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.
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.
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.
5 Comments
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.