See All Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

*Est. $500

Reviewed

June 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

24x zoom lens
Supports RAW format
Hot shoe for accessory flash
Excellent video quality

Cons

More expensive than cameras with better features
So-so image quality

Where to Buy

for $549.00

Our Analysis
Specs
246 Amazon Reviews

Among mega-zoom digital cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 earns numerous recommendations for its 24x zoom lens and excellent video quality. This 12.1-megapixel camera has a number of features not commonly found on mega-zoom cameras, including a hot shoe (for an external flash and other accessories), and it supports RAW file format. Reviewers say the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 impresses with its video quality -- full HD (1080p) videos look fantastic, with life-like colors and accurate exposure. The camera also includes a microphone input, another feature you won't find on every mega-zoom camera.

Great features overshadowed by lackluster photos

However, most reviewers aren't wowed by the Panasonic's image quality, which leads them to recommend this camera only to those who will do a lot of video shooting. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 is also expensive compared to its competition. The top-rated Canon PowerShot SX40 HS (*Est. $350), for example, costs significantly less and it has a longer 35x zoom. It also gets higher ratings for image quality, especially at ISO 800 and below.

The bottom line

Despite its generous feature set and relatively high price, the Panasonic FZ150 falls short compared to less expensive ultra-zooms. The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS (*Est. $350) is a better bet.

Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch Vari-Angle Wide LCD

from Amazon.com

New: $429.00 $312.58

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Panasonic DMC-FZ150K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom (Black)

(246 reviews)
Buy new: $499.00 9 Used & new from $364.95

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Featured Stores	Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
	235 store reviews	In Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!	$549.00	See It
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Our Sources

1. DPReview.com

DPReview.com gives the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 an overall rating of 76 percent (out of 100). Editors praise the camera's image quality and image stabilization technology, although the default noise reduction is a little heavy-handed.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Review, Theano Nikitas and Barnaby Britton, April 2012

2. PhotographyBlog.com

PhotographyBlog.com says the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 is improved compared to its predecessor, offering better image quality, especially at high ISO. It is rather expensive compared to the competition, but the Panasonic still earns a Highly Recommended award.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Review, Mark Goldstein, Sept. 5, 2011

3. Camera Labs.com

CameraLabs.com calls the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 "one of the most powerful and satisfying super-zoom cameras around." The camera receives a Highly Recommended award, although Gordon Laing finds a few faults, including lack of built-in GPS.

Review: Panasonic Lumix FZ150 review, Gordon Laing, October 2011

4. PCMag.com

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 earns a 3.5-star rating (out of 5) from PCMag.com. Although he thinks the price is a little too high, Jim Fisher has good things to say about the video quality and LCD display.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150, Jim Fisher, Nov. 9, 2011

5. CNET

CNET gives the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 an Excellent rating. Joshua Goldman praises the overall image quality, versatile lens and speedy autofocus, but he says photos can look "overprocessed" when shot in JPEG.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150, Joshua Goldman, Oct. 20, 2011

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