7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
3x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards; 27MB internal memory
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12S 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)I've always been a fan of Panasonic's Optical Image Stabilizers on their Lumix line of cameras. The DMC-FX12 was quite the steal at under $200. Very compact camera without sacrificing image quality (at least not too much). There have been testimonies stating that the images produced from the DMC-FX12 are soft, but you can fix that by changing the color mode to "vivid" and presto, sharper images. The only gripe I have with this compact performer is that anything from ISO 800 and higher provides very noisy images. Most of the low light shots I've taken (minus the flash with color mode set to 'natural') were acceptable, but quite noisy. This camera has a quality Leica lens which helps contribute to some crisp images. Other than that, the flash is decent and under normal lighting conditions, you get some pretty darn good images (the image stabilizer makes a huge difference). This is a point-and-shoot camera and people tend to expect SLR quality images from a point-and-shoot camera. I have yet to come across a p&s shooter that comes anywhere close to SLR quality. As for the DMC-FX12, it's compact, great for point-and-shoot casual shooting, and worth every penny. I was in debate of whether to get this shooter or the DMC-FX30 but I wasn't about to shell out another extra $100 for a difference of 7mm of focal length between the 2 shooters. I chose the DMC-FX12 due to price and the image quality.
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12S 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)Light carry weight and small size were near the top of my "must have" features for a new camera; I wanted something that I would grab every day, put in a pocket, and not worry about. I have a digital SLR but carrying around every day is a bit much.After looking at Canon and Nikon pocket cameras I decided on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12. (I did on-line research, then went to my local camera store where I've been buying gear for 30 years. Their recommendations are generally spot-on. BTW - I paid a few bucks more at the camera store; buying on Amazon would have been less expensive. But since I spent some time in the store with the clerk, I felt it not right to use his expertise and then purchase elsewhere).The FX12 is quite small - easily fits in a dress shirt pocket or front slacks pocket. (Jean pockets maybe not so much, they tend to be tighter and might damage the camera). The camera is also quite light, although perhaps a bit heavier than it looks.The Leica lens was a major selling point for me. Leica glass reputation is second-to-none. However, the focal length could be just a tad longer for my taste. This camera is great for wide angle shots (group photos, etc.) but grabbing a telephoto shot means going to electronically enhanced zoom and, even with a Leica lens, that has inherit limitations.Close up shots (such as flowers) come out very nicely indeed, even for such a photographer as myself.Construction of the camera seems...delicate. Flimsy is too strong a term, but "delicate" seems to fit. Of course the controls are small by design, which is great, but the battery/card cover isn't all that substantial. However the camera seems to ride happily in whichever pocket I have dropped it into, and the construction is not such that would make one concerned that the machine will be crunched in the carrying. Perhaps because it is so small...it just seems delicate to me.The battery, as far as I can determine (someone PLEASE tell me if I got this wrong!) can't be charged in the camera. Battery life seems good - I've not run it down yet. However I would rarely, if ever, use the camera extensively at one go. If I know I'm going out for a shoot I'd take a DSLR. So you might look to others for recommendations on battery life. More important to me is how long the battery will keep a charge while the camera is in my pocket. I don't want to pull out the camera to find it's gone dead sitting. After being toted around for a week, taking the odd (in every sense of the word <g) photo, playing with the lens and camera settings, the battery was still showing a complete charge.I can't comment on the software that came with the camera, as I use Photoshop Elements. However I've used card readers in XP and Vista computers without a problem in retrieving images.I've not noticed that the images are particulary soft, but it may be a result of the images I've taken. More experience may tell a different tale.Quality-wi...
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