LCD and Viewfinder
Panasonic ZS20 has a Fixed Type 3″ LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.
LCD is
Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.
ZS20 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Fujifilm X30 (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (Lumix DC-TZ90) (Compare). If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.
Max Shutter speed
Panasonic ZS20 can shoot continuously at max speed of 10 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.
Flash
Unfortunately ZS20 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.
Focusing
Panasonic ZS20 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 23 points to choose from.
Video Features
With Panasonic ZS20, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and save in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Full HD resolution of Panasonic ZS20 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.
ZS20 also a high speed mode where it captures videos at 220 fps for ultra slow motion videos. ZS20 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
Panasonic ZS20 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Fujifilm X30 or Olympus XZ-2 iHS in a similar price range.
Connectivity and Storage
You can connect ZS20 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.
Battery Panasonic ZS20 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 260 according to CIPA standards.
Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.
Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Panasonic ZS20 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.
Panasonic ZS20 Features Compared to Main Competitors
Lowest Price
Current Lowest price for Panasonic ZS20 is $349.00