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)
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (White)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 i...
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