Panasonic Debuts Lumix G97 and ZS99 Point-and-Shoot Cameras

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Panasonic Debuts Lumix G97 and ZS99 Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Panasonic is shaking up the compact digital camera market with their new Lumix G97 Micro Four Thirds camera with Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and Lumix ZS99 point-and-shoot. The newest additions to Panasonic’s Lumix lineup give everyday photographers and travelers a fresh pair of camera options to choose from for capturing still images and video content alike.

Panasonic Lumix G97 Micro Four Thirds Camera
Panasonic Lumix G97 Micro Four Thirds Camera

Starting with the successor to the G95, the new Lumix G97 retains a familiar design with welcome upgrades. Now you’ll be able to review images with even more detail with the 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD, which supports viewing from a variety of angles. This LCD design is particularly beneficial if you’re recording yourself or if you need to capture at extremely low or high angles that don’t allow viewfinder usage. USB-C support is now available, adding convenience and continuity with most other modern cameras. Bluetooth 5.0 is provided for considerably faster data transferring, longer range, and greater power efficiency. Paired with the body is the Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, which provides a 24-120mm full-frame equivalency and an exceptional zoom range that ensures you’re covered for most subjects. Additionally, both a 3.5mm headphone jack and 3.5mm microphone input are available for bettering audio capture.

Like its predecessor, the G97 features a 20.3MP CMOS sensor and Venus Engine processor for producing sharp still imagery and impressive UHD 4K video with low noise. The built-in 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 system provides added stability and prevents camera shake from impairing image sharpness. To experience the full benefit of the stabilization system, compatible Lumix lenses featuring O.I.S. must be used. The LUMIX Photo Style feature allows you to fine tune your images without needing to bring them into outside apps, saving you time and giving you access to unique editing capabilities.

Panasonic Lumix ZS99 Point-and-Shoot Camera
Panasonic Lumix ZS99 Point-and-Shoot Camera

Now, onto a camera that will certainly turn heads because of how popular digital point-and-shoots are at the moment. The Lumix ZS99 is a powerful pocket-sized zoom that provides a vast 30x zoom range. Available in black or silver, this sleek, travel-friendly camera is perfect for capturing concerts, sweeping landscapes, and intimate close-ups.  The largest concern when shooting handheld at zoom ranges this distant is camera shake. To help compensate, Panasonic has incorporated a 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. system into the ZS99. While you might expect a stationary LCD display, it’s instead tiltable, allowing whoever is facing the camera to see the 1,840k-dot monitor, making self-recording much easier. Universal USB-C charging and convenient sharing via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 round out this camera as a flexible and high-performing point-and-shoot option.

With the current compact camera resurgence, most shooters are scrambling to acquire the camera that satisfies what they’re looking for. One of these new releases may just check all the boxes for you while also keeping you away from resellers up-charging for alternative camera models.

For more information about the new Lumix G97 and ZS99 cameras, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages linked above. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.

7 Comments

I am considering the ZS99 for a walk-around on a safari with protracted travel before and after, ie i cant carry a body-and-lens type camera. i understand the limitations due to the 1/2.3 sensor. But another bugaboo with pointandshoots has been shutter lag. How is the shutter lag with the ZS99?

The manufacturer does not specify the shutter lag performance of fhe Panasonic ZS99 Digital Camera.  That being said, the camera does have a 4K Pre-Burst Mode which is ideal for times when you are unsure of the critical moment to press the shutter button.  The 4K Pre-Burst Mode uses the camera's buffer to capture images before the shutter button is pressed to assist you in not missing a crucial moment.  It will record 8MP images at 30 fps one second prior to and one second after pressing the shutter button in order to give you 60 frames to choose from.  This should assist you if you have issues with timing when to press the shutter and you have issues with shutter lag.

Any of these cameras suport connectivity via Panasonic Apps?

Yes, both the Lumix G97 and the ZS99 have Wi-Fi built in and will allow you to connect to them with your mobile device via the Panasonic Apps. 

Any of these cameras support phase detect autofocus?

The Panasonic Lumix G97 and Panasonic ZS99 do not support phase detect autofocus. 

This harkens back to my days of using a Nikon Coolpix, but that was only 4mp and had a limited zoom lens.  I see this as a great Every Day Carry camera at a good price.  The Leica glass makes it appealing.  This is definitely on my wish list.