Product Review: Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-ZS60

This product was received for review purposes. The opinion is solely that of the writer.

Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-ZS60 packs a lot of power in a pocket-sized point-and-shoot.

I received a LUMIX DMC-ZS60 a few weeks ago to try out, Panasonic’s new point-and-shoot for the consumer market. I’ve had a love affair with cameras since the first one fell into my hands 30 years ago so I can't wait to try it out.

Described as a semi-professional photographer, I can shoot anything and I have over the years; portraits, products, concerts, landscapes and lots of candids with kids. The secret to a good photograph is knowing how to shoot a good photo, not the expensive equipment.

Since everyone has a camera on their phone these days and every photographer I know uses their phone as a backup. Why get a LUMIX DMC-ZS60?

I captured this bird with the 30x Zoom lens on the LUMIX DMC-ZS60.

I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t used a point-and-shoot in 20 years. I don’t use them because I need to make adjusts on the camera and they don’t support that function. That’s until I got the LUMIX DMC-ZS60.

Since I’m new to LUMIX DMC-ZS60, I start with the manual, which I suggest with any new camera. It’s packed with diagrams and explains all its functions.

Then I start to play with the LUMIX DMC-ZS60. I find some things I love and some things that could be better.

Hits of the Lumix DMC-ZS60

• The size. Fits in a pocket or small purse.
• The functionality of a DSLR, like the manual adjustment of aperture, shutter-speed, zoom and focus.
• A 30x Zoom with a manual ring that can be used with your shooting finger.
• Built-in Optical Image Stabilizer to combat hand-held image blur.
• Level shot function because crooked images are annoying. This is one of my favorite features.
• Wi Fi feature for sharing across your social channels.
• Touch screen supports several gestures, like touch, drag, pinch and spread.
• 4K Ultra HD video recording and on-camera cropping.
• Post-focus to record bursts of photos.

Misses of the Lumix DMC-ZS60

• Tiny buttons are hard to see.
• The LCD screen is smaller than an iPhone.
• The touch screen is great until you touch it by accident.
• To use the advanced features, you need to understand photography and read the manual.
• Lacks clear and intuitive icons.
• A cluttered display screen.
• The manual functions are hard to adjust in the middle of a shot.

After a few weeks, how does the LUMIX DMC-ZS60 fit into my workflow? I use it when I need a good shot and I can't pack my bigger and heavier DSLR. I use it when the light is low or when I need to zoom in on my subject, replacing my smart phone.

I'm taking more and longer videos. I can't fill up my phone with lots of videos and my DSLR doesn't shoot them. So the LUMIX DMC-ZS60 is a great option and very easy-to-use.

I love the vivid colors that the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS60 captures.  

The easy-to-use point-and-shoot setting is great for novices. I can hand the LUMIX DMC-ZS60 to my kids so they capture their moments. I can use the images since the 18 megapixel sensor produces high-resolution images.

I love the size of the LUMIX DMC-ZS60 especially for all its functionality. It's a great addition to my camera family and I didn't know I needed it until I found myself using it more and more.

If you are in the market for a new camera and need more than a smart phone, check out the LUMIX DMC-ZS60. I love the size and the video recording in 4K.

For my readers I have a special offer--a FREE travel kit with an extra battery and battery charger, $100 value. Use bit.ly/tmomzs60 to get to Panasonic's Lumix Lounge for more information and a dealer near you.