Panasonic Launches ZS300 Compact Ultra-Zoom

2026.03.24

Panasonic keeps the ultra-zoom digital camera category alive. Only five ultra-zooms were launched globally in the last two years, with Panasonic being the only company to include three in that list! Today, the released a new Lumix ZS300, also known as the TZ300 in Europe, with some minor changes from the previous TZ200.

The new Panasonic Lumix ZS300 is a compact ultra-zoom that boasts a 30X optically stabilized lens in a body that is just 4.5cm thick. What sets this and its predecessors appart compared to other brands is that the series uses the larger sensor in its class. Specifically, the ZS300 is built around a 20 megapixels 1" BSI-CMOS sensor with standard ISO 125-12800 sensitivity range which is expandable to ISO 80-25600. With its 2.7X crop sensor, the ZS300 can deliver superior image-quality and has much greater low-light sensitivity.

This digital camera packs more features that the majority of compact models. Its features include full manual controls and bracketing for plenty of parameters: Exposure, Focus, Aperture and White-Balance. It uses a hybrid shutter with a speed range of 1/16000-60s. It can capture full-resolution images at 10 FPS mechanically and a 4K crop at up to 30 FPS. Videos can be recorded up to 4K at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS, plus a 120 FPS Slow-Motion Full HD mode.

This camera is incredibly compact for having such a long zoom with a relatively large sensor. It is quite light, weighing just under 300g. The cost of this is that the ZS300 lacks a viewfinder and has no provision to add one. The rear 3" LCD screen though boasts a 1.8 MP resolution which provides a sharp view, as long at it is viewable. This may not be the case when shooting in bright light. Even though it is small, Panasonic managed to include a direct Mode-Dial plus two control-dials, one around the lens barrel and one on top, in the Lumix ZS300.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS300 is expected to ship towards the end of May for $900 USD. Both B&H Photo and Adorama are ready to accept preorders.

• Digital Camera