Panasonic LX5 Review -- A Real World Perspective

I have been waiting for a chance to try out the Lumix LX5 for some time now. The reputation of the LX5 is well known, and it has become a top seller in its category even with the rather rich price tag. I was anxious to find out what it felt like to actually shoot with this camera during my Panasonic LX5 review.
The Panasonic LX5 compact digital camera has taken its place at the top in the niche high-end compact camera market. During my Panasonic LX5 review, the most noticeable improvement in the camera is the lightning speed at which it processes and shoots images. Panasonic has done a good job of making consumers aware that the LX5 is the fastest in its class, but it is hard to describe the difference in speed over all others currently on the market. While the margin of difference is small on paper, you really feel like you are gaining a decided advantage over other high-end compacts likes the S95 and of course, the LX3.

The second most notable strength I noticed during my Panasonic LX5 review was the option for raw image photos. This is becoming as rare as flying pigs in the compact camera market. However, the feature is a very nice selling point for photo-enthusiasts who want to capture images in their raw form for better clarity and the ability to alter and enhance their photos later.

The LX5 is one of those cameras that doesn't try to cater to the masses, instead focusing on doing specific things really well. Two of them, speed and raw image quality, we have already discussed. Color accuracy is stellar with the LX5. I took approximately 300 photos trying to include as many different settings and photo environments that I could muster and the camera seemed to get the accuracy almost perfect in each image.

This is a decided improvement over the LX3 and current offerings in the compact digital camera market. Admittedly, the sharpness seemed a bit overdone at times, but that easy to correct in any run-of-the-mill photo editor.

One of the biggest improvements and a personal pet peeve of mine that I really enjoyed during my Panasonic LX5 review, was the new ergonomic design of the LX5. It is larger than its predecessor and I really like the larger grip. It meshes well with the button layout making it easy to make necessary adjustments while in action. This is something that is a deal breaker for me when it comes to compacts, because I want speed and comfort from my point-and-shoot. It is the primary function of carrying one. Panasonic definitely got it right this time.

Add to these points the wider-angle 24mm lens which allows for macro shots as close as 1mm, the hot shoe connection, HD video capture capability (with zoom while in movie mode), and the choice of black or white models, I have to say that I am buyer of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. It outperformed my expectations when I was preparing for this Panasonic LX5 Review.

On the downside, the attached lens cover is kind of annoying. I think it could have been left out. I also don't care for the camera strap that comes with the camera. It is flimsy and seems like it will break early and probably at the worst time. Other than that, the camera is a winner and a joy to shoot with.

It offers superior quality photos versus competitors, the fastest speed in it class, and useful features that perform at near perfect levels. It truly is the best overall compact digital camera on the market. All things considered, my Panasonic LX5 review rating is 9/10.

One important note for consumers. The Lumix LX5 price has dropped to a much more appealing and obtainable $449 if you know where to find the best price. At this price point the LX5 is no-brainer if it is within your budget. You will get years of excellent photos and will not outgrow the capabilities of the camera for many years.

Just go get it! Don't wait until there aren't any left.