Panasonic Lumix TZ300 Digital Camera Body - Dark Silver

Panasonic refreshes its compact-zoom series with the release of the LUMIX TZ300. Retaining the 20.1MP sensor and 24-360mm equivalent 15x zoom, it delivers a familiar balance of reach and image quality, with updated connectivity and in-camera controls to better support travel photographers. 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. maintains stability at longer focal lengths, while 4K video and high-speed Full HD at 120 fps pair detailed footage and slow-motion playback for well-executed content creation.

Panasonic LUMIX TZ300 Digital Camera Body Key Features:

• Premium TZ-series compact camera with 15x zoom range
• Pocket-sized design for travel and everyday photography
• 20.1MP 1-type BSI CMOS sensor with improved low-light performance
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens covers a 24-360mm equivalent focal range
• 13-element optical construction includes aspherical and ED elements
• f3.3-6.4 aperture for stable exposure from wide to telephoto
• Up to 10fps burst shooting (AFS) and 6fps with continuous autofocus
• 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. stabilisation reduces shake during handheld video
• 4K video records up to 30p at 100Mbps in MP4 format
• 4K PHOTO modes capture 30fps sequences for frame extraction
• High-speed Full HD records at 120fps for slow-motion playback
• Contrast AF system includes Face/Eye detection and 49-area coverage
• Post Focus and Focus Stacking allow focus adjustment after capture
• 3.0-inch 1.84M-dot touchscreen LCD offers full-area touch control
• Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi support connectivity for transferring data
• USB Type-C port enables direct in-camera charging

What’s new?

The LUMIX TZ300 brings Panasonic’s pocket-sized TZ line into the contemporary compact camera market with updates to connectivity and control. Following directly on from the TZ200, the TZ300 features a 20.1MP 1-type BSI CMOS sensor and 24-360mm equivalent 15x zoom. With the same internal architecture as its predecessor, image quality, depth of field, and overall rendering remain unchanged, providing a familiar balance between reach and resolution.

What has changed is how the camera operates. Panasonic has upgraded the TZ300 with Bluetooth 5.0 for a more stable connection during image transfers and remote control, and USB-C replaces Micro-USB charging, allowing the camera to use the same power sources as newer devices. Touch controls and in-camera options have also been expanded, including additional Creative Control modes and more direct access to focus and exposure settings. The result is the same output, with a more straightforward and up-to-date shooting experience that requires less time navigating menus.

24-360mm equivalent 15x optical zoom

The TZ300 features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 24-360mm equivalent focal range. This expansive range gives users ample flexibility for composition, with a wide field of view at one end and telephoto reach at the other. For consistent sharpness across this range, the optical construction uses 13 elements in 11 groups, including aspherical and ED elements to control distortion and chromatic aberration. In combination with the variable f3.3-6.4 aperture, this lens strikes the balance needed for a compact zoom and is particularly beneficial for travel and street photographers who shift between subjects.

4K video and 4K PHOTO

Although compact, the TZ300 records 4K video at 3840 × 2160 up to 30p, with enough detail to support cropping and reframing. Full HD recording is available up to 60p, while high-speed video records at up to 120fps for slow-motion playback. 4K PHOTO uses the same system to record 30 frames per second in short bursts, with individual frames selectable as still images. This feature is particularly useful for timing, allowing users to select key moments in post rather than relying on precise timing at the point of shooting.

Autofocus and stabilisation

The TZ300’s contrast-detection autofocus system supports AFS, AFF, and AFC modes, with Face and Eye detection, subject tracking, and full-area touch control, allowing users to position their focus point directly within the frame. These controls provide flexibility between single-shot precision and continuous adjustment when working with moving subjects. Post Focus and Focus Stacking extend this control by recording multiple focus distances in a single sequence, allowing users to select the focus point after capture or combine them to increase depth of field when working close to a subject.

To help users maintain high precision, the 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. system compensates for camera movement during handheld shooting, keeping framing stable at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds. Combined with the autofocus system, this helps maintain consistent focus and composition without additional accessories.

Control and connectivity

Alongside its automated features, the TZ300 provides a range of tools for more direct input and creative control. A 3.0-inch 1.84M-dot touchscreen lets you set focus, exposure, and shutter release directly within the frame using Touch AF, Touch AE, and Touch Shutter. Creative Control and Scene Guide modes build on this by offering a range of in-camera looks and preset configurations, allowing users to shape contrast, tone, and colour at the point of capture.

Once those creative choices are finalised, Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi allow users to connect to a smartphone or tablet for image transfer and remote shooting. USB Type-C supports in-camera charging using standard power sources, allowing the camera to remain powered through longer shooting sessions without interruption.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Panasonic LUMIX TZ300 Digital Camera Body
• 1 x Battery Pack
• 1 x Hand Strap

Panasonic Lumix TZ300 Digital Camera Body Product Video:

FAQs:

How does the TZ300 compare to the TZ200?

If you’ve used the Panasonic LUMIX TZ200, the TZ300 will feel very familiar in terms of image quality and zoom. Both cameras use the same 1-type sensor and 24-360mm equivalent 15x lens. The TZ300 differs in how it operates, with Bluetooth 5.0 for easier file sharing and standardised USB-C charging. Touch controls and in-camera options are also expanded, including a wider range of Creative filters, more direct touch-based functions such as Touch AF and Touch Shutter, and an extended ISO range for greater flexibility in changing light.

Does stabilisation work for 4K video recording?

The 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. system operates during standard video recording but does not provide full 5-axis compensation in 4K. For 4K video recording, users will need to rely on stable handling or optional stabilisers, particularly at longer focal lengths.

Can I use the TZ300 for macro photography?

Yes. For standard focusing, the camera focuses from 50 cm at the wide end and 100 cm at the telephoto end. In AF Macro, Manual Focus, Intelligent Auto, and Motion Picture modes, the minimum distance reduces to 3 cm at the wide end, allowing close-up subjects to fill the frame. Focus Stacking is also available, which can extend the depth of field for close-up subjects.

How do Optical Zoom, Extra Optical Zoom, and Digital Zoom differ?

Optical zoom uses the full 15x lens range, maintaining image quality throughout the zoom range. Extra Optical Zoom extends this to 21x at 10MP and up to 30x at 5MP by cropping the sensor at lower resolutions. Intelligent Zoom also reaches up to 30x by using digital processing to extend the zoom range while controlling loss of detail. Digital Zoom increases magnification up to 4x, but is limited to 2x when used alongside Intelligent Zoom, resulting in a more noticeable reduction in image detail.

What is Post Focus and Focus Stacking?

Post Focus uses Panasonic’s 4K-based system to capture a short sequence while shifting focus across different distances. Focus Stacking builds on this by combining multiple focus points into a single image, increasing the depth of field. These features are particularly useful for close-up subjects, where keeping the entire subject sharp in a single shot is difficult.

How good is the TZ300’s battery life?

The battery is rated for approximately 360 images under CIPA conditions. Actual performance varies with use, particularly when shooting video or using wireless features. However, the introduction of USB-C charging allows the camera to be recharged in-body between shoots.