Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 Review
The use of the 1-inch sensor size in compact cameras has gone a long way to improve the image quality you can expect from a pocketable point-and-shoot. But typically these models, like our Editors' Choice Sony RX100 III, have used very short zooms with wide aperture designs that excel in low light and capture images with a pleasingly shallow depth of field. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 ($699.99) takes a different approach, squeezing a 10x zoom into a slim body. But its lens doesn't capture a lot of light and it loses sharpness as you zoom in, making its extra reach a questionable value.
Design
The ZS100 ($697.99 at Amazon) features a slim body with a lens that protrudes a bit, even in its collapsed state. It measures 2.5 by 4.4 by 1.7 inches (HWD) and weighs just about 11 ounces. It's offered in two colors—an understated black edition, and the silver finish we received for review. Looking at it, I wouldn't call it silver, though—it's more of a gunmetal gray, with a lighter gray c...
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a longer zoom than any other pocketable 1-inch sensor camera, but the lens doesn't live up to its potential.
20MP 1-inch image sensor; 10x zoom range; Quick autofocus and 10fps burst rate; Raw and JPG capture options; Touch screen; Solid high-ISO performance; Good macro capability
Lens disappoints at telephoto focal lengths; Soft edges at wide angles; LCD is fixed; EVF is quite small