The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Digital Camera captures images with an astonishing 14.7-megapixel resolution that makes it easy to take clear, sharp photos or you can crop unwanted parts of an image and enlarge the rest, thereby creating a beautifully composed photo that retains outstanding detail. The 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens of the camera lets users capture images of expansive scenery, and when shooting in tight or crowded indoor spaces, the wide-angle lens fits more people in the photo. In addition, The high-performance, next-generation image processing system of the FX150 -The Venus Engine IV - not only helps the camera render exquisitely beautiful images, and capture imahes with amazing speed, but also makes the camera more energy-efficient, allowing 330 pictures (CIPA) per battery charge.
The DMC-FX150 provides easy access to manual control, letting users adjust the shutter speed as desired, giving the user freedom to render artistic images of ordinary scenes. There is also a multi-exposure function that superimposes up to three consecutively shot images together, creating a surrealistic effect that cannot be achieved with a single image alone. The camera also includes bracketing functions with exposure bracketing, and a color bracketing function that can record color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image at the same time with a single press of the shutter button. In addition the the AF control allows user to set focus freely among 11 focus points, and the white balance function provides two-axis compensation with a color temperature setting that allows more precise adjustment.
In addition to manual controls, the FX150 also offers Panasonics Intelligent Auto (iA) mode that provides the user with automatic settings adjustments depending on the shooting environment. Included in the iA modes is Panasonic's exclusive AF (auto focus) Tracking technology. AF tracking enables the camera to lock focus on a moving object, and increases Face Detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves while shooting the image.
The 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD lets you check the focus, frame the shot, and use functions like thumbnail display and calendar view in comfort, with no eye strain. It also ensures clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations by automatically boosting the LCD backlighting when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, as well as adjusting the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations, thereby giving the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy.
The DMC-FX150 also features High Defintion (HD) video capabilities with a resolution of 1280 x 720p at 30fps. Still photos can also be shot in a 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal full-screen viewing on a HDTV. You can even even enjoy watching videos in HD quality and view still images by connecting the DMC- FX150 via an optional Panasonic component cable (DMW-HDC2) to any HDTV display. Plus you'll get Panasonic's SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 SE Software which provides for easy editing and developing of your cameras images.
| Camera Type | Wide-Angle Point-and-shoot Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/1.72", 15.0 Mega Total Pixels CCD, Primary Color Filter |
| Effective Resolution | 14.7 Megapixels |
| Color Depth | 24-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes |
Normal, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm Color Bracketing available |
| Image File Formats |
JPEG (Fine, Standard) RAW RAW + JPEG |
| Recorded Resolution |
4:3 Aspect Ratio 4416 x 3312 3648 x 2736 3072 x 2304 2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 3:2 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Video Recording |
QuickTime Motion JPEG 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Aspect Ratio: |
| Audio Recording |
QuickTime Audio Still Image with Audio up to 5 seconds record Audio Dubbing up to 10 seconds record |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens (7 elements in 6 groups with 4 Aspherical elements & 1 EA element) |
| Optical Zoom | 3.6x (up to 7.7x extra optical zoom) |
| Lens Focal Length | 6.0-21.4mm (28-100mm equivalent) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.0" (5cm) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8-5.6 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (Mega O.I.S.) |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | No |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL-AF with AF Assist lamp |
| Focus Modes | Auto Focus (Face, AF tracking, multi-area, 1-area high speed, 1-area, spot), Macro, Continuous AF, AF Lock |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 19.7" (50cm) - infinity Macro: 2.0" (5cm) - infinity wide |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO High Sensitivity Auto ISO (1600 - 6400) Selectable ISO (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600) |
| Shutter Type | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Speed |
Program AE: 1-1/2000 seconds Manual :60 - 1/2000 seconds Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, or 60 seconds |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8-5.6 & f/9.0-18.0 (2 steps) |
| Exposure Metering | TTL-AE (Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot) |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift (Program AE mode), Exposure Compensation (±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps), Backlight Compensation, Auto Bracketing AE (&A#177;1/3 - 1EV steps, 3 frames), Intelligent Exposure (Off, Low, Standard, High) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, White Balance Adjustment (±10 steps) |
| Scene Modes |
Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Panning, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain Advanced Scene Modes |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync., Forced Off, Flash Synchro (1st/2nd)) |
| Effective Flash Range | 1.0' (0.3m) - 27.9' (8.5m) |
| External Flash Connection | No |
| External Flash Control | Not Applicable |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | 1.5 seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.006 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | 0.8 seconds |
| Burst Capability |
Standard Burst: 2.5 fps up to 8 images (JPEG/ Standard) Hi-speed Burst: Up to 7 fps (3M or lower) |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds, 2 seconds, 3-image |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 50MB |
| Compatible Memory Cards | Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Card |
| Recording Capacity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | CGA-S005 Lithium-ion Battery Pack (3.7 V, 1150 mAh) (Included) |
| Power Adapter | DMW-AC5 AC Adapter (optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 High speed |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | No |
| Video Output |
Yes (NTSC, PAL, HD (Component)) HD-out requires optional cable |
| Web-Cam Capable | No |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.1 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | No |
| LCD Display | 2.7" TFT color LCD Display (230,000 pixels) with AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode & High angle mode |
| Language Options | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Netherlandic, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese |
| Playback Options | Image Playback, Zoom Playback (16x max), Thumbnail (12or 30-up), Auto Review (1 sec/3 sec/zoom/ Hold), Review (1x/4x/8x), Calendar Display, Image Rotation, Slide Show, Favorite Pictures, Resizing, Trimming, Protection, DPOF Print Setting, Picture Adjustment (Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Noise Reduction), Histogram display Playback Options |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.0" (97 x 54 x 25mm) |
| Weight | 5.3 oz. (151g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 5 customers
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Digital Camera (Silver):
Since my last Lumix (TZ5) camera was stolen while on vacation, I had to replace it as my point and shoot. This is in addition to my digital SLR (Canon EOS 20D). I am very happy with the quality of the images at the highest res. I went with this one instead of a replacement because of it's creative settings such as double exposures (can't do that on my slr). The TZ5 had greater zoom but I found that I didn't need it for the most part. I am also pleased with the battery life. I've taken appx 250 pics so far and have not had to recharge.
Even though the controls are small, I do not have a problem since I have small fingers.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Digital Camera (Silver):
For the price that B&H offers this point&shoot, you just can't beat it.
It's compact, which makes it easy to travel with, it shoots great photos
and unbelievable HD video. If you want anything better than this, you
have to step up to twice the price and twice the size. Recently, I used it's bigger brother DMC-LX3 during my travels. Hands down, LX3 is a great camera, however it is bulky due to it's protruding lens and the lens cap is a pain, it made it hard not to stand out as a tourist, so I decided to purchase an FX150 and give it try. In my opinion for the everyday fun and traveling purposes this is the best all around camera out there.
The only cons are: A flimsy battery/memory card door (Same on LX3) -- a really minor overlooked detail. Also, it's a bit slippery in hand, I wish it had a none-slip grip on the front like LX3.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Digital Camera (Silver):
Went to Atlantic City last night & took great photos indoor & outdoors using the simple iA mode. This was my first shots as I just received the camera. Looking forward to work with all other modes.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Digital Camera (Silver):
I got this camera for its small size and for the fact that it can shoot RAW. My only wish is that I could change the color mode on it (from sRGB to Adobe RGB)
Pros
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 Digital Camera (Silver):
The specifications as listed are not quite right. It appeared Panasonic was putting out a DSLR quality compact with creative exposure modes like Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. But, alas, it ain't true. Having said that, the Leica lens is pretty fantastic and the depth of field at 28mm equivalent and f/2.8 is considerable. So, if your looking for sharp landscapes and snapshots, this will do the job. When the specs say f/2.8 to f/5.6 and f/9 to f/18, they mean the maximum aperture to minimum apertures at the extremes of the Zoom range. For example, you have only two choices at 28mm equivalent - f/2.8 OR f/9.
After taking some test shots, it appears Panasonic has not really gotten rid of the noise, even at low iso's. But if you're willing to accept some loss of detail, the noise suppression is pretty effective at ISO100 and 200.
After getting over the dissapointment of no creative modes and limited aperture selection, I still recommend the camera since the image quality is really very good up to ISO200 and acceptable at higher ISO's for those grab shots. With the 14MP RAW file processing I can get sharp reasonably low noise 12X16 prints out of less than 6 ounces of camera - pretty impressive.
Displaying reviews 1-5