The LUMIX DMC-ZS9 camera features a versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle and powerful 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and Intelligent Resolution technology which adds delicate detail that exceeds even optical image quality in both photo and movie recording. The new high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens system is even more versatile with 24mm ultra wide-angle* to powerful 16x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-384mm). Comprising 12 elements in 10 groups, including an ED lens and 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit suppresses chromatic aberration which tends to occur in telephoto shooting. When the camera is in the iA Mode, the Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the Scene Mode to one of Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait, Night Scenery or Sunset. The camera judges it from the various detection results such as focusing and brightness level of the circumstance. You are free adjusting settings every time the scene changes when taking images with these frequently used Scene Modes to get beautiful results.
Product Features
- 14.1-megapixel resolution and 1/2.33-inch CCD captures high-resolution images up to 4320 x 3240 pixels
- 16x optical zoom; 21x Intelligent Zoom function
- 24mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens system; optical image stabilization
- 3-inch TFT-LCD screen
- Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Panasonic
- Model: DMC-ZS9K
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 14.1 MP
- Optical zoom: 16 x
- Minimum focal length: 24.0
- Maximum focal length: 384.0
- Display Size: 3.0 inches
Customer Reviews
"After almost three and a half years of use, I decided it was time to
upgrade and purchase a new Panasonic Lumix camera. The only difference
that I could find between the Panasonic Lumix ZS9 and the higher priced
ZS10 was that the ZS10 has a GPS, which I didn't feel I needed. So,
after reading the many reviews for this particular Panasonic model, I
ordered it, and two days later I was on my way to Times Square and
Rockerfeller Center with my new camera, to enjoy the sights and sounds
of this holiday season. Without having time to throughly review the
detailed instructions, I put the camera into "Intelligent Mode" (and
using the "Zoom"), I started clicking away! WOW! The pictures are
bright, clear, and the colors are incredible. Using the same "mode", the
pictures I took at night of the various lighted billboards in Times
Square are fantastic. The battery life is exceptional, and lasted
through four days of day and night photos. I played around with the
various camera features, and discovered that in the "playback mode", the
still photos can be turned into videos, with music, while in the disc
inside the camera! Amazing! Also noted was the ability to add
decorative frames to the photos. I am not professional photographer, or
even a camera buff, but instead a retired grandmother who loves taking
family and vacation photos.
The price that Amazon is now selling this camera for, with all the features that it offers, is unbelievable! A few days after I purchased this camera from Amazon, the price went down and I received a credit for the difference. Yesterday, the price was cut again for the holidays, and again Amazon issued me a credit because it was within two weeks of my orginal purchase. The price, the features of this Panasonic DMC-ZS9, and Amazon's Customer Service, makes this an unbeatable value.Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black)"
The price that Amazon is now selling this camera for, with all the features that it offers, is unbelievable! A few days after I purchased this camera from Amazon, the price went down and I received a credit for the difference. Yesterday, the price was cut again for the holidays, and again Amazon issued me a credit because it was within two weeks of my orginal purchase. The price, the features of this Panasonic DMC-ZS9, and Amazon's Customer Service, makes this an unbeatable value.Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black)"
"The Lumix DMC-ZS9 is my 7th digital point & shoot and my third Panasonic ( I also own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 (Violet), and a Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 (Black)). After playing with it for a while, these are my thoughts:
PROS
- Features:
I got this camera as a lightning deal here on Amazon and was very pleasantly surprised what all it offers for the price (even when one buys it at regular price it is still impressive). There is the Leica lens, for starters. Cheaper Panasonic cameras usually do not have Leica lenses so I am very happy. Moreover, the wide-angle is 24 mm - very nice as well. Add to that the 16x optical zoom, the Power image stabilization and the ability to shoot with Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Program and Panasonic's own iA mode (Intelligent Auto mode) and a variety of more or less useful Scene modes, the HD video capability, and many other features such as Macro and Macro Zoom mode, and one really gets a full-featured, very compact camera with a quality lens for a very good price.
- Custom Modes:
I like that this camera allows me to assign two of my preferred Scene modes to positions on the dial on top of the ZS9. My DMC-FH20 also has scene modes but I cannot assign them to any buttons, etc. This is definitely progress and appreciated. I tend to mostly photograph landscapes and pets, so my MS1 (stands for My Scene Mode 1) is set to Landscape mode, MS2 to Pet mode. In addition to that, the camera allows the photographer to define custom settings with all sorts of combinations to satisfy users who want more than just take pictures with the pre-programmed scene modes.
- Scene Modes:
These include almost every scene imaginable - from Portrait / Portrait Soft Skin to Food, Party, Candlelight, Landscape, Sports etc. and gimmicks such as Transform which elongates or widens motifs/subjects. There is a scene mode there for everyone, I'm sure of it...
- Auto Focus:
Very fast and accurate. I have not had any trouble to get it to lock, even in low-light, low-contrast situations. This is something I really value in a point & shoot because few things are more frustrating than not being able to get the camera to focus on the motif.
- Easy Operation:
As mentioned above, this is my third Panasonic Lumix, so I am rather familiar with the operation of their cameras. But I think that anyone would find operating this camera rather straightforward, unless the person is a total beginner or has not had much if any experience with digital cameras. Sure, there are always instances where one would have to consult the manual, but every-day point & shoot operation should not require too much thumbing through that. Note that the hard-copy manual that comes in the box only explains the very basics. The complete user manual comes in PDF format on the CD that is in the box.
CONs (if one wants to call it that)
- As with all cameras in this price range/class, I found that image noise and general image quality is very dependent on the zoom setting, even at lower ISO settings such as ISO100. While the camera shoots very well at short focal lengths and low ISO settings, it sometimes does not so well at long (digital) focal lengths. This is not too much of an issue when printing regular 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 prints but enlarging an image that was taken at full zoom will likely be problematic. Even with the Leica lens, I do not see a noticeable improvement in image quality when comparing it to my simpler and older DMC-FH20. While disappointing, this is also to be expected, and image noise is a sensor issue anyway. There is probably not a camera in this class out there that does not have the same problem. I am only mentioning this to be comprehensive.
- Weight & Size. Don't get me wrong - the ZS9 is a small and lightweight camera but it still is bigger and heavier than for example the FH20. It is clear to me that it would have to be a bit heavier and bigger, considering the many more features the ZS9 has in comparison to the FH20. I am mentioning this only in case weight and size is the top priority for a reader. This camera is definitely not shirt-pocket material and I am not sure I'd be too comfortable carrying it in my jeans pocket either. Jacket pockets should generally be OK though ;-).
- The color/surface. Call me nit-picky, but I LOVED the brushed metal surface of my FH20 as well as the fact that it came in several colors (my choice was violet at the time). While the ZS9 looks like it is made of high quality materials, I miss the classy brushed metal look and would have preferred almost any other color over the black. But in the end this is really strictly personal preference.
SUMMARY
I am very happy with this camera. I believe it is the ideal device for my primary purpose, which is using it as a compact travel camera. As a matter of fact, the ZS8 (the almost identical twin to the ZS9) is called TZ18 in Europe, TZ standing for Travel Zoom. This best describes the area where this camera shines. It isn't an SLR and will not produce SLR quality images but for the money, convenience and the quality it provides in its class, I'd be hard pressed to find a better camera. "
PROS
- Features:
I got this camera as a lightning deal here on Amazon and was very pleasantly surprised what all it offers for the price (even when one buys it at regular price it is still impressive). There is the Leica lens, for starters. Cheaper Panasonic cameras usually do not have Leica lenses so I am very happy. Moreover, the wide-angle is 24 mm - very nice as well. Add to that the 16x optical zoom, the Power image stabilization and the ability to shoot with Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Program and Panasonic's own iA mode (Intelligent Auto mode) and a variety of more or less useful Scene modes, the HD video capability, and many other features such as Macro and Macro Zoom mode, and one really gets a full-featured, very compact camera with a quality lens for a very good price.
- Custom Modes:
I like that this camera allows me to assign two of my preferred Scene modes to positions on the dial on top of the ZS9. My DMC-FH20 also has scene modes but I cannot assign them to any buttons, etc. This is definitely progress and appreciated. I tend to mostly photograph landscapes and pets, so my MS1 (stands for My Scene Mode 1) is set to Landscape mode, MS2 to Pet mode. In addition to that, the camera allows the photographer to define custom settings with all sorts of combinations to satisfy users who want more than just take pictures with the pre-programmed scene modes.
- Scene Modes:
These include almost every scene imaginable - from Portrait / Portrait Soft Skin to Food, Party, Candlelight, Landscape, Sports etc. and gimmicks such as Transform which elongates or widens motifs/subjects. There is a scene mode there for everyone, I'm sure of it...
- Auto Focus:
Very fast and accurate. I have not had any trouble to get it to lock, even in low-light, low-contrast situations. This is something I really value in a point & shoot because few things are more frustrating than not being able to get the camera to focus on the motif.
- Easy Operation:
As mentioned above, this is my third Panasonic Lumix, so I am rather familiar with the operation of their cameras. But I think that anyone would find operating this camera rather straightforward, unless the person is a total beginner or has not had much if any experience with digital cameras. Sure, there are always instances where one would have to consult the manual, but every-day point & shoot operation should not require too much thumbing through that. Note that the hard-copy manual that comes in the box only explains the very basics. The complete user manual comes in PDF format on the CD that is in the box.
CONs (if one wants to call it that)
- As with all cameras in this price range/class, I found that image noise and general image quality is very dependent on the zoom setting, even at lower ISO settings such as ISO100. While the camera shoots very well at short focal lengths and low ISO settings, it sometimes does not so well at long (digital) focal lengths. This is not too much of an issue when printing regular 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 prints but enlarging an image that was taken at full zoom will likely be problematic. Even with the Leica lens, I do not see a noticeable improvement in image quality when comparing it to my simpler and older DMC-FH20. While disappointing, this is also to be expected, and image noise is a sensor issue anyway. There is probably not a camera in this class out there that does not have the same problem. I am only mentioning this to be comprehensive.
- Weight & Size. Don't get me wrong - the ZS9 is a small and lightweight camera but it still is bigger and heavier than for example the FH20. It is clear to me that it would have to be a bit heavier and bigger, considering the many more features the ZS9 has in comparison to the FH20. I am mentioning this only in case weight and size is the top priority for a reader. This camera is definitely not shirt-pocket material and I am not sure I'd be too comfortable carrying it in my jeans pocket either. Jacket pockets should generally be OK though ;-).
- The color/surface. Call me nit-picky, but I LOVED the brushed metal surface of my FH20 as well as the fact that it came in several colors (my choice was violet at the time). While the ZS9 looks like it is made of high quality materials, I miss the classy brushed metal look and would have preferred almost any other color over the black. But in the end this is really strictly personal preference.
SUMMARY
I am very happy with this camera. I believe it is the ideal device for my primary purpose, which is using it as a compact travel camera. As a matter of fact, the ZS8 (the almost identical twin to the ZS9) is called TZ18 in Europe, TZ standing for Travel Zoom. This best describes the area where this camera shines. It isn't an SLR and will not produce SLR quality images but for the money, convenience and the quality it provides in its class, I'd be hard pressed to find a better camera. "
