Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and ZS25 Digital Cameras

Panasonic just announced the 18.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-ZS30 and 16.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-ZS25 digital cameras, each of which offer a 24mm Ultra Wide Angle LEICA DC lens and 20x Optical Zoom, with 60p Full HD video recording. The ZS25 has the same features and body as the ZS30 but includes a slightly smaller, high sensitivity MOS Sensor and is without Wi-Fi connectivity.

The ZS30′s improved 18.1 megapixel, high sensitivity MOS Sensor and new Venus Engine ensure crystal clear images in any condition. Similarly, if it is moving images that you are after, the ZS30’s Full HD AVCHD Progressive video recording capability and stereo microphone provides uncompromising quality. Panasonic’s black box technology Nano Surface Coating boasts extremely low reflectance ratio and exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity by minimizing flare and ghost.

The integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) of the LUMIX DMC-ZS30 is simple to set up and opens a world of new possibilities. By making use of this new feature and wirelessly connecting your camera to a mobile device or smartphone, you can now fully control your photography remotely. With the ZS30’s remote shooting capability, the days of setting up a timed image of you and your family and hoping for the best are over.  After starting the Panasonic Image App on your smartphone or tablet  you can transform the device’s screen into a real-time viewfinder and control the camera’s zoom and shutter directly from the device, ensuring that you can get into that ideal photo-ready position before using the remote shutter release for that perfect holiday picture. The ZS30’s Wi-Fi capability also means that you can share your pictures and movies with friends and family instantly, without having to first upload them to a computer.

The ZS30 allows you to easily save photos and videos to the cloud with the LUMIX Club Cloud Sync service.  Furthermore with a new NFC (Near Field Communication) capability, connecting the ZS30 to a Wi-Fi connection couldn’t be easier.  One simple tap and the camera will recognize the settings of your internet enabled device allowing you to save, send and share.

The new 5 Axis correction and inclination correction capability counteracts any tilt or handshake. Whether you find yourself wandering through a bustling foreign city or travelling along a bumpy road in the middle of nowhere, you can be certain of perfect quality video. Similarly, thanks to the camera’s Light Speed AF, you can capture incredible quality images in the blink of an eye. Furthermore, with 10fps (Frames Per Second) continuous shooting (6 image max) at the touch of a button, you can capture and review a selection of shots, choosing the one you like best.

The ZS30 also provides Intelligent Auto features, including Face Recognition that remembers your friends and family and adjusts the camera’s settings accordingly. No matter what the world throws at you, the ZS30 is designed to do the hard work for you and ensure that you get that perfect shot every time.

Key features:

• Uncompromising quality: An incredible 20x Optical Zoom lets you get up close and personal every time, anda 24mm Ultra Wide Angle LEICA DC lens, renowned for its exceptional quality, means every detail of those special moments is captured.
• Control, save and share: The new Wi-Fi capability of the ZS30means that you have complete remote control of your camera to make sure you capture that perfect shot. You can also share and save your pictures and movies easier than ever with a simple tap of the camera or click of a button.
• Stunning results in every environment: The new 18.1-megapixel high sensitivity MOS Sensor provides amazing image quality even in low light conditions. Panasonic’s advanced image stabilizer POWER O.I.S. is upgraded with an inclusion of HYBRID O.I.S.+ for video recording with new 5-axis Correction that detects and effectively compensates for the camera’s 5 types of movement – horizontal, vertical, axis of rotation, vertical rotation and horizontal rotation. Newly added Level Shot Function detects the horizontal line of recording image and keep it even if the camera is tilted. It lets users take stable video even in blind recording such as shooting from high angle.
• Let high quality movies tell the story of your life: 1920×1080 60p Full HD AVCHD video recording and a stereo microphone allow you to shoot the highest quality movies.
• Instinctive photography: Thanks to the ZS30’s Auto Focus speed, you can capture fast moving objects with clear precision, and the 10fps (six image max) Continuous Shoot Mode will help you achieve action shots in high resolution with just one click.
• Record special moments wherever you are: The enhanced GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality, including compass and level meter, allows you to automatically record your location and view the map and associated photos directly on your camera.
• Stay in control: The ZS30’s versatile controls allow you to take shots the way you want to – shoot with the camera’s button system or use its intuitive 920k, three inch wide angle LCD touch screen with sensitive touch. The Level Gauge lets the camera detect the horizontal / vertical angle of view which is convenient to make level in composition.  In addition, manual control capability is a featuture of the ZS30.
• Showcase the world as you see it: The new High Dynamic Range feature means natural images can be captured automatically even when shooting against the light and the Panoramic Shot mode enables you to take stunning panoramic shots just by swivelling the camera.  Panoramic images can also make use of the filter effects producing creative panoramic images.
• Brilliant battery life: Improved battery life means that you can now get more out of your camera for longer.
• Add your own personal touch: The Creative Control / Retouch feature includes many creative modes such as soft focus, toy effect and retro. Meanwhile, the High Speed Video mode lets you capture super slow-motion videos.

Price and Availability (March 2013)

• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS30 → $399.99 (black, silver or white)
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS25 → $299.99 (black, silver)