Testing / Performance

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Using a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software, we tested the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5's color performance. The software evaluates the camera's colors against the ideal colors portrayed by the GretagMacbeth chart. Within each color tile, the camera's produced color is displayed in the outer square to contrast with the error-corrected version in the inner square. The small vertical rectangle in the center is the tonal ideal.

 The graph below displays the color reproduction capabilities of the FX5. The circles are the tones produced by the camera, while the squares represent the ideal colors. The longer the physical line connecting the two, the greater the margin of error for the camera is.

 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 received a mean color error score of 6.99. This is very good for a compact point-and-shoot camera and alludes to the overall color accuracy of the camera. The mean saturation score is 137.9 percent, which means the image has been very heavily saturated. Most digital cameras over-saturate the colors slightly to give skin tones and other colors a richer, more vibrant look. However, the FX5 goes far beyond over-saturating many of its tones and creating a pastel-like overall tone to much of its imagery. This counters the precision and accuracy of the included Leica lens and will offset the naturalism and realistic reproduction to a large extent in most shooting situations.

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Still Life Scene

Below is an image of our beloved still life scene, recorded with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5.

[

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is VERY large!)](../viewer.php?picture=PanaFX5-StillLifeLG.jpg)

 **Resolution/Sharpness (3.51)**

With 4.23 total and 4 effective megapixels, the 1/2.5-inch CCD can record images at Fine and Standard quality. To test the pixel count, we imported a succession of images of our resolution chart into Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the image and evaluates the number of pixels used to create the image. We take the camera's best score and contrast it with the advertised number. If a camera records 70-79% of its suggested pixel count it is considered to be a 'good' producer, while any camera that records 80-89% is seen as 'very good' and anything exceeding 90% is 'excellent.'

 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 recorded 3.51 megapixels, which is 88% of the advertised pixels. Therefore, this camera received a 'very good' score on our resolution tests and nearly creeps into the excellent category of resolution performance. This is an elite category that does not often feature point-and-shoot cameras and this should be read as an extremely impressive score.

Noise - Auto ISO ***(5.14)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 received an automatic ISO noise score of 5.14, which is adequate but certainly not impressive. When perceiving a camera’s noise score or other performance scores for that matter, it is important to take into consideration the camera's intended audience and targeted users. For instance, in the case of the FX5, which aims to offer advanced performance capability and image quality by sacrificing handling and control simplicity, it is important to determine whether its features work well together to optimize overall performance or whether these features ultimately oppose each other's strengths. For instance, on many point-and-shoot cameras, a 5.14 overall automatic noise score is decent' however, on a camera that bases its appeal around superior performance, the 5.14 score garnered by the Panasonic FX5 is not sufficient and will scar the overall image its high-grade Leica lens is capable of bringing to the CCD. Therefore, while the refracted image is crisp and defined, the produced image after processing may be fraught with noise and ultimately may become distorted. Fortunately, the FX5 includes manual ISO controls that are more apt to control noise.

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Noise - Manual ISO ***(7.71)***

For cameras that have manual ISO settings, we test noise levels at each rating. We put the noise results into a regression analysis to determine the overall manual noise score. The graph below portrays the results, with the horizontal axis representing the camera's ISO settings and the vertical axis representing the amount of noise produced.

 While it is somewhat disappointing that the Panasonic FX5 does not include an ISO 400 rating, it does perform well within its range. This means that the camera is only equipped to perform under optimal lighting conditions and may need to rely on its flash or added illumination. However, given the necessary lighting, the FX5 will produce clean, clear images with minimal amounts of visible noise.

Speed / Timing
Startup to First Shot (4.58)

Press the power button, then get yourself a bag of popcorn. This camera takes 5.42 seconds to take its first shot. This is common for a compact camera, but is still discouraging. Just be sure to have the FX5 turned on well before the action happens.

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Shot to Shot (6.78)

The burst mode on this camera really isn't that fast. In between shots, the camera takes 3.22 seconds.

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Shutter to Shot (6.22)

You have time to blink your eyes, but be sure they're open 1.39 seconds after the shutter button is pressed. It takes just that long for the camera to take a picture.

Physical Tour

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Front (7.5)**

The front of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 features a 3x optical, 3x digital zoom lens on the right side of the camera body. To the upper right of the Leica lens is the comically small optical viewfinder. To the upper left of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5’s lens barrel is the built-in flash. Running vertically along the left side is a slightly raised band of silver, serving as a finger grip for the right hand. **

Back (7.5)**

The back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is occupied by a 1.5-inch LCD screen, located on the left side. The LCD is raised from the body of the camera, and framed with a large black border. The purpose of this border is uncertain, and may be an attempt to give the illusion of a larger display than it actually has or just to create separation between the screen and the camera body. The field of view runs nearly 100 percent, with slight discrepancies that are barely noticeable. Above the LCD screen to the left is the optical viewfinder with real image viewing. To the right of the LCD screen, running along the side vertically from top to bottom, are the display, menu, and the delete/focus buttons, which are all slightly raised from the body of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5.

The Mode Dial for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is small, with the standard symbols representing the various modes of operation. With the dial half-sunk into an indentation in the body, the user’s right hand can quickly access and alter settings, despite the camera's small overall size. This feature is great for users that desire smaller yet still efficient digital cameras. Below the Mode Dial, the user will find the four-way keypad with its cursor buttons. With multiple functions assigned to each portion of the control, some users may initially find this feature to be daunting or at least more tedious than perhaps is necessary. We suggest the user become acquainted with the functionality of the buttons prior to going out and shooting; reading the manual is a good start. The right side of the back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is empty. A series of recessed points are situated where the thumb of the user's hand will be, and a small vertical bar serves as another finger support.

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**

Left Side (7.5)**

The left side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is simple and clean. There’s a small port cover in the center that’s flush with the surface and lifted with a small tab located toward the back of the camera. I thought I could snap off the port cover entirely, only to discover that it is securely attached with a peg of rubber in the opposite corner. Under this port cover, the user will find the digital A/V out, and beneath that, the DC in/EXT ports.

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**

Right Side (7.5)**

The right side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 consists mostly of a door for the battery and memory card slot. With six raised dots for grip, and an arrow for direction, the user must flip open the door to access these features. The battery and memory card should be placed carefully, as it is easy to misread the embossed insertion instructions. Above the door for the battery/memory card is the camera strap eyelet.

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**

Top (7.5)**

The top of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 has the zoom lever and shutter button located on the right side, with the off/on switch to the right and back of them. To the left and indicated by a small (and I mean small) notch is the monaural microphone. Behind and to the left of that, there is a monaural speaker.

Components

Viewfinder ***(3.0)***

The viewfinder on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is an real image optical viewfinder, which means that menu selections and other options available on the LCD screen will not be accessible or discernible when engaging the viewfinder. The size of this viewfinder makes utilization a near Olympic event and will transform the user's attempt into a 'Happening' piece of performance art that would make Yoko Ono proud.

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LCD screen ***(6.0)***

The LCD screen for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 measures 1.5 inches diagonally and has 114,000 pixels. The brightness is adjustable within the menu settings on the LCD screen by moving from REC settings to SETUP. Once in setup, the user scrolls down to Monitor and can adjust brightness from light to dark by pressing the left/right buttons on the four-way controller. It is also possible to control the display through the display button located to the right of the LCD screen on the back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. By pressing the button once in regular mode, the user will switch the screen to a nine-square grid; pressing the button again will turn the monitor off, and a third time will restart the monitor, with settings displayed on the screen.

Flash ***(6.5)***

To adjust the built-in flash on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, press the flash/right portion of the four-way keypad. The user can choose among Auto, Off, Auto/Red Eye, and Slow Sync/Red Eye. To switch the setting, the user must press the flash/right button on the four-way controller. Each time the button is pressed, the choice is switched on the LCD screen in the upper left corner. It is essential that users familiarize themselves with the symbols commonly used for flash settings; otherwise, this setting will most likely be overlooked. The flash is effective from 1.31 to 10.63 feet.

Zoom Lens ***(8.0)***

The FX5 comes equipped with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens, which has 7 elements in 6 groups. Of those, there are 3 aspherical lenses and 3 aspherical surfaces. The 3x optical lens zooms from 5.8-17.4mm, the 35mm equivalent of 35-105mm. In the normal mode, the lens focuses from 1.64 feet to infinity. In macro and simple mode, it focuses from 0.33 feet to infinity. To adjust the zoom of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, the user slides the zoom lever located on the top of the camera body to the left or the right, depending on the desired crop. For this group of Panasonic Lumix imagers, the Leica lens applied to the end is by far its strongest element and with the FX5, this continues to be true. The sharpness and definition in its images is largely due to the quality and precision of its lens craftsmanship.

Design / Layout

Model Design / Appearance ***(8.0)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 contains a brushed exterior in cool gray, with polished silver highlight grips and lens barrel to add contrast. Rectangular and thin, this camera has been purposefully designed, with confident lines throughout that make for an elegant appearance.

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Size/Portability ***(8.0)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 fits easily in my palm or my pocket. The LCD screen might scratch easily, being raised from the body of the camera, but only extensive use can reveal whether this really will be a problem. It is lightweight, at approximately 6.53 ounces with both memory card and battery attached. Since the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 uses a lithium ion rechargeable battery, it maintains a low weight even when in use, making it a comfortable 2 x 4.24 x 1.08-inch digital camera to hold.

Handling Ability ***(7.5)***

Considering its small size, the overall handling of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is fairly smooth. Panasonic's Mega Optical Image Stabilizer or a tripod will make sure that slow shutter speeds or dark shots will not be compromised by hand motion, which is often an issue with a smaller camera. The FX5 is compact and comfortable, making it a dream to handle.

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Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size ***(6.5)***

The positioning of the controls on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is logical and fairly ergonomically suited to my hand. The raised segment of the camera body around the LCD, and partially beneath the mode dial, allows for heightened ease on a feature my fingers are normally too large to smoothly use. This was perfect for quick mode changes, and allowed for precise control; I chose the mode I wanted to use the first time, not the fourth or fifth. On the down side, I wish camera manufacturers would take the time to consider the viewfinder more carefully when new cameras are produced. It’s positioned to perfectly rub my nose sweat onto the LCD screen when framing a shot, and its small size puts my eyelashes constantly in the way. There really is no practical application for the viewfinder, yet is seems to continuously be included for novelty purposes. The microphone is positioned in a place that is consistently handled, compromising the sound quality and eager to record stray fumbling. These two features greatly compromise the overall layout, as they allude to a less thoughtful approach to design and stay within the over-utilized basic "blueprint" and remain content to blend into the crowd.

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Menu ***(6.5)***

The menus for all control functions will appear on the LCD screen, allowing the user to view and toggle through options for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. The menu options allow the user to control White Balance, ISO, Sharpness and Saturation, and Image Presets, among others. However, this camera falls short of the mark on many of the manual control settings that are standard features on other digital cameras in this price range. Also, the menu is fairly complicated in its layout and navigation, leaving me at times wondering whence I came and where I was going--a thought I prefer to ponder when I'm not dealing with a camera’s menu.

Ease of Use ***(7.5)***

This camera's overall use and functions are fairly straightforward, with its sleek design and comfortable carrying capabilities. It’s not a complex camera, and if silly features like 10 second WAV files for audio are ignored, this camera could be a fairly strong contender in the point-and-shoot market, at least in the ease of use category.****

Modes

Auto Mode ***(7.0)***

A camera this small is typically destined to be a point-and-shoot model, and with so few manual features within the user’s control, automatic settings on this model are heavily relied on and used constantly. These options can be accessed through the mode dial. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 doesn’t have nearly the number of preset scene modes that other cameras do. The FX5 has eight preset modes, whereas most compact camera in this price range have about fifteen to choose from. However, the automatic options that are there function quickly and are reliable for the most part.

Movie Mode ***(3.0)***

Movie Mode is available on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, with audio captured and played back in monaural format. It is hard for me to understand the placement of the microphone on the top of the camera; along with non-stereo recording, sound is greatly compromised. Movie Mode is activated by turning the mode dial to the film setting on the back of the camera. It is possible to capture in 320 x 240-pixel format at 10 frames per second with simultaneous audio recording. The recording length is entirely dependent upon the size of the memory card being used during the recording process. The 10 fps recording rate that is possible with this camera is somewhat laughable and will downgrade the movie mode feature to a gimmicky novelty. Although many cameras struggle to compete with camcorder quality video, if quality video recording is desired, this is surely not the solution.

Drive/Burst Mode ***(7.5)***

To engage the burst option on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, the user must press the burst button located in the center of the mode dial on the back of the camera body. Once depressed, the burst symbol will appear on the LCD screen. The user can choose between two settings: High or Low speed. At High speed, the rate will be four frames per second. If a lower speed is used, the user can shoot a maximum of seven frames.

Playback Mode ***(6.5)***

To view previously taken images, the user must turn the Mode Dial to the green playback sign on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. Then, to access thumbnail viewing with nine images per screen, the user must press the zoom lever to the left once. To scan between individual pictures within this setting, use the four-way controller to navigate. If a specific image is to be viewed more closely, highlight the chosen image and slide the zoom lever to the left. To view images in a slideshow format, switch the Mode Dial to the green playback setting. Once in this setting, press the zoom lever left and right to scan between images previously captured on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. Although it is not possible to make permanent in-camera changes to an image in regards to cropping and zooming, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is capable of magnifying and zooming on images digitally, although viewing quality will be compromised. To zoom, select the image to be viewed, and press the zoom lever to the right for 2x, 4x, 8x, and 16x magnification. To navigate within an image once magnified, the user merely uses the appropriate portion of the four-way keypad to peruse the image more closely. To zoom out, press the lever to the left. **

Custom Image Presets (6.5)**

The Mode Dial settings allow for a variety of shooting possibilities in regards to scene and setting. The settings possible are Normal Picture, Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Self Portrait, Motion Image, Simple, and Playback Modes.

Control Options

Manual Controls

There are few manual settings available on the FX5. The user can control focal length, ISO, White Balance, Color, Saturation, and shooting methods, but can’t control such things as aperture or shutter speed or even focus directly, leaving the user with a predominantly automatic model, with some slight manual control options available.
**Focus

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Auto Focus (7.0)*****

The FX5 focuses automatically in both normal and macro modes. The digital camera has a spot auto focusing system that can be turned on or off. As with many cameras, the shutter release button pressed halfway will trigger the auto focus and/or focus lock option. Some cameras will provide more AF settings for the user to select from and will provide control to the user through these options.

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Manual Focus*(0.0)*****

There are no manual focus settings possible on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, which is not surprising, considering the size of the camera.

Metering ***(7.0)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 has two metering settings available to the user: Intelligent Multiple, which meters the entire scene's lighting; and Spot, which focuses on a smaller portion of the scene to garner its meter reading. This will grant the user the needed flexibility to control the camera's automatic metering methods without it providing anything beyond. ****

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Exposure ***(7.0)***

The FX5 automatically controls the exposure unless the user intervenes. In the shooting menu, the user can adjust the exposure +/- 2 EV in 1/3 increments.

White Balance ***(7.5)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is equipped with six separate settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, Flash, and White Set. To use the White Balance settings, the user must enter the menu and highlight the White Balance feature by scrolling the up and down keys on the four-way keypad. Once highlighted, the user presses the right/left buttons on the keypad to highlight the appropriate setting.

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**ISO **(5.5)

The ISO for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 has four settings. These settings are Auto, 50, 100, and 200, and can be accessed through the LCD screen menu by depressing the Menu button, then scrolling with the four-way controller until the ISO sensitivity category is highlighted in the selection bar. This is a limited range without the typical ISO 400 inclusion found on most competing models. This will impair the FX5's low light performance when a flash is not used; however, the FX5 compensates for this flaw by including an ISO 50 setting. Many cameras include an ISO 400 rating but do not drop below the ISO 100 rating. Therefore, what the FX5 lacks in regards to low light capabilities, it is equipped to compensate for on the other end of the spectrum, enabling the camera to succeed most when abundant light is available.

Shutter Speed ***(0.0)***

The shutter speed for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is automatically set, and cannot be controlled by the user manually. The shutter speed can vary from 8 seconds to 1/2000^th of a second, allowing for a variety of lighting situations. However, longer shutter speeds will need a tripod or other steadying device, as even casual hand motion can blur the image. Luckily, the camera does come with a Mega Image Stabilization function that can be activated to reduce camera shake.

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Aperture ***(0.0)***

The aperture settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 range from f/2.8-f/4.9. There are no manual control settings for aperture on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5.

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Image Parameters

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Picture Quality / Size Options ***(6.5)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 has several size options for still photos: 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. Movie clips can only be shot at 320 x 240 resolution. ****

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Picture Effects Options ***(7.5)***

To adjust the color settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, the user must enter the menu and select the Color Effect setting. The user then can scroll left and right through the following choices: off, cool, warm, and B/W. Pictures can also be adjusted from Standard to Natural and Vivid color.

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Connectivity / Extras

Connectivity
*Software (5.5)
*The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 comes with the following software for editing on a personal computer: ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, ArcSoft PhotoBase, ArcSoft PhotoPrinter, and SD Viewer for DSC, which can be used on either Windows or Macintosh platforms.

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Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 comes equipped with a digital / USB / A/V out port, and a DC in/EXT port directly beneath it on the left side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. The camera also comes with a battery charger, which is equipped with an AC in terminal and a DC out terminal. On the base of the camera, the user will find the tripod socket in the center of the camera body.

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Direct Print Options (6.0)

It is possible to print without the intervention of a computer using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. To directly print, the user must use the digital/USB port on the left side of the camera body. It is essential to make sure the printer is compatible with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. Not all printers are compatible, so make sure to ask the manufacturer about specific model numbers.

Memory*****(5.0)*****

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 uses a Secure Digital or Multi Media Card. The camera comes with a 16MB SD card.

Other features ***(7.5)***
Histogram Viewing**- **The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is capable of registering real-time histograms to establish brightness values on a scale for proper exposure settings. It is not possible to use this feature in playback or motion image mode.

*Mega Optical Image Stabilizer -*This option compensates for user's shaky hands to create an image that isn't blurred. This feature is especially useful in low light, where shutter speeds slow down and the likelihood of fuzzy images increases. This feature is also extremely valuable as the zoom increases. When shooting with longer focal lengths, motion and slight alterations are more likely to become visible in the recorded image.

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Self-timer -****The self-timer for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is engaged by pressing the left portion of the four-way keypad once for 10 seconds of lapse prior to shutter, or if pressed twice, two seconds of lapse prior to shutter. The self-timer light on the lens ring of the camera will light up when the self-timer has been engaged, and prior to the shutter release.

Overall Impressions

**

Value ***(7.0)***

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is a compact and easily portable camera, capable of both still and movie image capture. It comes equipped with a 3x optical zoom and a 4.2 megapixel CCD that measures 1/2.5 inches. Luckily, even with the small camera body, Panasonic left the LCD screen at a reasonable 1.5 inches. Its MSRP of $449.95 fares well when compared with similarly priced models. This camera is best for the user already comfortable with both the menus and functions of other digital cameras. The true justification in this price is the image quality that the camera will produce. Largely indebted to its Leica lens, the Panasonic Lumix FX5 exceeds most point and shoot imagers in terms of image quality and is reflected in the price; however, if quality in a sleek, compact package is of utter importance to you, this camera may be for you.

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Comparisons
[

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1*](../content/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-T1-Digital-Camera-Review.htm) - *The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 has a 5.1 MP CCD and retails for a comparable $499.99. With a 2.5-inch LCD screen, the camera itself is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, and has the possibility to fit easily into a pocket, perfect for people needing a lightweight camera with hybrid potential. The 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom are about average for a compact camera. The camera automatically adjusts the Focus, White Balance and Exposure. Manual controls appear to have been forsaken for size and sleek design, which is also the case with the Panasonic DMC-FX5. Images are captured on memory sticks in JPEG format for still shots, and MPEG format for video capture at 30 frames per second.

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[

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-F1S*](../specs/Panasonic/Lumix%20DMC-F1S.htm) - *Containing a listed MSRP of $399.95, Panasonic's DMC-F1S is one step below the Lumix FX5. With an optical zoom of 3x and a 1/2.5-inch 3.34 MP CCD, it is capable of recording still images in four sizes, with motion images in a 320 x 240 format. Focus, ISO, and White Balance are all both automatic and manual, with control settings available through both button and menu settings. It is possible to set five seconds of audio to a still image using the DMC-F1S. This Panasonic model is equipped with a similar 1.5-inch LCD screen.

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[

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC5S](../specs/Panasonic/Lumix%20DMC-LC5S.htm) - Priced at $699.95, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC5S is equipped with a sizable 2.5-inch LCD screen. It has a 3x optical zoom, and is capable of recording images in four formats for still frames, and one format for motion images. Focus, White Balance, Exposure, and Flash are all manual as well as automatic. The CCD is sized at 1/1.76 inches with 4.01 total megapixels with a complementary color filter. The major downfall for this model is its weight: an even pound, making it a camera for the user who wants the reminder that they have a camera with them at all times.

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Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters**- **For the point-and-shooter, this camera may present a bit of a challenge with the on-screen menus. However, if a user is patient and literate, these problems can be overcome.

Budget Consumers**- **For the budget buyer in us all, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 pairs good looks with manual controls, image quality and automatic presets, making this camera alluring. With the ease of portability, the FX5 is simple for packing or carrying. The price is steep, but justifiable for the right type of user.

Gadget freaks**- **The on-screen menus will allow for an extensive amount of playtime, and the camera is not likely to bore you for a while. The sleek design, comfortable fit, and black-trimmed LCD screen all work to give this camera points in the visuals department. However, the Mode Dial is a bit dated in appearance, and could do with some reconsideration and some engineering edge.

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Manual control freaks- This camera has the settings, but finding them could be a task. After the hassle, there are few manual options found. In this price range, there are better options.

**

Pros/serious hobbyists**- **Perhaps it's a good choice if you need a second camera for remote events or for when you want a good-looking camera without the ostentatious trappings of a professional model. The FX5 is a good choice for when portability and weight are primary factors.

Conclusion

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Conclusion

With complicated menu settings and features that are more accessible to the seasoned digital camera user, the camera misses its point-and-shoot market. However, with fewer manual controls than many similarly priced models, and with its small size and compact layout, it still appeals to a specific point-and-shoot user. This slightly contradictory analysis aside, it does have a small sleek design, a comfortable grip, easy access and control of even the smaller buttons, plus the portability that many consumers demand in a digital camera. However, the true selling point for the Panasonic FX5 is its image quality. Stemming from its inclusion of a high-quality Leica lens, the camera can utilize its reasonably large 1/2.5-inch 4.0 effective megapixel CCD. Perhaps this camera is best suited for either those users who are looking for a straightforward point-and-shoot model with image quality foremost. Once menu settings become involved, the applicable audience diminishes significantly. This camera becomes primarily designed for those users comfortable with digital camera layouts and the patience to navigate and orient themselves with this camera’s features and menu settings.

Specs

Specs Table
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