-
Introduction
-
01.Product Tour
-
02.Color
-
03.Noise
-
04.Resolution
-
05.Video
-
06.Sample Photos
-
07.Playback
-
08.Hardware
-
09.Controls
-
10.Design & Handling
-
11.Canon SD970 Comparison
-
12.Nikon S630 Comparison
-
13.Panasonic FX580 Comparison
-
14.Conclusion
-
15.Photo Gallery
-
16.Comments
Samsung HZ15W
Previous: Page 12
Nikon S630 ComparisonNext: Page 14
ConclusionPanasonic FX580 Comparison
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 is a fair bit more expensive than the Samsung, mostly due to it having a touch screen. In a sensible maneuver, Panasonic has wisely retained a button-based interface system, and augmented it with a touch screen, rather than replacing it. The touch screen can be tapped to focus on a point, sliders can be dragged to change aperture and shutter settings, or for for browsing the quick menu. It still has a traditional four-way pad and menu system, so you’re not reliant on the screen. While it only has a 5x zoom to the Samsung’s 10x, it has a faster lens (maximum aperture of f/2.8), and an approximately equal wide-angle.
Another feature we really like about the FX580 is its manual controls, even more extensive than the Samsung’s. In addition to the manual mode, it has aperture and shutter priority shooting modes. Also, the aperture can be set across the entire available range, not just the minimum and maximum.
Where the Lumix really faltered was in its performance. In our lab testing, it scored lower in almost every test we run. The one area where it was appreciably ahead was noise, which is important. However, it lost out on color accuracy, resolution, stabilization, shot to shot speed, and video sharpness.
Where we would recommend the Panasonic is if you want extensive manual controls in a smaller frame than the Samsung, but don’t mind missing out on the 10x zoom, or taking an image quality hit. On the other hand, if you want that extra zoom, and don’t want to pay more for a touch screen, the Samsung is definitely appealing.
| Samsung HZ15W vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Samsung HZ15W | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 | |
| Price | $329.95 | $399.99 |
| Colors | black, silver | silver, black |
| Dimensions | 105.0mm x 36.5mm x 61.4mm | 95.0mm x 22.0mm x 57.0mm |
| Optical Zoom | 10x | 5x |
| Sensor | 1/2.33"-type, CCD, 12.4 megapixels | 1/2.33"-type, CCD, 12.7 megapixels |
| Display | LCD, 3.0 in., 230000 pixels | touchscreen LCD, 3.0 in., 230000 pixels |
| Viewfinder | none | none |
| Connectivity | USB, A/V, miniHDMI | USB, A/V, component out |
| Battery | removable lithium-ion, SLB-10A | removable lithium-ion, DMW-BCF10 |
Latest News
& Reviews
-
23-May-2012
Fujifilm X-Pro1 Digital Camera Review
Fujifilm’s old-school X-Pro1 is not only the company’s best camera, but one of the best mirrorless models we’ve ever tested. Read More...
-
22-May-2012
Pentax K-30 brings weather sealing to midrange DSLRs
The weather-sealed Pentax K-30 finally made its debut yesterday. With weather sealing at a sub-$1000 price point, it begs the question: why aren’t all DSLRs built like that? Read More...
Samsung HZ15W Manual
Top Rated Point & Shoots
-
$499.001Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a great design add up to the best superzoom that has ever graced our labs. That distinction seems to change hands every week, but trust us when we say that the FZ150 is a truly great camera. Read full 16-part review
$499.00TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$449.992Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
This professionally-geared ultrazoom offers some of the best color accuracy we've ever seen. It's a shame the other scores weren't quite so strong. Read full 16-part review
$449.99TypesUltra-ZoomAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels16.8 MP -
$799.993Canon PowerShot G1 X
Canon's new G1 X features a giant 1.5-inch CMOS sensor and the same manual control that we loved on the G12. Read full 7-part review
$799.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$429.994Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon's SX30 got a CMOS makeover that resulted in the SX40 HS, an impressive ultrazoom that captures beautiful shots in almost any scenario. Read full 16-part review
$429.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$399.995Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic resists the urge to cram more megapixels and more focal length into their latest ultrazoom. The FZ47 instead focuses on image quality and features, resulting in an incredibly strong camera that we loved shooting with. Read full 16-part review
$399.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels
Features
-
Canon 5D Mark III Review, News, and Samples
Check out all the latest news, reviews, sample photos and videos from the Canon 5D Mark III. Read More...
-
CP+ 2012 Digital Cameras
We’re live in Yokohama for our second year covering Japan’s premier photo show. Stay tuned for dozens of new product announcements and our first-hand impressions of all the cameras they didn’t have at CES. Read More...
-
CES 2012 Digital Cameras
We’re in sunny Vegas to bring you the latest news and in-depth first impressions reviews of all the hottest cameras for 2012. Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)