Panasonic FZD-15 VRS FZD-20

[Locozodiac]

Hi everybody...

Was an Olympus fanatic for about 5 years, lately have experienced too many problems related to dust, debris, even flies going inside the optical & digital viewfinders in new compact models, seems that there isn't any longer a perfect seal against such things intruding in, this issue is bothering me when composing, love total clear vision.

Wanted to try Panasonic cameras for a technological change. Have read tons of reviews, but don't have any prior experience with this worldknown brand. Don't need a 5 MP camera, so my choice was for the 4MP-FZ-15, I'm used to big and bulky cameras like the excellent Olympus C-2100 which still have in use and has stabilized image.

Liked very much the FZ-4, but it is smaller than the FZ-15 and don't like it's small 1.5 LCD, so this model wont go.

The final issues are: Does the FZ-20 behaves as equal to the FZ-15, don't mind a hot shoe, bigger printing capabilities, sound or 1MP more, my shooting is generally done in 2.0 MP and resized to lower sizes.

Panasonic uses a ORIENTATION SENSOR, does anyone knows what this is all about..? Why should you have one or not...? If I'm correct the FZ-4 & 5 has one inside and the FZ-15 & 20 dosen't.

Any information or comments regarding these two issues are gladly welcome and appreciated.

Regards from Peru :)

Luis

[emalvick]

I own and FZ-15, but tested the FZ-20 before I bought the FZ-15. I knew I wanted the FZ-15, but my local stores only had FZ-20's. So, I used the FZ-20 knowing they were basically the same camera. After buying the FZ-15, I can say they really are the same in most regards. The biggest differences are the hotshoe, the 5MP, a spot for a remote shutter release, and sound recording during video. FZ20 owners can probably clarify a bit more. I would bet that you can't go wrong with either one, and I see that FZ20's are now about the same price as FZ15's.

As for the picture orientation thing. The FZ15 and 20 don't have it, and I wasn't aware that the FZ4 and 5 do. However, I think it is just an internal mechanism that detects when you are taking a photo vertically instead of horizontally and automatically rotates the photo. One advantage of the FZ's is the image stabilizers that give you an extra shutter stop or two of stability without the need of a tripod. In the 1X zoom setting, I've been able to shoot down to 1/10 consistently without a tripod. Last night I was successful at 1/4. Some have gone even slower, although it still depends on the steadiness of your hand.

Others can probably shed more light on the FZ5. I haven't heard anyone talk about the FZ4 here. Not sure how many actually have it.

Erik

[RCCI]

I agree with what emalvick has already posted. I too also own an FZ15.

The FZ15 has a stock lens adapter that isn't real good. If you buy one like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30059&item=3865219929&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V

and then put on a good UV (or some other type) filter, you really seal the lens from all types of dust. Most here have installed an after market lens adapter on their FZ10, 15 and 20. It also makes it easier to mount macro or telephoto lens.