H and B Digital Photography Blog & Review: New Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Digital Camera Review and Photo Samples

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Digital Camera Photo Shoot in NYC From H and B Digital.com

Product Highlights

10.1 Megapixel Digital
3.8x 24mm Wide-Angle Leica Optical Zoom
3.0" LCD Display
Venus Engine FHD Image Processor
Optical Image Stabilizer Stills & Movies
Intelligent Auto Mode
Film & My Color Mode
High ISO Sensitivity (1600 - 12800)
Multi Exposure Function
Manual Control for Stills & Movies

By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Digital Camera is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that allows for a full range of creative photography capabilities.
The camera incorporates a wide angle f/2.0 aperture Leica DC Vario- Summicron lens with 3.8x wide-angle optical zoom (equivalent to 24mm - 90mm on a 35mm film camera) and the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) system. The camera also incorporates an enhanced 1/1.63-inch CCD that is capable of capturing 10.1-Megapixels and has been designed to provide more space for each pixel to minimize image noise and optimize image quality and dynamic range. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in 4 aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1), and the Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously. It also boasts the Venus Engine FHD high performance image processing LSI to dramatically reduce image noise (even using the high sensitivity setting of ISO 12800), and provide fast shooting performance with an incredibly fast shutter lag, and burst shooting capability.
The DMC-LX5 is further distinguished from other cameras by its full manual capability for both stills and video. These features include a Film mode that allows users to emulate the effects of different film types, a multiple-exposure feature for creating artistic photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images, and easy-to-use Manual modes that give the user greater shot-making flexibility and control. If you choose not to use the manual mode, then Intelligent Auto Mode will do all the work for you. In addition the camera can also capture video clips in HD, and standard video formats.
The camera's large 3.0-inch LCD is outstanding for both shooting and viewing. With a 3:2 aspect ratio and high 460,000-dot resolution, the LCD panel provides bright, easy-to-see images over a wider viewing angle. Furthermore, the Intelligent LCD function, assures comfortable viewing in virtually all conditions by automatically adjusting the backlighting of LCD as the ambient light level changes. The camera also provides an impressive slideshow feature where users can select the images, choose for a series of creative transitions and even add music to the presentation - all within the camera. And the camera has HD output capability (Requires an optional HDMI cable) to view your images, slideshows and video clips in beautiful HD quality.

Large 1/1.63" 10.1-Megapixel High Sensitivity CCD: The CCD in the DMC-LX5 produces high resolution, noise-less images even in high sensitivity recording and richly reproduced gradation in highly contrasted situations with the exquisitely wide dynamic range. Taking advantage of the high sensitivity CCD and the brightness of the lens, minimum illumination of the DMC-LX5 is as low as 3 lux in movie recording. Also, the maximum setting is ISO 12800 enabling shooting in extremely dark places.

Dynamic Range: The expanded dynamic range is made possible by the improvement of on-tip-lens design with larger light concentration and VCCD expansion while deepening the photo diode to manage richer signal more effectively.

24-90mm f/2.0-3.3 Ultra-Wide-angle Leica Lens: The lens unit consists of 10 elements in 9 groups with 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces. Minimal distortion, high resolution, minimum artifacts such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring are the proof of uncompromising imaging made possible by an f/2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle Leica DC Vario- Summicron lens.

The 24mm ultra wide-angle lens is rare on a compact camera. It gives you a wider range of composition possibilities. The super-high-quality Leica DC Vario- Summicron lens minimizes distortion at the wide end, so you can get stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail. The DMC-LX5 captures approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to that of normal 35mm cameras, and even approx. 136% larger compared to that of 28mm wide-angle lens.

The fully open f/2.0 aperture lends a beautiful soft focus to photos with a shallow depth of field. It is especially effective for macro shots of flowers, insects, or intricate objects. This setting is also ideal for dimly lit scenes that require greater exposure, such as deep, natural forests, dimly lit historic buildings, and artwork displays. In addition, the DMC-LX5 lets you get as close as 1cm to your subject. The fully open f/3.3 aperture combines with the 90mm telephoto end of the zoom produces optimal portraits. The high resolution and excellent contrast also express fine details, with natural gradation for smoother complexions.

Digital Zoom: Thanks to intelligent resolution technology, the intelligent zoom is available with the DMC-LX5 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality when using the digital zoom. This means the 3.8x optical can virtually extend to 5.0x equivalent. Furthermore, the extra optical zoom function that extends zoom power to 6.7x by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer.

Step Zoom: The Step Zoom function, allows you to set the zoom to 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 70mm or 90mm via the menu. This is like changing fixed focal length lenses on a D-SLR. Max. 800mm is available if combining the Intelligent Zoom and digital zoom.

MEGA O.I.S. with Intelligent ISO Control: Everyone has had an experience of taking a photo at night and hoping to capture all the memories and beauty, only to be disappointed at the poor result. Panasonic has worked on the low-frequency vibration hand-shake component, which is physically generated when pressing the shutter button or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) nearly doubles the hand-shake correction power of conventional MEGA O.I.S. You get bright photos without blurring even from handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds.

Multi Aspect Ratios: Conventional cameras generally use almost the entire CCD area when recording an image. The DMC-LX5, however, employs a 1/1.63-inch CCD with a total resolution of 11.3 megapixels. Using only about a 10.1 megapixel area of this large CCD makes it possible to give three aspect ratios - 16:9, 3:2, and 4:3 - the same angle of view with lens settings from 24mm to 90mm (35mm camera equivalent). And rather than digitally producing "simulated" images, the DMC-LX5 captures the actual, real-life image for each one of the aspect ratios at the ultra-wide 24mm setting.

Aspect Switch, Aspect Bracket & 1:1: The aspect ratio can be changed directly with the aspect switch on the lens barrel from 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1. The 1:1 aspect ratio is a unique square frame that adds to your possibilities. Aspect Bracket lets the camera take an image in all aspect ratios simultaneously, so you can choose the best one after shooting.

Venus Engine FHD: For the image processing, the DMC-LX5 features the Venus Engine FHD provides higher-speed, higher-performance while compiling the intelligent resolution technology. It enables the recording of beautiful photos and high-definition movies with higher quality signal processing. The triple CPUs in this imaging engine dramatically speed up processing while achieving exceptional noise reduction performance. The Venus Engine FHD's excellent energy efficiency supports long-time AVCHD Lite movie recording, and allows the output of both images and sounds via HDMI.

Sonic Speed AF: The Sonic Speed AF system in the DMC-LX5 includes a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is fast and accurate AF performance. You can quickly get moving subjects in focus, such as when you're shooting sports scenes.

Fast Start-up & Short Release Time: The parallel processing of software resulted in ultra high-speed start-up and the shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.007 second, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.

Intelligent Resolution: The advanced image processing technology "Intelligent Resolution*" is incorporated in the Venus Engine FHD for the DMC-LX5. With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas - outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas - are automatically detected and optimum signal processes are performed to each area. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology of Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.

High Sensitivity - Low Noise: The graininess that results from picture noise and the flatness that sometimes comes with noise reduction measures are major concerns when shooting at high sensitivity levels. The Intelligent Resolution minimizes noise to produce sharp, clear images.

Extended Battery Life: The energy-saving Venus Engine FHD image processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-LX5. This lets users take approx. 400 shots on a single battery charge.

RAW Format: You can get original image data, recording the image directly from the sensor without any image processing. The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE software utility lets you develop RAW data files. For example, you can develop RAW data to create an image with the effect you were trying to capture when you took the shot. You get high-level basic image processing abilities that give you control over such things as unnatural edges from saturated color borders, false colors in structures with intricate detail, and chromatic noise in photos taken at high sensitivity settings. This utility provides a unique combination of high resolution and extraordinary color separation performance.

Built-in Flash: Select the flash synchronization you want from 1st Curtain Sync. or 2nd Curtain Sync. This is effective for capturing nightscapes with a natural flow of light. You can adjust the intensity within a range of +/-EV 2 in 1/3 EV steps.

3.0" 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD: The DMC-LX5 is equipped with a 3.0", 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with super high resolution and a wide viewing angle. The big screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer, allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images together. Plus, adopting the High CRI (Color Rendering Index) LED backlight realizes vivid, impressive color reproduction true to the memory color that your eyes remember. The Intelligent LCD function automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to the shooting conditions. At the highest of these 11 steps, the LCD backlight becomes approx. 1.4 times brighter than normal. In addition, the AR (anti-reflective) coating LCD minimizes glare and provides clear images, for high visibility even in outdoor brightness.

Intelligent Auto: In the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments. Just press, aim and shoot. Detection and correction functions work appropriately just by entering the iA Mode for you to take beautiful photos and movies with maximum ease. In addition, the intelligent resolution technology is always activated in the iA Mode, which results in the clearer and higher image quality in every photo and movie with extended zoom range equivalent to 5x optical zoom by the intelligent zoom. iA Mode automatically and simultaneously activates advanced detection functions: The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to detect hand-shake, the Face Detection AF/AE to detect faces in the frame, the Intelligent Scene Selector to detect scene conditions, and the Intelligent Exposure to detect the ambient light. It also activates AF tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, and Happy Mode.

Intelligent Exposure: The Intelligent Exposure instantly analyzes the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark due to dim lighting, backlighting or use of the flash. Adjusting the brightness of dark areas, this produces natural images that are close to the way they actually look to the human eye. The DMC-LX5 lets you adjust the effect in three levels - high, normal, and low.

Auto Bracketing: The Auto Bracket function records 3 photos at varied exposure levels in a compensation range of ±EV 3 in 1/3 EV steps. Then you can select your favorite photo from the different exposure settings.

Scene Modes: The DMC-LX5, a hybrid still/motion image model, includes numerous Scene Modes for taking stills and movies. Switching from still-image to movie shooting is seamless because the optimal Movie Scene Mode is automatically selected. The versatile Scene Mode range is a unique Lumix feature that handles just about any situation and subject type. By simply selecting a Scene Mode, the camera makes the optimal settings for you automatically, so anybody can take superb photos and movies with ease.

Panorama Assist Mode: This is a handy function for aligning panorama photos using the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition. The after image of each previous shot is displayed, so you can use it to precisely line up the second and third shots.

Manual Functions: Manual functions are the key to taking highly controlled and distinctive photos. Aperture-priority Mode lets you open the aperture up wide for stunning portraits with softly focused backgrounds. Shutter-priority Mode makes it possible to express the dynamic power of a flowing stream by slowing down the shutter speed. And Manual Exposure Mode gives you total control of special shots, allowing you to achieve a higher level of photographic beauty.

Manual Exposure Asst: When you choose the Manual Exposure Mode, this function shows how much your setting differs from the setting the camera considers optimal. This serves as a convenient guide for anyone using the Manual Exposure Mode.

Exposure Compensation: You can adjust the exposure within a range of +/-EV 3 in 1/3 EV steps. In Program AE, Aperture-priority, and Shutter-priority Modes, you can retrieve the exposure compensation value and manually adjust it directly with the jog dial.

Program Shift: You can use Program Shift in Program AE Mode to keep the exposure fixed while changing the combination of shutter speed and aperture. This function lets you choose the exposure setting yourself to capture exactly the image you want.

Quick Menu: Frequently used functions can be quickly retrieved and easily switched by using the Q.MENU button. The function names are displayed in text form, making them easy for anyone to understand and use.

Custom Mode: Custom Mode 1 lets you register a series of settings you use often, you can instantly recall a pattern of the settings. And Custom Mode 2 lets you register patterns for up to 3 more settings. Together, they store 4 sets of frequently used settings in memory, for instant recall with the mode dial.

Function Button: You can allocate frequently used functions to the Function button. Functions that normally have to be selected from a menu or switched can be assigned to this button for faster, easier operation.

Film Mode: The same way photographers select different films for their distinctive coloring and contrast, you can manually choose from 6 color types and 3 monochrome types － even when shooting movies. When shooting in black and white, the contrast, sharpness and noise reduction for each mode parameter can be customized in five steps and stored in memory. The same is true when shooting in color, with the addition of the saturation adjustment. You can make a total of 4,125 settings, and you can get the exact image you want.

My Color Mode: The My Color Mode is a special option that gives free reign to your creativity and makes it easier and more fun to create interesting, expressive images. You can adjust the settings that best suit the shooting conditions and your expressive intent, for greater photographic control. It is available also in movie recording giving you a wider range of expressive possibilities to explore.

White Balance: Two-axis adjustment feature gives you a finer white balance adjustment for Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Flash, or Halogen conditions. It can also be used when adjusting the Color Temperature setting or White Set function. You can adjust with a reference to the horizontal axis for amber to blue and the vertical axis for green to magenta. With still image recording, you can use the White Balance Bracket setting, which automatically shoots 3 consecutive photos with slight changes to the white balance setting of each photo in both the vertical and horizontal axes, by simply pressing the shutter button once.

ISO Sensitivity: You can set the ISO sensitivity to Auto, Intelligent ISO, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 or 12800 from the newly adapted ISO Button. When the ISO sensitivity step is set to 1/3 EV, the number of ISO sensitivity setting options increases, allowing you to make fine adjustments and achieve the level of image quality you want.

In Manual Exposure Mode, you can either select ISO Auto or make settings from ISO 200 to ISO 3200. With ISO Auto, once you set the aperture and shutter speed, the camera automatically judges the ISO sensitivity and maintains the appropriate exposure. For example, you have to use a fast shutter speed to capture moving subjects, while closing down the aperture enough to extend the depth of field for focusing ease. With this kind of shot, you can set the shutter speed and aperture manually, and then leave the exposure up to ISO Auto.

Consecutive Shooting: The DMC-LX5 lets you snap off consecutive shots at approx. 2.5 frames per second even in RAW format. You can take a series of shots, then choose the one you like the best and delete the rest. You can also select High-speed burst mode or flash burst mode from Scene Mode.

Multi Exposure Function: The Multi Exposure function lets you take up to three exposures in a single frame. For example, you can layer subjects that wouldn't ordinarily appear in the same frame by making one of them translucent and super-imposing the other for an artistic effect, or make one subject appear two or three times in the same frame. By shooting from two opposite directions, you can create a symmetrical mirror effect. The DMC-LX5 allows you to shoot while checking the image. After you've taken the first shot, it appears with a translucent effect, so you can use it to set up your second shot. The same for the third shot. The camera also automatically adjusts the gain to optimize the exposure.

Focus Switch: The focus switch on the lens barrel lets you quickly change the focus mode between AF, AF-Macro or MF. The focus button helps to achieve finer focusing during both shooting and playback. During AF operation, it serves to activate the variable AF area, and during MF operation, it changes to a handy One-shot AF to provide initial focusing. During playback, this convenient and important function gives you one-touch zoom playback of subjects in focus.

Variable AF Area: You can select the AF setting from Face AF, AF Tracking, Multi-AF (23-area) or 1-area AF. With the 1-area AF, the position of the AF area can be freely moved. This is convenient when you want to frame a shot for a special effect, like focusing on a subject at the very edge of the frame. The AF frame size can also be selected from among Spot, Normal, L, and XL.

Continuous & Quick Auto Focus: The DMC-LX5 can be preset to either Continuous AF or Quick AF. Continuous AF automatically and continuously focuses on your subject, providing a clear, sharp focus even for moving subjects. Quick AF starts operating as soon as the camera is pointed toward a subject, in comparison with the ordinary AF function, which is activated when the shutter button is pressed half-way. Both Continuous AF and Quick AF dramatically reduce the shutter delay time and let you take pictures quickly. They are ideal for taking photos of children and pets, sports action, and animals in nature. And they make sure that spur-of-the-moment shots aren't out of focus or blurry, and minimize the time lag for shooting.

AF/AE Lock Button: The AF/AE Lock button lets you frame your shot freely while keeping the focus locked, or maintains the same exposure setting regardless of the subject color when taking multiple shots.

Manual Focus: Select manual focus with the focus switch on the lens barrel, and use the jog dial for super-smooth focusing. When you focus in the manual focus mode, not only the focus distance but also the DOF (depth of field) according to the zoom range and aperture is displayed.

Manual Focus Assist: MF Assist function enlarges the image to make focusing easier. The focusing area is movable, which also contributes to easy and comfortable manual focusing.

Macro: The DMC-LX5 lets you get as close as 1cm to your subject. When the focus switch on the lens barrel is set to AF-Macro, or when the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is selected, Macro Mode is activated automatically. This is ideal for taking dynamic, intricate close-ups of flowers and insects, or for rendering artwork and handicrafts in spectacular detail and rich expression.

Movable Guide Lines: With the DMC-LX5, you can move the guide line according to the subject's position. This is handy when you want to take extra care in framing, especially when using a tripod.

Optional Accessories: The DMC-LX5 is a system camera with a wide variety of options to choose from to match your shooting situations and style, including external viewfinders, external flashes, wide conversion lens, ND filter, PL filter and fast-draw leather carrying case. These accessories let you further improve the DMC-LX5's mobility, while upgrading the system to ensure you don't miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities.

High-definition motion Movies in AVCHD Lite: In addition to Motion JPEG images, the DMC-LX5 can record high-definition motion images in AVCHD Lite. This format features almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format.

Minimum illumination: The minimum illumination is as low as 3 lux thanks to the f/2.0 super bright Leica DC Vario- Summicron lens and the high sensitivity CCD.

Optical Zoom During Video Shooting: The DMC-LX5 lets you use the 3.8x (25-95mm in 35mm camera equivalent in movie recording) zoom for motion images. It takes you up close for nature, sports and other distant scenes.

Intelligent Auto for Movies and Stills: The iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is also available in motion image recording. The iA Mode automatically and simultaneously activates 4 advanced detection functions: The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to detect hand-shake, the Face Detection AF/AE to detect faces in the frame, the Intelligent Scene Selector to detect scene conditions, and the Intelligent Exposure to detect the ambient light. Since the camera automatically optimizes the settings, it lets you shoot stunning HD movies every time.

Creative (Manual) Movie Mode: Apart from the movie recording capability of conventional digital compact cameras, the DMC-LX5 also features a Creative Movie Mode, which lets you set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out.

My Color Mode & Film Mode for Movies and Stills: You can use the My Color Mode and Film Mode for shooting movies. They render highly unique expressions by matching the colors to your subject and surroundings. In the iA Mode, you can apply Happy Mode as well, for even brighter coloring.

Scene Mode for Movies: You are naturally supposed to take the same subject in the same situation when you start recording movie while recording photos. So you do not have to set the Scene Mode again for movie recording once you are in the Scene Mode of photo recording. The result is a beautiful movie best optimized for the scene.

High Quality Sound: The DMC-LX5 features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio, so you can match your beautiful movies with outstanding sound.

Wind Cut: The Wind Cut function is available to block out most of the noise from background wind. This gives you higher quality sound when taking images on breezy days.

Category Playback: You can playback photos from a total of 10 settings, including the Face Recognition, which lets you search for and retrieve specific subjects.

PictBridge: The PictBridge standard lets you print directly on a compatible digital printer. Print size, layout, date and other settings can be made with the camera. Of course, you can also make multiple prints of an image, or print only the ones that you have selected.

Slideshows with Music: The DMC-LX5 can play a slideshow with music. Choose from 4 types of music: natural, slow, swing and urban. Then, select the transition effect to match your music. You can also use the optional mini HDMI cable to connect the camera to an HDTV for breathtaking, large-screen viewing*. For musical slideshows created with the included PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition, you can choose your favorite iTunes music file as background music and burn it onto a DVD disc as an MPEG2 file. It is also possible to upload the slideshow to YouTube.

Photographer's Name Recorded: The photographer's name can be embedded to the EXIF information of the picture and it can be confirmed via the updated PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition.

Title Edit/ Text Stamp: The Title Edit function in playback mode lets you edit the titles of any photos you want. Baby Mode and Pet Mode, let you enter the date of birth and name of your subject in advance. With the DMC-LX5, you can also enter your destination and the date of travel in advance, in the Travel Date setting. The title, name, age based on the birth date, date of travel information, and date of shooting are displayed during playback, and can be printed on photos.

PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition Software: The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition comes bundled with the DMC-LX5. With quick start-up and fast read-in of images, the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your computer. The Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the image to automatically sort the photos by the registered faces without picking out each photo one by one when you only want images of a specific person. You can also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music and burn it onto a DVD disc in MPEG2. Motion images can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader even in HD (High Definition) quality. It also lets you create a 360° rotation panorama file in MOV, which is especially easy if Panorama Assist Mode in the camera is used. The software is of course compatible with the Windows 7.

SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE Software: The DMC-LX5 records original image data in RAW file format, which allows images to be developed according to your intention. A number of highly advanced functions can be applied to these RAW images by using the SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE software utility, with its unique combination of high resolution and extraordinary color separation performance.

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