Panasonic DMC-FZ150K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
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Brand | Panasonic |
Model Name | Panasonic DMC-FZ150K |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.1 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Form Factor | SLR-like (bridge) |
About this item
- Leica DC Vario- Elmarit 24x Zoom Lens
- Shoot 3D images and view on your 3D capable TV
- 3 inch free-angle 460K dot resolution LCD screen
- Sensor: 1/2.3 Inch CMOS
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cameraLUMIXFZ150,originalbattery,charger,VIVITAR multi coated polarized filter,lens cap,2extra battery wiht charger,carryng case.
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Price | $181.99$181.99 | $185.41$185.41 | $159.99$159.99 | $597.99$597.99 | -12% $440.00$440.00 New Price: $497.99 | $179.00$179.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | — | Get it Apr 2 - 4 | Get it Apr 2 - 4 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Zoom | 4.6 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.2 | — |
Image stabilization | 4.4 | 3.8 | — | 4.8 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
Auto focus | 4.2 | — | — | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Picture quality | — | 3.8 | 4.3 | — | 3.0 | 3.9 |
Sold By | Good Buy Products | Amazon.com | NIKICAM DIRECT | Focus Camera LLC | Digital Village | Digital Village |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 4 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | zoom | Telephoto | Fixed | Telephoto, Wide Angle | Zoom | Zoom |
zoom type | Optical, Digital | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | — | — | Optical Zoom |
shooting modes | Landscape | Panorama, Automatic, Easy | Manual | Automatic, Movie, Panorama | — | High-sensitivity, soft snap, portrait, landscape, night portrait, night scene, gourmet, beach, snow, fireworks, pet and party |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | wired, wireless | USB, Wi-Fi | USB | Wi-Fi | USB |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | 1080p | 4K UHD 2161p | 4K UHD 2160p | 4K UHD 2160p | HD 720p |
What's in the box
Product Description
Product Description
The 12.1-megapixel DMC-FZ150K continues a long line of great hybrid digital cameras from Panasonic by giving you more options not only in how you take pictures, but including the ability for full HD 1920x1080 60p AVCHD movie recording. The camera's 24x Leica DC Vario- Elmarit lens system featuring two aspherical lenses, three aspherical surfaces, three ED elements, and one Nano Surface Coated Lens gives you more options for framing both your photos and movies, and the intelligent auto shooting mode allows you to take great worry free photos and movies. A new High Sensitivity MOS imaging chip, hybrid digital camera technology, and an improved processing engine make sure that you're able to capture photos and movies in the moment by reducing shutter lag and increasing burst shooting potential. Add in a bevy of scene options, movie color modes, and an anti-glare treated 3.0" LCD view screen and you've got one incredible package in digital camera form! And it shoots 3D still images that can be viewed on your 3D compatible TV.File Formats Still Images: JPEG, RAW. Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.Battery Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2VDC, 895mAh.
From the Manufacturer
The LUMIX DMC-FZ150 is fully equipped with a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a powerful 24x Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) available for shooting both stills and videos. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ150 has two of Panasonic's newest features – newly advanced Nano Surface Coating technology which helps minimize light reflection that causes ghost and flare – and the new 3D Photo Mode.
As the top-end model of LUMIX's popular FZ series, the FZ150 combines a new 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the renowned Venus Engine giving the camera high-performance image recording capability in both higher light sensitivity and speed. And as a step-up from the recently announced LUMIX FZ47's 1920 x 1080 60i video feature, the FZ150 realizes 1920 x 1080 60p Full-HD AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. It is also possible to take still images while recording video simultaneously (3.5-megapixel) and the powerful 24x optical zoom is available in video recording. The FZ150 incorporates a stereo zoom microphone with a Wind Cut function, so that videos come with high-quality stereo sound through Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator.
The Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 sec never misses fleeting photo opportunities. To encourage step-up users to enjoy shooting even more, full manual control is available with the FZ150. Users can enjoy image shooting while expressing their intention not only in photos but also in video, utilizing a host of options including the new Creative Control and Photo Style with a wide variety of preset options. The effective hand-shake correction system POWER O.I.S. now gains Active mode, which helps to record stable video even if shot while walking.
The LUMIX's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode powerfully assists in any shooting situations to get the best results. Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FZ150 extending the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x, maintaining the picture quality while combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical zoom can virtually extend to a 32x equivalent. Not only drawing near the subject that is far away with its powerful optical zoom, the 25mm ultra wide angle lens captures approx.196% wider angle of view compared with a standard 35mm camera. This is helpful for shooting dynamic landscape or indoor group portrait.
The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is also available in video recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent D-range Control also support shooting beautiful videos with ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation, to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent D-range Control makes images look more natural by preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights to optimize the exposure for each part of an image. It also ensures a beautiful reproduction of gradation and details.
A new 12-Megapixel High Sensibility MOS sensor pursuing Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed has been incorporated along with the renowned Venus Engine enabling the FZ150 to excel in image processing power. The combination of these powerful components results in the S/N ratio improvement by 3.9dB (ISO 100) to 4.7dB (ISO1600) compared with the predecessor – the FZ100. Newly developed Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the picture. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark part and low frequency noise in the light part are suppressed even in a picture. As a result, Images recorded in low-lit situations are now dramatically clear.
The Venus Engine has a quad-circuit system for processing large amount of progressive Full HD data at high speed. Not only 1920 x 1080 60p smooth Full-HD video recording, but also super fast consecutive shots at 12 fps (without auto focusing) and 5.5 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. It is also compatible with recording high-speed video at 220fps in QVGA. At the same time, the multi-task image- processing engine, the Venus Engine, realizes a super-fast response time. The auto focus gains approx. 50% faster speed compared with the FZ100, achieving Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second. The speed in AF Tracking also becomes faster, thanks to the improved tracking performance which doubles its sampling frequency.
The FZ150 provides the new Creative Control mode with a selection of artistic effect modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. In addition, Photo Style is newly added to the FZ150 for the expression of finer nuance. It has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets, while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each.
As a further step-up from the FZ47, the FZ150 is equipped with a hot shoe allowing attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220 / FL360 / FL500). The FZ150 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.
The newly-added 3D Photo mode takes 20 panning shots and then the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can then be viewed on any VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment.
Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 include:
- Motion Deblur Mode, which helps to prevent blur.
- Intelligent Handheld Nightshot Mode, which generates beautiful night scenery with illumination by layering multiple images shot consecutively.
- PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.5 BD Edition Software makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored on the PC with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. Recorded videos can be edited with the Short Movie Story function and written into MPEG2 to burn onto a Blu-ray or DVD disc.
What Is In The Box:
Panasonic DMC-FZ150K Digital Camera, Battery, Battery Charger, Instruction Manual, CD
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Single, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 460,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 12.1 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.1 MP |
JPEG quality level | Normal |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Video Capture Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG-4 |
Viewfinder Magnification | 24 Multiplier X |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fully-articulated |
Flash Memory Installed Size | 70 |
---|---|
Batteries Required? | Yes |
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Battery Life | 410 Photos |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Audio Input | Microphone |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 12 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Memory Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Skill Level | Professional |
Form Factor | SLR-like (bridge) |
Hardware Interface | SDHC, SDXC |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 24 |
Digital Zoom | 4 |
Zoom Type | Optical, Digital |
Autofocus Points | 23 |
Compatible Mountings | Micro Four Thirds |
Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 600 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 25 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 3200 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Landscape |
Model Name | Panasonic DMC-FZ150K |
---|---|
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Number | DMC-FZ150K |
Customer Reviews |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #465,819 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #3,387 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B005HQ50SO |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Battery Charger, Battery |
Specification Met | No |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.88 x 3.62 x 3.23 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.16 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
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Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, quality and focus of the digital camera. For example, they mention it takes wonderful macro images, has excellent resolution, and does a decent job taking photos and videos. That said, they appreciate the autofocus system that is blindingly fast and accurate. That, and the fact that the menu system is pretty easy to understand and navigate. That being said, customers are happy with the zoom range.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the camera. They mention that it takes wonderful macro images, has excellent resolution, and good zoom and auto focus. They also say that the photos are beautiful, even under difficult conditions. Customers are impressed with the HD video quality, saying that it's top-notch. They're able to take excellent close-ups, and extreme close- ups. Overall, customers are happy with the quality of this digital camera.
"...I was able to take a great macro shot of a remote control from a couple inches away, as well as of a trophy from 10 feet away...." Read more
"...The picture quality is so good even now that most of the time I prefer using the FZ150 to my Canon T1i and Canon 18-200is which is no slouch...." Read more
"...This camera offers fine quality photos that meet all of my expectations, an ample zoom range that covers more range than multiple lenses for my DSLRs..." Read more
"...The HD video quality is top-notch. Very impressive. I love the camera's ability to zoom and refocus while capturing movies...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it is a very flexible camera, has excellent video recording, and does a decent job taking photos and videos. Some say that the HD recording is exceptional. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...daylight scenery shots was very impressive as was the full telephoto range of these shots...." Read more
"...It is a fun camera for a beginner or expert photographer. I have tried the other super zooms out there and most have similar features...." Read more
"...The video is also absolutely amazing. The still IQ is good (coming from a great DSLR), but the video IQ is phenomenal...." Read more
"...The video quality is very very good...." Read more
Customers like the focus of the camera. They say it has an autofocus system that is blindingly fast, and the videos look great. The FZ150 focuses quickly and accurately, and has a fairly fast lens. The shot-to-shot times are good, and it's a great option for fast action. The response time is short and snappy, and there is no shutter lag. The ability to take fast bursts of images is also appreciated, though the autofocus during burse is not as good as without burs.
"...The autofocus during burst was pretty good too, though obviously not as good as without burst mode...." Read more
"...The camera was so fast at focusing even with full zoom, I was able to catch rare images of Whale sightings over 1 1/2 miles away in the overcast..." Read more
"...The tracking focus can keep birds in focus as they fly by. The only issue I have is with the camera automatically enabling OIS for videos...." Read more
"...It really blew me away. Lastly, it's wicked fast all around, especially focusing.Any negatives? Not really...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They say it has fairly easy to navigate controls, and it performs well in low-light. The menu system is easy to understand and navigate, and the camera works without fussing about. The FZ150 takes great, natural-looking pictures indoors, and is light and easy to handle with one hand. They also like the Quick Menu that allows them to make changes on the go.
"...The menus and features are easy to get to and to manipulate, but without knowing what many of the icons mean, it is hard to know what to select...." Read more
"...The FZ150 accepts 52 mm filters which is a standard size and easy and inexpensive to purchase...." Read more
"...you some control over video size, video quality and easy of use by various operating systems...." Read more
"...Everything I used was well placed, easy to use, and I had no accidental touches that changed camera settings...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the digital camera. They say it works well with just about everything they've thrown at it, has an excellent feature set, and nice ergonomics. They are also happy with the results and the camera functions well and reliably. Some mention that the viewfinder works great, it's small and light, and runs fine in Wine. It's also great even on the iA setting and works well for wildlife shots.
"...the lowlight features at a high school musical this weekend and it worked great...." Read more
"...I found the camera worked great using the default settings even on P which means even a beginner could use this camera with ease and grow into the..." Read more
"...It works great for hand-held shots at high zoom values, but only when the camera needs to be held still...." Read more
"...And all of this works rapidly and reliably. The image stabilizer worked well in all but extreme closeups...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the zoom range of the digital camera. They mention that it has a 24x optical zoom, rear flip-out/swivel LCD viewfinder, and the ability to zoom and refocus while capturing movies. The maximum zoom image quality is superb, and it has convenient mega zoom. The small size, low noise, and long zoom make it easy to use. The power zoom is great for video, but manual would be better for stills.
"...The FZ150 is also much lighter, has wider angle, and more zoom so I expect it may get more use. I will report back in June with my results...." Read more
"...offers fine quality photos that meet all of my expectations, an ample zoom range that covers more range than multiple lenses for my DSLRs, and a..." Read more
"...Very impressive. I love the camera's ability to zoom and refocus while capturing movies. It makes my shots seem more "cinematic".2.)..." Read more
"...Excellent zoom range from very wide to close telephoto...." Read more
Customers like the durability of the camera. They say it is a high quality build, with a solid feel and a good image stability system. They also say that it goes up to 32x zoom with no loss of quality.
"...The camera feels solid and fits well into my hand...." Read more
"...Panasonic camera product and they all have been excellent with very good quality, good performance and very reliable...." Read more
"...but in video mode the izoom goes up to 32x zoom with no loss of quality. That was a very nice unexpected surprise for me...." Read more
"...The HD video quality is top-notch. Very impressive. I love the camera's ability to zoom and refocus while capturing movies...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the features of the digital camera. For example, they mention it has many neat features, is versatile, and has an interesting 3D feature. Some say it has great capabilities like a DSLR, yet it's easy to use for beginners. Overall, most are happy with the product's features.
"...the FZ150 will hold its own because of it's speed, great EVF and versatility...." Read more
"...But the FZ150 is more verstaile with much better video, more features, and more functions.Here is what I DON"T like so far...." Read more
"...A great option for fast action.3D photos - Am interesting feature. I am not sure I will use this but I took a few to see how it works...." Read more
"...It has great performance, an excellent feature set, nice ergonomics, a serviceable viewfinder, a nice LCD on back, RAW shooting, a great video mode,..." Read more
Reviews with images
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The image stabilization with the camera is impressive to awesome. It is possible to get sharp images with the camera hand held with full zoom providing there is sufficient light. I think the reason for this is possible because of the improved image stabilization. The FZ150 is incredibly light and with the EVF (electronic viewfinder), it is possible to hold the camera much steadier. The low light capability is much better than my SX10, so in most situations, it is possible to get an acceptable images at a higher ISO.
The FZ150 accepts 52 mm filters which is a standard size and easy and inexpensive to purchase. It's important to place a filter on the lens to protect it. This also helps in image capture with UV or Polarizer filters. The raw format is another important feature missing from competitors cameras. The extra mike port and the remote shutter port makes the camera more useful. The best part of the camera is the incredible speed of focus, and speed of picture taking that rivals DSLR's. This camera is a natural for anyone that already has a DSLR and wants an all in one big zoom. The macro capability is limited to wide angle for closeup but using the zoom you need to back up to get proper focus. You can get very good macro pictures but DSLR are far better at that. This is a problem with all super zoom cameras but with practice you can get great macro images.
I found the camera worked great using the default settings even on P which means even a beginner could use this camera with ease and grow into the more exotic feature set. I even think the pros out there would have a lot of fun with this camera because they wouldn't have to keep changing lens and all that it entails. If you are an advanced amateur, you would also have a lot of fun using this camera and you might want to quietly retire your DSLR and save it for the occasional need for extra image quality. When I need super images, I still take out my DSLR but not often. Nothing beats a DSLR for macro work.
One problem I encountered was the rear dial which is very stiff and I kept pressing it while trying to turn it. I checked with Panasonic and this is done by design. Turning the rear control more slowly provided better results. The Canon rear dial spun very easily and I preferred that feel. I understand the FZ100 had a dial that turned too easily and this is supposed to be an improvement. This is the only control that I thinks needs improvement in the next model.
The video was excellent and continues to surprise me with how great it is. I don't think the video from this camera or any DSLR will match what you can get from a good HD camcorder. It's very convenient to have excellent HD video in one unit. In reviewing the video for the last month I am stunned that it is as good as it is.
The bottom line is that as good as the FZ150 is and it probably is the very best long zoom camera, it can't replace a pocket subcompact, or a video cam. When I travel I will take the FZ150 as my main camera, my Canon S95 (this is a great camera) for the pocket camera, and my Canon Vixia HD Camcorder. The weight of these three cameras is less than a DSLR with one zoom lens. It is impossible for one camera to do everything well no matter how good it is. This camera comes very close to perfect.
Overall, I really like the Panasonic FZ150 a lot and think it is well worth the price and 5 stars, perhaps 5 star plus. It feels nice in the hand and looks good too. It takes excellent images and video and allows a lot of photo creativity. If you have never used a super zoom, its a great camera that once you use it, you may want to put away your DSLR if you have one. It is a fun camera for a beginner or expert photographer. I have tried the other super zooms out there and most have similar features. I think the Panasonic leads the field but the Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Sony all make similar cameras but not as good as this camera. It can be hard to chose. I recommend this Panasonic model and Amazon as always is a terrific company to buy from.
Update:12/27/11
The camera continually amazes me with outstanding performance. The more I use the more I like it. I took it on a 11 day cruise to the Caribbean and took some fantastic images. One cruiser was so impressed with the camera that he purchased one (FZ100) at the next port we stopped at. I would not recommend that because of warranty issues. I've used the rainbow imaging wireless remote (Rolla recommended) and it works very well. The vast number of images taken about 3000+ have come out very sharp, well exposed with natural coloring. The image stabilization has been very effective with virtually all of the long range zoom images even up to 36+ ia. Having standard 52 filters has come in handy especially using the circular polarizer. One disappointment which is true for all bridge zooms is that macro focusing requires backing up about 5-6 feet from your target while in zoom unless you macro in wide angle which will focus very closely under 1 foot. I generally use a DSLR for any real macro work since lenses will allow close focusing.
Since I purchased this camera I have looked in every camera store and never saw the FZ150 being sold. I bought this camera sight unseen so many of you if in the same situation may need to take a great leap in faith to purchase this camera. The camera seems in short supply now so you may need to be patient if you do decide to buy it. I think this camera along with the other competitors are improving the super zoom cameras by leaps and bounds and if they could enlarge or improve the sensor and continue with improved lense design that at some point in the future they could outsell the DSLR and render them obsolete. The picture quality is so good even now that most of the time I prefer using the FZ150 to my Canon T1i and Canon 18-200is which is no slouch.
Update:4/6/2012
The more I use the FZ150 the more I enjoy using it. It has performed flawlessly and is one of the first cameras I grab when wanting a quick shot. I do take more shots with my Canon S95 subcompact because it can be carried everywhere and it take superb images for a tiny camera. I am planning to take the FZ150 on a cruise to Alaska soon and will test it against my new Canon 60D DSLR with Canon 18-200 Zoom lens. This doesn't seem like a fair test but I am very confident that the FZ150 will hold its own because of it's speed, great EVF and versatility. The FZ150 is also much lighter, has wider angle, and more zoom so I expect it may get more use. I will report back in June with my results. The 60D does have better weather seals so if its raining, it may get more use. I was so impressed by the Panasonic FZ150 that I bought the Panasonic TM900 camcorder recently also sight unseen. Its a great camcorder and the video is fantastic but more surprisingly this camcorder takes excellent digital stills too. This was my 4th Panasonic camera product and they all have been excellent with very good quality, good performance and very reliable. One tiny tidbit....I tried out the new Canon G1X compact digital camera with the dslr sized sensor. The FZ150 significantly outperformed the G1x in every way except the G1x may have had a little better image quality but was a pain to use and cost twice the price of FZ150. I think the current $400 plus price for the Fz150 is a real bargain for this great quality camera.
Update:2/20/13
The FZ150 has performed wonderfully since I first purchased it. I brought this camera on a cruise to Alaska, along with my TM900 camcorder, and several other subcompact cameras including my Canon S95 which is a terrific subcompact camera. The video I took with the FZ150 equaled the video from the camcorder so I used just the FZ150. The camera was so fast at focusing even with full zoom, I was able to catch rare images of Whale sightings over 1 1/2 miles away in the overcast skies, and even captured an eagle in rapid flight some distance away.
The conditions were cloudy and light rain practically the entire trip so I used a shower cap to protect the camera in the rain and it managed through the very difficult and cold conditions. I have since upgraded the camera to the new FZ200 with the F2.8 lens and my wife is using the FZ150. Her images matched the FZ200 except in low light where the FZ200 really shined. The FZ150 even today is a great purchase and you can expect top notch images and video. If you want a great low light camera with excellent bokeh, than consider the FZ200, the current successor to the FZ150. The FZ200 is 1/4 heavier has better ergonomics, and higher price
Update:2/12/14
The camera remains a favorite and still works perfectly. My wife is using it exclusively and loves it. She would give it 5 stars plus. Her images are excellent from the camera from wide angle to full zoom. Macro is always tricky with a super zoom camera and the FZ150 is no exception. It is unusual to continue using a digital camera that is several years old when newer MFT's and dSLR's are available for use. This camera remains a real winner and is one of our best camera purchases. If I could I would add a plus to the 5 stars because this camera is that great.
Here's a link to the relevant thread.
[...]
I am a new product quality engineer for a major retail electronic device company.. So IMHO.. here's the real story..
The lens hood for these cameras has an overyly agressive (flawed) latching mechanism design. I seriously doubt that it is healthy for the camera to be subjected to the amount of torque that must be required to remove or fully install the lense hood. I just can't bring myself to twist on this new camera any harder than I am already doing. I will return it to Amazon.
Panasonic:
1) Redesign and recall/replace the lense hoods. I suspect that continue use of the current design will cause damage to the camera.
2) Describe lens hood removal and installation in the product manual.
2) Provide your help staff with current issue descriptions and solutions.. Nothing worse as a customer calling for tech. support and discovering that your know more about the device than the "technician".
If you don't need a lot of features, or top image and video quality in a small point and shoot camera, you can get something simple and less for less money. The FZ-47 loses some features, and is a bargain at the street price of about $270. Many would be happy with a $150 camera today. The FZ-150 is a camera for those who want the best in its class, and are willing to spend the price and the effort to get that and make use of it. It is arguably the best 1/2.3 sensor camera made.
SPECIFICS:
The FZ-150 has so many features that everyone will have their particular favorites. Some of mine are:
Excellent image and video quality for a point and shoot.
Excellent zoom range from very wide to close telephoto.
A variety of features that enhance the ability to take pictures in low light or at night. Powerful flash for a point and shoot, with the ability to add an even more powerful flash as an accessory.
The ability to adjust pretty much anything if you want, or to select intelligent auto, and have the camera do it all for you. Some people have complained about the complexity, but this camera is only as complicated as you want it to be.
An auxiliary eye level viewfinder, which is useful in sunlight, or for holding the camera with more steadiness.
The ability to shoot in RAW format, which makes post processing images in your computer much more effective, by preserving far more image information than is in the usual JPEG format saved by most all point and shoots. With difficult high contrast subjects or in difficult lighting, shooting RAW and post processing can make the difference between a mediocre image and a showstopper. By the way, if you shoot JPEGS, note that being able to adjust various things on the camera, as this one permits you to, beats trying to patch things up later with software.
The ability to take fast bursts of images to capture well framed pictures of rapidly moving subjects.
A large and clear LCD screen which has adjustable brightness, and can be tilted and rotated for better visibility in sunlight, or when taking high or low angle pictures.
All this comes at a price, of course. This is arguably the best 1/2.3 sensor camera (which is what most point and shoots use) made. You don't get the Rolls Royce of the class at a bargain price. But, if you can do without a few features you can get 90% of the camera as an FZ-47, for about $270. There are many detailed comparisons of the two available on the web, so I'll skip over that.
If you delve into the many features of this camera things do get complex, and some, such as white balance, require some study for most people. But you don't have to go there, it's all your choice.
Highly recommended if you want the best, and are willing to pay for it. And if you want the advanced features. To get to significantly better images you need a larger sensor camera, like a 4/3 or a DSLR. But, because of optical physics, those large sensor cameras cannot match the zoom range of this camera without a number of expensive and heavy lenses. Which makes the price of an FZ-150 look not so bad, after all.
For many, something less will meet your needs. If you never print anything but 4X6s and view pictures unmagnified on a computer you don't need the image quality. If you don't care to adjust things, something simpler and cheaper would probably be better for you. You shouldn't get this camera simply because of the very high ratings, you should get it because you want what it offers.