Panasonic is recommitting to the point-and-shoot camera format with the unveiling of a new ZS99, a successor to the ZS80 and ZS80D, as the format gains popularity, although manufacturers have mostly stopped producing new models.

The ZS99 (known as the TZ99 in some regions) is intended to be a tiny, pocketable camera with excellent image quality and a wide zoom range. The new ZS99, however, is not much different from prior models and acts as a slight refresh of the format. However, a fresh release keeps the camera on production lines and demonstrates Panasonic’s support for the rekindled love of point-and-shoot cameras.

The ZS99 retains the same sensor, lens, image stabilization, focus mechanism, rear 1,840K dot display, and video options as its predecessor while adding some new features. For example, the ZS99 allows vertical video shooting (the camera detects vertical orientation) and displays the “REC” red frame signal when recording. Additionally, the camera has been updated to enable Bluetooth V5, and the micro USB connector has been upgraded to USB-C.

Panasonic also included a “Send Image” button on the camera body, in addition to the previous in-menu method.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) for $499.99 in mid-February 2025.