Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100
Panasonic · Compact · 20 MP · 1" · 4K video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | Lumix DMC ZS100 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 5, 2016 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 111 x 65 x 44 mm |
| Camera weight | 312 g |
Optics61/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 receives a score of 58/100 in our review. Measuring 111 x 65 x 44mm and weighing 312g (0.69lbs), the ZS100 has decent specifications for a camera of its age. Considering the current market, the ZS100’s specifications still hold up well, especially for those seeking a lightweight and portable camera. This makes it a viable option for casual photographers and travelers. Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 Overview and OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 receives a 61/100 score for its optics, which reflects its capabilities in today’s market. This camera boasts 20 megapixels, a 10 fps shooting speed, and a CMOS sensor, all powered by the Venus Engine processor. With a DXOMARK score of 71 for the sensor, it provides good image quality within its 1″ sensor size. As for the lens, the ZS100 has a fixed lens mount, meaning the lens cannot be changed. However, it does feature image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur in photos, and a 3:2 aspect ratio for versatile framing options. Taking all of these specifications into account, the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 offers decent optics for its price range. While it may not be the best option for professional photographers, it is a reliable choice for casual users and hobbyists who seek a simple and easy-to-use camera. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5472 x 3648 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13.2 x 8.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | 1" |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Fixed |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Venus Engine |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 12530200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 8030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 200080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 490300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 116600009900000 |
Video69/100 | |
About the VideoThe Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 receives a video score of 69 out of 100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. It is capable of capturing footage at a frame rate of up to 60fps. However, it lacks a built-in time-lapse functionality. In today’s market, the ZS100’s 4K video resolution and 60fps frame rate are competitive features, as they enable high-quality video recording. Although the absence of time-lapse functionality is a drawback, the camera’s video capabilities still hold their ground among other cameras in its range. The Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 proves to be a suitable choice for those seeking a camera with solid video capabilities, despite its lack of time-lapse feature. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Features57/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 receives a feature score of 57 out of 100. This camera offers a 3-inch touchscreen with a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, providing a clear and responsive interface for users. However, it lacks a flip screen, which limits its versatility in capturing images from various angles. The camera does not come with GPS functionality, which might disappoint some users who require geotagging capabilities. On the other hand, it does have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for easy transfer of images and remote camera control using a compatible smartphone. Unfortunately, it does not support Bluetooth connectivity. Taking these specifications into account, the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 has a decent set of features that cater to the needs of most users, but it may fall short for those seeking more advanced options. While it performs well in some aspects, it does not excel in every area when compared to other cameras in today’s market. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery29/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 receives a storage and battery score of 29/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards for storage. While having a single slot is common in today’s market, higher-end cameras often offer dual slots for added versatility. Regarding battery life, the ZS100 can take 300 shots before needing a recharge, which is on the lower end compared to competitors. The camera uses a lithium-ion battery and allows for USB charging, making it convenient for on-the-go users. Taking these factors into consideration, it is evident that the storage and battery capabilities of the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100 are not its strongest points. Nonetheless, this camera still offers a solid performance in other aspects, as discussed previously. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 300 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | |