Panasonic debuts two new entry-level mirrorless cameras: LUMIX G97 & LUMIX ZS99

Two new LUMIX cameras from Panasonic, the LUMIX G97 & LUMIX ZS99, are chasing the lower end of the market and those looking for a bit more than their smartphone can offer.

Not one but two new cameras have been added to Panasonic’s LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and the Travel Zoom ZS99.

LUMIX ZS99

Also badged as the TZ99 in some countries, this is basically Panasonic looking to leverage the renewed popularity of point-and-shoot.

Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens, it offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom. Video can be captured in 4K30p, while users can also capture quick bursts of 4K photos at 30fps. Additionally, it can capture HD high-speed video at 120fps for creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.

A tiltable 1840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while it also features USB Type-C, Bluetooth v5.0 and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to a smartphone.

The LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2025 for $499.

LUMIX G97

The newest compact hybrid Micro Four Thirds Camera from the company is based on a 20.3MP CMOS sensor and is basically a minor upgrade to the G95. It features a few decent tweaks in the shape of improved slow and quick motion (4x slow, 8x quick) in Full HD, and a 1840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2360k-dot OLED Live View Finder. It features the same 4K30p and 4K burst shooting at 30fps as the ZS99, and the same new Send Image button and USB-C. It also boasts the ability to create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L and comes with a 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2.

It’s got a few simple shooting aids in the shape of the LUMIX Photo Style feature, allowing users to fine-tune their images with a variety of color effect options, and Live View Composite, which provides the ability to combine multiple exposures in real time to create light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background.

The new LUMIX G97 will be available in late February for $849 for a 12-60mm lens kit (DC-G97MK). Other bundles will be available.

tl;dr

• LUMIX ZS99: Features a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens with 30x optical zoom, 4K video recording at 30p, and 4K photo bursts at 30fps. It includes a tiltable 1840k-dot touchscreen, USB Type-C, Bluetooth v5.0, and Wi-Fi for easy connectivity. Available in black and silver for $499 starting mid-February 2025.
• LUMIX G97: Compact hybrid Micro Four Thirds camera with a 20.3MP CMOS sensor, offering improved slow (4x) and quick (8x) motion in Full HD. It features a 2360k-dot OLED Live View Finder, 4K30p video, and a new Send Image button. Priced at $849 for the 12-60mm lens kit, available in late February 2025.
• Both models include features like 4K burst shooting, V-Log L capability, and advanced image transfer options, appealing to users seeking more than smartphone photography.
• Aimed at entry-level photographers looking for enhanced capabilities in compact cameras, the G97 and ZS99 provide versatile shooting options for a wide range of creative expressions.