DxOMark have just released test results for the sensor of the Panasonic Lumix LX5 compact digital camera. The Lumix LX5 is a member of an interesting class of digital cameras offering high end functionality in a compact, convenient package. The appeal of the Lumix LX5 lies in its compact smooth camera body.
“The Panasonic LUMIX LX-Series cameras have been extremely popular models for us with professional and enthusiast photographers, who understand and value the superb image quality such a compact, affordable digital camera can offer,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company in a press release at the camera’s launch. “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.”
Despite Panasonic’s optimism the Lumix LX5 is not to the same standard as the professional’s most common tool - the DSLR. In the DxOMark comparison in an image below we compare sensor performance of the Lumix LX5 with a pro standard DSLR and a Panasonic camera that uses a four thirds DSLR sensor. The Pentax K5 pro DSLR achieved an overall DxOMark double that of the Lumix LX5.
The DxOmark results clearly suggest the Panasonic Lumix LX5 does not produce images of the same standard as professional DSLRs.
Compact is the Key
Even though a professional photographer would never use the Panasonic as their main camera, like everybody else, they do want to lug around a camera bag full of equipment all the time. This is where the Panasonic Lumix LX5 comes into its own. It fits easily into pockets and purses, so photographers never miss a shot. For travelers, this is makes the LX5 easy to carry and the photography does not intrude into the vacation, but is always there to capture special moments.
The LX5 has a ll the basic shooting modes that pros rely on, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, full manual and full automatic. This makes the Pansonic Lumix LX5 a real camera with proper shooting modes, although there are scene modes for those still learning the basics of photography.
Zoom Lens
The Panasonic Lumix LX5 comes with a zoom lens with a focal length range of 24-90mm ( on a 35mm camera) covering viewing angles from groups and landscape to portraits. As is common in compact digital cameras the lens telescopes so that it is extremely compact when not in use, reducing the snagging potential when getting it in or out of pockets and making the Lumix LX5 easier to carry.
The Lumix LX5 might not have the zoom range of its main rivals from Canon and Nikon but this does help keep the LX5 slim and compact.Keeping the camera body easy to carry is perhaps more important than extreme telephoto zoom.
Size does matter
The sensor in the Panasonic Lumix LX5 is much smaller than a DSLR’s and size of the sensor is an important factor in image quality. However, in such a compact body the optical design restrictions of digital sensors mean that for a small lens and slim body only a small sensors can be used. Digital sensors do not perform well when the light rays from the lens enter their micro lenses at an angle.
Video
The Panasonic Lumix LX5 has HD video capability, making it ideal for capturing those occasional sequences without needing to carry two cameras and accessories all the time.
A Real Viewfinder
The serious nature of the Panasonic Lumix LX5 is underlined because it has an optional optical viewfinder system for photographers preferring to hold a camera properly to minimize any camera movement especially in low light situations.
Quality Compact Camera
The Panasonic Lumix competes head on with the Canon G12 and Nikon P7000 and the LX5 produces similar image quality according to the DxOMark lab tests shown below. The LX5’s overall DxOMark score puts it slightly better than the Nikon P7000, but trails the top scoring Canon G12.
Join the Conversation