A Tiny Rangefinder Camera – the Lumix TZ80 – ZS60

5 minutes read time

Tiny Powerhouse or Overstretched Toy? My Thoughts on the Panasonic TZ80 / ZS60

A little over a year ago, the idea of buying a compact camera with a motorized zoom would’ve made me laugh—and not in a good way. I’d had enough bad experiences with small-sensor compacts that I didn’t want to go near one again. That changed when I picked up a Leica D-Lux Type 109. Not only did it shift my perspective, it reignited my curiosity about what tiny cameras might still be capable of—if you picked the right one.

If you’ve followed my previous quests for the “perfect tiny camera,” you’ll know how deep I dove into Olympus territory—trying to shrink everything down to the bare minimum. Cameras like the E-PM1 were certainly small, but even the tiniest Micro Four Thirds lens still stuck out like a sore thumb. True pocketability always felt just out of reach.

Enter Leica. Or rather—Panasonic in Leica clothing. Discovering the C-Lux line (essentially rebadged Panasonic cameras) opened new doors. The C-Lux is based on the ZS200, which comes with a 1-inch sensor and a very usable 24–360mm zoom (in 35mm equivalent). But that’s not where I stopped. The older ZS series also includes models with smaller 1/2.3″ sensors, and one in particular caught my eye: the Panasonic TZ80, also known as the ZS60 depending on where you live. It boasts an impressive 24–720mm equivalent zoom lens and carries a Leica DC Vario-Elmar badge for good measure.

Now, for a camera to earn a spot in my “Tiny Camera” category, it needs to check a few specific boxes:

• Rangefinder-style body with a built-in EVF
• A lens that doesn’t protrude like a bazooka (in other words: truly pocketable)
• A zoom range that’s actually useful
• Image quality that’s good enough

Specs are one thing. Real-world use is another. A small sensor comes with its compromises—but there’s something liberating about a camera so compact you’ll never think twice about bringing it along. And sometimes, the best shot is the one you could actually take.

So, for just over €200, I grabbed a well-kept TZ80 on eBay. What do you get? An 18MP sensor, a 24–720mm zoom range, a surprisingly sharp EVF, and a whole list of features packed into a camera that weighs less than 300g. It’s light, it’s small, and it fits in a coat pocket. Perfect for day trips, quick snapshots, or as a discreet travel companion when you want to go unnoticed.

Sure, I’ve only got one battery at the moment—but the camera charges via micro-USB. Would USB-C have been better? Obviously. But it works, and that’s what matters. Plug it into a power bank, slip it into your jacket or backpack, and you’re good to go. No need for bulky chargers on the road.

I briefly considered doing a head-to-head comparison with the Leica D-Lux 109, but quickly realized that would be like racing a moped against a touring bike. Instead, I’ll be sharing a few sample shots here and over on La Gallerie for those curious.

To give you a better idea of what this camera can do in terms of image quality and zoom range, I’ve included three sample shots below: one at 26mm, one at 76mm, and one at the maximum zoom—720mm – all uncroped.

It might be hard to spot in the widest frame, but if you look at the middle image (around 75mm), you’ll notice a couple standing to the right of a group of three people. The man on the left has his arm raised to his forehead, shielding his eyes from the sun. In the final shot, fully zoomed in, you can clearly see that little gesture.

The camera does have optical image stabilization, but let’s be honest—handholding a 720mm shot is still a challenge. Even with stabilization, keeping things steady at full zoom takes some effort (and luck).

Final thoughts?
Am I blown away by this camera? Not quite. It has potential, but you clearly feel its limitations—and its fragility. The zoom range is astonishing, but image quality suffers the further you push it, especially at the long end. Startup and shutdown are a bit sluggish. The image output is absolutely fine for web use and quick documentation, but don’t expect miracles at 720mm.

Still, as an ultra-portable all-in-one, it’s more capable than a smartphone in many ways—and sits on par in terms of output. Would I buy it again? Probably not. If image quality is your priority, something like the Leica D-Lux 109 or one of its later siblings makes more sense. But if what you’re after is a true pocket camera with some reach—this one has its place.

Panasonic TZ80 / ZS60 – Quick Specs

• Released: January 5, 2016
• 18MP 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor
• ISO 80–3200 (expandable to 6400)
• 24–720mm f/3.3–6.4 Leica zoom lens
• Optical Image Stabilization
• 3.0″ fixed LCD screen
• 1166k-dot EVF
• 10fps continuous shooting
• 4K UHD video (3840×2160)
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Dimensions: 112 x 64 x 38 mm
• Weight: 282g

More pictures at my gallerie – click below: