Newark, NJ—Panasonic’s Lumix ZS80 is the latest model in its Travel Zoom ZS series of compact point-and-shoot cameras. The ZS80 employs a 30x optical zoom, 24–720mm-equivalent lens and a live viewfinder (LVF) in a pocket-size body.
In addition, the ZS80 provides 4K video/4K photo shooting and a tiltable rear monitor that enables users to take a variety of selfie shots, including 4K selfies and panorama selfies.
Panasonic Lumix ZS80 Core Features
The ZS80 features an integrated 24mm ultrawide-angle, 30x telephoto Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens. Its zoom range enables photographers to capture virtually any subject, from landscapes to distant subjects. This is especially helpful when traveling.
Moreover, the camera’s Power OIS (optical image stabilizer) technology compensates for hand shake to minimize blur, even in telephoto shooting. Panasonic also included its zoom compose assist function. This feature enables users to regain the subject quickly by zooming out when the sight of the subject is lost in telephoto shooting.
In addition, the Lumix ZS80 incorporates a 1/2.3-inch MOS sensor with 20.3 megapixels of resolution. For faster response and higher mobility, the camera also integrates DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology. As a result, high-speed AF of approximately 0.1 sec is possible. Consequently, the ZS80 boasts high-speed burst shooting at 10 frames per sec (AFS)/5 fps (AFC) to capture fast-moving subjects. It even allows more than 26 consecutive shots in RAW format.
Video Features
Movie functions include 4K video recording in 3,840×2,160 at 30p or 24p in MP4 format. The camera also records Full HD 1,920×1,080 video in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4/H.264) format with full-time autofocus. And a high-speed video function captures subjects with fast motion in Full HD at 120 fps. Time-lapse and stop motion animation are also available.
Taking advantage of 4K technology, Panasonic’s 4K photo mode lets users capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8MP-equivalent resolution by extracting a frame of the most photogenic timing out of a 4K burst file to save as a photo.
Moreover, with the newly added auto-marking function, choosing the best shot out of hundreds of frames is now easier. It permits users to jump to the nearest frame where the differences are obvious between consecutive frames to minimize the time it takes to choose the best shot.
In addition, sequence composition makes it possible to make a stromotion image by synthesizing multiple images shot at a fixed frame with 4K photo. The image is produced in-camera without any special retouching process. Post-focus and focus-stacking functions are also provided.
Additional Lumix FZ80 Features
The Lumix ZS80 has a new 0.21-inch, 2.33M-dot LVF with a high magnification ratio of 0.53x (35mm equivalent). Moreover, the eye sensor on the LVF automatically switches image output between the LVF and the rear monitor.
In addition to the LVF, there is a 3-inch, 1.04M-dot static-type touch monitor. The LCD has a 180º tiltable structure; when the monitor is flipped up, self-shot mode automatically activates. Moreover, users can shoot selfie portraits using a soft skin or slimming effect on the face. After shooting, they can also apply virtual makeup to the face in playback mode with the camera’s beauty retouch function.
Various effects are applied to the face when using the aesthetic retouch function. They include enhancing the skin texture, lifting the face as well as whitening the teeth. And in makeup retouch, users can choose the color of the foundation, lips, cheeks and also eye shadow.
For creativity, the ZS80 also includes artistic functions. Users can shoot selfies in panorama pictures, for group selfies and selfies in front of a dynamically scenic background. Creative control mode offers 22 filter options, and an effect parameter for each mode is also adjustable. With the creative panorama function, it is also possible to shoot a horizontal/vertical panoramic image with consecutive shots taken by overlaying the previous picture and reflecting 18 filter effects.
Connectivity & Sharing
For image sharing, the ZS80 integrates Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet with the Panasonic Image app (iOS/Android), users shoot, browse and share images remotely. They also can choose the picture quality of the photos to transfer using the app.
Furthermore, compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. This enables the camera to activate via a smartphone/tablet. It also allows the automatic addition of GPS geotags on the photos.
The Panasonic Lumix ZS80 retails for $449.99.
