Panasonic Lumix Camera Review

Mmm, so why select the Lumix Lx5?

The Panasonic Lumix Dmc-Lx5 10.1 Mp Digital Camera (that comes with 3.8x optic Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch Lcd and in a very sexy black, or more minimalistic white) is the perfect camera for casual photography enthusiasts like me who enjoy the thrill of composing high quality photos but don't want the bulky baggage of a Dslr.

The Good

The Panasonic Lumix Dmc-Lx5 is known as a "bridge camera" as it bridges the gap between professional, high quality Dslrs and straightforward foolproof point-and-shoot cameras. Not only is it more affordable than your run-of-the-mill Dslr, but it also comes with all the customisable options with regard to aperture, shutter speed, Iso etc.

What I liked most about the Panasonic Lumix Lx5 was the vast array of creative options at my disposal. I am an avid participant in the recent "lomo" craze, which for those not in the know is a throwback to the days of film cameras where slide films could furnish unpredictable and moving results. However, film cameras are bulky and costly to maintain. The Lumix Lx5 solved all my headaches because it comes with many creative effects such as "black and white" and "saturated" which can be further customised in terms of discrepancy and saturation. For those seeking even greater free time of self-expression, the Lumix Lx5 offers a "My Color Mode" where customisation is roughly thoroughly unencumbered.

Another thing I loved was the wide-angle lens. Leica is notable for manufacturing high-end cameras costing thousands of dollars and I was very fortunate to get a premium Leica lens with my distinctly more affordable Lx5. Image quality is sharp, with no distortions, and the 24mm (35mm equivalent) lens allowed me to capture sweeping vistas and stunning sunsets with lifelike accuracy on my travels. The holiday shots I produced never failed to make my friends and house gasp in awe. This is bolstered by the improved zoom range of 24mm to 90mm. When I photographed a bald eagle in Alaska, I could make out its private feathers in the photo even though the eagle was quite some distance away.

The Lx5 also shoots great pictures in low-light conditions. If you've ever been skiing, or participated in other winter sports, you'll know how difficult it is to get a good shot of a snowy scenery when there isn't much sunlight. The snow appears grey, coarse and dull. By raising the Iso to 1200, I was able to get consistently reproducible high-quality results even in gloomy weather, without compromising image quality. This makes the Lx5 a truly all-weather camera, especially if you invest in a solid waterproof case.

The Bad (only a wee one)

The only quibble I have to mention in this impart is a minor one. I believe I concur with many other Lumix Lx5 reviews when I say that I don't like the movable lens cap. If you see a hawk flying over or a sports car racing past, the time delay in fishing out the lens cap can cause you to miss the shot entirely. Also, it's easy to lose. However, in light of all the awesome features at such a low price, I'm clearly nitpicking.

Value for money

With the two-year warranty, the Panasonic Lumix Lx5 will offer you great photography for years. Frankly, I haven't used my Dslr in months - and it was three times the price!