FZ15 v FZ4

[garthmoe]

I am planning to upgrade from my FZ1/2 and can't seem to find too much on the forum about the FZ15. I am leaning towards the 15 because of manual focus and size. I'm not concerned about a hot shoe or sound on the video clip - which I never use - so the FZ20 doesn't appeal to me. Also the FZ4 seems a bit more fragile than even my FZ1. Does anyone have any experience - good or bad - with the FZ15? I would certainly appreciate it.

Garth

[emalvick]

I have had an FZ15 for a couple of months. It is a great camera. It is basically an FZ20 except it only has 4 MP, it doesn't have the hot shoe, it doesn't have the remote hookup, and it can record sound in video mode.

That being said, it has been a great camera for me. 4 MP is enough for me, and the other features aren't too important for me. The important thing is that almost anything discussed here about an FZ20 will hold true for an FZ15 except the missing features just discussed.

I was looking to get an FZ15 for a family friend last week, and it is becoming more difficult to come by. I suspect as Panasonic comes closer to releasing a replacement for the FZ20 that the FZ15 will be discontinued (I think Panasonic already has discontinued it) and the FZ20 will be the "low end" model to the FZ30 or whatever it'll be called.

If you have some specific questions about the camera, please let me know. When I purchased the camera, I mail ordered it. I could never find the FZ15 specifically to try out, but I tried a lot of FZ20's. It is worth trying the FZ20 if you can't find an FZ15 to try. Plus, if you find a deal on the FZ20, you might as well get it.

Erik