Is this just another typical compact point-and-shoot? Or does it have a secret weapon inside its basic imaging system? Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 review to find out.
Review summary of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5:
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 On paper, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 appears to be just like most of its peers. It has a average-sized 10MP imager, minimal external controls and a cavalcade of Scene modes. A 30mm wide lens, 2.5" LCD screen and 4x optical zoom round out its ordinary design and structure. With minimal manual controls, just what exactly does this camera have to offer? The answer is exceptional imaging for its class, as the camera churned out some of the best images we've seen in some of the scenarios we tested it in. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5's performance could be attributed to the way it handles auto adjustments, but with such minimal noise, fine detail and spot-on color reproduction, it's difficult to tell. At lower light levels, and when higher sensitivity is needed, the camera starts to look more like other shooters in its class. But for vacation pics in a sunny spot, this camera will get the job done nicely. Release: February 2008. Price: $150.
Pros: Great image quality for vacation pics. Compact size.
Cons: Minimal manual controls, Small LCD screen, Overall lack of advanced features
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Full Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 Review:
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Design - Good
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 is one of those unassuming little compact cameras that packs a big punch. You'll notice its lack of a mode dial and limited external controls, traits indicative of its highly affordable price tag. However, you'll find that most of the same features are still present; they've just been migrated into the menu structure.
The body of the camera is constructed using durable aluminum and rugged plastic, compared to other models in its price range that opt for a fully plastic composition. The camera does have a plastic door housing the rechargeable battery and memory card slot that is a bit fragile. Other than that, this is a solid camera. The left grip edge is rounded for comfort, but Panasonic tossed a chrome bar along the right side that juts into the shooter's middle finger. This was an obvious vanity implementation, and the camera would handle more smoothly without it.
A 2.5" LCD screen rests in back and is the only monitor on the camera. This is not a huge screen by any stretch. Many entry-level digital cameras feature 3" LCD screens, which allow you to attain a closer look at your subject matter. Nevertheless, the camera's 230K LCD resolution is sharp and crisp, which is the best you can hope for with a smaller screen.
Panasonic chose to retain the shutter button zoom ring, which offers superior zoom control to the pair of zoom buttons we see so often within this price range. The shutter button toggle allowed us to keep our finger right above the shutter button for a quick snap, rather than having to look at the back of the camera to fiddle with a pair of cheap buttons.
Menus & Buttons - Good
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5's menus will be your primary source of navigation because this camera lacks a mode dial. The 4-way directional pad is the main control panel, and it functions quite well. Panasonic has assigned individual functions to each of the directional buttons. For instance, Up controls exposure while Down controls Macro. Left and Right dictate self-timer and flash settings, respectively.
To power the camera on or off, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 has an On/Off switch rather then a single button. The benefit is that it's more difficult to accidentally power off the camera mid shot. Also, if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 is left powered on, it will automatically enter a standby mode. One tap of the shutter button wakes it out of its slumber and you're ready for action.
Panasonic's menu system is one of the best we've seen. The rapid response from the directional pad allows you to rifle through menu options at blazing speed. Options are also well-organized and easy to access. There's a Quick menu that contains adjustments such as White Balance and Auto Focus, which is great to have on the fly. The Mode menu consists of the available shooting modes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 has to offer. Although it has a stellar menu system, three separate menus is a tall order for most point-and-shooters to handle. This is where a mode dial would ease the intensity, but a mode dial is reserved for more advanced models at higher price points.
Features - Mediocre
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 does not dazzle us with unconventional features or breaking technology. It contains the same Scene modes you'd find on similar Panasonics in this class, including obscure hits like Food, two Baby modes (with name assignments) and Aerial Photo, which takes pictures through an airplane window. The Scene Modes actually perform adequately for their intended shooting environments. Check out our Image Quality section for samples.
Shooters can also switch to full autopilot by accessing Intelligent Auto mode. Intelligent Auto is a 4-way tag team of image adjustment functions that includes OIS, Scene, ISO and Face Detection. These operate together depending on the shooting environment. If the light suddenly diminishes, Intelligent Auto will sense the shift and switch to a low light Scene mode like Night Scenery while boosting the ISO sensitivity and setting the Image Stabilization if needed. This is full lockdown mode and is best for extreme camera-phobes.
The zoom on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 is only a 4x optical, so don't expect the ability to hone in on the Statue of Liberty's eye lashes. This is an average ratio for a camera this compact. There's also an Easy Zoom button, which rapidly zooms to full telephoto via one press of a button. If you suddenly spot a flock of rare birds up close before they fly away, the Easy Zoom will get you there twice as fast as manually using the toggle.
Although the camera is intended for novices, it still offers a decent manual control lineup. With 6 White Balance modes, Exposure control, ISO control ranging from 100 to 1600 and a rapid burst mode, beginners will have plenty to grow into. If you're an advanced shooter, you'll most likely want more from it, such as Program AE modes and manual focus. There are color modes to play with guidelines to help composition.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 also captures standard definition video up to 640 by 480 pixels (VGA) at 30fps. This is almost an obligatory feature, as many compact cameras are migrating toward HD.
Hardware - Mediocre
Under the hood, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 spreads 10-megapixels over its 1/2.3" sensor. This puts it near the midrange of compact cameras, and only higher-end cameras in this class opt for larger sensors. The Lumix FS5 has a 30mm wide lens, which is slightly larger than most conventional lenses. While a 30mm wide lens is far from what we would hope for in a wide angle lens, it manages to pack a bit more content into the image.
From powered down to first shot, it took a little more than 2 seconds, which is an average performance. The second shot took slightly less time, clocking in at approximately 1.7 seconds. If you anticipate unpredictable action within your shooting environment, it might be best to leave the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 in standby mode and tap the shutter for a faster power on.
Image Quality - Good
From the outside, it's natural to assume that this camera is just another no-frills compact point-and-shoot that thrives on Scene Modes and Auto Control. But every once in a while an inexpensive base-level camera will crank out some nice looking images. Noise is minimal, colors are spot on, and detail and sharpness are rife. Low light is another story, but most 10MP cameras with smaller sensors cannot make the grade. However, Auto mode will be your friend in nearly all shooting environments, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 outperformed most cameras we've tested in this class. This is a great underdog story.
Scene Test New Jersey Countryside
In a tricky situation like this where the blazing sun is sticking it to a white structure, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 handles very well. Noise is present on the road and in the shadows on the right side of image, but it's fine grain that does not hinder the overall presentation of this shot. Fringing is almost nonexistent, appearing slightly in the foreground at the top of the bridge. The detail in the trees is excellent. This is a stellar image.
Detail Test Abandoned Greenhouse
Here we're looking to see if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 can process thousands of minute intricacies without spewing out buckets of noise and grain. The detail in this image is awesome. This is one of the most difficult settings for a camera to capture, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 displays barely any noise. Usually when you look at an image like this at its full resolution, you are bombarded by jumbled pixels that can't choose an accurate color or shape. That's not the case here.
Sharpness Test New Jersey Mill
The corrugated lines and splotches of rust are represented fantastically, giving this image a lifelike feel. There's absolutely no fringing around the signs and edge of the roof. The deep blue sky is a bit noisy, however, which isn't surprising, as this is an aspect any camera with this imaging set will have trouble capturing. Overall, the sharpness is right on the money in the places it needs to be.
Color Test The Fudge Shoppe
Aside from more killer detail in this image, the color is what makes it shine. The reds are deep and rich, exceedingly sensitive to the dynamics of the light. There's some noise underneath the roof of the porch and the top of the flag pole is ghosting a bit. But as far as color goes, this image is dead on yet again.
Difficult Lighting Test Bridge
We're back to the bridge, but this time we want to push the envelope and find out what would happen if we shot toward the sun. Well, as you can see it creates a significant backlight issue. That's still not going to stop this camera from offering a great image. Rather than blowing out half the sky, the camera retains much of the information from the sky and an ethereal effect is created with the clouds. You can discern noise in the signs and treesplaces where light is difficult to reach. However, it is minimal and we're still seeing a commendable performance from it.
Macro Test Leaf
Macro Test Gas Tank
The Macro feature works like a charm, allowing you to press right on up against your subject within an inch. The detail of the leaf is magnificent while the sparkles and chrome lettering on the gas tank are essentially flawless.
Zoom Test Wide Angle
Zoom Test -- Telephoto
With a 4x optical zoom lens, we're not going to catch the smirk of that squirrel sitting up in the tree, but at least we can attain a slightly better view of what's inside that dilapidated shed. The 4x optical zoom is not one of the camera's golden features.
ISO Test 100
ISO Test 400
ISO Test 1600
It's becoming apparent that this is a camera that functions optimally in Auto mode. With manual settings at ISO 100, noise starts to gang up on the image. At ISO 400, this is the best image out of the three, and clearly the setting that was intended for this particular shooting environment. At 1600, it's a festival of noise. In most situations, we recommend letting the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 do the driving.
Scene Mode Pet
Now we're jumping into Scene modes. The Pet mode has always seemed like one of those arbitrary settings they throw in there to expand the number of Scene modes to make the camera more attractive to the consumer. However, Pet mode came through while we attempted to capture a cat that just couldn't sit still. The detail round kitty's face is brilliant, which is where the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 was focused. Although the rest of the image, including kitty's body, is less focused and more noisy. Perhaps it's because Pet mode engages Spot Focus and Intelligent ISO.
Scene Mode Sunset
There's a magical feeling we get when we snag a good sunset shot. This is one of those shots. The colors are romantic and the image exudes an overall warmth. You'll notice some significant noise within the thatched huts and palm trees. Also, the sky is broken up in places, looking like a bad rash. This is not the best Sunset mode performance we've seen, but the mediocrity is not enough to rob us of that special feeling.
Candlelight Test Auto
Candlelight Test Candlelight Mode
Here's another dud within the Scene mode library. In Auto mode, this image looks better than the Candlelight mode shot. There's just a lack of focus and you can clearly see bold color gradation along the glass. The image is warmer, but it's not worth it at the cost of an unusable image. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5's Auto mode might be the ticket for all of your shooting.
Low Light Test Desk and Lamp
The dealbreaker. This is where most cameras fail, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 takes a pretty fierce uppercut. Although, this image is not as noisy and dark as most of its peers. Yes, noise has taken the torch and run. But detail is still present and the image is not an experiment in pointillism. Still, low light is going to hurt with this camera.
Fun With Color Modes
Rather than delving into the complicated world of Photoshop, you can play with Panasonic's various color modes. Shown here are Standard, Black and White, Sepia, Warm, and Cool. Again, these are detailed, sharp images with excellent color reproduction.
Price and availability
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 is available now and can be found online for around $150.
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