Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 Pro Reviews

The Panasonic ZS15 is a camera that has something to offer photographers of all abilities. If you're a beginner, dial in Intelligent Auto. This point-and-press mode gets it right more often than it gets it wrong, matching the camera settings to the shooting situation with a fair degree of accuracy. It is a little too keen to unleash HDR mode when it detects backlighting, though - at one point, even a pale wall behind a portrait sitter set it off - and this adds several seconds to the image processing time. More advanced photographers will welcome the control that the P, A, S, M modes bring to a camera with such potential, although the aperture range is a little narrow at the full telephoto zoom setting (f/5.9-6.3). Overall, the Panasonic ZS15 is a fast performer with lots of genuinely useful features, and it's capable of producing smooth, attractive images. It represents very good value, giving both the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and the Samsung WB750 a run for their money.

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ25 is a compact camera that can be used for all types of photography. It has a long lens, a good sensor and it can capture very clear, well defined and vibrant images. It could use some improvements in its design, such as a less glossy screen, for example, but overall, it's worth considering if you're after a versatile compact.

While the TZ25 is undeniably a stripped-back version of the TZ30, it’s still an admirable performer. Some of the tech that has been, namely GPS and touchscreen technology, may even be welcome for some, so while compromises have been made, the TZ25 still impresses as a value alternative.

The Lumix DMC-TZ25 is another appealing travel-zoom camera from Panasonic, significantly improving on last year's TZ18 model thanks largely to the 12 megapixel MOS sensor, faster burst shooting and better video recording. You should also consider the more expensive TZ30 model, which offers a 14.1-megapixel high sensitivity MOS Sensor, 20x zoom lens, GPS tracking, touch-screen LCD and a High Speed Video mode. The TZ25 addresses some of the weaker areas of its predecessor, now featuring a 3 inch size with a more acceptable 460k resolution,a 1080i HD video mode with support for both AVCHD and MP4 formats and a dedicated Movie button, and much faster burst shooting at full 12 megapixel resolution. It also offers the same creative A, S and M shooting modes, hand-holding Intelligent Auto mode, effective anti-shake system and proven handling of its more expensive sibling.

Putting the comparisons to one side, the Lumix ZS15 / TZ25 has a lot to offer with a 16x stabilised optical zoom, a 12.1 Megapixel sensor that produces excellent image quality and good high ISO performance, 1080i HD video with AVCHD encoding, and a range of shooting modes that go all the way from fully manual to Intelligent Auto including versatile high speed continuous shooting and fun creative modes plus panoramic and 3D capture. By contrast with earlier models, the ZS15 / TZ25 is much more than a cut down version of Panasonic's flagship pocket super-zoom. It has its own distinct character and provides a mix of features that, when looked at in their own right make for a compelling offering for anyone looking for a powerful pocket super-zoom that's priced significantly below the flagship models from Canon, Sony and Panasonic itself. It may lack the ZS20 / TZ30's expansive feature-set, but by delivering the core capabilities you need with decent image quality at a good price, it easily earns our Recommended award.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ25 is a good update to last years model, the TZ18, with a 12 megapixel sensor, it produces lower noise, and has good image quality for a compact camera. Focus speed is excellent as is continuous shooting and the camera has a number of options for fast continuous shooting. Focus is quick even when using the full 16x optical zoom which makes this camera all the more appealing. On top of this the camera has panoramic sweep built in and would make a good choice for someone looking to explore the manual controls this camera offers.

A formidable compact from Panasonic, then, but also a fairly pricey one. At £289 we can't help but think there is some other offerings which behave the same way and put less of a strain on the wallet. Those in the market for a high end compact however should definitely consider the TZ25. It is more than capable of delivering in any situation and should, thanks to the decent build, last you for a long time.

Excels for image quality, video capture, performance and controls; at this price you can't go wrong