Pixiq

Panasonic’s contribution to the slew of cameras that occupy the high end of the compact market and might be suitable for a dSLR photographer on her or his day off is the Lumix LX5. It was a replacement for the LX3, and there was a lot of expectation resting on it when it came out. It seems to be a peach of a camera, but everyone complained that it was way too expensive. It has dropped a bit now, but the question remains, is it worth it? You can decide…

Camera Labs says ‘The Lumix LX5 is equipped with a 11.3 Megapixel CCD sensor measuring 1 /1.63in, although captures images with a maximum effective resolution of 10.1 Megapixels. Like the LX3 and several other Lumix compacts before it, the extra pixels around the edges of the frame are used to maintain the angle of view and avoid cropping at different aspect ratios.’ –  Read the full review at Camera labs

CNET UK says ‘The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 can’t be considered a replacement for a dSLR, but its sharp pictures and portable dimensions make it a competent back-up. It’s far too expensive, though… ‘ – Read the full review on CNET UK

DPReview says ‘The newly adopted jog dial enhances the operability for quick setting change and the dedicated playback button lets the user play back the images and return to the shooting menu in split seconds. The aspect can be changed directly with the aspect switch on the lens barrel among 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and the new 1:1′ – Read the full review at DPReview

ePHOTOzine says ‘As a competitor to the larger Canon Powershot G12 and Nikon Coolpix P7000, the Panasonic Lumix LX5 is noticeably smaller. However, to anyone expecting a completely pocketable camera may be disappointed, due to the camera’s protruding lens, and while the camera will fit in baggy trouser pockets (but not jeans), the minute you put the camera in a case, the camera becomes much less pocketable.’ – Read the full review at ePHOTOzine

Imaging Resource says ‘The Panasonic LX5′s flash-open lever moves to the right to release the pop-up flash. The hot shoe is covered by a plastic protector, which wraps around to protect the accessory jack on the back of the LX5. The cover has a clever locking mechanism that only releases with a press on the ribbed button. Two microphone holes appear just upper left of the Mode dial. The Mode dial has the standard PASM positions for full creative control, plus an Intelligent Auto mode. Two custom modes are also on the dial for quickly switching to your favorite settings.’ – Read the full review at Imaging Resource

PhotographyBLOG says ‘The LX5 comes across as slightly more than the average well-built fully featured snapshot camera, but, again, we’re not sure there’s enough here to justify a price similar to, and in some cases more expensive than, an entry level DSLR and standard 18-55mm lens set up. If you’re into your photography then you’re more likely then to be interested in the LX5 if you’ve already got a DSLR.’ – Read the full review at PhotographyBLOG

PhotoRadar says ‘The sensitivity and saturation of the 10.1 megapixel CCD has been improved, while the Venus Engine FHD has been redesigned for advanced signal processing in both photo and movie shooting modes. The new sensor and image processor, combined with the f/2.0 aperture promise excellent low-light shooting, especially when you consider the extensive ISO range reaching up to 12800. For those interested in capturing movies, the LX5 can now record in high-quality 720p HD using AVCHD Lite.’ – Read the full review at PhotoRadar

Pocket-lint says ‘Ultimately though it’s the sharpness and clarity delivered by the bright Leica branded lens that impresses. This camera doesn’t leave you with the soft, slightly murky images delivered by your standard point and shoot.’ – Read the full review at Pocket-lint

TechRadar says ‘Panasonic has junked the joystick controller in favour of a clickable control wheel, and there’s also a slider around the lens for changing aspect ratio (a mixed blessing, as we’ll see later). A simple movie-record button’s been added too, making it very easy to record 720p HD video in AVCHD or Motion JPEG format.’ - Read the full review at TechRadar

Trusted Reviews says ‘The much anticipated Panasonic Lumix LX5 is expensive, but it is without a doubt one of the best compact cameras on the market, offering superb build quality, classic design and easy handling, with fast performance and outstanding photographic versatility. The longer zoom range is a welcome improvement, however in terms of image quality there’s just no real advantage over the older LX3.’ – Read the full review at Trusted Reviews