Digital Photography Equipment Review—Panasonic’s FZ150 Superzoom and FX90 Compact Cameras
It’s a bit unusual to review two digital cameras of different types in the same article, but this is an opportunity for PhotographyTalk.com to provide a preview of new cameras, in advance of their release. The Panasonic FZ150 Superzoom and FX90 Compact Cameras are scheduled to be available approximately late October 2011. Both cameras offer features and capabilities that will appeal to different audiences, but what they have in common is Panasonic’s desire to build on the success of these two cameras lines.
The Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Superzoom Camera
The Panasonic DMC-FZ150 Superzoom is now the top model of the very popular FZ line, being an upgrade of the FZ100. Although bridge digital cameras, such as the DMC-FZ150, have lost some of their appeal because they often share the same price point as introductory DSLRs, this new Panasonic model is still packed with features that make it competitive.
The DMC-FZ150 includes a 25mm ultra-wide angle, 24x optical Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens, with an application of Panasonic’s Black Box Nano Surface Coating to control light reflection that lead to ghosts and flares. Other primary features are a 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the Venus Engine to improve sensitivity and speed. Potential buyers will also be attracted to the camera’s full-HD 1080p video as well as its capability to record continuous, full-resolution images at 12fps without auto-focus and at 5.5fps with auto-focus.
The DMC-FZ150’s intelligent Auto (iA), AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range control and Intelligent ISO control modes make for simple operations. Three-D images can also be created, since the camera will choose two of the best images from a pan of 20 shots. Unchanged from the FZ100 is an articulated LCD screen and a hot shoe to attach a separate flash unit or microphone.
Although Panasonic had not yet released a manufacturer’s suggested retail price when this preview was written, some report that it will be approximately $500.
Panasonic FX90 Compact Camera
What should excite the compact camera market and photo-sharing crowd about Panasonic’s FX90 Compact Camera is its WiFi connectivity. Anyone who considers the immediate sharing of pictures via social media and other forms of online communication as an essential feature on a camera will want to consider the FX90 seriously. It will be no longer necessary to connect a camera to a computer to upload and share images. Plus, the FX90 includes Lumix Clud. With this app, only one login is required to access all of a user’s social media accounts.
Being similar to the earlier FX70 model, the new FX90 has many outstanding features: 5x optical-zoom Leica DC Vario-Summarit lens (the equivalent of 24–120mm on a 35mm camera), a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor, full-HD video recording in AVCHD format and a great selection of various modes, intelligent Auto (iA), Face Recognition, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure, and a 3D mode similar to the one found on the FZ150 Superzoom.
Panasonic hasn’t release a price for the FX90 either; however, the FX70 is priced at approximately $300 or less, so it’s likely Panasonic will try to squeeze a few more dollars from the marketplace with the upgraded FX90.
If either the Panasonic FZ150 Superzoom or FX90 Compact seems to match your digital photography needs, then look for them in your local camera shop or online during late October. Both are well-made, filled with features and special functions and will be priced to be competitive.