Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD – Black

• 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
• 3.8x F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens
• 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD; Record HD videos in AVCHD Lite; Creative Movie mode
• Venus Engine FHD image processor; hot shoe for easy accessorization
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B003WJR69E
• Item model number: DMC-LX5K

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a unique compact digital camera offering photo enthusiasts the ideal way for capturing professional-quality photos and High Definition (HD) video. With an ultra-bright F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, the Lumix LX5 minimizes image distortion, resulting in stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail.

The 24mm wide angle lens offers extraordinarily large viewing space and now the optical zoom is extended to 3.8x (90mm) making the LX5 even more versatile.

The F2.0 lens is twice as bright as a F2.8 lens, making it easy to produce beautiful photos with a soft-focused background thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the extra light.

In addition to the newly-designed lens, the Lumix LX5 features an image processing engine that combines technologies resulting in professional-quality photos, especially in low-light situations. Like its predecessor, the Lumix LX5 features the highly-acclaimed 10.1-megapixel CCD, but it has an expanded dynamic range by increasing the sensitivity and the saturation.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Highlights

Venus Engine FHD image processor

The newly developed Venus Engine FHD image processor enables higher-speed, higher-performance while compiling the Intelligent Resolution technology. The triple CPUs in this imaging engine dramatically speeds up processing while achieving exceptional noise reduction performance. With its high-sensitivity CCD and the brightness of the lens, minimum illumination of the Lumix LX5 is as low as 3 lux while shooting video.

The predecessor DMC-LX3 played a big role to cease the pixel count war by adopting 1/1.63-inch CCD for 10.1-megapixel recording to realize the unprecedented picture quality with a compact digital camera and even to establish a new premium compact camera category in the market. The CCD in the LX3, which was highly acclaimed from specialists worldwide, is redesigned to achieve further expansion of dynamic range by increasing the sensitivity by approx. 31% and the saturation by approx.38% compared to the LX3. It is made possible by the improvement of on-tip-lens design with larger light concentration and VCCD expansion while deepening the photo diode to manage richer signal more effectively.

The result is a high resolution, noise-less pictures even in high sensitivity recording and richly reproduced gradation in highly contrasted situations with the exquisitely wide dynamic range. Taking advantage of the high sensitivity CCD and the brightness of the lens, minimum illumination of DMC-LX5 is as low as 3 lux in movie recording.

Record HD videos in AVCHD Lite

In addition to Motion JPEG images, the DMC-LX5 can record high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite. It features almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The picture quality is greatly enhanced thanks to the newly added Intelligent Resolution technology.

The LX5 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio.

In movie recording, the DMC-LX5 goes further than simply recording HD movies. Apart from the movie recording capability of conventional digital compact cameras, the DMC-LX5 also features a Creative Movie mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out. My Color mode is also available in movie recording.

Ergonomic design for easy control

The Lumix LX5 has also been redesigned externally–with a thicker grip making it easier to hold and a newly-incorporated turn-and-push jog dial achieves various selection and setting more quickly. The Lumix LX5 also features a hot shoe, which allows for the attachment of a wide-variety of accessories, such as an optional Live View Finder which helps shooting under strong daylight with high visibility or an external flash. The 1:1 square format setting is added in the aspect ratio option which can be selected with the switch at the side of the lens barrel.

Additional Features

• The 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high resolution Intelligent LCD also redesigned by adopting High CRI (Color Rendering Index) backlight LED to greatly increase the color reproduction, making it more visible both in shooting and playing back images in any conditions from at dark night to under bright sunlight.
• Battery life is extended to shoot 400 photos (CIPA) per a single charge.
• A wide-variety of optional accessories, including a Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), External Optical View Finder (DMW-VF1), Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LWA52), Conversion Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA6), MC Protector (DMW-MC52), ND Filter (DMW-LND52), PL Filter: DMW-LPL52, External Flashes, Leather Case (DMW-CLX5) and a Battery Pack (DMW-BCJ13).

This camera is really fantastic and a nice upgrade from the LX3. That’s not to say that everyone should upgrade, but I think there are some significant advantages.

For me, I really needed the additional zoom and was very excited to hear that this is exactly what the LX5 had, without sacrificing the f2.0 lens. My brother needed a new camera anyway and was happy to get my 2 year old LX3. (By the way that camera is in nearly perfect condition. Panasonic really build a quality product with the LX line and I think the LX5 is even better.)

Here are the major comparisons to the LX3. Decide if these are worth it to you:

- Better image stabilization. I am getting crisp photos at speeds as low as 1/10sec.

- Better sensor than the LX3. The colors are slightly more accurate and the auto white balance works better (I need to make less adjustments).

- Better low-light shooting. Perfectly usable up to 1600 out of the camera. Shots in ISO 3200-6400 can be used with some photoshopping. ISO 12800 won’t be very good, but nice to have if you don’t care about quality and just need a quick shot in the dark. With the LX3 I was getting usable shots at ISO 800.

- Faster autofocusing.

- Face detection.

- Autofocus tracking!

- Better processor. Faster startup and shot-to-shot time.

- Better battery life… this camera lasts almost twice as long!! And I always thought the battery life on the LX3 was already outstanding. I’m going on a weekend trip soon and feel confident that this will last the entire weekend without needing a charge.

- As mentioned, the added zoom is terrific. It’s interesting to note that the overall size of the camera has remained roughly the same as the LX3 despite the upgrade.

- Easier to get into the film mode with the dedicated movie button. I’ve tested this a few times and it’s very useful for quick recording.

- Better quality video. Uses the newer avchd codec, but you can always record in motion jpeg.

- More comfortable to hold and better build quality.

- Hot shoe, but I don’t see this as a benefit to myself. The option to add an EVF or flash is nice, but defeats the purpose of keeping this camera compact. At that point you may as well get an SLR.

- Better control with the GF1 style click wheel on the back. Seriously, this is the best PaS camera in terms of usability. You literally forget about the controls. Really well thought out. The menus are similar to the LX3 and “just work”. Really a nice interface and plenty of options to tweak.

- Improved screen. Looks better in the bright Singapore sun than my LX3 ever did. Wish it had more pixel density, but still looks great.

- Added 1:1 square format is really neat. Not a major addition, but nice to have. I really like that the LX-series has a dedicated image ratio button. Very useful and unique. (note: the LX3 has 1:1 ratio as well, with the latest firmware, but the LX5 has a dedicated hardware button for it).

Complaints:

- The lens cover needs to be built in. I really don’t mind the one it comes with much, but there were lots of complaints about the lens cover on the LX3. Not sure why Panasonic chose to ignore these. I would definitely prefer not to worry about losing the lens cover.

- Should be a better panorama mode. I think sony’s “Sweeping panorama” feature is fantastic. Panasonic should adopt something similar if they can. The current mode works fine, but could be improved.

Wish list for the “LX6″:

- Larger sensor, like m4/3.

- Brighter lens, F1.7 or lower would be nice

- Built in EVF!

- Articulating screen.

- Built in lens cover.

- Weather sealed to make it even more durable against splashes and dust.

- Manual focus/zoom wheel that can be programmed like the canon S90/95.

I think adding these would make for a nearly perfect PaS.

Other cameras to consider:

Canon S95: I tried this camera out the other day and it’s not as good as the LX5 in many ways, but does have a few advantages. Image quality on the S90 was not as good as the LX3/LX5. The LX cams are also wider at 24mm (I think the canons are 28mm). The jog dial on the back of the S95 is cool but since the camera is so small I found myself hitting it accidentally a few times and changing the settings. Can be kind of annoying, especially if you want to take a quick shot. The LX5 is also much nicer to hold and easier to dive into the menus as a result of the control placement. But to be fair, the Canon does start at a lower price point and is smaller. Assuming size and price are more important to you, I would say it makes for a fine choice. It’s still better than most other cameras out there and also has an f2.0 lens. The addition of 720p on the S95 is nice as well (but doesn’t allow for an AVCHD format, zooming while recording or continuous autofocus like the LX5). Also, having a programmable front selection wheel on the S95 is really smart and useful.

Canon G11: Not a big fan of this camera as it uses the same sensor as the Canon S90 and doesn’t use as fast a lens. Lacks HD video recording and is more expensive. It’s also larger and bulkier than the LX5. Overall I just don’t feel like it is a strong competitor. The G12 will probably be something better to compare against the LX5 or any of the other cameras mentioned here. To the G11′s credit, it does have an articulating screen and a view finder which is nice.

Canon G12: The G12 has since been announced and while it’s surely seems like a nice camera I still think it’s rather large and didn’t add too many features to make it a good competitor to the LX5. It’s probably still built like a tank, adds HD recording, but the lens isn’t really that impressive to me. The LX5 matches it’s zoom capabilities, but with a brighter/wider lense.

Olympus EP-L1: This camera is also a worthy competitor and has the benefits of a larger sensor and interchangeable lens. However, the build quality is not as good, the lens that comes with the EP-L1 isn’t very impressive and it’s a bit larger. You will need to spend some serious money on the 20mm f1.8 lens which makes this purchase almost twice that of the LX5. If you are okay with the kit lens this is a great bargain for just slightly more than the LX5.

Pansonic GF1: This was the most difficult decision to make for me. Relatively speaking, the GF1 costs slightly more than the LX5, but comes with a better lens (20mm f1.8) and is m4/3 like the EP-L1. While the 20mm kit the GF1 does take noticeably better pictures, I still ended up choosing the LX5. Why? The LX5 is still cheaper (the price difference does matter to me, it might not to you), has image stabilization (the GF1 does not) and it’s substantially smaller. I like the GF1 and think it is tiny compared to traditional digital SLRs, but it’s still not as convenient as a compact PaS like the LX5. Basically, I see myself taking the LX5 to more places and using it more in general. I think that beats out the image quality edge that the GF1 has.

Ricoh GR Digital III: Looks interesting and has a nice spec’d 28mm f1.9 lens, but is fixed (no zoom) and has no HD video recording. I didn’t test this because I need zoom and HD recording, and it’s also larger and a good amount more expensive than the LX5. I’ve heard the menu system on the Ricoh’s is one of the best to use, but it seems to be targeted at a very niche audience.

Samsung TL500: Was really impressed and seriously considered this camera because I read about it having a f1.8 lens at 24mm! And it has a nice articulating AMOLED screen. I played with the camera a bit and was impressed, but it’s larger than the LX5, doesn’t have as good a zoom range and about 1/2 the battery life. I’ve also examined the TL500 image samples on the web and don’t think they are good as the LX5. Low light performance is a little less impressive, but the LX5 just produces more crisp images with better colors IMO. This is comparing jpg’s straight out of the camera, not RAW files. Lastly, there is no HD video recording (only does 480p). The price on this camera is great though and it looks and feels like it will last a LONG time. Great design here by samsung.

Sony NEX3/5: Gorgeous cameras for sure. First I’ve seen that come with a metal kit lens. This oozes quality and I really wanted to like these cameras. With the pancake lens they are fairly tiny and remember they use a full size APS-C sensor. Also, the NEX3 is not much more expensive than an LX5. I didn’t purchase either for a few reasons. First, the flash isn’t built in. You need to screw it on, which is annoying because it doesn’t go on easily. It took me a few tries to get the threading to interlock. I don’t take off too many points for this, because you can just leave the flash attached all the time. The biggest problem I have is the manual functionality and the firmware in general is lacking and isn’t very fluid. This is also partially a result of the sparse manual controls the cameras have. It’s hard to adjust any settings and really seems to be designed for users who want to just use the auto mode. This is completely OK, just not the camera for me. If you purchase this camera and intend to use the manual functionality (and don’t mind digging around the menu a bit) I’m confident this camera will give you excellent results. You also get the great Sony “sweep” panorama mode I wish Panasonic would implement. And let’s not forget the useful tilt screen. Out of the two, the NEX3 (the NEX5 adds 1080p video) is probably the most direct competitor to the LX5 in terms of price and could be a good choice for many people. Like I said, I really wanted to like these cameras, but the controls and software feel a bit like a rush job.

Conclusion:

After weighing the LX5 against the competition I think overall it’s the most balanced camera out there and a worthy successor to the classic LX3.

If you’re willing to sacrifice some features and IQ, but need a cheaper camera with a fast lens and with smaller size go for the Canon S90/95.

The LX3 still competes with most of the cameras mentioned and is a terrific bargain. I’d definitely recommend looking into getting one if you’re a bit tight on cash, but want a great camera that will last years and years.

If you don’t mind being able to record video and are willing to sacrifice some IQ look at the Samsung TL500, it has even faster glass than the LX5 and offers some unique features like an articulating AMOLED screen. Overall an excellent value for what you get.

The Sony NEX3 produces great results with it’s larger sensor and is an interchangeable lens system for a price that’s very close to the LX5. But it lacks manual functionality and has an awkward to use flash component.

Finally, if you want SLR-like image quality and are willing to pay a bit more, look at the Panasonic GF1. The 20mm kit will take amazing photos but you get a less compact camera, no zoom, no image stabilization, and of course the higher price for a camera that’s already about 1 year old.

Hope this was helpful.

Additional Notes:

I discovered that if you hold the “play” button while turning the camera on, it will bypass extending the zoom and go straight into picture review mode. Useful if you just want to look over some images without taking off the lens cap!

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