Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 is a compact 20MP camera with 30x optical zoom

Panasonic has launched a new camera in its Travel Zoom ZS Series lineup: the Lumix DC-ZS70. Despite its compact size, this camera packs a bunch of features into its small body, including a 20.3-megapixel sensor and a large 30x optical zoom rate, the equivalent of 24-720mm. The camera is targeted at prosumers, those who are willing to spend more than average to get an above average device, but who don't need something as big or pricey as a full-blown DSLR.

There's a lot to like about the new ZS70 compact camera, including its 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens and its ability to shoot 4K Ultra HD videos and photos. The camera features a High Sensitivity MOS sensor coupled with a Venus Engine image processor, the combination of which is said to enable the camera to capture high quality content even in low-light environments.

Video was given a strong focus with this camera; Panasonic says it can record up to 3840 x 2160 QFHD 4K videos at 20p, and can also capture 8-megapixel still images at a rapid 30fps. Focus Stacking and Post Focus bring some post-processing control directly to the camera, enabling users to adjust a photo's depth of field (how blurry the background is) after the image has been taken. There's also 4K Live Cropping available for videos.

Users will also find an array of focusing technologies that help separate the camera from its smartphone brethren, including integrated Depth from Defocus tech that has a blistering 0.1s AF speed. This is joined by Touch AF, Low-Light AF, and 49-point AF. All of this and more is visible thanks to the included — and hinged — 3-inch 1040k-dot rear display, which is able to tilt up to 180-degrees.

Rounding out the features is WiFi connectivity, a Set Shot (selfie) mode, as well as a Control Ring on the barrel, a 0.2-inch electronic view finder with 1166k-dot resolution, the ability to snap RAW images, and modes like Creative Control and Creative Panorama. The camera is launching in both silver and black iterations late next month for $449.99 USD.