OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Cameras Methodology v1.0
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Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45 Review | 108 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200Sensor size:1/2.3"Weight:249 gBattery life (CIPA):350 shots

Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

90%

4.6

Technical score

10%

7.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 59% of cameras
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

28%

4.5

Sensor & Image

25%

4.3

Photo Features

18%

3.9

Video & Audio

14%

5.7

Display & Design

8%

5.5

Battery & Power

7%

5.0

Connectivity & Storage

â–¼Worse than 65% of cameras
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on 289 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 80% of cameras
  • panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs45
panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs45

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

28%

4.5

Sensor & Image

25%

4.3

Photo Features

18%

3.9

Video & Audio

14%

5.7

Display & Design

8%

5.5

Battery & Power

7%

5.0

Connectivity & Storage

4.6
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on 289 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Popularity:
Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45 has a popularity score of 7.7, which is higher than 73.4% of cameras.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components:

60%

5.0

Overall score

40%

9.5

Price

6.3
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor size
1/2.3"
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This camera uses a sensor classified as 1/2.3"; it is smaller than the sensor in 60.5% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 38.1% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
16.1 MP
Main camera megapixels
16.1 MP
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This camera has a sensor resolution of 16.1 MP, which is lower than that of 53.3% of cameras and equal to that of 7.9% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
1.33 µm
Main camera pixel size
1.33 µm
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 1.33 µm, which are smaller than those in 88.2% of cameras and the same size as those in 3.6% of cameras.
Base ISO
100
Base ISO
100
â–¼ Worse than 28% of models
Market range: <80 – >200
This camera has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 19.9% of cameras and equal to that of 52.4% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 3200 ISO
Max ISO
ISO 3,200
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3,200, which is lower than that of 62.9% of cameras and equal to that of 22.7% of cameras.
Show more
Lens mount
N/A
Built-in focus motor
no
Built-in focus motor
no
â–¼ Worse than 11% of models
This camera does not have a built-in focus motor. 11% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
21
N. of focus points
21
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <9 – >399
This camera has 21 focus points, fewer than the number offered by 55.5% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 0.2% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
â–¼ Worse than 37% of models
This camera does not support phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.5% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
AF tracking
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
Show more
Max video resolution
1920 px
Max video resolution
1920 px
â–² Better than 29% of models
This camera supports 1920 px video recording which is higher quality than that of 28.7% of cameras and equal to that of 47.1% of cameras.
Video bitrate
20 Mbps
Video bitrate
20 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
This camera has a video bitrate of 20 Mbps which is lower than that of 70.7% of cameras and equal to that of 3.9% of cameras.
Video bit depth
8 bit
Video bit depth
8 bit
â–¼ Worse than 12% of models
This camera supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 69.9% of cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Show more
Type
compact
Weight
249 g
Weight
249 g
â–² Better than 69% of models
Market range: <142 g – >812 g
This camera weighs 249 g which is lighter than 68.6% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.1% of cameras.
Width
108 mm
Width
108 mm
â–² Better than 70% of models
Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
This camera has a width of 108 mm which is narrower than 69.7% of cameras and equal to that of 1.1% of cameras.
Height
60 mm
Height
60 mm
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
This camera has a height of 60 mm which is shorter than 78.2% of cameras and equal to that of 1.4% of cameras.
Thickness
32 mm
Thickness
32 mm
â–² Better than 74% of models
Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
This camera has a thickness of 32 mm which is thinner than 73.7% of cameras and equal to that of 0.8% of cameras.
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
350 shots
Battery life (CIPA)
350 shots
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
This camera has a CIPA-rated battery life of 350 shots, which is longer than that of 54.5% of cameras and equal to that of 5% of cameras.
Battery capacity
1,250 mAh
Battery capacity
1,250 mAh
â–² Better than 60% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
This camera has a battery capacity of 1,250 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 60.4% of cameras and equal to those in 3.9% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This camera has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This camera supports Wi-Fi. This feature is available on 47.8% of cameras.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
â–² Better than 54% of models
This camera uses Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) which is newer than that of 54.2% of cameras and equal to that of 35.6% of cameras.
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45 vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • 4.3 fps faster mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    10 fps
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a faster mechanical burst than the average camera (10 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    10 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This camera supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 47.8% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
  • Smartphone remote control
    Smartphone remote control
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This camera supports smartphone remote control, the average camera does not. 46.2% of cameras support smartphone remote control.
    via Panasonic Image App
  • Built-in timelapse
    Timelapse function
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • 0.08 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    0.078 GB
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >0.07 GB
    This camera has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0.1 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.
    0.078 GB vs 0 GB
  • 146 g lighter
    Weight
    249 g
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <142 g – >812 g
    This camera is lighter than the average camera (249 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    249 g vs 395 g
  • 13.9 mm shorter body
    Height
    60 mm
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
    This camera is shorter than the average camera (60 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    60 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • In-camera panorama mode
    In-camera panorama mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes an in-camera panorama mode, the average camera does not.
  • 146 g lighter
    Weight
    249 g
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <142 g – >812 g
    This camera is lighter than the average camera (249 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    249 g vs 395 g
  • 13.9 mm shorter body
    Height
    60 mm
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
    This camera is shorter than the average camera (60 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    60 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 14 mm thinner
    Thickness
    32 mm
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
    This camera is thinner than the average camera (32 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    32 mm vs 46 mm
  • 11.9 mm narrower
    Width
    108 mm
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
    This camera is narrower than the average camera (108 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    108 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • 2 newer
    Release date
    2015
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera is newer than the average camera (2015 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
    April 2015
    2,015 vs 2,013
  • 4.3 fps faster mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    10 fps
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a faster mechanical burst than the average camera (10 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    10 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • In-camera panorama mode
    In-camera panorama mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes an in-camera panorama mode, the average camera does not.
  • Built-in timelapse
    Timelapse function
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • 130 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,250 mAh
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
    This camera has a higher battery capacity than the average camera (1250 mAh vs 1120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1120 mAh.
    1,250 mAh vs 1,120 mAh
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This camera supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 47.8% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
  • Smartphone remote control
    Smartphone remote control
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This camera supports smartphone remote control, the average camera does not. 46.2% of cameras support smartphone remote control.
    via Panasonic Image App
  • 0.08 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    0.078 GB
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >0.07 GB
    This camera has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0.1 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.
    0.078 GB vs 0 GB
  • Smaller sensor
    Sensor size
    1/2.3"
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This camera has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).
    1/2.3" vs APS-C
  • 2.01 µm smaller sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    1.33 µm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    1.33 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • No hot shoe
    Hot shoe
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This camera does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (1 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • No RAW photo capture
    RAW photo capture
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This camera does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 62.8% of cameras support RAW formats.
  • 18,900 ISO lower extended sensitivity limit
    Max expanded ISO
    6,400 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <3.2k ISO – >102.4k ISO
    This camera has a lower expanded ISO than the average camera (6400 ISO vs 25300 ISO). The average camera reaches an expanded ISO of 25300 ISO.
    6,400 ISO vs 25,300 ISO
  • No manual focus mode
    Manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This camera does not support manual focus, the average camera does. 71.7% of cameras include a manual focus mode.
  • 3,200 ISO lower maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    3,200 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >40k ISO
    This camera has a lower maximum sensitivity than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • 1.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45
    the average camera
    Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45 has a lower user score than the average camera (7.91 vs 8.000).
    7.91 vs 8
  • No hot shoe
    Hot shoe
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This camera does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
  • Smaller sensor
    Sensor size
    1/2.3"
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This camera has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).
    1/2.3" vs APS-C
  • 2.01 µm smaller sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    1.33 µm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    1.33 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • 18,900 ISO lower extended sensitivity limit
    Max expanded ISO
    6,400 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <3.2k ISO – >102.4k ISO
    This camera has a lower expanded ISO than the average camera (6400 ISO vs 25300 ISO). The average camera reaches an expanded ISO of 25300 ISO.
    6,400 ISO vs 25,300 ISO
  • 3,200 ISO lower maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    3,200 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >40k ISO
    This camera has a lower maximum sensitivity than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    16.1 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • No RAW photo capture
    RAW photo capture
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This camera does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 62.8% of cameras support RAW formats.
  • No manual focus mode
    Manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This camera does not support manual focus, the average camera does. 71.7% of cameras include a manual focus mode.
  • 26 s shorter maximum exposure
    Longest shutter speed
    4 s
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <4 s – >1.8k s
    This camera supports a shorter maximum exposure than the average camera (4 s s vs 30 s s). The average camera supports a longest shutter speed of 30 s s.
    4 s vs 30 s
  • 1 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (1 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 10 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    20 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
    This camera has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (20 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    20 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.3
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This camera uses HDMI 1.3, while the average camera uses HDMI 1.4.
    1.3 vs 1.4

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
tomsguide.com
07/04/2015
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix ZS45 Camera Review: Powerful Pocket Zoom
T
techradar.com
30/03/2015
Summary of the review
Panasonic TZ57 (ZS45) review | TechRadar
E
ephotozine.com
26/01/2015
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix TZ57 Review

Third-party reviews

Based on 289 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45

  • Compact and lightweight pocket-sized body convenient for travel
  • Powerful 20x optical zoom lens with effective optical image stabilization
  • Flip-up 180-degree tilting LCD screen ideal for selfies and vlogging
  • Built-in Wi-Fi functionality for quick image sharing and remote control
  • Excellent battery life yielding up to 350 shots per single charge
  • Fast startup speed and responsive 10 fps burst shooting performance
  • Good daylight photo quality with punchy colors and bright details
  • Fun automatic features like wink-activated shutter and soft skin filters

What we don't like about Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45

  • Lackluster video performance that produces soft footage in 1080p
  • No RAW shooting capability, limiting exposure recovery and post-processing
  • Small 1/2.33-inch image sensor that struggles significantly in low-light environments
  • Autofocus mechanism tends to hunt or lose tracking while recording video
  • Lacks an eye-level electronic viewfinder, making the screen hard to read in bright sunlight
  • No touch-screen interface functionality despite the tilting monitor design
  • The camera cannot record video and charge its battery simultaneously
  • Lacks any environmental weather sealing against dust and moisture protection
  • Highly sensitive, peaky internal microphone that easily picks up unwanted ambient noise

Verdict

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 is a compact travel zoom camera featuring a 16-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor paired with a powerful 20x optical zoom lens (24-480mm equivalent) and POWER O.I.S. for image stabilisation. Its standout characteristics include a 3-inch, 1.04-million dot tilting LCD screen that flips 180 degrees for self-portraits, built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and sharing, and Full HD 1080/30p video recording. Main pros include its highly portable 249g lightweight body, user-friendly interface with manual exposure modes (P/A/S/M), and a decent battery life of approximately 350 shots per charge. However, notable cons include the lack of RAW format support, limited low-light performance due to a maximum ISO of 3200 (6400 in high sensitivity mode) and f/3.3-6.4 aperture range, and the absence of a touchscreen or 4K video capability.

Compare Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS45 with other products in the Cameras category

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