Panasonic ZS70/TZ90 Is Leica Without the Red Dot

The Panasonic ZS70/TZ90 is one of the best travel cameras currently on the market. Equipped with a Leica lens 30x optical zoom lens, the camera delivers stunning 4k photos and video. While using a camera with the red dot that says “Leica” is cool and high-end, this Panasonic performs just about the same and maybe better than the Leica. It just doesn’t have the red dot.  

Panasonic introduced its latest travel zoom camera this spring. The new features of the Lumix DC-ZS70 (TZ90 outside of North America) include a 20.3MP MOS sensor, flip-up 3-inch touchscreen display, and Panasonic’s Depth-from-Defocus AF system.

Of course, one of the other key selling points is the 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens. “Having passed Leica’s stringent standards, the LUMIX ZS70 boasts exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity and minimum distortion and flare,” Panasonic stated in announcing the camera. 

Users and photo experts seem to agree. The Panasonic ZS70/TZ90 earned a top recommendation from the Photography Blog, which wrote:  “If you’re looking for a well-specced travel compact camera, then the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 arguably offers the best range of different features currently on the market.”

The pocket-size camera weighs just 0.71 pounds, but comes equipped with a wide range of features. The eye-sensor of the electronic viewfinder allows photographers to easily view the screen outdoors, even in bright sunlight. Given that “selfies” are popular when traveling, the tilting viewfinder is also a nice addition. For novice photographers, the camera is relatively intuitive, and there is really no need to thoroughly review the manual.

The Lumix DC-ZS70 also has several features that can help photographers improve their images directly from the camera. For instance, the Focus Stacking function lets you adjust the focus area after shooting by blending multiple images taken at different focus distances to create a one-of-a-kind image depth of field.

Other key features of the Lumix DC-ZS70 include:

• 20 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
• 30x optical zoom lens
• 5-axis Hybrid image stabilization 
• 3-inch tilting touch-screen
• Electronic viewfinder with eye-detection
• 10 fps continuous shooting speed
• 4K photo – shoots 8mp photos at 30fps
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• 4K video
• ISO80 to ISO6400
• 3cm macro focus
• AC/USB travel charging port

The Lumix DC-ZS70 is available in black or silver. The retail price is $449.99.