The past few top-of-the-line ZS models from Panasonic have been very good, but the Lumix DMC-ZS20 finally makes it over to excellent. The lens is nice, but it's really the overall combination of features, improved low-light photo and video quality, and fast shooting performance that takes it up a...

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 is a very capable travel zoom camera that I enjoy using. Panasonic has improved the image quality to the point where I can now recommend the ZS20 (which was not the case for its predecessor), though it still needs some work.

The Lumix ZS20 / TZ30 represents a decent upgrade over its predecessor, addressing its biggest issue and further enhancing its core capabilities in a body that's slimmer too. As such it regains the Highly Recommended award lost last year due to image quality.

The Panasonic ZS20 isn't the perfect compact ultrazoom, but it's an excellent travel companion with a 20x lens, on-board GPS and manual exposure controls for enthusiasts.

For me, the image quality with the ZS20 makes this one of the best point and shoot cameras around. However, that price tag is a little tough to justify, unless you really need a big zoom lens or a GPS unit.