Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 Digital Camera, Black {20.1MP}

Pocket travel zoom with a 1-inch sensor and 10x reach.

The ZS100 solved a real problem in the compact camera market: a 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor paired with genuine 25–250mm equivalent reach, all in a body that fits a jacket pocket. That 20MP sensor gives it a meaningful light-gathering advantage over smaller-sensor travel zooms, which matters when you're shooting at 200mm in fading light and ISO starts climbing. The Venus Engine processor handles RAW files, and the electronic shutter tops out at 1/16000 sec, useful when you want wide apertures in bright conditions.

At 10 fps continuous shooting and 49 AF points using Panasonic's Depth from Defocus system, the camera tracks moving subjects reliably for a compact of its size. The 4K/UHD video at 30p is backed by hybrid 5-axis stabilization in movie mode, making handheld footage at longer focal lengths usable. Post Focus, where the camera racks focus across a scene and lets you select your focus point after the fact, is a genuinely practical feature for street and documentary shooters who don't always have time to nail focus on the first shot. At 312g, you're carrying all of this in a body smaller than most mirrorless primes.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who refuse to check a bag get a 25–250mm zoom range in a 312g body with RAW output and a 1-inch sensor. Street shooters working in low light benefit from ISO expandable to 25600 and the touchscreen-driven Post Focus system for shots where precise framing happens fast. Video-focused content creators shooting on the go get 4K/UHD at 30p with hybrid 5-axis stabilization, controllable remotely via Wi-Fi through the Panasonic app. Nature and wildlife day-trippers who want 250mm equivalent reach without carrying a long lens will find the Depth from Defocus AF system keeps up with birds and animals at the long end.

Key Features

• 1-inch 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor with Venus Engine processor
• 25–250mm equivalent 10x optical zoom with f/2.8–5.9 aperture
• 49-point autofocus with Depth from Defocus tracking system
• Electronic shutter with 1/16000 max speed for bright-light shooting
• 10 fps burst shooting with RAW capture support
• 4K/UHD video (3840 x 2160 @ 30p/24p) with hybrid 5-axis stabilization in movie mode
• Post Focus feature lets you select focus point after recording
• Electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, 3-inch 1,040,000-dot touchscreen LCD
• Built-in Wi-Fi with smartphone remote control and image transfer
• 312g body fits jacket pocket

FAQ

What's the advantage of the 1-inch sensor in a compact this size?

The 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor gathers roughly four times the light of smaller-sensor travel zooms at any given focal length and aperture, which means cleaner images at high ISO when you're shooting at 200mm in low light. You also get more control over depth of field for background separation in portraits.

How does the 25–250mm reach compare to other travel compacts?

The ZS100 fills a gap between small compacts with 24–70mm lenses and larger bodies with 24–400mm+ zooms. At 10x optical zoom, it's shorter than some travel models but longer than standard compact zooms, and you're not sacrificing pocket size to get it.

Does the electronic viewfinder make it easier to compose at arm's length?

The EVF helps, but it's the weakest part of this camera. At 1.17M-dot equivalent resolution (field sequential display), it's noticeably softer than the Sony RX100 III or IV. Some users notice color tearing when panning. Worth trying in person before committing.

What's Post Focus and when would you actually use it?

You record a 1–2 second clip while the camera racks focus across the scene, then tap the LCD to select your focus point after the shot. It's practical for street and documentary work when you don't have time to nail focus on the first try. Output is 8MP JPEG only.

How does the autofocus track moving subjects?

The 49-point Depth from Defocus system is fast and reliable for a compact. It tracks subjects effectively at 10 fps burst shooting, though it's not mirrorless-grade performance.

Can you shoot RAW files?

Yes, the Venus Engine processor handles RAW capture. RAW is disabled when using Post Focus mode, but available in all other shooting modes.

Is the hybrid 5-axis stabilization only for video?

The camera uses optical stabilization for stills. Hybrid 5-axis (combining optical and electronic) only engages in movie mode. In 4K/UHD at 30p, it makes handheld footage usable at longer focal lengths.