Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 24x SuperZoom Review by ImagingResource

The Leica-branded 25-600mm equivalent lens comes with Nano Surface Coating, which is claimed to "dramatically minimize" ghosting and flare, while the new sensor delivers an improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to the existing Lumix DMC-FZ100. The FZ150 also offers a range of manual controls, a hot-shoe, Power O.I.S. optical image stabilizer, continuous shooting speeds of 5.5fps with auto-focus and 12fps without focus tracking, and a Creative Video mode, which lets users set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Additionally, it is also possible to take 3.5-megapixel stills while filming a movie. Face Recognition, an Intelligent Scene Selector and a 3D photography mode round off the features list. The Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 is available in black at a retail price of $499.99. It is currently selling at around $416. Here's the summary of review by ImagingResource:

"The wide-angle end of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150's zoom shows very mild blurring in the corners of the frame compared to what we see at center. At 20x telephoto, performance is also good, with only a small amount of blurring that doesn't extend far into the frame. Considering the zoom ratio, this is an impressive performance.  There is actually little barrel distortion at wide-angle (0.3%), and almost no perceptible pincushion distortion (0.1%) at full telephoto. Thus, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150's processor is hard at work here. Not surprisingly, uncorrected RAW files show much high amounts of geometric distortion at wide-angle. We measured 2.2% barrel distortion at wide-angle, though pincushion at telephoto was about the same as the JPEG. RAW converters that fully support the FZ150 should correct for this distortion automatically. (Adobe Camera RAW and SilkyPix do.)

Like the FZ47, the Panasonic Lumix FZ150 combines a 24x zoom with a 12-megapixel sensor in a compact design light enough to carry in your hand for hours, that puts all the controls that matter right at your fingertips. That makes it a pleasure to use in almost any situation. While it isn't a fatal flaw, the FZ150 does tend to blow out the highlights (like most digicams) but the EV control is easily accessible to make the right adjustment right away. And while noise reduction has been improved, using ISO 400 or above will reduce detail, although not evenly across the image. Panasonic has refined its noise suppression algorithms to handle highlight detail differently from shadow detail. A boon to brunettes if not to blondes. You also have to admire the autofocus speed. There's almost no shutter lag, even at telephoto, when you prefocus, a real benefit in a megazoom. There are a enough tricks like High-Speed video and Handheld Night Shot to amuse anyone, but there's also some unusual but helpful features like a hot shoe, RAW support, and the side lever for focus or zoom control. That makes the FZ150 a photographer's camera. Panasonic more than makes up for the low image quality of the FZ100 with the Lumix FZ150, whose step back in resolution pays off in better image quality, worthy of the Panasonic long-zoom legacy and Dave's Pick, too."

Panasonic FZ150, David Ng - May 11 2013
Very satisfied with the performance of this camera for the prize of this camera compared to Nikon and Canon with similiar features....

Buttons and other ergonomics arranged perfectly!, R. Kavanaugh "RK" - May 11 2013
I was going to make this a video review... what a camera. First off, who should purchase one of these. Easy. Anyone with a child or pet that isn't sure if they what 1st rate photo's or video's. The FZ150 excels at both. I've never purchased a Panasonic camera in my life and this camera has me questioning why? What I like the most is the controls and their layout. Besides the zoom...

Awesome Camera So Far, Michele D. Lewis "MDRD" - May 07 2013
I ordered this camera on Sunday the 5th, it arrive Monday, the 6th. Thanks Amazon! I have only taken a few pictures thus far. I am in the process of working my way through the User Manual. I am familiar with cameras so the buttons and dials are not novel to me. I own 2 cameras (Canon 7D and Mark 5 II) however, I wanted a lighter camera to take when I travel and one...

Love this camera!, Michael Seven - Apr 25 2013
The seamless transition between taking quality stills and HD video along with great battery life and very good low light application makes this my favorite camera....