I examined the ZS300 in my residence studio to verify its lens and sensor efficiency in a managed atmosphere, and likewise took it out and about to see what real-world images seemed like. I used Imatest and an SFRPlus check chart to verify the lens. At 24mm f/3.3-5.6, the ZS300 scores within the good vary for a 20MP sensor (2,100-2,200 strains), drops right down to the suitable vary (1,800-1,900 strains) in the midst of the zoom (168mm f/5.9-8), and exhibits gentle outcomes at most zoom (1,500 strains). The Sony RX100 VII lens simply beats the ZS300 for element. The Sony scores round 2,500 strains from 24-200mm, however would not have the identical zoom energy because the ZS300, and prices far more.
132mm (360mm equal), f/6.4, 1/250-second, ISO 125 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The 20MP Kind 1 sensor is finest at ISO 125-400 and exhibits solely a slight lack of distinction and effective element from ISO 800-3200. Footage are somewhat softer at ISO 6400, however nonetheless fairly usable. Tiny strains and textures in my ISO check scene blur collectively solely on the most ISO 12800 setting, however colours stay trustworthy. The ZS300’s Auto ISO is restricted to 125-3200 by default, so you will want to change to guide management or change the higher restrict to entry the very best settings.
15.4mm (42mm equal), f/4.5, 1/1,000-second, ISO 125 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The ZS300’s comparatively modest F3.3-6.4 f-stop implies that you will use it at increased ISOs in additional situations than the Sony RX100 VII (24-200mm F2.8-4.5)—the ZS300 narrows to f/4.5 at 70mm. If you happen to take a number of photos in low mild, chances are you’ll discover the Canon G7 X Mark III (24-100mm F1.8-2.8) or Sony ZV-1 (24-70mm F1.8-2.8) to be a greater match, although you will sacrifice telephoto protection solely. The RX100 VII has a greater stability of zoom energy and aperture, however comes with a premium price ticket.
30mm (82mm equal), f/4.9, 1/500-second, ISO 250 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The ZS300 sits in a distinct segment for creators who are likely to shoot throughout daytime, desire a compact digital camera that covers wide-angle and telephoto scenes, and do not need to spend an arm and a leg. I feel the ZS300’s beginning f/3.3 aperture is much less of a difficulty at present than in years previous, due to smartphones. Telephones use shiny lenses that seize extra mild and routinely merge a number of quick exposures collectively to get images in near-dark environments. If you happen to’re utilizing the ZS300 for snaps in dim mild, you will completely need to use the flash. It does an excellent job lighting up a topic in a darkish room, and provides the brilliant pop and highlights to a picture in a manner that smartphone night time shot modes and LED lights merely cannot.
The one mild on this room was from the TV behind the cat and the digital camera’s flash; 8.8mm (24mm equal), f/3.3, 1/60-second, ISO 800 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The digital camera has a wide variety of image profiles so you possibly can snap JPGs with completely different shade tones and saturation (Customized, Leica Monochrome, Monochrome, Pure, Portrait, Surroundings, Normal, Vivid), and it helps Uncooked seize for creators preferring to edit photographs in a workflow app like Adobe Lightroom Traditional. The ZS300 additionally helps in-camera enhancing. You’ll be able to reprocess any Uncooked photograph with a special profile, regulate white stability, publicity, distinction, and extra, with out counting on desktop or cellular software program.
I used the ZS300’s in-camera Uncooked processing to develop this picture utilizing the Pure (left) and Leica Monochrome (proper) profiles; 54.6mm (149mm equal), f/5.8, 1/100-second, ISO 160 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Along with the profiles, the ZS300 has shut to 2 dozen filters, together with Bleach Bypass, Cross Course of, Retro, Tough Monochrome, Sunshine, and lots of others. I had fun attempting the filters and just like the stylized end they add to photographs. There are a number of them, however with a while behind the digital camera, you will little question discover your favorites. I am disenchanted that these filters aren’t accessible for in-camera Uncooked processing, although, so you possibly can’t add them to photographs after seize. The flash is solely disabled when utilizing filters, too, which is a curious omission.
Clockwise from prime left, the identical scene with Retro, Sunshine, Spectacular Artwork, and Cross Course of filters; 20.4mm (56mm equal), f/6.1, 1/400-second, ISO 125 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
