The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15 is the 4-megapixel cousin of the 5MP Lumix DMC-FZ20. Though it can’t come close to matching the sharpness of its higher-res stablemate, it still does quite well, and it’s actually a better camera when it comes to shooting action, because it needs 2 seconds less time to recycle between shots.
The FZ15 shares most of the FZ20’s physical characteristics, from its digital-SLR type body to its Leica f/2.8 6-mm to 72-mm lens (35-mm to 420-mm, 35mm equivalent) 12X optical zoom lens and its bright 2-inch LCD. One notable exception: the FZ15 lacks the FZ20’s hot shoe for using an external, non-dedicated flash. This struck us as odd since the FZ15’s predecessor, the 4MP FZ10 had one, and it’s a mistake in our opinion. The FZ15 uses SD cards and comes with a recharger and a lithium-ion body rated at 240 shots per charge, according to the CIPA standard.