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Product Summary
Very good
The good: 10x optical zoom in a compact form; accurate Intelligent Exposure mode; HD video recording; clear 460K-pixel 3-inch LCD screen; captures detailed images with vibrant colors. 7.8
out of 10View score
The bad: Top dial easily sets to wrong position; no option to switch off Extra Optical Zoom.
The bottom line: With a 10x optical zoom, 28mm-wide lens and HD video recording packed into one compact form, the TZ15 is probably one of the most versatile Lumix compacts we've come across.
Read full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ15 »
Average User Rating
from 3 users
Spectacular
9
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Successor to the DMC-TZ3, Panasonic ramps up the specifications for its new flagship model, the TZ15. The sensor resolution has been increased from 7 to 9 megapixels, but still keeps the large 3-inch LCD display. A 10x optical zoom with a 28mm wide-angle lens sets this point-and-shoot to be one of the favorites among travelers. The TZ15 is also capable of capturing 720p HD-quality video. But if you are looking for a downscaled unit, you might want to consider the TZ11 (8-megapixel with no HD video recording) which was announced alongside the TZ15 at the PMA imaging show.
The left side of the camera is slightly thicker due to the handgrip, whose function is further enhanced by a vertical strip of textured rubber. This is an improvement over the TZ3 (with a horizontally positioned rubber strip) because there is now more rubberized surface area for our fingers to grip.
A playback switch is located beside the thumbgrip on the rear, and this is convenient for switching between shooting and playback mode.
The top dial rotates between iA (Intelligent Auto), normal, scene, video recording and clipboard mode. However, do keep in mind that the dial rotates 360 degrees, and when it is in an inappropriate position, the shooting function won't be able to operate.
While its predecessor, the TZ3, weigh 257g (with battery and memory media), the TZ15 manages to shed a few grams and tips the scale at 240g with the battery and flash card. So ladies, you may want to take note if you don't want to weigh down your handbag.
Design
At first glance, our eyes were immediately attracted to the large lens barrel on the shooter. It's no wonder considering that it houses a 10x optical zoom. Unlike the FX-36 (the current flagship model for the FX-series), the lens shield for the TZ15 is made of plastic. We are not very confident of the protection it can offer, but if you are going to bring this point-and-shoot around in a hardy pouch, it should be fine.The left side of the camera is slightly thicker due to the handgrip, whose function is further enhanced by a vertical strip of textured rubber. This is an improvement over the TZ3 (with a horizontally positioned rubber strip) because there is now more rubberized surface area for our fingers to grip.
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A playback switch is located beside the thumbgrip on the rear, and this is convenient for switching between shooting and playback mode.
The top dial rotates between iA (Intelligent Auto), normal, scene, video recording and clipboard mode. However, do keep in mind that the dial rotates 360 degrees, and when it is in an inappropriate position, the shooting function won't be able to operate.
While its predecessor, the TZ3, weigh 257g (with battery and memory media), the TZ15 manages to shed a few grams and tips the scale at 240g with the battery and flash card. So ladies, you may want to take note if you don't want to weigh down your handbag.
Rate It Now
User Reviews
Better than CNET's Editors Choice for this category
Mar 10, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Powerful zoom, superb image quality, no-frills interface, good battery life, good HD video
Cons: A bit heavy due made of metal and made in JAPAN (not a con)
Opinion:
This is my second Lumix cameera, the first one being FZ7. Photography experts of DPReview rated this camera highly recommended so I thought - gee, I better go take a look.
The build is solid, metal all around. The lens barrel and structure feels solid and larger than most point-and-shoot cameras. The LCD screen is fantastic, providing good detail under any lighting condition.
Image quality is clean and crisp. I alternate from iA mode and the semi-automatic mode where I can adjust ISO, exposure, etc. All the time I get pleasing photos. Noise is usually low without totally sacrificing details. HD video is also very good, allowing me to zoom in and out during video recording.
Image stabilizer handles the lens very well even at maximum 10x zoom. This has probably one of the best stabilizing technology in the market today. I use Mode 1 for video and ... Read more
its a "compact long zoom", absolutely brilliant features
Jul 21, 2008Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: iA mode great for dummies, nice flash, fresh & intuitive interface, HD videos comes in handy
Cons: lens cover feels a bit delicate, index finger may block flash while holding
Opinion:
This camera is truly worth every penny. Pics reasonably noise free contrary to common perception about lumix cams.
Super camera~~
Jun 4, 2008Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: the 10x zoom,video taking,iA mode.
Cons: nothing
Opinion:
very good and great photo taking in zoom
just the camera i need to Zoom!!!
User Discussion
hdw:
greeting,
anybody could advise on
1. what is the difference between these two model?
2. which give a better IQ
thanks
