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The Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera is a compact point-and-shoot that has the look of a DSLR. Obviously more than its genre suggests, however, the FZ150 also provides the user with numerous features and functions to expand their creativity - including manual control of the camera.
Before we even delve into the many shooting options on the DM-FZ150 we should pause to consider the basics. This camera has 12.1Mp built-in and is powered by a combination of the 1/2.3" CMOS sensor - called "MOS" by Panasonic - and the Venus Engine. These two work together to not only capture beautifully detailed images, but to efficiently transfer them to the inserted media. Additionally, many functions of the camera rely on the Venus Engine to operate, including the 1920 x 1080/60p high def video capture mode.
These HD videos are shot in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4/H.264). Features like 24x optical zoom and Intelligent Auto are available for enhancing your movies, while you record. Additional functions available for use are Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Active Mode, and Intelligent D-range Control, among others. With this much latitude, there's no reason to just take take-point-shoot video. Another enticing video mode options include a stereo zoom microphone built-into the camera which uses Dolby Digital Stereo Creator for high-quality audio. Other features include Auto Wind Cut and simultaneous video and still capture.
The camera's LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens is one of its leading attributes. This lens, with the good name of Leica, features 24x optical zoom that can be expanded to a 32x Intelligent Zoom, a 52mm filter thread, and a 35mm camera equivalent focal range of 25-600mm. A Nano Surface Coating helps to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in clear and crisp images.
Composition and review of stills and videos all takes place on the FZ150's 3.0" Free-Angle LCD screen. A 0.20" electronic viewfinder is also on the camera for distraction-free shooting. Aside from providing a 100% field of view the viewfinder also keeps glare and movement at bay, so you can focus on the shot. Another enticing feature of the camera is the built-in flash for shooting in low-light scenes with assurance.
Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom extends the zoom ratio by approximately 1.3x, maintaining the picture quality even when extending into the digital zoom. This means the 24x optical can virtually extend to 32x equivalent. Not only drawing the subject in clearly with its powerful optical zoom, the 25mm ultra wide angle lens captures an approximately 196% wider angle of view compared with a standard 35mm camera. It is helpful for shooting dynamic landscapes or indoor group shots
The powerful 24x optical zoom is available in video recording. With DMC-FZ150, there are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes - high-quality photos or videos. The user can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully.
The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) 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 video with ease. For a more effective countermeasure against blur, the Active Mode is an option. In addition to the conventional POWER O.I.S., the Active Mode effectively suppresses blur in video recording especially at wide angles while walking. 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.
Incorporating a stereo zoom microphone, the videos also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the video. Mechanical noise caused by a zooming operation is suppressed to improve audio quality. Also, the Auto Wind Cut function is available to block out most of the noise from background wind automatically making the human voice stand out.
It is also possible to take still image while recording video simultaneously (3.5-megapixel). You can also cut out the favorite scene as a still image from the video in the camera. The image is clear thanks to the rich Progressive recording format and the Intelligent Resolution technology. A host of options enhance the usability and fun of recording high quality full-HD video.
Files recorded in AVCHD on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on an optional Panasonic VIERA TV. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or Blu-ray Disc Player/Recorder to playback your contents. Alternatively, you can use an optional mini HDMI cable to output the AVCHD Progressive video from the DMC-FZ150 directly to the TV for VIERA Link
The Venus Engine has quad-circuit system to for processing large amount of progressive full HD data at high speed. Not only does the camera feature 1920 x 1080 60p(NTSC) 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 220 fps in QVGA. At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine has a super-fast response time. The auto focus gains approximately 50% faster speed compared with the DMC-FZ100 achieving a Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second. The speed in AF Tracking is also faster thanks to the improved tracking performance which doubles its sampling frequency
The conventional My Color mode is renewed for Creative Control with a selection of artistic effect modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. Now it is possible to adjust exposure compensation in the Creative Control mode. In addition, Photo Style provides Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, and Portrait presets while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each. It is possible to fully customize those settings to make user's own color effect manually in Custom mode. These two modes Creative Control and Photo Style let users at any level enjoy make their photos more impressive.
In video recording, the DMC-FZ150 goes further than simply recording HD videos. Apart from the video recording capability of conventional digital compact cameras, the DMC-FZ150 also features a Creative Video mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive videos. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to videos, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and you want to have each of them stand out.
For more advanced creative freedom, the DMC-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 DMC-FZ150 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.
The 3D Photo mode produces a 3D image in the camera. Take 20 panning shots and the camera automatically selects two most suitable images - one for the right eye and one for the left eye - to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can be viewed on VIERA HDTV. The format of 3D image is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as TV, Digital Photo Frame or Printing
With the DMC-FZ150, the Motion Deblur mode is incorporated to prevent blur even more powerfully. Plus, the Intelligent Handheld Nightshot mode an added feature. It generates a beautiful night scenery with illumination by layering the images shot consecutively. Bright glamorous night scenery can be recorded without using a tripod.
The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on people while removing unwanted red-eye. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes - Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset - that best suit the shooting situation.
Once you enter the iA mode, these functions happen automatically with other powerful shooting-assist functions - AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, and Intelligent D-range Control - so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images
The DMC-FZ150 also features a new way of communicating with LUMIX Image Uploader by sharing photos or videos taken by users. All you have to do is check off the photos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the prompts provided. You can add comments and let your friends know that you've updated your album via e-mail. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for videos. It's easy to share photos and videos on the spot, which means that your friends won't hvae to wait until you come back home
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 12.1 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 12.8 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CMOS |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 |
| Other Resolutions |
9MP: 2992 x 2992 @ 1:1 6MP: 2448 x 2448 @ 1:1 3.5MP: 1920 x 1920 @ 1:1 2.5MP: 1536 x 1536 @ 1:1 0.2MP: 480 x 480 @ 1:1 12MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3 8MP: 3264 x 2448 @ 4:3 5MP: 2560 x 1920 @ 4:3 3MP: 2048 x 1536 @ 4:3 2MP: 1600 x 1200 @ 4:3 0.3MP: 640 x 480 @ 4:3 10.5MP: 4000 x 2672 @ 3:2 7MP: 3264 x 2176 @ 3:2 4.5MP: 2560 x 1712 @ 3:2 2.5MP: 2048 x 1360 @ 3:2 0.3MP: 640 x 424 @ 3:2 9MP: 4000 x 2248 @ 16:9 6MP: 3264 x 1840 @ 16:9 3.5MP: 2560 x 1440 @ 16:9 2MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9 0.2MP: 640 x 360 @ 16:9 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit, 14 elements in 10 groups 3 Aspheric, 3 ED EFL: 1.5-108 mm (35mm equivalent: 25-600 mm) Aperture: f/2.8 (W) - 8.0 (T) |
| Zoom |
Optical: 24x Digital: 4x |
| Focus Range |
Wide: 11.81" (30 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 6.56' (200 cm) - Infinity Wide: 0.39" (1 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 39.37" (100 cm) - Infinity |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-3200 (High Sensitivity Mode: 1600-6400) |
| Shutter | 30 - 1/2000 seconds |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Multi, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes |
Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Incandescent
1
Please Note:Also: White Set 1, White Set 2, Color Temperature close |
| Self Timer | 2 Seconds, 10 Seconds |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Off, Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 0.98 - 31.17' (0.3 - 9.5 m) Telephoto: 3.28 - 16.40' (1.0 - 5.0 m) |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 70MB |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Screen | 3.0" LCD Rear Screen |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2VDC, 895mAh |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.9 x 3.2 x 3.7" / 124.46 x 81.28 x 93.98 mm |
| Weight | 1.16 lb / 526 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent all-in-one camera
I've had this camera about a week and am so far very pleased with it. I tossed around the idea of purchasing a micro four thirds camera for a long time, but in the ...Read complete review
I've had this camera about a week and am so far very pleased with it. I tossed around the idea of purchasing a micro four thirds camera for a long time, but in the end, the desire to do any type of shot I want without having to change lenses had me looking at the latest batch of ultra-zooms. And I'm very glad I chose this route.
I'm very impressed with the speed of the auto focus, the image stabilization is excellent, the photos I've taken have been crisp and with excellent detail. Fully articulated LCD screen is a must-have feature.
It has performed well in low light, taking a decent shot at 1/4 second handheld. Macro shots are very good. Even the face recognition has proved very useful, it was something I thought was a bit of a gimmick before.
So far I can't fault this camera for my purposes and I expect it will do me for quite a few years.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
disappointed after extended use
I previously reviewed this camera after a couple weeks use and praised its features and image quality. I had some reservations regarding manual focus and a few relatively minor issues but was complimentary of its...Read complete review
I previously reviewed this camera after a couple weeks use and praised its features and image quality. I had some reservations regarding manual focus and a few relatively minor issues but was complimentary of its extreme telephoto performance. I have since uncovered a significant issue. At the extreme wide angle setting, there is pronounced softness consistently in one corner that strongly suggests an alignment problem. I have since purchased another identical camera from another dealer and find no evidence of this problem in that copy.
After taking considerable care to document this defect, I returned the camera (at considerable expense to myself) to Panasonic for correction. They received the camera and further requested my original test photo sequence (all four corners with same subject and identical camera settings). They then essentially shined me on, refused to allow me to communicate with the technician, shipped the camera back without first informing me of their final findings (the inevitable line that the camera is "working properly and pictures look normal"). It should also be noted that this camera has on 2 occasions "frozen" with functionality regained only after rebooting.
I do have high expectations, but my second copy, when put through the same rigor, performs quite well. If I were to revise my ratings based solely on customer service, I would give Pany a sound goose egg. What a shame to showcase a remarkable Leica optic with shoddy assembly and then be in denial even when provided with tangible evidence of the fact. My advice to purchasers is buy from a reputable dealer such as B&H but do you testing within the return period, because otherwise you will be stuck with what you got.
Reviewed by 75 customers
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I take this with me nearly everywhere. It is light, compact and takes excellent photos in a variety of lighting conditions. The zoom is outstanding.
It is perfect for hiking, biking etc. where space and weight make a difference.
The 12 frames per second is excellent for photo of birds. I cannot wait until the Hummingbird return. Photographing those rascals will be a true
test of the power of the Lumix.
I have a Canon 40D, G10, and the FZ150. I have not used the former since
I got the FZ150.
I cannot wait until Panasonic releases a 16 or 20 MP version.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
The zoom capability is incredible and the results are certainly acceptable, even at the extreme end of the zoom. The menus are extensive, but logically arranged and intuitive. Image stabilization is excellent. Close-ups are very sharp. I rarely get my big Nikon out of the bag any more. Two people have bought this camera upon my recommendation, and they love it as well. The sharp vari-angle LCD screen is a big plus for me, as well as RAW capability. It also does high def video. I don't carry a video camera any more.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
This is my third superzoom and my first Lumix. The others were Canon Powershots (S2IS and SX10IS). Though I've owned it only two months, the Lumix seems clearly superior to both the Canons (though they, of course, were earlier models). It zooms more smoothly, takes surprisingly sharp pictures in very low light, provides better focusing guidance in macro mode, and has menus that I find easier to use. Pictures are sharp at all focal lengths, color is accurate, and the autofocus seldom misses. I appreciate the 25 mm (equivalent) wide angle and the fact that you can screw a filter on to the lens to protect it, something neither of my Canons allowed (maybe corrected by now?). So far I've found nothing that I don't like about the camera. I don't shoot video so can't comment on its video capability.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I use the camera for all types of photo opportunities. I just need to learn the camera setting. Tlhe action of the shutter is fast, I like everything so far.
Pros
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I previously reviewed this camera after a couple weeks use and praised its features and image quality. I had some reservations regarding manual focus and a few relatively minor issues but was complimentary of its extreme telephoto performance. I have since uncovered a significant issue. At the extreme wide angle setting, there is pronounced softness consistently in one corner that strongly suggests an alignment problem. I have since purchased another identical camera from another dealer and find no evidence of this problem in that copy.
After taking considerable care to document this defect, I returned the camera (at considerable expense to myself) to Panasonic for correction. They received the camera and further requested my original test photo sequence (all four corners with same subject and identical camera settings). They then essentially shined me on, refused to allow me to communicate with the technician, shipped the camera back without first informing me of their final findings (the inevitable line that the camera is "working properly and pictures look normal"). It should also be noted that this camera has on 2 occasions "frozen" with functionality regained only after rebooting.
I do have high expectations, but my second copy, when put through the same rigor, performs quite well. If I were to revise my ratings based solely on customer service, I would give Pany a sound goose egg. What a shame to showcase a remarkable Leica optic with shoddy assembly and then be in denial even when provided with tangible evidence of the fact. My advice to purchasers is buy from a reputable dealer such as B&H but do you testing within the return period, because otherwise you will be stuck with what you got.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
Love the big zoom.
Very fast lag time.
I like having to press a button to get the flash to operate, rather than having to stop the flash from working
This camera is quite light.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
We enjoy traveling & cruises - so this camera will do everything and more than my Fugi 9000. The extended zoom works great!
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
This is the first nice camera that I have owned and I am so impressed with the quality of pictures, especially without a flash. It has a lot of options, but the menu is easy to navigate.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I have had limited experience with the camera so far but it certainly is living up to my expectation so far. I particularly like the auto features that are pretty much idiot proof.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
Having gradually stepped up from the Lumix LX1 (as an early adopter) to the LX5 in search of the perfect one-lens run-and-gun camera, I ordered the FZ150 for the 24X zoom (this is a fantastic lens!), the dedicated mic input (the RODE VideoMic is perfect on this!) and the hinged screen/EVF option (love it!). Those amazing features are more than a fair trade for the increased "bridge" size, when using it as a travel shooter.
The ergonomic & utilitarian design of this camera is fantastic -- except for ONE boneheaded thing: the tripod mounting screw socket is located very close to the battery/SD card door hinge, as opposed to in the center of the camera, under the lens. This prevents ANY changing of batteries or loading/unloading of SD cards when the camera is on a tripod or attached to a quick-release mount. This oversight is baffling, considering the location of the tripod socket on both of my LX models allowed the door to open when mounted. Completely detaching the camera to check the memory card in the middle of a shoot is pretty obnoxious, having not had to before.
Other than that, though, it's a great camera for the price.
Oh, and the Lumix DMW-LWA52 wide angle conversion lens (marketed for the LX5) works on this camera perfectly -- without an adaptor or having to switch to manual focus!
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I did quite a bit of research before I bought the FZ-150 and I wasn't disapointed. Although I've only had for a couple weeks I took it out the box and ran it through a few test. I took it out to the lake and photographed some Pelicans. Exposure was right on even in tough situations like bright sun shinning off the water. I was also impressed with the video. I videoed from the back of a church with half the lights off and was very impressed with the quality of the video in fairly low light. I will be taking it on vacation to CA in a couple weeks instead of lugging around my DSLR. I am excited to use it for both pictures and video.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I purchased this unit ahead of an upcoming overseas trip. My main equipment consists of Canon 60D and 50D and whilst I love using them, carrying them overseas with a variety of lenses has proved impractical due to bulk and weight. It is also due to its size less conspicuous in places where conspicuousness could be a problem
This camera gives me virtually all the options available on my other equipment, but does away with lens changes, and will at a pinch fit into my jacket pockets.
The Leica lens is superb, giving beautiful imagery
One needs to be a little careful of the buttons being placed close together, but this is simply a matter of becoming used to the unit.
All in all a beautiful camera.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
We were in the market for a easy-to-use camera that offered exceptional zoom. After comparison shopping the similar Canon and Nikon products we selected the Panasonic DMC-FZ150. It was a great choice! Our primary use for the camera is documenting our family activities and we were looking forward to breaking it in during a weekend soccer tournament. It performed flawlessly. The high power zoom was great in picking up all the action from afar and the rapid shutter speed made it easy to take continuous shots. I can't comment on battery life yet as we are still working on the original charge, but I forsee the need for an additional battery because of the long (1.5 hr.) charge time - I would hate for the camera to run out of juice on Christmas morning! All in all we are very pleased with our purchase.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
It is a fantastic photo camera as well as a very good video camera.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
In addition to taking really stunning pictures, I am very impressed with the features. If you are looking for a long zoom and are going to stick the camera on automatic, this isn't necessarily the camera for you - there are smaller ones. But if you are a semi-advanced photographer, you will love all sorts of features such as bracketing, etc. For a really high quality point and shoot without a super zoom (but that takes great pictures), try the Canon S100. REALLY nice not having to change lenses.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I use it mainly for Gun n run. Does everthing I need it to. Have had no problem. Zoom is plenty long enough for me. Video quality is quite good. Love the flip out LCD. That can't be beat. Raw files great if you need them. Mic input jack excellent. Makes for excellent audio when used with a short shotgun. Just took the camera to SXSW. Also perfect for traveling.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
everything works. macro, telephoto, color, low noise, etc
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
I wish I would have bought from B&H sooner. They were very fast in shipping product, and like the satisfaction guarantee.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
So far I've mostly taken photos of birds, but also planes, helicopters, and indoor, static product shots. The thing that makes this camera is definitely the zoom, but also the great lens from Leica. No distortion or fringing. This camera is super easy to use and understand to take basic photos, with a ton of modes for getting creative or helping get the shot right. Very intuitive and plenty of easy-access buttons to get to the function you need right away. The only negatives I have to report so far are the low resolution of the electronic viewfinder makes it a little hard to judge focus there; things are a bit grainy in the EVF, and the fact that you only get a video signal out the HDMI port in playback mode. Would be nice to capture live video direclty to the HDMI output port.
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Comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Digital Camera (Black):
Great all around camera with incredible superzoom. I upgraded from the FZ28 and am delighted with the extra zoom length (24-600) and the swivel LCD. The range of options for customization are broad. This is a great travel camera. Too big to carry around in pocket.
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