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Technical Details
Color: Black
- Brand Name: Panasonic
- Model: DMC-ZS15K
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 12.1 MP
- Optical Sensor Technology: MOS
- Optical zoom: 16 x
Product DetailsColor: Black
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Product Description
Color: Black
From the Manufacturer
The Lumix DMC-ZS15 features a versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle and powerful 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 32x Intelligent Zoom. It also features a large, 3.0-inch 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD Touch Screen.
Panasonic Lumix ZS15 Highlights
LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens
With a newly-redesigned lens system, the ZS15 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality and with Nano Surface Coating technology, it offers stunning image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare.
Amazing Picture Quality
Featuring a newly developed 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, the ZS15 is able to provide amazing image quality. Coupled with the advanced image processor Venus Engine, the ZS15 features high speed, high sensitivity image recording. High speed burst shooting at 10 fps in full resolution and Light Speed AF allows you to capture even the most fleeting photo opportunities.
Full HD Recording
With the ability to record high-res, Full HD 1920 x 1080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) format or (30p in MP4), the ZS15 is able to produce extremely clear video details, even when subjects are moving quickly.
Product Description
The LUMIX DMC-ZS15 features a versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle and powerful 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (24-383mm on 35mm camera equivalent) with 32x Intelligent Zoom.POWER O.I.S.: The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) suppresses the low-frequency vibration hand-shake component, which is physically generated when pressing the shutter button or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed. The POWER O.I.S. also works for powerful zoom shots, which are especially susceptible to hand-shake in a compact camera. Active mode is effective for video recording.Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.6VDC, 895mAh.What’s in the box: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS15 Digital Camera (Black), Battery Pack, AC Adapter, USB Cable, Hand Strap, CD-ROM and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
Available Warranties for This Item
Color: Black
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
451 of 468 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review: Panasonic Lumix ZS15 12.1 MP 16x Digital Camera Vs. Canon SX230 HS
May 2, 2012
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
Review: Panasonic Lumix ZS15 12.1 MP 16x Digital Camera Vs. Canon SX230 HS
(Please note: embedded images are not possible, so I've uploaded a few of the referenced images here on Amazon separately, along with several other representative images.)
From left, the Panasonic ZS-15, Canon SX230, Sony HX5V, and a Panasonic ZR-3. There isn't a huge difference in envelope dimensions. Only the older ZR-3 is significantly slimmer.
From the back, the thin profile of the ZR-3 is easily discernible. Between the two primary subject cameras discussed here, the new ZS-15 and the SX230, there isn't enough difference to worry about.
Recently, I reviewed a battery of compact point and shoot genre digital cameras suitable for hunting and the outdoors. The losers were the Nikon S9100 for poor build quality, very poor video, and sounding like a tractor when you operate the zoom. Not a healthy tractor at that. The Sony HX7V exhibited truly sea-slug slow shooting performance. The middle of the road was taken up by a previous Sony model, the Sony HX5V, while connecting to a PC with a truly wacky proprietary Sony adapter, often took very good pictures, is well-built, but is still noticeably slow compared to several Canon and Panasonic models. The winners were the Canon SX230 overall (easily) with an honorable mention to the older Panasonic DMC-ZR3 for its slimness, responsiveness, very low price, and excellent battery life . . . noting that the more current, but similarly performing Panasonic DMC-FH25K model was quite a bargain at its $140 street price or even a tad less.
The Canon Powershot SX230, with its 14x optical zoom range, has produced some very good images for me. There are situations where the 14x zoom just isn't enough, like the above image of turkeys shot from the far side of a clover field. For extended zoom range without additional bulk or great cost, the new Panasonic ZS-15 has the potential to fill the bill.
In this genre of camera, it only makes sense to compare it to similarly configured cameras with similar envelope dimensions at similar price points. It makes very little sense to try to compare it to a camera with only 3, 4, 5, or 6x zoom. Nor does it make any sense to compare it with a bulky camera that isn't fitting into a pocket.
Most of the 2012 "travel zoom" models are out and as usual, there is a mix of hits and disappointments in what is called the travel zoom category, generally compact point and shoot cameras with 10x or better zoom ranges, often including a GPS. Already, a few of the newer models can be safely deemed a step backward. Inexplicably, the Nikon 9300 adds a GPS to last year's 9100 and along with that dubious feature adds an even more dubious 16 megapixel sensor. Currently, it is way overpriced at its $345 street price and wouldn't be competitive even if it was a hundred dollars or so less as far as I'm concerned. As a sad bonus, the image quality from the Nikon 9300 has taken a nosedive, even at base ISO.
Last year's Sony DSC-HX9V has been replaced by the DSC-HX10V, cramming 18 megapixels onto its tiny sensor resulting in a loss in image quality along the way. Still selling near its retail price of $329.99, it doesn't compare favorably to Canon and Panasonic product. The new Canon SX260 stretches the optical zoom of the SX230 from 14x out to 20x, it runs $300 as of this writing, and it also adds a plethora of new scene modes. It is easy to generally recommend the SX260 as it yields essentially the same performance as the SX230 with the same sensor. It is an incremental improvement, though, and if the 14x zoom of the SX230 is enough for you the remaining SX230's are a bargain at about $199 street price. 100% crops give a slight image quality benefit to the SX230 as well: something subtle enough to go unnoticed in a full image.
You might be wondering when I'm going to get to the Panasonic ZS15, so am I, but I'll get there. Though Panasonic has generally been credited with pioneering this branch of digital camera, their 2011 offerings fell flat. The DMC-ZS10 was described as 'doing everything right except take good pictures' by one reviewer, Jeff Keller, which about sums it up. The 2012 flagship Panasonic super-zoom, the DMC-ZS20, gets Panasonic back in the game with a 20x zoom, a comparatively full-featured GPS, currently offered at the equally full-featured price of $325 or so. While I debated, I decided it wasn't worth reviewing the ZS-20 compared to this Lumix ZS15, a comparative screaming deal at $230 street, or less.
What you give up in saving a hundred dollars is what I find of little value: the GPS, the longer zoom (16x is generous enough), and stereo video recording. If anything, the ZS15 nets you slightly better image quality, better battery life (no GPS or touch screen) and you lose little else. There is no particular reason to avoid the 20x ZS20, I've tested one example, but the more fiscally conservative folks will say that the so-called "downgraded" ZS15 is no downgrade at all for hunting and outdoor use-- and general use for that matter.
The ZS15 uses the new sensor from the Panasonic FZ-150 (a very, *very* good thing) coupled with the lens and body from the ZS-10 (not a bad thing). The sensor obviously boosts image quality, the precise area where the ZS-10 stumbled so badly.
It has been often said that Panasonic has the best artificial intelligence algorithms in the point and shoot camera segment. Their iA (intelligent auto) mode is industry leading, in my opinion. It is as close to "set it and forget it" as can be found. The Lumix ZS15 uses a higher resolution LCD screen (460,000 pixels) compared to its earlier and cheaper models, keeping pace with the Canon in pixels, and foregoes the sometimes annoying pop-up flash in favor of an integral camera body flash, an approach I prefer for general outdoor work particularly.
Sony has long had the "sweep panorama" mode, still ignored by Canon, but finally added here by Panasonic. The battery life of 260 pictures (CIPA Standard) is not shockingly good, but is above average and no GPS or touch screen drain is present. Markedly better than the Nikon 9300 (200 shots) a bit better than the Canon SX230 / SX260 (230 shots), but not close to the Sony HSX-10V (340 shots). Note, however, that the Canon / Nikon / Sony numbers are all estimated with their GPS units turned off. One other useful mode, the High Dynamic Range mode, is added and it is surprisingly effective in difficult lighting conditions.
According to Panasonic, "the Intelligent Zoom is an extensive zoom function using digital zoom, however, you can even draw the subject 2x closer than the original optical zoom with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. This means the 16x optical can virtually extend to 32x equivalent." 16x zoom is a goodly amount of zoom as is, a notch better than the 14x Canon SX230. I'm very hesitant to call it as good as true optical zoom, it isn't, but it appears surprising close and in the rare instances where you really need 32x for a still, you've got the shot. It does extend the versatility of the camera.
At 4.13 x 2.27 x 1.31 inch, the envelope dimensions of this camera are slightly more compact than many and the .46 lb. weight with battery and memory card is also appealing. On the negative side, ostensibly to save money, Panasonic has gone to in-camera battery charging which not only puts the camera out of commission but is unbearably slow compared to wall chargers. Consider the addition of an optional wall charger an absolute must, along with an extra battery. Those planning extensive video capture should consider an extra battery or two mandatory. As the temperature outside drops, so does battery life along with it.
I am hesitant to put prices into a digital camera review, as they can change drastically overnight. By the time the holiday shopping season rolls around, you'll likely see some impressive deals based not on camera quality or performance, but just what is left in inventory that needs to be moved to make way for the next year's wonderments. It can be worth waiting for, if you are on a budget. The bad news is that the most popular models may well get sold out and don't make it over to the price cutting stage. If the 20x zoom and GPS holds great appeal for you, you may well want the ZS-20 for the extra c-note. Same situation with Canon, the extra zoom, extra scene modes, and handling features might be worth the hundred dollar upcharge for the SX260 vs. the SX230. It isn't for me, but that is why they call them choices. So, I'll compare last year's winner, the Canon SX230, directly to this Panasonic ZS-15 which should help make the differences a bit more clear.
Battery life: Panasonic wins.
Battery charging: Canon wins, as supplied, with an included speedy external charger.
Zoom Range: Panasonic wins on both ends.
Size / Weight: Advantage to slightly shorter Panasonic, but by the very smallest of margins. No practical advantage either way.
LCD screen: The Canon's 16:9 screen is better for video than 4:3 stills, the reverse is true in the case of the Panasonic. The Canon screen has substantially better viewing angles; apparently the ZS-15 screen is of the "twisted nematic" variety.
Video features: Canon has high speed video modes for lower-resolution slow-motion video. Canon also has stereo sound, but the stereo separation on pocket mega-zooms is not distinct. Panasonic lacks these features, but does have better 30 fps HD video vs. the 24 fps HD of the Canon.
Sensor: Sensor size is the same, the dinky 1/2.3 inch common to many compacts. Both are about 12MP effective resolution, both are of the latest BSI / CMOS type. Read more ›
(Please note: embedded images are not possible, so I've uploaded a few of the referenced images here on Amazon separately, along with several other representative images.)
From left, the Panasonic ZS-15, Canon SX230, Sony HX5V, and a Panasonic ZR-3. There isn't a huge difference in envelope dimensions. Only the older ZR-3 is significantly slimmer.
From the back, the thin profile of the ZR-3 is easily discernible. Between the two primary subject cameras discussed here, the new ZS-15 and the SX230, there isn't enough difference to worry about.
Recently, I reviewed a battery of compact point and shoot genre digital cameras suitable for hunting and the outdoors. The losers were the Nikon S9100 for poor build quality, very poor video, and sounding like a tractor when you operate the zoom. Not a healthy tractor at that. The Sony HX7V exhibited truly sea-slug slow shooting performance. The middle of the road was taken up by a previous Sony model, the Sony HX5V, while connecting to a PC with a truly wacky proprietary Sony adapter, often took very good pictures, is well-built, but is still noticeably slow compared to several Canon and Panasonic models. The winners were the Canon SX230 overall (easily) with an honorable mention to the older Panasonic DMC-ZR3 for its slimness, responsiveness, very low price, and excellent battery life . . . noting that the more current, but similarly performing Panasonic DMC-FH25K model was quite a bargain at its $140 street price or even a tad less.
The Canon Powershot SX230, with its 14x optical zoom range, has produced some very good images for me. There are situations where the 14x zoom just isn't enough, like the above image of turkeys shot from the far side of a clover field. For extended zoom range without additional bulk or great cost, the new Panasonic ZS-15 has the potential to fill the bill.
In this genre of camera, it only makes sense to compare it to similarly configured cameras with similar envelope dimensions at similar price points. It makes very little sense to try to compare it to a camera with only 3, 4, 5, or 6x zoom. Nor does it make any sense to compare it with a bulky camera that isn't fitting into a pocket.
Most of the 2012 "travel zoom" models are out and as usual, there is a mix of hits and disappointments in what is called the travel zoom category, generally compact point and shoot cameras with 10x or better zoom ranges, often including a GPS. Already, a few of the newer models can be safely deemed a step backward. Inexplicably, the Nikon 9300 adds a GPS to last year's 9100 and along with that dubious feature adds an even more dubious 16 megapixel sensor. Currently, it is way overpriced at its $345 street price and wouldn't be competitive even if it was a hundred dollars or so less as far as I'm concerned. As a sad bonus, the image quality from the Nikon 9300 has taken a nosedive, even at base ISO.
Last year's Sony DSC-HX9V has been replaced by the DSC-HX10V, cramming 18 megapixels onto its tiny sensor resulting in a loss in image quality along the way. Still selling near its retail price of $329.99, it doesn't compare favorably to Canon and Panasonic product. The new Canon SX260 stretches the optical zoom of the SX230 from 14x out to 20x, it runs $300 as of this writing, and it also adds a plethora of new scene modes. It is easy to generally recommend the SX260 as it yields essentially the same performance as the SX230 with the same sensor. It is an incremental improvement, though, and if the 14x zoom of the SX230 is enough for you the remaining SX230's are a bargain at about $199 street price. 100% crops give a slight image quality benefit to the SX230 as well: something subtle enough to go unnoticed in a full image.
You might be wondering when I'm going to get to the Panasonic ZS15, so am I, but I'll get there. Though Panasonic has generally been credited with pioneering this branch of digital camera, their 2011 offerings fell flat. The DMC-ZS10 was described as 'doing everything right except take good pictures' by one reviewer, Jeff Keller, which about sums it up. The 2012 flagship Panasonic super-zoom, the DMC-ZS20, gets Panasonic back in the game with a 20x zoom, a comparatively full-featured GPS, currently offered at the equally full-featured price of $325 or so. While I debated, I decided it wasn't worth reviewing the ZS-20 compared to this Lumix ZS15, a comparative screaming deal at $230 street, or less.
What you give up in saving a hundred dollars is what I find of little value: the GPS, the longer zoom (16x is generous enough), and stereo video recording. If anything, the ZS15 nets you slightly better image quality, better battery life (no GPS or touch screen) and you lose little else. There is no particular reason to avoid the 20x ZS20, I've tested one example, but the more fiscally conservative folks will say that the so-called "downgraded" ZS15 is no downgrade at all for hunting and outdoor use-- and general use for that matter.
The ZS15 uses the new sensor from the Panasonic FZ-150 (a very, *very* good thing) coupled with the lens and body from the ZS-10 (not a bad thing). The sensor obviously boosts image quality, the precise area where the ZS-10 stumbled so badly.
It has been often said that Panasonic has the best artificial intelligence algorithms in the point and shoot camera segment. Their iA (intelligent auto) mode is industry leading, in my opinion. It is as close to "set it and forget it" as can be found. The Lumix ZS15 uses a higher resolution LCD screen (460,000 pixels) compared to its earlier and cheaper models, keeping pace with the Canon in pixels, and foregoes the sometimes annoying pop-up flash in favor of an integral camera body flash, an approach I prefer for general outdoor work particularly.
Sony has long had the "sweep panorama" mode, still ignored by Canon, but finally added here by Panasonic. The battery life of 260 pictures (CIPA Standard) is not shockingly good, but is above average and no GPS or touch screen drain is present. Markedly better than the Nikon 9300 (200 shots) a bit better than the Canon SX230 / SX260 (230 shots), but not close to the Sony HSX-10V (340 shots). Note, however, that the Canon / Nikon / Sony numbers are all estimated with their GPS units turned off. One other useful mode, the High Dynamic Range mode, is added and it is surprisingly effective in difficult lighting conditions.
According to Panasonic, "the Intelligent Zoom is an extensive zoom function using digital zoom, however, you can even draw the subject 2x closer than the original optical zoom with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. This means the 16x optical can virtually extend to 32x equivalent." 16x zoom is a goodly amount of zoom as is, a notch better than the 14x Canon SX230. I'm very hesitant to call it as good as true optical zoom, it isn't, but it appears surprising close and in the rare instances where you really need 32x for a still, you've got the shot. It does extend the versatility of the camera.
At 4.13 x 2.27 x 1.31 inch, the envelope dimensions of this camera are slightly more compact than many and the .46 lb. weight with battery and memory card is also appealing. On the negative side, ostensibly to save money, Panasonic has gone to in-camera battery charging which not only puts the camera out of commission but is unbearably slow compared to wall chargers. Consider the addition of an optional wall charger an absolute must, along with an extra battery. Those planning extensive video capture should consider an extra battery or two mandatory. As the temperature outside drops, so does battery life along with it.
I am hesitant to put prices into a digital camera review, as they can change drastically overnight. By the time the holiday shopping season rolls around, you'll likely see some impressive deals based not on camera quality or performance, but just what is left in inventory that needs to be moved to make way for the next year's wonderments. It can be worth waiting for, if you are on a budget. The bad news is that the most popular models may well get sold out and don't make it over to the price cutting stage. If the 20x zoom and GPS holds great appeal for you, you may well want the ZS-20 for the extra c-note. Same situation with Canon, the extra zoom, extra scene modes, and handling features might be worth the hundred dollar upcharge for the SX260 vs. the SX230. It isn't for me, but that is why they call them choices. So, I'll compare last year's winner, the Canon SX230, directly to this Panasonic ZS-15 which should help make the differences a bit more clear.
Battery life: Panasonic wins.
Battery charging: Canon wins, as supplied, with an included speedy external charger.
Zoom Range: Panasonic wins on both ends.
Size / Weight: Advantage to slightly shorter Panasonic, but by the very smallest of margins. No practical advantage either way.
LCD screen: The Canon's 16:9 screen is better for video than 4:3 stills, the reverse is true in the case of the Panasonic. The Canon screen has substantially better viewing angles; apparently the ZS-15 screen is of the "twisted nematic" variety.
Video features: Canon has high speed video modes for lower-resolution slow-motion video. Canon also has stereo sound, but the stereo separation on pocket mega-zooms is not distinct. Panasonic lacks these features, but does have better 30 fps HD video vs. the 24 fps HD of the Canon.
Sensor: Sensor size is the same, the dinky 1/2.3 inch common to many compacts. Both are about 12MP effective resolution, both are of the latest BSI / CMOS type. Read more ›
91 of 94 people found the following review helpful
By Spicerpro
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
I loved this camera right out of the box! I own mid-size digital SLR's and previous Panasonic pocket cameras. For my purposes, the Lumix DMC-ZS15 is the best of both worlds.
This P&S sports a distortion-free 24mm wide angle with an amazingly sharp 383mm zoom. The auto-focus is very responsive and works as one would hope. Image stabilization is accomplished through the lens and works well when shooting video, especially at long focal lengths. The Intelligent Auto Mode is a wonderful feature when you just want to shoot and move on. And yet, the manual controls offer excellent control when you need it. Low-light shooting is terrific.
Like with any new camera, you get use to the menu layout as you gain experience using it. Of course, reading the manual front-to-back serves as a necessary overview, plus there are neat features you would not otherwise know exist.
The video performance is excellent. As a professional filmmaker, I particularly appreciate the true 29.97 frame rate. Previous Panasonic models were 30 fps, which played havoc with DVD's and BRD's. The dynamic range of the MOS sensor is much better than previous CCD's I have owned. Also, the audio is clean and quiet at 48,000 kHz.
I could go on and on about my sheer delight with this camera. My only suggestion is that they include an external battery charger rather than requiring users to charge in the camera. For that reason, I bought a Panasonic DE-A65BA Battery Charger and Panasonic DMW-BCG10PP ID Secured Battery. Charging time is much faster and the extra battery is a must if you plan on doing a lot of shooting.
The Lumix DMC-ZS15 is highly recommended!
This P&S sports a distortion-free 24mm wide angle with an amazingly sharp 383mm zoom. The auto-focus is very responsive and works as one would hope. Image stabilization is accomplished through the lens and works well when shooting video, especially at long focal lengths. The Intelligent Auto Mode is a wonderful feature when you just want to shoot and move on. And yet, the manual controls offer excellent control when you need it. Low-light shooting is terrific.
Like with any new camera, you get use to the menu layout as you gain experience using it. Of course, reading the manual front-to-back serves as a necessary overview, plus there are neat features you would not otherwise know exist.
The video performance is excellent. As a professional filmmaker, I particularly appreciate the true 29.97 frame rate. Previous Panasonic models were 30 fps, which played havoc with DVD's and BRD's. The dynamic range of the MOS sensor is much better than previous CCD's I have owned. Also, the audio is clean and quiet at 48,000 kHz.
I could go on and on about my sheer delight with this camera. My only suggestion is that they include an external battery charger rather than requiring users to charge in the camera. For that reason, I bought a Panasonic DE-A65BA Battery Charger and Panasonic DMW-BCG10PP ID Secured Battery. Charging time is much faster and the extra battery is a must if you plan on doing a lot of shooting.
The Lumix DMC-ZS15 is highly recommended!
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
The Lumix series of Panasonic pocket cameras have a loyal following. This is my fourth Lumix, preceded by the TZ3, TZ5 and ZS5. The ZS15 is by far the best of the series. Although the hardware of the ZS15 sports several improvements, I find the greatest improvements are with the software.
Let me describe six of the features which I really like:
a. Custom Function Switch: This allows for 4 user selected settings. I set the C1 to a burst of 3 images at different exposures for HDR processing. These 3 images shoot rapidly, at a much improved rate. (I find the in-camera HDR almost useless). I set C2-1 to the night image mode which allows for in-camera processing of four images to reduce the noise of the high gain on the sensor. You will be amazed at the images you can take with this feature. I set C2-2 to the horizontal panorama from left to right. I set the C2-3 to the vertical panorama from bottom to top. As with the night images, you will quickly fall in love with these features.
b. The Time-Lapse Video: By shooting video in the miniature mode of the Creative Control menu, you can record time lapse images at 2 second intervals. The camera saves the time-lapse video in .MTS format. A convenient red button turns the video recording on and off.
I did not buy the more expensive ZS20 because I do not need the 20x zoom, the GPS, the 16MP sensor or the touch screen. I'm indifferent to some of the other new features. The 12MP images have more pixels but I find that the processing requires more sharpening. The smaller size of the ZS20 would have been convenient but I've gotten used to the original size. The charging via the USB port means I will not need to carry the charger with me when I travel, but I did like the possibility of having a spare battery in the charger. You cannot operate the ZS15 while it is charging. The camera has a built-in demo program and Panasonic includes a comprehensive digital manual on a CD. A new feature has the description of most menu selections scrolling across the bottom of the screen.
In summary: I am very happy with my ZS15 and would recommend it to nearly everyone, professional, semi-pro or amateur. There are many good reviews if you want to make a side by side comparison of features with other cameras or with the ZS20.
Let me describe six of the features which I really like:
a. Custom Function Switch: This allows for 4 user selected settings. I set the C1 to a burst of 3 images at different exposures for HDR processing. These 3 images shoot rapidly, at a much improved rate. (I find the in-camera HDR almost useless). I set C2-1 to the night image mode which allows for in-camera processing of four images to reduce the noise of the high gain on the sensor. You will be amazed at the images you can take with this feature. I set C2-2 to the horizontal panorama from left to right. I set the C2-3 to the vertical panorama from bottom to top. As with the night images, you will quickly fall in love with these features.
b. The Time-Lapse Video: By shooting video in the miniature mode of the Creative Control menu, you can record time lapse images at 2 second intervals. The camera saves the time-lapse video in .MTS format. A convenient red button turns the video recording on and off.
I did not buy the more expensive ZS20 because I do not need the 20x zoom, the GPS, the 16MP sensor or the touch screen. I'm indifferent to some of the other new features. The 12MP images have more pixels but I find that the processing requires more sharpening. The smaller size of the ZS20 would have been convenient but I've gotten used to the original size. The charging via the USB port means I will not need to carry the charger with me when I travel, but I did like the possibility of having a spare battery in the charger. You cannot operate the ZS15 while it is charging. The camera has a built-in demo program and Panasonic includes a comprehensive digital manual on a CD. A new feature has the description of most menu selections scrolling across the bottom of the screen.
In summary: I am very happy with my ZS15 and would recommend it to nearly everyone, professional, semi-pro or amateur. There are many good reviews if you want to make a side by side comparison of features with other cameras or with the ZS20.
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