR, but decent budget camera for traveling.

I have a ZS40, which I love. I sit a a bay window on my computer that looks out over my garden. I see lots of birds and use the camera to take shats using most of the time the full magnification. A couple of things don't function. The cover for the battery and SD card broke. It a really stupid design. I use some electrical tape. More critical the zoom can be sluggish and does not also extend quickly. It may just need cleaning. Its very light and small. The replacement is significantly larger and heavier. However, it has improved performance probably from the high resolution of the chip. What surprised my is that the improved screen makes it much easier to use the tiny images I am trying to find. Typically with my old camera I have to zoom in on a tiny bird from knit sat the shrub on which the bird is now perched. I can easily see the bird on the screen even before I magnify. The is very helpful when the bird is not in an easily identifiable larger object. The cover is now much better designed but ironically the cover on the side to the socket, which had an excellent design now has a staid design. It has a hinge only at the Botton of the "door", which means it twists when you swing it open. When you swing it back it remains twisted so you have to fiddle with it to get it closed. Hard to understand why they just did not use the old design. It covers the two sockets one for charging and the other an HDMI.

This is a nice camera but it doesn't hold up. My camera was under warranty when the telescopic lens mechanism froze. The camera was completely unresponsive and useless. If you look up the performance of this camera you will notice that this is a common problem. In addition the camera is not weather-sealed and is very prone to moisture and dust damage. I sent the cameral to the Panasonic Lumix Repair Deport in McAllen, Texas. I received a call immediately back that they had received it. I waited another 6 weeks for a response. and never heard from them. I called and they said they would have to get back to me. Never heard from them. Called again, and they finally located the camera and said it was abused and that I had to pay $211 for repairs. Said I had dropped it, which I hadn't. I said that is outrageous and not right. They said either pay up or they would send it back un-repaired. So I paid up, but that I would be writing a letter to management. I still don't have my camera!! Now going on 7+ weeks!!! I am a serious amateur photographer and have owned many camera brands and types of cameras, primarily Canon and Fuji. I treat them all with with kid gloves. I love my gear. I have never had a camera fail like this. As importantly, I have never had a manufacturer FAIL to stand by their product and provide such POOR SERVICE! So my advice is to STEER CLEAR of Panasonic Lumix cameras, unless you want a really frustrating and costly experience. What I cannot understand is how a company can invest so much in building a brand, and fail to provide top quality service on the back end. UGH!!