| Image: Panasonic |
Panasonic has announced the Lumix DC-ZS300, which will be known as the TZ300 outside North America. It’s a pocketable compact with a 15x, 24-360mm equiv zoom lens in front of a Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) BSI CMOS sensor. But, unlike its predecessor, there’s no viewfinder if your travel takes you to sunnier climes.
For those who have memorized Panasonic’s compact lineup, the specs set out in the company’s press release will be very reminiscent of its ZS200 / TZ200, announced in February 2018. Other than the absent viewfinder, the other significant change is the adoption of the newer USB-C socket. The actual interface is likely to be the same as before as, like the previous model, the ZS300 can be charged, but not powered, over USB.
The ZS300 has a zoom covering an impressive 24-360mm equivalent range. Its maximum aperture drops from F3.3 at the wide end to F6.4 by its full reach. The Type 1 sensor means there’s a 2.72x crop factor at play.
The ZS300’s Macro mode can focus down as close as 3cm (1.2″) at its widest focal length, but this increases to 100cm (39.4″) at the long end of the lens. Based on what we’ve been shown and told, it’s likely to retain the fixed 1840K dot (960 x 640 px) fixed rear screen from the mid-life ZS200D update, along with a small pop-up flash.
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We wonder whether Panasonic has found it difficult to source the field-sequential viewfinder panels used in older models, but still think a travel zoom will be limited by the absence of any sort of viewfinder. Image: Panasonic |
Focusing on the positives, though: the announcement of the ZS300 as a new model suggests you might actually be able to buy one. The deletion of the viewfinder means that, unlike the more EU-compliance updated G97 model, its price has only gone up by a relatively modest $100 in the eight years since the Micro-B USB version was launched.
We’re still awaiting full specs and availability information, but we’re told the ZS300 will be available in silver or black variants for $899, ex tax. It will be £869.00 in the UK.
Panasonic Introduces New Pocket-sized *1 15x Zoom Travel Camera: LUMIX ZS300
Newark, N.J. (Mar. 24, 2026) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new LUMIX ZS300, a pocket-sized *1 digital compact camera designed for travelers and everyday creators who want exceptional image quality in a portable form. Whether you’re photographing distant landmarks on a vacation, capturing vibrant night views in a busy city, or recording spontaneous moments with friends, this versatile camera adapts to any situation.
The LUMIX ZS300 combines a powerful 15x optical zoom with a 1.0type BSI CMOS sensor to deliver clear, detailed images even in challenging lighting. Its LEICA certified lens covers a 24–360mm *2 focal range, enabling everything from sweeping landscapes to faraway subjects to be captured with crisp precision. The high sensitivity sensor minimizes noise in nighttime scenes, preserving natural brightness and fine detail at approximately 20.1 megapixels.
For creative close-up shooting, the ZS300 features AF Macro, allowing users to focus as close as 3cm. Small objects—from delicate flowers to everyday accessories—can be captured with sharp clarity. Despite its advanced capabilities, the compact camera body fits easily into a pocket or bag, making it ideal for daily carry and travel.
For video shooting, the ZS300 offers 4K recording at 3840 × 2160, providing lifelike detail for travel scenes and fast-moving action. Highspeed FHD 120fps recording offers smooth slow-motion expression, while 4K PHOTO captures moments at 30 frames per second, letting you extract the perfect shot.
To ensure stable and blurfree shooting, POWER O.I.S. effectively compensates for handshake at telephoto or in low-light environments. When filming while walking, 5axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ provides smooth, stable video.
A variety of 22 creative filter effects allow users to tailor the look of their photos to match their personal style. A builtin flash ensures bright, clear results even in dark settings such as indoor parties or nighttime portraits.
With Bluetooth® connectivity and WiFi® image transfer via the Panasonic Image App, sharing photos and videos from the ZS300 is fast and convenient. USB TypeC® charging *3 provides added flexibility, allowing users to power the camera on the go using AC adapters, PCs, or portable power banks.
Main Features
1. High Image Quality
- 1.0-type 20.1MP BSI CMOS sensor captures bright, detailed images with minimal noise, even in low-light scenes
- LEICA certified 24–360mm *2 15x optical zoom lens delivers clear results from wide landscapes to distant subjects
- AF Macro enables close-up shooting from 3cm, ideal for small objects and everyday
discoveries
2. Powerful Photo & Video Performance
- 4K video (3840×2160) records travel scenes with lifelike detail
- High-speed FHD 120fps for smooth slow-motion footage
- 4K PHOTO captures 30 fps burst images, allowing you to select and save the perfect moment
- 22 creative filters offer a wide range of in-camera effects to match your preferred shooting style
3. Reliable Image Stabilization
- POWER O.I.S. minimizes blur when shooting handheld, especially at telephoto or in low light
- 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ ensures smooth and stable video while walking
4. Smart Connectivity & Convenience
- Connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth®, and transfer images through WiFi® using the Panasonic Image App
- USB TypeC® charging *3 from AC adapters, PCs, or power banks for easy power on the go
- Compact, pocket-sized *1 design makes it ideal for travel and daily carry
*1 Approx. 111.2 (W) x 66.4 (H) x 45.2 (D) mm. Dimensions exclude protrusions.
*2 35mm camera equivalent: 24-360mm
*3 Power supply is not available.
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS300 specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $899 |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Large sensor compact |
| Body material | Metal |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 80 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Image stabilization notes | Hybrid 5-axis available in movie mode |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–360 mm |
| Optical zoom | 15× |
| Maximum aperture | F3.3–6.4 |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,840,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 6.80 m (at Auto ISO) |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 shots @ 10 sec) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (microHDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 LE |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLG10 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 360 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 337 g (0.74 lb / 11.89 oz) |
| Dimensions | 111 x 66 x 45 mm (4.37 x 2.6 x 1.77″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |