Panasonic Lumix G97 and Lumix ZS99 Officially Announced
Panasonic has announced updates to two of its popular and affordable models, the Lumix G97 and Lumix ZS99, bringing fresh features to their respective lineups for enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers. These new additions to Panasonic’s LUMIX series provide improved performance, usability, and image quality, catering to a broad range of imaging needs.
Panasonic Lumix G97 with 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens: $847.99 at B&H, Adorama.
Panasonic Lumix ZS99 Camera: $497.99 at B&H, Adorama.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G97 is a subtle yet notable update to the G90/G91/G95D series. This 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessors with key enhancements. One of the standout upgrades is the rear screen, which now boasts a higher resolution, providing users with a clearer and more detailed view when composing shots. Additionally, the G97 introduces a USB-C connector, though it still offers USB 2.0 speeds, which limits data transfer rates. This USB-C port does allow for convenient charging of the camera, although it does not support powering the camera while in use.
The G97 also sees an upgrade to Bluetooth, now supporting v5.0 for faster and more stable connections. A dedicated button for transferring images to a smartphone further enhances its wireless capabilities. For video shooters, the G97 features a red frame around the screen when recording, and it can now tag videos shot in portrait orientation, making it a more versatile tool for content creation. Despite these updates, the G97 remains largely the same as its predecessors in terms of core functionality, offering a reliable and affordable choice for both photography and video work.
Panasonic Lumix G97 Key Features:
- 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
- New USB-C Connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0
- UHD 4K30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L
- 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2
- 0.74x 2.36m-Dot “Hybrid” OLED Viewfinder
- 3.0″ 1.84m-Dot OLED Rear Touchscreen
- Advanced DFD AF System; 4K PHOTO
- ISO 25600 and 9 fps Continuous Shooting
- Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 (known as the TZ99 in Europe) marks a more significant departure from the previous model, the ZS80D (TZ95D). The most notable change is the removal of the electronic viewfinder (EVF). Panasonic believes that most users of this compact travel camera prefer the large 3-inch LCD touchscreen and the improved 20MP sensor rather than the added bulk of an EVF. This model retains the 30x zoom lens with a 24-720mm equivalent focal length, making it highly versatile for a wide range of shooting situations, from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects.
While the ZS99 loses the Panorama and Beauty Retouch features present in the previous model, it gains the same USB-C connection and other features found in the G97, such as enhanced Bluetooth connectivity. The ZS99 continues to offer an excellent balance of portability and performance for travelers, offering a compact design with powerful zoom capabilities and the ease of sharing images on the go.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G97 will be available in mid-to-late February 2025, priced at $849 for the kit with the 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power OIS lens, a $350 reduction from the original G95’s introductory price. The Lumix DC-ZS99 will be released in early-to-mid February, priced at $499, a $50 increase over the ZS80D model. With these updates, both cameras offer exciting improvements, making them compelling options for users seeking high-quality, user-friendly devices at affordable price points.
Press release:
Panasonic Announces Two New Cameras:
Compact Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G97 and Pocket-Sized Travel Zoom LUMIX ZS99Newark, N.J. (December 16, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new cameras to its LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and Travel Zoom ZS99.
The new LUMIX G97 and ZS99 offer a wide range of updated photo and video features to bring excellent image quality and usability to enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers alike.
LUMIX continues to develop its lineup to satisfy the needs of a wide range of creators and continually deliver value, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
LUMIX ZS99: New Pocket-sized Travel 30x Zoom Camera
Compact and feature-packed, the LUMIX ZS99 travel zoom camera is perfect for capturing life’s adventures.
Powerful 30x zoom in a pocket-sized body
Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens*1, the LUMIX ZS99 offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom so that you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate details with stunning clarity.
With in-built 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, you can enjoy high-quality videos even at full zoom.Unmissable Moments in 4K
Record high-quality 4K video at 30p or capture quick bursts of 4K PHOTO at 30fps to ensure you never miss a moment. Additionally, its ability to capture HD high-speed video at 120fps adds creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.
Packed with travel-ready features
A tiltable 1,840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while USB Type-C charging ensures you’re always powered up on the go.
Easy image sharing
Connect instantly with built-in Bluetooth® v5.0*2 and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to your smartphone.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2025 for $499.99 at valued channel partners.
*1 35mm camera equivalent.
*2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.LUMIX G97: New Compact Hybrid Micro Four Thirds Camera
The new LUMIX G97 camera balances high performance and simplicity, giving creators the tools to elevate their photography and video skills.
Superb picture quality
The 20.3MP CMOS sensor, combined with the high-performance Image processor, delivers superb image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Equipped with LUMIX Photo Style feature, users can fine-tune their images with a variety of color effect options, ensuring every shot matches your creative vision.
The Live View Composite feature is also included, providing the ability to combines multiple exposures in real time to create stunning light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background.
Smooth performance
The LUMIX G97’s 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2*1 system ensures unrivalled stability, so your photos and videos remain sharp even in challenging conditions.
With 4K PHOTO capabilities, you can capture bursts of high-resolution photos at 30fps, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. The perfect shot from burst footage makes this feature ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous scenes.
Versatile video features
Record in crisp 4K at 30p with no time limitations*2, experiment with slow-motion (max.4x) or quick-motion (max.8x) in FHD, and create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L. Dedicated headphone and microphone jacks ensure total audio control while recording.
Intuitive operation and reliable design
With a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2,360k-dot OLED Live View Finder*3, the LUMIX G97 makes it easy to frame and focus your shots accurately, even in bright conditions.
The durable dust/splash-resistant*4 construction is ideal for everyday creators looking for a camera that can reliably handle a variety of situations.
Built-in Bluetooth® v5.0 and Wi-Fi make sharing and remote control effortless, while USB Type-C charging adds convenience.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX G97 will be available in late February 2025 for $849.99 for a 12-60mm lens kit (DC-G97MK) at valued channel partners.
*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used.]
*2 When the ambient temperature is high, the camera may stop the recording. Wait until the camera cools down.
*3 35mm camera equivalent
*4 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water
