FZ150, Yes, it can!
Hello to all,
I am a proud owner of a Lumix FZ150, also owning a FZ45. I used to be a Nikon DLSR addict but also a professional naturalist, birdwatcher and wildlife tour leader, so it came a day that telescope, tripod1, cameras, tripod 2, binoculars, books, notebook, GPS and other stuff turned me into a kind of Mediterranean Sherpa. No way, I thought! and I sold my heavy photo stuff.
After having tested many models I arrived to the Panasonic Lumix FZ series pier, where I first bought a FZ100 model. After a couple of days, I gave it back because of the poor quality of the images taken with zoom at high range which gave a 'watercolour effect' more than neat images, due to the noise effect driven by the CMOS sensor.
Then I tested a FZ45 camera, where Panasonic partially solved the former noise effect as the camera has a built-in CCD sensor. Images started to be crispy enough for me. I have enjoyed many pictures with this gear, but I consider that speed focusing and a tilting LCD screen is a must for Nature photography, that's why I tested -and then bought- a FZ150.
FZ150 is a superb camera for me. Its new MOS sensor 'not an old CMOS one' on the FZ100 is a kind of CCD and CMOS hybrid, and the the sensor noise given now is lesser than the previous one in the FZ45 model. Superb!
But... have in mind! A bridge camera IS NOT a DSLR, and a wildlife image probably never will beat one taken with a 600 mm f:2.8 tube and a Nikon/Canon professional camera body, but who can afford expensive gear like that?
If you, as me, are interested in very decent shots, a satisfactory zoom range (unbeateable to document rarities or species seen very far), a superb macro with a comfortable Manual focus mode for insects and wildflowers, a very good quality landscape and general shots, the FZ150 should be nominated as your camera.
'The better the light, the better the shot', an obvious saying that in a brigde camera is a must. This, and use a tripod as oftenly as you can!!!o
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63037493@N03/6232630206/in/set-72157627865634808/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63037493@N03/5945569452/in/set-72157627741299431/
Saludos
Jorge
PS. I enclose links to both pictures taken with a FZ150. Hope you like them!