Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 (Lumix DMC-TZ25)

About the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 (Lumix DMC-TZ25)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15, sold in some regions as the Lumix DMC-TZ25, was released in January 2012. It pairs a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor of about 12 megapixels with a 16x optical zoom covering 24-384 mm in 35mm terms at F3.3-5.9, a reach that places it in the travel superzoom class.

The body measures 105 x 58 x 33 mm and weighs 208 g, so it is chunkier than a slim pocket model but easier to hold steady at long focal lengths. A 3-inch monitor handles framing and playback, and recording goes to SD, SDHC or SDXC cards. The 24 mm wide end suits street scenes and interiors, while 384 mm brings distant signs and wildlife closer. Because the aperture narrows to F5.9 at full zoom, daylight shooting gives the most reliable results. It uses a dedicated rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a charger.

Buying one used

Check that the dedicated lithium-ion battery charges and that a charger is included. Extend and retract the 16x lens several times, look over the 3-inch screen, and test an SD, SDHC or SDXC card.