Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

$547
  • 12 MP
  • 24x f/2.8
  • 1/2.5" CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Released August, 2011
If you're looking for a compact camera for both photos and videos, this is a good choice.
Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)

Conclusion Check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

70%
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33%
74%
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First reviewed December, 2011

Features Key features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

Back view of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

12 MP

1/2.5"

It combines an expansive feature set, great performance, and enough still and video options (and quality) to keep enthusiast photographers and casual videographers happy.
Rated 76% by by DPReview (Apr, 2012)

megapixels

0 MP
18 MP

12 MP
24.1 MP
30 MP
Key highlights of the FZ150 include a 24x zoom lens, full 1080p HD movies, high-resolution 3 inch LCD, faster auto-focusing and burst shooting, and a sensible 12 megapixel MOS image sensor.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Photography Blog (Sep, 2011)
The camera can also speed along at 40fps and 60fps if you can live with the lower resolution (5 megapixels and 2.5 megapixels, respectively).
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by DPReview (Apr, 2012)

sensor size

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Nikon D3200
Canon PowerShot G1X
I just wish someone would put a DSLR size sensor in a mega zoom camera!
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Chris-Bonadonna (Jul, 2012)
For it sensor size it takes excellent still pictures/videos with its cmos sensor.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by R.-schneider--Bob-S-dvd-collector

wide angle lens

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Canon PowerShot G1X
Fujifilm FinePix HS30 EXR
The wide angle is very nice to have.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Kenneth-S.-Kordik--photoego
I would recommend against doing what I did and buying a doubler and wide angle add-on lens for this camera until you see how well you like the range that it already has.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by JCV (Mar, 2012)

aperture size

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Nikon Coolpix P510
I had great hopes for this camera cause it fit what I wanted, eye-level viewfinder, fast lens, light, compact, good price, all the great stuff this camera offers.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by parker--parker (Jan, 2012)
The newest version I have excels in every manner, except the 2.8 f-stop can no longer stay at 2.8 with the larger sensor, but with much better low light quality it is a worthwhile trade off.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Richard-Stamats (Dec, 2011)

zoom range

0x
24x

4x
50x
50x
I like the FZ150, it's a nice, light camera, easy to use, zoom's great, video works nice.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by pixie (Sep, 2012)
While the zoom of this camera is not as great as some competitors, the intelligent zoom makes up for this.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Oldanalyst (Nov, 2011)

body size

124 x 82 x 92 mm
131 x 97 x 126 mm
117 x 81 x 65 mm
I love the weight, much lighter than the cameras that take 4 AA batteries (really)!
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by M.-Whitaker (Nov, 2011)
The reason it worked so well is that the camera is lightweight and small and can be held in one hand, the other hand is needed to hang on while the van is moving and one is standing up.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Art (Jan, 2012)
 

Performance Real world tests of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

battery life

410 photos
700 photos
200 photos
So far I'm very impressed with its powerful lens, image stabilization, RAW image capture, battery life, and flexibility.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Anne-Chadwick--WriterPhotog (Feb, 2012)
*1 / Recording conditions by CIPA standard / - CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association].
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Photography Blog (Sep, 2011)

max continuous shooting

The burst mode menu is very nice and easy to access from a dedicated button on top of the camera.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by JCV (Mar, 2012)
Lots of cameras tout high burst speeds; they don't tout the fact that you only get 1 second of burst before the buffer is full.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by now-what (Aug, 2011)

DxOMark low light performance

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Nikon D3200
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
It takes great images at higher ISO (800+), low light like buildings at night, and continue to be amazed at its excellent sharpness.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by lynnie (May, 2012)
Night shots are awesome with the Handheld Night Shots Mode.
Lumix DMC-FZ150 by Rolla-Gravett--Rolla-Gravett (Oct, 2011)
 

Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors

pros

  • Contrast detection focusing system
  • f/2.8
  • HD video
  • Generic
  • Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot
  • Adjust white balance and exposure more easily in post production
  • Great for recording movies
  • 3.5mm
  • 12 fps
  • HD video
  • Create 3D photos to view on a 3D TV
  • 10 mm
  • 23
  • Create slow motion video
  • Stitches together multiple photos into a single ultra-wide view
  • 30 s

cons

  • 12 MP
  • Aug, 2011
  • No automatic HDR
  • 528 g

Reviews Word on the street

Rated 76%
Read the review (Apr, 2012)
Default JPEG image quality at full resolution is very good and, if you don't like what you see, there's plenty of scope for adjustment with color, contrast, saturation, sharpness and noise-reduction sliders all available.
Rated 90%
Read the review (Sep, 2011)
The Panasonic FZ150 is undoubtedly expensive for what is essentially a seriously beefed-up compact camera, but with its stand-out new sensor it could well be the only still and video camera that most people actually require.
Rated 80%
Read the review (Oct, 2011)
You can also choose to shoot in raw or raw plus JPEG, giving you the ability to process images yourself.
Rated 90% by 190 users at amazon.com
The articulated LCD is great, but there are times, especially with bright sun or long range with full zoom, that you'll see and frame your subject far more easily with the EVF than the screen.
Rated 100% by by now-what (Aug, 2011)
But it not a DSLR replacement yes for its sensor size it produces excellent still pictures between iso between 100 to 800.
Rated 100% by by R.-schneider--Bob-S-dvd-collector
I haven't learned to use all the controls on my new camera yet, but am very happy with the quality of photos it is giving me in "Intelligent Auto" mode, especially in situations that the light would have been too challenging for my previous point and shoot cameras.
Rated 100% by by Prairiedog--Art (Apr, 2012)

Lens

Impressive focal length range (25mm-600mm equiv), even if the competition fairs a bit better this is still quite good.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Dustin-Widmann (Nov, 2011)
All you really had to do was remember which direction of the zoom lever was zoom-in and which was zoom-out.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Taxguyla--JT (Jul, 2012)
The camera will zoom to 62.4X in the 3mp picture mode with I-Zoom turned on.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Rolla-Gravett--Rolla-Gravett (Oct, 2011)

Zoom

I use the camera's manual controls most often because I like to have as much control over exposure, shutter speed and focus as I can.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Bob-Head--Skwerty (Aug, 2012)
The camera is bigger now so it is like carrying a smaller 35mm SLR but with the huge zoom range it beats DSLR in that you don't have to carry three lenses.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by ideabuzz (Feb, 2012)
The FZ150 is so good that I'll even give up the K-M A200's amazing mechanical zoom.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 80% by by Skip-Thomsen--riverguy (Jan, 2012)

Video

I was looking for a dual purpose HD camera that would handle photos and videos.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Augustine-Serio
I have been very happy with quality of still pictures from the Panasonic and also with the video quality from it.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 80% by by Bob (Jun, 2012)
The early reviews of this camera suggested it excels at HD video and I can confirm it does.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Calif-Guy (Nov, 2011)

Image quality

FZ150 has much better motor noise, and much better auto-focus (speed and accuracy), and better picture quality (dark noise, maintain edges, depth, and dark level).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by turtlehair (Feb, 2012)
Purchased several weeks ago as a second "casual-use" camera to augment my more "serious" Lumix GH-1 (with several lenses), I am pleased with the sharpness, noise abatement and image quality of this latest in the FZ series.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Joe-K (Dec, 2011)
In low light, it's not DSLR quality, but it's far better than any other compact I've used.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by Rastus (Mar, 2012)

Sensor

I've had this camera for a few weeks & very very happy with it but I will concentrate on how it performs indoors at 100 ISO, 1600 ISO, and 3200 ISO.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 100% by by mack77
The FZ150 also offers Power O.I.S anti-shake system, iA (intelligent auto) mode, manual shooting modes, 3D still images, RAW format support and an ISO range of 100-3200.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Sep, 2011)
Great Intelligent ISO setting for when the subject is backlit, but not perfect when the backlit area is large like a window.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 | Rated 80% by by S.-Sidlov--sbsidlov (Dec, 2011)

Discussions Get involved, ask your question about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

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Popular Questions

October 8, 2012
Image quality at 600mm zoom, low light, raw support

Shooting mostly outdoor stills in natural light - sometimes small portions of scene, printing up to16 x20 sharply, product photography, - i realize only the Lumix supports "raw" but doesn't get -...

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June 18, 2012
Speed of Autofocus

I'm going on Safari so the Nikon P510's 42x zoom is really attractive. However, I've heard the P510 has problems with slow autofocus and inability to focus. Slow autofocus can be a big problem to...

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2
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April 11, 2012
Vídeo. And I want practicality.

Friends, i have a TV show about cars and I need a camera to travelings, lightweight, practical and easy to handle. Thanks.

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Latest Questions

May 11, 2012
Taking close up macro photos and wildlife

I want to take photos of the moon!

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1
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April 22, 2012
How to make close-up macro with Lumix FZ 150 ?

I have a Lumix FZ 150 and i like to make close-up photos of insects, flowers, etc.... so far i have not succeeded to do so with this camera on a close distance... before i had the Lumix FZ 7 i...

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August 31, 2012
Which has better focus and which has better picture and color quality?

I photograph my children in cheerleading, dance, equestrian activies, and sports.  Also, I shoot pictures of my pets and portrain stills of my children indoors and out.  I prefer the convenience...

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Unanswered Questions

January 19, 2013
Family photos, travel photos,

Like blurred effect with close ups.   F

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January 10, 2013
Low light pictures

Which camera is best for shooting kids indoors with and without flash

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December 4, 2012
African Safari

Novice going to Africa next year, wildlife photos from vehicles primary, landscapes secondary.  Expecting some dusty conditions.  Expecting many shots in dusk/dawn .

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Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

16

people have recommended the

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Top Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 experts at Sortable
Harri-Heikkil
Intermediate III
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Supporter
Tootsall
Beginner II
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David-Uglava
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Canon Powershot SX40
  • 12 MP
  • 35x f/2.7
  • 1/2.5" CMOS
  • 2.7" LCD
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Canon Powershot SX40
It's a tie. Cast the deciding vote!
View all discussions | View comparison
Expert I
1
vote

The Canon SX40 is nearly $100 cheaper, and has a greater zoom, it is great bang for your buck. But the Panasonic FZ150 has lots of cool features, so if you are willing to spend the extra money...

Intermediate III
1
vote

I believe P510 has the best focus, but I still recommend the FZ150. It has the best image quality of these three (also in low light) and is the most consistent performer in all relevant fields....

Intermediate III
0
votes

Hi Ric, I think both these cameras would do a good job. The Canon's extra zoom might come in handy for shots of the moon though! You could also consider Fuji's superzoom lineup, either the HS20 I...