Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90 review

Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90 review: verdict

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90 certainly has a compelling mix of features to recommend it. Its expansive zoom range should satisfy most situations, while its excellent touchscreen and a broad range of controls makes capturing whatever you want a doddle.

If you’re buying this camera for its selfie functionality you’ll also be pleased to know this works well, even if some of the features here are novelties rather than necessities. The camera is also capable of capturing very good 4K video, although less so in low light.

Slightly soft results at wide angles, together with mediocre viewfinder performance and questionable handling, let it down somewhat, and it’s up against a handful of models whose age necessitates a lower asking price. Of course, the price of the ZS70 / TZ90 should also start to fall soon, at which point it will be worth considering if its tilting screen, 4K video and a viewfinder are high on your wish list.

Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90 review: competition

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Sony Cyber-shot HX80

The HX80 matches the ZS70 / TZ90 in many areas on the spec sheet, with a 30x optical zoom lens, a pop-up viewfinder and a 3.0-inch screen that tilts in the same manner. While it lacks the ZS70 / TZ90’s 4K video recording, it’s a significantly cheaper proposition for those that don't need this feature. 

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS

Canon’s latest PowerShot, the SX730 HS, also features a 20MP sensor, and can have its LCD screen adjusted to face the front. While it lacks the ZS70 / TZ90’s viewfinder and 4K video recording, its 40x optical zoom range does give it a little extra reach.

Nikon Coolpix A900

Nikon’s best answer to the ZS70 / TZ90 also packs in a 20MP sensor and 4K video recording, and even manages a slightly broader 35x optical zoom range. You can also tilt the LCD all the way around the face the front, although there’s no viewfinder.

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