Panasonic Lumix ZS80 / TZ95 Review

The Panasonic Lumix ZS80 (also sold as the TZ95) is a travel-focused compact camera built around a 1/2.3-inch 20.3-megapixel sensor and a 30x optical zoom lens covering 24-720mm equivalent. It offers the usual Panasonic travel-zoom suite: 4K video at 30p, 4K Photo burst modes, post-focus capture, and 5-axis hybrid stabilization. The camera includes a small electronic viewfinder, a tilting touchscreen, and Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth connectivity. The autofocus system uses 49-area contrast detection with continuous shooting up to 10 fps.

While the ZS80 isn't a dramatic overhaul of the TZ line, it brings a notably fast autofocus system that makes it easier to track moving subjects and grab quick shots on the go. The extensive zoom range and compact form make it practical for travel where carrying a larger camera and interchangeable lenses is a burden. Battery life is reasonable at 380 shots, and the tilt screen adds flexibility for high and low angles.

The lens aperture is limited to F3.3-6.4, which is typical for this class but restricts low-light performance and creative control. The small sensor also limits image quality compared to larger-sensor compacts, and video tops out at 8-bit 4K with a 100 Mbps bitrate, which is modest for serious video work.