Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 specifications and in-depth review

Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99

Manufacturer: Panasonic

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is a compact camera designed for versatile photography and videography. It features a 20 MP sensor and a 30x optical zoom lens, making it suitable for capturing a wide range of subjects. The camera also boasts a 3″ flip-out touchscreen for easy framing and selfies, along with a range of advanced features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

For technical specifications, the Lumix DC-TZ99 supports 4K video recording at 30 fps and offers a maximum ISO of 3200, expandable to 6400. It also includes optical image stabilization, continuous autofocus, and manual controls for exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. With a compact body weighing 322g, it is well-suited for travel and on-the-go use.

Pros
  • Compact design with a flip-out touchscreen for versatile shooting angles.
  • Supports 30x optical zoom for versatile photography, from wide-angle to telephoto.
  • Built-in optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake for clearer images.
  • Offers manual focus and exposure controls, providing flexibility for more experienced users.
  • Supports remote smartphone control for convenient camera operation from a distance.
Cons
  • Does not have a hot shoe for external flash attachments.
  • Lacks microphone input or a 3.5mm audio jack for external audio accessories.
  • No support for slow-motion video recording.
  • No GPS or NFC functionality for location-based features or easy pairing with other devices.
  • Does not support dual card slots for increased storage capacity.
Who is this for?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is ideal for casual photographers and travelers looking for a compact, versatile camera with a range of features. Its 30x optical zoom and flip-out touchscreen make it perfect for both wide-angle and telephoto shots, as well as selfies and vlogging. The built-in optical image stabilization and manual controls, including focus and exposure adjustments, cater to users who want flexibility without the complexity of a full system camera. Its remote smartphone control is an added benefit for users who prefer convenience and flexibility during their shoots.

Who is this NOT for?

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 may not be the best choice for advanced videographers or photographers who require high-end features. It lacks dual card slots, limiting storage capacity for users who need high-volume shooting capabilities, and it does not support external microphones, which may be a drawback for those creating high-quality audio-visual content. The absence of GPS and NFC may also make it less appealing for users who need location tagging or seamless device pairing. Additionally, the lack of slow-motion video recording limits its appeal to users who want to capture fast-moving subjects in detail.

Design:

Type Compact
screen resolution 1840k dots
Has a flip-out screen
screen size 3"
weight 322 g
has a touch screen
Has a hot shoe
volume 327.488 cm³
is a system camera
has a flash
width 112 mm
height 68 mm
thickness 43 mm

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is a compact camera with a sleek and portable design. It features a 3″ flip-out touchscreen for versatile shooting angles and a weight of just 322 g for easy handling. The camera is equipped with a built-in flash and a resolution of 1840k dots on its screen, offering clear and vibrant images. It does not support a hot shoe or external flash, and it has a compact volume of 327.488 cm³, with dimensions of 112 mm width, 68 mm height, and 43 mm thickness.

Optics:

sensor size 1/2.3"
megapixels (main camera) 20 MP
maximum ISO 3200 ISO
maximum expanded ISO 6400 ISO
has sensor shift stabilization
continuous shooting (mechanical) 10 fps
has AF tracking
fastest shutter speed 0.0005 s
has built-in optical image stabilization
has manual focus
has touch autofocus
has manual shutter speed
has a BSI sensor
has manual exposure
has a two-stage shutter
has a serial shot mode
has a CMOS sensor
has manual ISO
optical zoom 30x
wide aperture (main camera) 3.3f
has manual white balance
exposure time 4 s
Maximum electronic shutter speed 0.000625 s
maximum focal length 720 mm
has a stacked CMOS sensor
minimum focal length 24 mm
widest aperture at maximum focal length 6.4f
minimum focus distance 0.03 m
has a silent focus motor built into the lens

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 offers a versatile set of optics, featuring a 20 MP CMOS sensor paired with a 30x optical zoom lens for detailed shots at various distances. It includes optical image stabilization to reduce blurriness and supports manual focus, giving users full control over their shot composition. The camera also supports a wide aperture of 3.3f at the main camera and offers continuous shooting at up to 10 fps, making it suitable for action shots. With a minimum focus distance of just 0.03m and a wide focal range from 24mm to 720mm, the TZ99 excels in both wide-angle and telephoto photography.

Videography:

video recording (main camera) 2160 x 30 fps
has continuous autofocus when recording movies
has a microphone input
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has a stereo microphone
movie bitrate 100 Mbps
number of microphones 2
has a 24p cinema mode
supports slow-motion video recording

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 offers solid video recording features, including the ability to shoot in 2160 x 30 fps resolution for clear, high-quality footage. It includes continuous autofocus during movie recording, ensuring smooth focus transitions. The camera is equipped with a stereo microphone for capturing audio and supports a 100 Mbps movie bitrate for high-quality video. While it lacks a microphone input or 3.5mm headset jack, it does offer a 24p cinema mode for more cinematic video recording. However, it does not support slow-motion video recording.

Battery:

Battery life (CIPA) 380 shots
has a removable battery
has a rechargeable battery
has a battery level indicator
battery power 1025 mAh

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is equipped with a 1025 mAh rechargeable battery, providing a battery life of 380 shots (CIPA) per charge. It features a removable battery, offering flexibility for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the camera includes a battery level indicator to help monitor power status during use, ensuring users are aware of remaining battery life.

Features:

release date February 2025
processor Venus Engine
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
Has dual card slots
shoots raw
supports lossless compressed raw
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports a remote smartphone
has an HDMI output
has GPS
has NFC
has an external memory slot
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is packed with useful features, including the Venus Engine processor for fast performance. It supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity, and can also connect to a smartphone remotely. The camera has an HDMI output for easy video transfer and an external memory slot for added storage. However, it does not support dual card slots, GPS, NFC, or USB Type-C.

Final Verdict

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is a compact and versatile camera well-suited for casual photographers and travelers who value flexibility and ease of use. Its 30x optical zoom and flip-out touchscreen make it a great choice for a wide range of photography, from landscapes to close-ups, while its manual controls and optical image stabilization offer greater creative control. Although it lacks some features like dual card slots and slow-motion video recording, it remains a solid option for those seeking a portable, easy-to-use camera with robust connectivity options. Overall, the DC-TZ99 is a reliable choice for those prioritizing convenience and versatility in their everyday photography.

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