Who is it designed for? This is the kind of compact for photographers who like the idea of having a fast lens, the majority of the creative controls that are found on D-SLRs, and the option of recording in RAW format. The DMC-LX5 features a 10.1Mp sensor, a 3.8x optical zoom with a film-equivalent of 24-90mm and there’s a 3in, 460k dot resolution screen at the rear.
Key featuresThere’s an excellent array of valuable features on the LX5. As well as offering Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program AE control, the addition of a hotshoe means you can add a flashgun for creative lighting, or an electronic viewfinder such as the DMW-LVF1E (£165). This is attachable and mirrors the information that’s displayed on the 3in screen. There are four AF modes to explore that include 1-Area, 23-Area, AF Tracking for fast-moving subjects and Face Detection.
Is it built to lastThe LX5 feels really well-made. The zoom operates silently and takes 3.5secs to get from the wide end to full telephoto. The mode dial offers a reassuring click when the shooting mode is selected and all the buttons feel like they’ll withstand heavy use, but a few of them are rather small on the back of the camera. The 3secs start-up time should help you bag any of those spur-of-the-moment pics, too.
Performance & handling Much like a D-SLR it’s possible to change between AF and MF extremely quickly using a switch on the side of the barrel. The native aspect ratio is 4:3, however there’s another switch on top of the lens which enables you to change this to 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1 if preferred. Elsewhere there’s a handy thumb dial for adjusting exposure, and the way the camera’s pop-up flash raises itself from the body is ingeniously designed.
Image qualityThe LX5 has an extensive ISO range that runs from 80-3200. If that’s not enough, it can be expanded to an ISO equivalent of ISO 12,800 but the resolution does drop significantly to just 3Mp. Digital Noise is handled very well for a compact and while the detail it retains is ideal for A4 prints, A3 can be achieved at a push.
ConclusionIf you’d like a compact that gives you the option of taking full manual control and you’re not against carrying a slightly heavier and chunkier model in your pocket, then the Panasonic’s LX5 should fit the bill very nicely.
AT A GLANCEStreet price: £389
Resolution: 10.1Mp (3648x2736pixels)
Lens: 3.8x optical (24-90mm f/2-3.3)
Image stabiliser: Yes, optical
Metering:Intelligent Multiple, Centre-Weighed
and Spot
Shooting modes: M,A,S,P, Intelligent Auto & 23 Scene Modes Shutter range: 60-1/4000sec
ISO Range: 80-3200 Monitor: 3in, 460k dots
File formats: RAW+JPEG Storage media: SD/SDHC HD video: 720p Weight: 271g
Dimensions: 109.7x65.5x43mm
www.panasonic.co.uk