Panasonic Lumix ZS300
Announced March 24, 2026
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Panasonic Lumix ZS300 is a pocketable travel camera that pairs a versatile 15x zoom lens with a large 1-inch sensor for high-quality stills. While it excels as a compact walk-around companion, the removal of the electronic viewfinder and the inclusion of a fixed screen limit its utility for some photographers.
Weighted from 8 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile 15x optical zoom range
- Compact and pocketable design
- Logical control layout and responsive operation
- Large 1-inch sensor for quality imaging
- Convenient USB-C charging
Cons
- Lack of an electronic viewfinder
- Fixed rear screen
- Outdated autofocus and wireless connectivity
- Poor 4K video performance and heavy crop
- Softness at the telephoto end of the lens
- Launch price $899 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP 1-inch BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 10 fps electronic 10 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 8 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 4/10
The removal of the EVF is just such a detriment to the entire package, especially when nothing else in the camera has significantly improved. As it is, the ZS300 is a markedly worse product than the camera that came before it, so I’d rather buy the ZS200 used.
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The Lumix TZ300 marks the welcome return of Panasonic’s enormously popular travel zoom series of compacts, packing a long zoom range and large sensor into a pocket-sized body.
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Testing the Panasonic Lumix ZS300/TZ300 has been a decidedly mixed experience. I love having that incredibly versatile long zoom lens in my pocket, and I’m very happy with a lot of the photos I’ve taken with it.
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I like the image quality and overall performance but feel shortchanged that Panasonic has ditched the (albeit small) viewfinder from preceding models, and that the fixed touchscreen isn’t conducive to travel selfies and vlogging.
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The Lumix DC-ZS300 is an appealing camera for photographers who want a compact that's truly pocketable, offers big zoom power, and delivers the image quality of a large Type 1 sensor.
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The Lumix TZ300 still hits different to a smartphone in 2026, and is a versatile snapper for travels — I just wish Panasonic had given us more camera.
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The TZ300 is versatile, without compromising too much on image quality at all. So is this the best tiny travel camera of 2026? If you value zoom and still want excellent image quality from a pocketable camera, it might just be a great option.
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[A]s a walk around camera to have with you all day, fantastic piece of kit.
