We've waited a year for the action-packed Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, which brings some tasty upgrades to the photography table. Check out our full coverage here.
Yes, we've been waiting a godforsaken year for the update to one of our favorite cameras of 2009—the DMC-LX3. This year, we skip a number and leap to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, the company's high-performance fixed lens compact. Now that the anticipation has subsided, we can collect ourselves and marvel at the retro style and exciting addition of 720p AVCHD Lite to a camera that performed exceptionally for us in a multitude of environments.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Low Light Performance Camera
"We expect the same enthusiasm, if not more, for the LUMIX LX5, which features improvements to the lens and processing – resulting in even better images," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. We were already impressed with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3's image quality, and the fact that Panasonic is aiming to raise the bar behind the lens means that the Lumix DMC-LX5 is going to provide some heavy competition for the next Canon PowerShot G-series model.
Panasonic is really attacking low light this year, implementing a bright f/2.0 aperture on the Lumix DMC-LX5—shifting down from the LX3's f/2.8 opening. What we get with an f/2.0 aperture is a more shallow depth of field, which is better for close portrait shots and defocused backgrounds. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5's ultra-wide-angle 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens has a 3.8x optical zoom, which is unchanged from last year, but an additional 1:1 Aspect Ratio setting has been added to the Aspect Ratio switch located on top of the lens. We love the Aspect Ratio switch, as well as the Focus mode switch, which resides in the same place this year on the side of the lens.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 rocks the same killer 10.1-megapixel CCD we loved on the LX3, but this year Panasonic has expanded the dynamic range by increasing the sensitivity and saturation. We hope the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 does not fall into the dangerous pit of oversaturation that many consumer cameras tend to tumble into, and our sensitivity questions center around whether or not the company is referring to the wider f/2.o aperture or increased ISO sensitivity.
New Venus Engine FHD processing accompanies the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5's CCD sensor, purportedly enabling higher-speed and higher-performance Intelligent Resolution technology image capture. With triple CPUs in the imaging engine, Panasonic claims that processing will be dramatically quicker while providing exceptional noise reduction. Panasonic is also aiming for a low light sensitivity of 3 lux, thanks to the bright lens and high-sensitivity CCD. We can't wait to test that claim!
Now for video, Panasonic made an intelligent choice and opted for 720p AVCHD Lite over last year's inferior Motion-JPEG, which is good because that was one of our few gripes on the LX3. We'll get improved image quality and double the recording time now, so this is a good thing. Panasonic has also migrated Creative video shooting modes onto the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, including Creative Movie mode, giving shooters the option to set the Shutter Speed and Aperture manually. The LX5 will also feature a My Color mode and Film mode, both of which can be applied in Video Recording mode. Lastly, the LX5 boasts Dolby Digital Creator for advanced sound, and the 3.8x optical zoom lens can be used while shooting video.
In addition to the aforementioned added 1:1 Aspect Ratio setting on the lens, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 will offer a thicker grip and a turn-and-push jog dial in place of last year's somewhat temperamental joystick. We also noticed an Olympus PEN camera-styled hot shoe on top with accessory jack for a Live View Finder or external microphone. Aside from that, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is relatively unchanged from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 based on external design. In a way this is somewhat disheartening because the Canon G-series cameras offer a lot more in terms of generous architecture with ISO dials, flip-out LCDs, and a viewfinder.
In fact, our only monitor is a three-inch 460,000-pixel LCD that adopts High CRI (Color Rendering Index), which is aimed at greatly increasing the color reproduction in any lighting. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 also reports an improved battery life of up to 400 images per a single charge, according to CIPA standards, and will be compatible with a wide range of accessories including a Live View Finder, Optical Viewfinder, Wide Conversion Lens, ND Filter, External Flashes, and a leather case.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Photo Gallery
    
Price and Release Date
We can't wait to get our hands on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, which is set to ship in late August for $500.
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