Panasonic has introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS20, the newest member of the acclaimed LUMIX ZS-Series, and, according to Panasonic, the world's slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom lens.

It boasts a powerful zoom, a 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens and the ability to shoot full-High Definition (HD). The new LUMIX ZS20 builds on the series' success as an extremely point-and-shoot model. With a newly-redesigned lens system, the LUMIX ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality.

Beyond the quality of its lens, the LUMIX ZS20 integrates an enhanced built-in GPS functionality so users can pinpoint locations where photos were taken and share with family and friends on internet maps. Map data can be installed onto the LUMIX ZS20 via a bundled DVD, giving the camera detailed worldwide maps of major regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise. 

A user can copy the map data of a designated city to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and get quick geographic information to know their location and if any landmarks are located nearby. More than one million landmarks and 82 countries/regions are covered in the bundled DVD map. 

Geo-tagged images are automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that users can literally trace their photographic journey.  Many GPS cameras show only the latitude and longitude of where a photo is taken, but the LUMIX ZS20 shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark -- all of which is saved in the EXIF data. 

Featuring a newly developed 14.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, the LUMIX ZS20 is able to provide even higher image quality compared to its predecessors, according to David Briganti, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. Coupled with the advanced image processor Venus Engine, the LUMIX ZS20 features high speed, high sensitivity image recording. High speed burst shooting at 10 fps in full resolution and Light Speed AF allows users to capture even the most fleeting photo opportunities, according to Briganti.

The digital camera offers the ability to record high-resolution, full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) format (or 30p in MP4). A 20x optical zoom with two-step zoom function is available in video recording and the iA mode assists users. A stereo zoom microphone provides videos with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. The Auto Wind Cut function helps to block out wind background noise making voices clearer, and mechanical noise caused by zooming is suppressed to improve overall video sound quality. 

In addition, the ZS20 has manual control options, allowing the user to adjust shutter speed and aperture, and 3D Photo Mode, the LUMIX ZS20 also features a variety of special effects. For users looking for a more intuitive photo experience, the LUMIX ZS20 features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which automatically activates a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change. 

The new HDR (High Dynamic Range) together with POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode, which suppresses blur from hand-shake, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Handheld Nightshot, Motion Deblur mode, Intelligent Burst mode and Intelligent Exposure allows users to point and shoot.

The LUMIX ZS20 and ZS15 will be available in March for a suggested retail price of US$349.99 and $279.99 respectively.  The LUMIX ZS20 will be available in black, red, white, and silver options; while the LUMIX ZS15 will be available in black and silver. For more on these Panasonic LUMIX models, visit http://www.panasonic.com/lumix .