Newark, NJ—Panasonic’s Lumix DC-ZS70 is the latest model in the company’s “Travel Zoom” ZS series of compact, point-and-shoot cameras. By upgrading the sensor to 20.3 megapixels, the pocket-size ZS70 realizes 4K video/4K photo capture while boasting a 30x optical zoom lens.
In addition, a new, tiltable rear monitor allows users to take a variety of selfie shots, including 4K selfies and panoramic selfies.
The camera’s ultrawide-angle, 24–720mm-equivalent, 30x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens is useful in virtually all situations, Panasonic announced. “Having passed Leica’s stringent standards, the Lumix ZS70 boasts exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity and minimum distortion and flare.”
The new 20.3MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor and Venus engine image processor combine to capture high-quality images, even for high-sensitivity recording in dimly lit environments.
Notable is the ZS70’s ability to record high-resolution QFHD 4K video (3,840×2,160 pixels) at 30p (60Hz) in the MP4 format. In addition, by taking advantage of 4K technology, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 frames per sec in 8MP-equivalent resolution as a 4K photo.
Additional functionality based on 4K technology is also available. This includes a post focus function that enables users to select the in-focus area after shooting. Furthermore, an in-camera focus-stacking function allows them to adjust the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with the post focus function.
The Lumix DC-ZS70 also incorporates a light composition function; the camera synthesizes the images by choosing and saving brighter pixels. This makes it possible to produce more dramatic images of situations such as fireworks or night scenes in-camera.
Also featured is 4K live cropping in video recording to achieve stable panning or zooming with 4K video footage. And users can make Full HD videos by adding impressive effects after recording the original footage in 4K. Due to the camera’s digital operation, this can be done without physically moving the lens.
Panasonic also included its DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology for faster response and higher mobility. This permits the ZS70 to achieve high-speed autofocus (AF) of 0.1 sec. It also contributes to high-speed burst shooting at 10 (AFS)/5 (AFC) fps. Additional autofocus functions include touch AF, 49-point AF and low-light AF, which help users to get the best results in a range of shooting situations.
The camera’s 3-inch, 1,040K-dot rear LCD monitor offers touch control and tilts up 180º. And the camera will go into self-shot mode automatically once the monitor is flipped. In this mode, various functions for selfies are available, including a newly added 4K selfie mode. Complementing the monitor is a 0.2-inch, 1,166K-dot electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor.
Furthermore, for polished selfies and portraits, beauty functions enable users to shoot subjects more attractively with soft skin, defocusing and slimming effects. After shooting, aesthetic/makeup retouching can also be applied in-camera with the beauty retouch function. And users can choose to capture the background clearly or defocus it, depending on the situation, with the background control mode. In addition, panoramic pictures can also be shot in self-shot mode.
Additional DC-ZS70 Features
Other features include: a control ring on the lens barrel to enable intuitive operation; RAW image recording; creative control filter mode; creative panorama mode; a 5-axis hybrid OIS (optical image stabilizer) system; and Wi-Fi connectivity to a smartphone or tablet to expand flexibility in shooting, storing and sharing images.
Panasonic’s Lumix DC-ZS70 will be available in both black and silver versions at the end of May. It will have a suggested retail price of $449.99. panasonic.com
