Panasonic’s newest superzoom camera, the Lumix DMC-FZ270, is an impressive feat of lens design. The company has managed to squeeze a 60x zoom into a compact bridge-style body, bettering other models that offer 50x zoom ratios. It matches the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300, and Fufjifilm FinePix SL1000—the trio of 50x cameras on the market—in terms of telephoto reach at 1,200mm, but its 20mm wide-angle field captures a wider perspective than any of those cameras can manage.

The FZ70 uses a 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor, the same size found in most superzoom and compact cameras, with a 16-megapixel resolution. The lens is a power zoom design, controlled by the rocker that surrounds the shutter release. The lens is a 20-1,200mm f/2.8-5.9 (35mm equivalent) design, and it features image stabilization. There’s an eye-level EVF, as well as a 3-inch rear LCD, for image framing and review. A hot shoe adorns the top of the camera; you can use it to mount an external flash. Of course there’s a flash built-in, as well as a stereo microphone. The mic has a windscreen and supports Dolby Digital audio capture. Video is recorded in up to 1080i60 quality in AVCHD or MP4 format.

We had some hands-on time with the camera. It wasn’t a production model, so we aren’t able to share any of the photos that we used. Shooting from a Manhattan rooftop, I was able to comfortably and tightly frame a distant water tower at the full 1,200mm focal length setting. The image stabilization system was good enough to allow me to frame the photo as I desired and fire off a handheld shot with tight, accurate framing. The narrow aperture at the long end of the range wasn’t an issue, as it was a very bright day.

There’s an EVF, but it’s not the best quality. Its resolution is only 202k dots, which pales in comparison to those found in high-end cameras. It’s good enough for image framing, but definitely not on the same level as the 1,312k-dot EVF found on Panasonic’s excellent FZ200( at Amazon)(Opens in a new window). The rear LCD is 3 inches in size and packs a 460k-dot resolution. It was bright enough to use on the rooftop, but if you’re shooting at telephoto distances you’ll find that it’s easier to get a sharp, properly framed photo via the EVF.

We’ll follow-up with a more extensive review when we’re able to get some time with the final version of the FZ70. It will go on sale on September 1st for $399.99.