Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 and DMC-ZS8 offer 16x zoom

Successor to the popular ZS series of compact ultrazooms, the Lumix ZS10 and ZS8 offer big zoom lenses and HD video recording. The ZS10 will include a built-in GPS for instant geo-tagging.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10
The ZS10 edges past its ZS7 predecessor, offering a 24mm wide angle lens with a 16x optical zoom. The ZS7 offered a 12x optical zoom. The ZS10 will offer a 3.0-inch touchscreen and Panasonic's new 3D mode. This function will capture 20 images at a high burst rate and automatically select the best two to merge into one 3D file. Photos can be viewed in 3D on a compatible 3D HDTV, not on the camera's own LCD.

A 14.1 megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with a Venus Engine FHD processor makes full HD video recording and 10 fps full-resolution burst shooting possible. Panasonic claims that the new Sonic Speed AF system is 49% faster than the ZS7. A built-in GPS system tags photos with location data.

Battery life is rated at 260 shots, and the 3.0-inch touch display has 460k-dots of resolution. The ZS10 supports touch shutter and touch focus with tracking.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
The ZS8 offers the same optics as the ZS10, though it won't have 3D mode, a touchscreen, or the same high-speed burst mode as its step-up brother. It will offer 720p HD video.

Both models include optical image stabilization and manual exposure controls.

Pricing and availability
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 and Lumix DMC-ZS8 will be available in March. Pricing has not been announced; Panasonic will release prices 30 days before the cameras ship.