Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15By: Dave EtchellsPanasonic introduces a four-megapixel digicam with the high quality optics of a 12x Leica lens. (Next): Executive Overview>> Page 1:Intro and HighlightsReview First Posted: 10/30/2004 |
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4.0-Megapixel CCD delivers 2,304 x 1,728-pixel images |
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12x optical zoom lens covers 35-420mm equivalent range | |
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Full range of manual and automatic exposure options, with nine preset shooting modes | |
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Styled like a traditional 35mm SLR |
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Introduction - The Panasonic DMC-FZ15
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Panasonic's been a player in the digicam market for the last couple of
years, but until now, we've not managed to get hands on any of their cameras
to test. As it happens, the Panasonic FZ15 was a great unit to start with, as
I found it to offer excellent performance and value in a long-zoom digicam design.
The Panasonic FZ15 combines a 12x optically stabilized zoom lens with a 4 megapixel
sensor and a host of features designed to entice novice and enthusiast alike.
True to its Leica heritage, the Panasonic FZ15's long zoom shows very good optical
quality, and the rest of the camera happily measures up as well. Read on for
all the details, but if you're in the market for a long-zoom digicam with optical
image stabilization, the Panasonic FZ15 looks like a good bet.
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High Points
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4.0-megapixel CCD delivering up to 2,304 x 1,728-pixel resolution images.Similar Cameras If you're looking at the
Panasonic FZ15, here are some similar models to consider:Confused? Check our list of the
Best Digital Cameras! - Electronic optical viewfinder.
- 2.0-inch, color LCD monitor.
- 12x Leica zoom lens, 6-72mm (equivalent to a 35-420mm lens on a 35mm camera) with auto and manual focus, and available nine-point focus area.
- As much as 4x digital telephoto.
- Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes, as well as nine preset "Scene" exposure modes.
- Manually adjustable aperture settings from f/2.8 to f/8.0, depending on zoom setting.
- Manually adjustable shutter speed settings from 1/2000 to 8 seconds.
- ISO sensitivity equivalents: Auto, 64, 100, 200, and 400.
- Three metering modes: Multiple, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering.
- White balance setting with six modes, including a manual setting.
- Built-in pop-up flash with six operating modes and flash exposure compensation.
- JPEG and TIFF still image file formats, movies saved as Motion JPEGs.
- Images saved to SD/MMC memory cards, 8MB card included.
- Movie mode without sound.
- Flip Animation mode, plus three Burst continuous shooting modes and Auto Exposure Bracketing.
- Color Effects option, as well as contrast, saturation, and sharpness settings.
- DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
- USB cable for high-speed connection to a computer.
- Lens hood and hood adapter included.
- ArcSoft PhotoImpression, Panorama Maker, and PhotoBase software on accompanying CD ( for both Mac and Windows)
- Powered by Panasonic rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, with optional AC adapter.
Comparison With Other Panasonic DMC-FZ Models
As of this writing (in early November 2004), Panasonic currently has three long-zoom, optically-stabilized digicams on the market. While there's a steady progression of sensor resolution as you move up the line, other features are not so consistently distributed. Here's a table showing how the features of the different "FZ" models compare:
| DMC-FZ3 | DMC-FZ15 | DMC-FZ20 | |
| List Price (At introduction) |
$399 | $499 | $599 |
| Megapixels (Effective) |
3.2 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| CCD Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.5" | 1/2.5" |
| Size | 108 x 68 x 85 mm 4.3 x 2.7 x 3.3 in |
128 x 87 x 106 mm 5.0 x 3.4 x 4.2 in |
128 x 87 x 106 mm 5.0 x 3.4 x 4.2 in |
| Weight (With Batteries) |
323 g (11.4 oz) | 556 g (19.6 oz) | 556 g (19.6 oz) |
| Body Material | Plastic | Metal | Metal |
| Lens Zoom | 12x | 12x | 12x |
| Lens equiv. Focal Lengths |
35-420 mm | 35-420 mm | 36-432 mm |
| Max. Aperture | f/2.8-4.6 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Manual Focus Option |
No | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Conversion Lenses | No | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size | 1.5" | 2.0" | 2.0" |
| LCD Pixels | 114,000 | 130,000 | 130,000 |
| Stated Flash Range (Auto ISO) | 4.6 meters | 7.0 Meters | 7.0 Meters |
| External Flash Connection | No | No | Hot Shoe |
| ISO Options | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400 | Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400 | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400 |
| Image Adjustment Options | Sharpness | Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness | Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness |
| Scene Modes | 9, One "SCN" mode setting |
9, Two "SCN" mode settings |
9, Two "SCN" mode settings |
| Noise Reduction Adjustment | No | Yes | Yes |
| Shot to shot cycle times (Full res JPEGs) | 0.42 sec. (1.47 sec. with 9-area AF) |
0.54 sec. (1.57 sec. with 9-area AF) |
(not tested as of this writing) |
| Sound Recording | Yes | No | Yes |
| Included Memory Card | 8 MB | 8 MB | 16 MB |
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