Panasonic DMCLX5K (Black)
10.1-megapixel Lumix digital camera
495481436
Re-evaluating priorities
The root of the word "photography" is pretty straightforward — it combines the Greek words for "drawing" and "light". Accordingly, where camera design is concerned, you'd expect the most attention to be paid to the ability to capture light. Spend ten minutes shopping for today's digital point-and-shoot cameras, and you'll find a different focus. Most of the current digital camera offerings flaunt ever-higher megapixel resolutions, shooting modes, picture effects, and the like. Very few, if any, bother to discuss what is unquestionably among a camera's most essential components — the lens. And the reason is simple: most cameras don't offer lenses worth mentioning. Which is another way of saying that they offer mediocre light-capturing capacities. And less light means less clarity, detail, and precision in your photos. Accordingly, the folks at Panasonic have taken it upon them selves to re-evaluate their priorities, and to return to what is fundamental about photography. And the result is the DMC-LX5 digital camera with an advanced LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens. First off, blending ten total lens elements into nine groups, the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens ensures precise, fluid light gathering and focusing for exceptional visual precision. Second, an incredible f/2.0 aperture capability dramatically expands your photographic repertoire, allowing for both gentle, soft-focused backgrounds and exceptional speed and clarity when shooting in low-light situations. Finally, a 24mm-90mm focal range equips you with both expanded wide-angle and entry-level telephoto shooting capabilities. Ultimately, the unique level of attention allocated to the DMC-LX5's lens construction makes taking stunningly sharp and detailed photos under a diverse array of shooting conditions a priority.
And end to the nonsense
If you know anything about photography, then you know this: a war has been being waged in the digital-camera realm for several years now. A war to become the very best digital camera EVER! And the weapon being used: megapixel resolution. Again, if you know anything about digital photography, you know that the situation has gotten a little out of hand. After all, the whopping 12.1-megapixel resolution that has now nearly become standard offers enough detail to make a high-resolution billboard! Since their modus operandi for the DMC-LX5 is a re-alignment of priorities, the folks at Panasonic have taken a different approach when it comes to capture resolution. Capturing a very respectable 10.1 megapixels, the DMC-LX5 uses an extra-large 1/1.63" CCD image sensor to deliver images with a level of detail, purity, and clarity that bests the higher-resolution images produced by smaller sensors. Further, the DMC-LX5's expanded dynamic range capabilities increase sensitivity by 31% and saturation by 38%, and deepen the photo diode to manage enhanced signal richness. Finally, the high sensitivity of the CCD sensor complements the brightness of the lens, extending low-light sensitivity as far as ISO 12800 or a three-lux minimum when shooting video. No nonsense, just exceptional photo performance.
Take control . . . in HD
The high-performance optical system and CCD image sensor offered by the DMC-LX5 digital camera have added a new height of realism to your still photography. Now it's time to amp up the detail in your home movies . . . Not only does this Panasonic Lumix digital camera deliver stunning 10.1-megapixel still shots, but it also equips you to shoot high definition 1280 x 720p video wherever you go. Further, true to form, the DMC-LX5 offers expanded control for enhanced video results. Look to Creative Movie Mode to diversify your creative control even when shooting video. Use manual shutter-speed controls to optimize your footage for shooting fast-moving subjects, or turn to manual aperture control to expand depth of field for scenes with full dimensionality. Should you ever tire of capturing pristine still shots, the DMC-LX5 puts an HD video camera right in the palm of your hand.
Rock steady
Get ready to bid camera-shake blur adieu. Whether you enjoy shooting pristine landscapes, wildlife, sports or candid moments at gatherings with friends, the excitement of the shot can get to even the most seasoned of photographers, putting even just a teeny shake in an otherwise steady hand. The unfortunate result? Blurry memories and fuzzy moments. Enter Panasonic's Power Optical Image Stabilizer, featured on the DMC-LX5 digital camera. A built-in gyrosensor detects any hand movement during a shot, and then sends a signal to the camera's microcomputer. After calculating the necessary compensation, the microcomputer shifts the optical image stabilizer to guide the incoming light from the subject directly and cleanly to the CCD image sensor. Your get all of your DMC-LX5's 10.1 megapixels devoted to sharp, clear detail and not to blur and fuzz.
Intelligent. Automatic. Lumix.
The true test of any digital point-and-shoot camera is fun. Not the fun you have taking photos, however. We're talking about all the fun you're having hanging out with friends, tackling the great outdoors, or journeying on a road trip . . . and not even thinking about your camera's settings. Automatic shooting features keep you in the moment and in the action, allowing you to document everything perfectly without missing a beat. And when it comes to automatic shooting, Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LX5 delivers . . . big time. Presenting Intelligent Auto from Panasonic. This technology combines six detection and correction functions to deliver clear, beautiful images, every time. While Auto Focus tracking locks onto and maintains focus on moving subjects, optical image stabilization reduces image blur. Digital red-eye correction and Face Detection combine to produce stunning portraits, and Intelligent ISO control helps optimize exposure under different lighting conditions. Finally, an Intelligent Scene Selector automatically configures camera settings for a variety of common shooting conditions. Get going.
One battery. 400 shots.
Hey, let's be honest: if you always had to stay within 10' of an electrical outlet to keep recharging your digital camera's battery, your photos would get pretty boring in a hurry. After all, if a camera's gonna have a built-in battery, you ought to be able to range far and wide on a single charge, right? Well, the folks at Panasonic think so, and accordingly, they've outfitted the DMC-LX5 with a powerful Lithium-ion battery that stores enough juice to let you shoot up to 400 shots on a single charge. And the battery is rechargeable, so after a full day of shooting, you can plug the battery into the charger and be ready to go again in a couple hours.
Included purchase
The following items are included with the purchase of the Panasonic DMC-LXK: Battery charger, Battery pack, AV cable, USB cable, Shoulder strap, CD-ROM, Lens ring front, Hot shoe cover, Lens cap, and Lens-cap string.
Review
Panasonic Digital Cameras DMCLX5K (August 18, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Value |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: William C. - Walnut, CA
I am using a SLR regulary however it is kind of crumblesome to carry it around especially in a casual gathering. For example dinner, friends gathering and so on. A compact high quality camera is what I am looking for. Panasonic LX5 gives me the compact and the quality. The picture quality can compete with the SLR at the wide and medium range. There are many adjustments and features to shoot from that you can found in many SLR cameras. For example, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual exposure. Of course, it has the no brainer option too, point and shot. It is a good choice for beginners and has enough features to provide to the users when he or she wants to become a more serious photographer.
Review
Confident camera (May 16, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
|
(4/5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Value |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(4/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Ron C. - Burlington, VT
Have taken many quality pictures right out of the box using intelligent auto setting. As I educate myself with the features, the camera reveals more SLR like componets. This camera gives me headroom to grow as a photographer and its compact size assures its availability anywhere I go. Build quality is better than most and I appreciate Panasonics inclusion of a fastening strap for the lenz cap. I dont particularly like the photo software because Im hooked on J River applications which interface with the camera just fine including RAW photo mode. Longevity of use and reliabilty will be the feather in the cap for me. That would be the only reason for paying the extra bucks to go Leica direct. I cant tell you how many digital cameras have gone to the graveyard. At first look the LX5 genetics promise a long and productive life.
Review
Panasonic LX5 point and shoot (March 15, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Value |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: DANIEL M. - BROOKLYN, NY
If you do not want to cary a large camera this point and shoot LX5 will shoot fast and wide in low light very happy
Review
DMCLX5 (December 30, 2010)
| Ease of Use |
|
(4/5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Value |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(4/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Donald T. - Rochester, NY
Essentially performs as described. I got it primarily for its RAW image performance, which permits editing to correct highlight blowouts, and bring out shadow detail. Images shot above ISO 400 do. however, show some noise.
The LCD display is adequate, but does not have the highest resolution, such as seen in the GH1.
Comparison Specifications
- Maximum pixels: 10.1 megapixels / 1/1.63" CCD image sensor / Primary Color Filter
- Memory: 40MB built-in memory / Support for SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards
- Zoom power: 3.8x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
- Flash modes: Auto / Auto/Red-eye Reduction / Forced On / Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction / Forced Off / Flash Synchro
- Movie mode: High definition 1280x720 video recording / AVCHD (60 fps); Motion JPEG (30 fps)
- Manual custom: Manual focus / Manual exposure
- Viewscreen: 3.0" TFT LCD display with LED backlighting / Anti-reflective coating / 100% field of view / 460,000 dots
- Digital interface: 1 mini HDMI / 1 USB v2.0 / AV output (NTSC)
Additional Specifications
- Lens: 24mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with minimum distortion / 10 elements in 9 groups
- Focal length: 24mm - 90mm (@ 35mm equivalent)
- Aperture: f/2.0 - f/8 / Multistage iris diaphragm
- Image stabilization: Power optical image stabilization
- Focusing: Normal, Macro Quick AF, Continuous AF, Manual, One Shot AF, AF Area Select, AF Tracking
- Face detection: Photo / Movie
- Continuous shooting: 2.5 frames/sec (full-resolution, 5-image max) / Up to 10 frames/sec in High-Speed Burst mode
- Advanced features: Face Recognition / Digital red-eye correction / AF tracking / Intelligent ISO control / Intelligent Exposure / Real-time histograms / 3-pattern composition guide lines
- Image quality: RAW / RAW+Fine / RAW+Standard / Fine / Standard
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery pack / 400 picture capacity
Manufacturer Specifications
- Still-image Scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, High Sensitivity, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby 1 & 2
- Still-image Scene modes (contd.): Sunset, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo
- Movie Scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Food, Party, Candle Light, Sunset, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Pinhole, High Sensitivity
- Shutter speed: 1/4000 sec - 60 sec
- File format: JPEG still image (DCF/Exif2.3) / AVCHD Lite, QuickTime Motion JPEG video
- ISO sensitivity: 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800
- White balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Flash / Halogen / Color Temperature / White Set 1 & 2
- Exposure: Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE / Manual / Program Shift / 1/3 EV±3EV compensation
- Light metering: Intelligent Multiple / Center-weighted / Spot
- Included software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition / SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE / Quick Time / Adobe Reader
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.32" W x 2.58" H x 1.69" D
- Weight: 0.61 lbs with battery and SD card
Panasonic DMCLX5K Warranty Details
1-year limited parts and labor warranty
