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Panasonic brings refreshed DC-G97 and ZS99 / TZ99 models with subtle updates
DPReview News |
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The Panasonic G97 is essentially a G90/G95D with an updated screen and a USB-C socket. Image: Panasonic |
Panasonic has refreshed two of its more affordable models, creating the G97 from the G90/G91/G95D and the ZS99 (known as the TZ99 in Europe) 30x compact camera from the ZS80D / TZ95D.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G97
The G97 is the more subtle of the two updates. The 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera gets a higher-resolution rear screen and USB-C connector as its main updates.
The USB-C socket still offers only USB 2.0 speeds and can be used for charging the camera but doesn't provide the ability to power it while in use. It also sees its Bluetooth feature upgraded to v5.0, a dedicated button for smartphone image transfers, a red frame around the screen when recording video and the ability to tag video shot in portrait orientation.
Other than this, the G97 is essentially the same camera as the G90/G91 launched in 2019, and the G95D (which itself was an updated variant of the US-market G95, with a nicer rear screen).
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 / DC-TZ99
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 also gets a USB-C socket... Image: Panasonic |
The ZS99 (TZ99 outside North America) represents a slightly more significant change. It too sees the addition of a USB-2.0 Type-C socket. However, the other change, relative to the ZS80D (TZ95D) that preceded it is the removal of the electronic viewfinder. Panasonic believes there is a larger audience for whom an EVF isn't considered essential, compared to those who insist on one.
The previous ZS80D / TZ95D models had already gained the 1.84M dot displays, setting them apart from 2019's ZS80 and TZ95 models.
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...but loses the rear viewfinder that the ZS80D / TZ95D had. It also loses its Panorama mode. Image: Panasonic |
It remains a 30x zoom compact with a 20MP Type 1/2.3 (mm) sensor with a 24-720mm equiv lens. It gains the other feature additions made to the G97, but loses the Panorama and Beauty Retouch features of its predecessor.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G97 will be available in mid-to-late February 2025 at a recommended price of $849 in a kit with the 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power OIS lens, a $350 reduction compared with the introductory price of the original DC-G95 in 2019. The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 will be available from early-to-mid February at a recommended price of $499, a $50 increase over its predecessor.
Panasonic Announces Two New Cameras:
Compact Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G97 and Pocket-Sized Travel Zoom LUMIX ZS99
Newark, N.J. (December 16, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new cameras to its LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and Travel Zoom ZS99.
The new LUMIX G97 and ZS99 offer a wide range of updated photo and video features to bring excellent image quality and usability to enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers alike.
LUMIX continues to develop its lineup to satisfy the needs of a wide range of creators and continually deliver value, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
LUMIX ZS99: New Pocket-sized Travel 30x Zoom Camera
Compact and feature-packed, the LUMIX ZS99 travel zoom camera is perfect for capturing life's adventures.
Powerful 30x zoom in a pocket-sized body
Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens*1, the LUMIX ZS99 offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom so that you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate details with stunning clarity.
With in-built 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, you can enjoy high-quality videos even at full zoom.
Unmissable Moments in 4K
Record high-quality 4K video at 30p or capture quick bursts of 4K PHOTO at 30fps to ensure you never miss a moment. Additionally, its ability to capture HD high-speed video at 120fps adds creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.
Packed with travel-ready features
A tiltable 1,840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while USB Type-C charging ensures you’re always powered up on the go.
Easy image sharing
Connect instantly with built-in Bluetooth® v5.0*2 and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to your smartphone.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2024 for $499.99 at valued channel partners.
*1 35mm camera equivalent.
*2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
LUMIX G97: New Compact Hybrid Micro Four Thirds Camera
The new LUMIX G97 camera balances high performance and simplicity, giving creators the tools to elevate their photography and video skills.
Superb picture quality
The 20.3MP CMOS sensor, combined with the high-performance Image processor, delivers superb image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Equipped with LUMIX Photo Style feature, users can fine-tune their images with a variety of color effect options, ensuring every shot matches your creative vision.
The Live View Composite feature is also included, providing the ability to combines multiple exposures in real time to create stunning light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background.
Smooth performance
The LUMIX G97’s 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2*1 system ensures unrivalled stability, so your photos and videos remain sharp even in challenging conditions.
With 4K PHOTO capabilities, you can capture bursts of high-resolution photos at 30fps, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. The perfect shot from burst footage makes this feature ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous scenes.
Versatile video features
Record in crisp 4K at 30p with no time limitations*2, experiment with slow-motion (max.4x) or quick-motion (max.8x) in FHD, and create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L. Dedicated headphone and microphone jacks ensure total audio control while recording.
Intuitive operation and reliable design
With a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2,360k-dot OLED Live View Finder*3, the LUMIX G97 makes it easy to frame and focus your shots accurately, even in bright conditions.
The durable dust/splash-resistant*4 construction is ideal for everyday creators looking for a camera that can reliably handle a variety of situations.
Built-in Bluetooth® v5.0 and Wi-Fi make sharing and remote control effortless, while USB Type-C charging adds convenience.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX G97 will be available in late February 2024 for $849.99 for a 12-60mm lens kit (DC-G97MK) at valued channel partners.
*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used.]
*2 When the ambient temperature is high, the camera may stop the recording. Wait until the camera cools down.
*3 35mm camera equivalent
*4 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water
Panasonic Lumix G97 specifications
{ProductSpectsTable: panasonic_dcg97}
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Compact |
| Body material | Composite, metal |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 6400 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 sots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–720 mm |
| Optical zoom | 30× |
| Maximum aperture | F3.3–6.4 |
| Autofocus |
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| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,840,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
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| Scene modes |
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| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.60 m (with Auto ISO) |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes |
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| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLG10 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 380 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 322 g (0.71 lb / 11.36 oz) |
| Dimensions | 112 x 68 x 43 mm (4.41 x 2.68 x 1.69″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
