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

Product Information

Panasonic DMC-FZ150K 12.1 MP Digital Camera Review:

Breaking down the Panasonic DMC FZ150k

Most people just cannot do without a camera by their side at all times. Whether it is the amateur or the professional photographer, being able to have a good quality camera handy can be a real treat. Every year we see new models come into the market and every year a few of them are worthy of being at the top of the list. Here is a look at the Panasonic DMC FZ150k and how it fares among consumers. 

Looks and handling: The only difference between the Panasonic DMC FZ150k and its predecessor is the lack of silk screening. What it does have is a bigger grill for the stereo microphone. An additional refinement is the inclusion of a small lever allowing you to zoom in or focus leaving your left hand free to maneuver the camera. It is not a very big camera even though the photos you may see online may lead you to believe that it is. You will be able to maintain a firm grip on this camera when using it and at other times, it hangs securely from a very comfortable wrist strap without being too heavy to carry. 

The camera needs no preparation before you begin a photo session. The power switch is easy to access with the right hand as are most of the controls. It goes from zoom to ready in a short span of time ensuring you take your photo fast. The autofocus works rather quickly too. Most of the controls are conveniently placed making it easy for you to learn how to operate the camera quickly. The only problem you may have is trying to change the batteries, since the slots are placed very close to the metallic tripod socket at the bottom. It has a hot shoe on top that allows you to use a separate external flash and a stereo microphone if you need it. It comes with an articulating LCD making it very flexible and has an optical viewfinder that extends much more than what you are normally used to on a camera. 

Thoughtful control systems: Among the controls, what you are really going to like is the quick menu control that gives you instant access to the toolbar that is placed just above the LCD; this gives you immediate access to all the features that you frequently use when you are using the camera. The sub-dial offers yet another very useful setting; it is close to where the thumb rest is. With this, you can go from an extreme end of a frame to another quickly. All you need to do is push it in to activate it. 

The power switch of the Panasonic FZ150 is actually a switch and not a button and it is slightly recessed making it easier to handle. You can switch the camera on and off easily based on feel rather than having to look for the button each time. 

An interesting aspect of the design is the button for the shutter. It is quite big and is placed at the edge of where you grip the camera. Right next to that is the zoom lever that functions on two speeds. This is useful when you are using the camera for video recording. Adjacent to the zoom lever is the Movie Recording on the Panasonic FZ150. The same movement is required to start a recording, stop it and then switch to still life. 
What you will find interesting is that the ISO control, one of the three main features of exposure, is a button. With the ISO Limit that is included, you have more control over how you use it. 

The Panasonic FZ150 Lens: The Panasonic DMC FZ150k comes with 24x optical zoom; this is with a 25-600mm focal length. This is as good as having a 35mm lens to work with. It also comes with the Panasonic’s trademark Power O.I.S. This means you have the ability to stabilize your image via a lens-based system. In this particular camera, the mode is always active and can even be used to stabilize movement when you are recording a movie. 

Panasonic has included a brand new technology called the Nano surface coating that has brought down the amount of light the lens reflects significantly. This gives you a superior image with a massive reduction in flares and ghost images. 

among the zoom options, you have the regular 4x option. Panasonic also gives you an intelligent zoom of 32x with a reduced distortion of the image. The most you get in aperture is around f/2.8 when you are handling the camera at wide-angle. In telephoto, you will get f/5.2. 

The Sensors & Processing of images: With the Panasonic FZ150 light is captured on a MOS sensor of 12-MP. This is then processed on a quad-core Venus Engine processor for images. Put together, it helps give you better sensitivity as well as speed. You get a Signal-to-Noise ratio of 3.9dB, which is much better than other models. 
Panasonic has added a multi-process Noise Reduction filter which works on bringing down noise reduction based on the amount of brightness there is on different parts of the image. High as well as low frequency levels of noise, especially in the shadow are brought down significantly allowing a greater image as a result.
The Panasonic FZ150 Modes: You have a range of 14 options to choose from on the Mode dial. This area can get a bit confusing and is something you need to get used to in order to get the most out of your camera.

FZ150 Modes: 

• Program
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual
• Intelligent auto
• Creative control 
• Scenes
• Advanced scenes
• Movie and more

The camera has all the features needed for both amateurs and those who have turned professional. The camera is compact and allows for easier carrying of accessories and lenses. With some of Panasonic’s signature software for steadying images and reducing light when taking photographs, the Panasonic DMC FZ150k has what it takes to be among the top contenders of cameras in its category. It has some smart improvements over its predecessor and is bound to do well in the market.