gdgt

While it doesn't have the most Megapixels, zoom power, or features, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 is still a very good compact ultra zoom camera. It offers a nice zoom lens in a compact body, along with robust performance, very good photo quality, tons of features, and Full HD video recording.

While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive ZS20 (the omissionn of GPS being the most significant), the DMC-ZS15 produces better-looking images, while maintaining the robust performance, competitive feature set, and ease of use of its more costly sibling.

Overall, the Panasonic ZS15 is a fast performer with lots of genuinely useful features, and it's capable of producing smooth, attractive images. It represents very good value, giving both the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and the Samsung WB750 a run for their money.

Focus is quick even when using the full 16x optical zoom which makes this camera all the more appealing. On top of this the camera has panoramic sweep built in and would make a good choice for someone looking to explore the manual controls this camera offers.

Between the camera’s tortoise-like operation at times, stubborn low light performance and basic design, I’m not seeing a reason to opt for the ZS15 over last year’s Canon PowerShot SX230 HS.

[T]he more wallet friendly DMC-TZ25 [DMC-ZS15] is definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a pocket camera that has all the bases covered.