The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera (that comes with 3.8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD and in a very sexy black, or more minimalistic white) is the perfect camera for casual photography enthusiasts like me who enjoy the thrill of composing high quality photos but don’t want the bulky baggage of a DSLR.

Click here to save almost 30% on Amazon for the Panasonic Lumix LX5

The Good

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is known as a “bridge camera” as it bridges the gap between professional, high quality DSLRs and simple foolproof point-and-shoot cameras. Not only is it more affordable than your run-of-the-mill DSLR, but it also comes with all the customizable options regarding aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc.

What I liked most about the Panasonic Lumix LX5 was the vast array of creative options at my disposal. I am an avid participant in the recent “lomo” craze, which for those not in the know is a throwback to the days of film cameras where slide films could produce unpredictable and exciting results. However, film cameras are bulky and expensive to maintain. The Lumix LX5 solved all my headaches because it comes with many creative effects such as “black and white” and “saturated” which can be further customized in terms of contrast and saturation. For those seeking even greater freedom of self-expression, the Lumix LX5 offers a “My Color Mode” where customization is almost completely unencumbered.

Another thing I loved was the wide-angle lens. Leica is famous for manufacturing high-end cameras costing thousands of dollars and I was very fortunate to get a premium Leica lens with my distinctly more affordable LX5. Image quality is sharp, with no distortions, and the 24mm (35mm equivalent) lens allowed me to capture sweeping vistas and stunning sunsets with lifelike accuracy on my travels. The holiday shots I produced never failed to make my friends and family gasp in awe. This is bolstered by the improved zoom range of 24mm to 90mm. When I photographed a bald eagle in Alaska, I could make out its individual feathers in the photo even though the eagle was quite some distance away.

The LX5 also shoots great pictures in low-light conditions (check out some of these excellent Lumix LX5 sample shots). If you’ve ever been skiing, or participated in other winter sports, you’ll know how difficult it is to get a good shot of a snowy landscape when there isn’t much sunlight. The snow appears grey, coarse and dull. By raising the ISO to 1200, I was able to get consistently reproducible high-quality results even in gloomy weather, without compromising image quality. This makes the LX5 a truly all-weather camera, especially if you invest in a solid waterproof case.

The Bad (only a quibble)

The only quibble I have to mention in this Lumix LX5 review is a minor one. I believe I concur with many other Lumix LX5 reviews when I say that I don’t like the removable lens cap. If you see a hawk flying over or a sports car racing past, the time delay in fishing out the lens cap can cause you to miss the shot entirely. Also, it’s easy to lose. However, in light of all the awesome features at such a low price, I’m clearly nitpicking.

Value for Money

With the two-year warranty, the Panasonic Lumix LX5 will offer you great photography for years. Frankly, I haven’t used my DSLR in months – and it was three times the price! And with Amazon offering nearly 30% off right now, this could save you some Christmas money to spend elsewhere…

Customer Reviews

There are many very satisfied customers on sites like Amazon. Below are two happy customers – click here to read more great reviews. And don’t forget to check our top 10 reasons to buy the Lumix LX5, if you still need convincing…

Photo Guy – Wow, I am so impressed by this camera! I am a professional photographer and have been searching for a quality point & shoot for casual use when I don’t want to lug around my DSLR (Nikon D700 at the moment) but have never been happy with the compromises of a P&S.

Carl Deutsch - This camera met my expectations of high quality images, high ISO capability, and having control over all aspects (but I found automatic mode produces outstanding images also, so it’s a win-win on this camera). This camera is the first compact I ever owned that produces superb images which I don’t find myself complaining about.

The Lumix LX 5 is here and ready to capture all of your special moments! There are a lot of happy snappers out there, who all seem to come out with lines similar to…”It is without a doubt, one of the best compact cameras available!”

So, really, why should you buy a Lumix LX5? Here are our Top 10 reasons to invest in one…

1. Same great camera, but better! We are all familiar with the sister camera of the Lumix LX5, the LX3. Winning a stream of awards and editor’s choice, the LX 3 was all the rage, released in 2008. The Lumix LX5 is still the same great camera with the same great features, but just updated to present day technology and times.
2. Compact and lightweight. The Lumix LX5 is one of the world’s best performing compact cameras. It is lightweight and easily travels in a purse or handbag so you have it when you need it to capture those unpredictable moments. It also has a new and improved battery pack that will last up to 400 pictures now versus the LX3 which lasts for approximately 380 in a single charge.
3. New and improved hand grip. The Lumix LX5 features a slightly larger and more comfortable hand grip so it is easier than ever to use and less likely to slip from your hands and miss out on those one time photo ops. The hand grip is made of fine quality leather and is textured to give you an easy to hold cushion. There is also a thumb grip featured on the back for easy positioning of your fingers.
4. No more joystick! The one downfall with the LX3, as reported by consumers, was the uncomfortable use of the joystick to navigate the camera. However, the new LX5 features an easy to use, turn and push knob which easily allows you to navigate through the camera’s options.
5. New and improved lens! The LX5’s main new feature is its new and improved lens! The zoom feature has been extended from 2.5 times to 3.8 times, enhancing its portrait shot capability.
6. New and improved monitor! The Lumix LX5 still features its great 3 inch sized monitor, but it now includes an LED backlight which improves visibility and enhances color addition.
7. Increased Shutter Speed! The new and improved LX5 has a shutter speed twice as fast as the LX3; 1/4000 of a second versus the LX3 which had a time of 1/2000 of a second.
8. Upgraded Image Processor! The LX5 has a new and improved image processor, featuring the Venus engine that reduces image noise, enhances low light imagery, and provides better continuous shooting time speed.
9. Optional Plug in Socket! The LX5 features an optional plug in socket for a view finder if one chooses. This allows all you photographers out there the option of using a view finder if you prefer which most digital cameras lack.
10. Improved Stabilization System! The LX5 has been upgraded to the new Power OIS, allowing you up to 3.5 times low speed stability. It also has improved video recording and many other great benefits!

All in all, the Lumix LX5 is one of the top compact cameras of its time. It has superb image quality, fast performance and is compact and lightweight attributes make it top of the list in consumer’s choice! Read our full Lumix LX5 review for more details.

If you’re looking to improve your photography you’ve already made a wise choice in considering the Lumix LX5. In the list below I’ve included a number of items that have made my shots come out even better than I expected. Recommended.

The Panasonic DMWBCJ13 Battery for DMC-LX5 is the battery you’re going to need when you’re out and about. I purchased an additional battery as backup and I can’t tell you how often it has saved my bacon. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing that battery indicator flashing and then the camera just konking out on you, just as you’re about to frame a masterpiece…

The Panasonic DMW-LA6 Lens adapter is a great quality adapter that lets you attach filters such as the DMW-LND52 ND and DMW-LPL52 PL. It also allows you to attach the Panasonic DMW-LW52 wide-angle conversion lens for the Lumix LX5 camera, one of those lenses that you really should add to your collection if you’re serious about your photography.

Well, firstly, it seems that Panasonic felt the LX5 is too good a camera to waste on a generation – hence the lack of an LX4 model!

The Lumix LX3 was a classic in its own right, with many many fans, but the LX5 has some great enhancements on it, as you can see in the table and sections below.

LX5 Enhancements on the LX3

Panasonic has been keen to point out that there are a lot of improvements that don’t show up in the specs, including:

• Expanded dynamic range with increased sensitivity and saturation.

• Newly developed Venus Engine FHD image processor provides higher speed and performance. Triple CPUs in this imaging engine dramatically speed up processing while achieving exceptional noise reduction performance.
• Video hi-def recording using the AVCHD Lite format which allows doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. In Creative Movie mode, shutter speed and aperture can be set manually.
• Redesigned body with a thicker grip making it easier to hold. It’s a little bit smaller larger and a little bit heavier than the the LX3. Plus, the LX5 is available in black or white body colors.
• New turn-and-push jog dial replaces the small joystick control used on the LX3.
• Optional Live View Finder which helps when shooting under strong daylight.
• Square 1:1 format setting selectable by the aspect ratio switch on the side of the lens barrel. On the LX3, it was available only by menu and only after updating to the LX3′s latest firmware version.
• Intelligent LCD redesigned using High CRI (Color Rendering Index) backlighting LED improves color reproduction and visibility in bright sunlight.
• A much longer lasting battery.
• Optional Conversion Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA6) allows use of 52mm filters or wide-angle .75x adapter (DMW-LAW52) which gives you 18mm at the wide end.

So yes, such mighty fine improvements over the LX3. Check out our Lumix LX5 review, if you haven’t already.

Below are some great shots taken with the Panasonic Lumix LX5 camera. You can find more on sites like Flickr by searching for the tag “Lumix LX5″, for example. If you’re thinking of purchasing the Panasonic Lumix LX5, read my review – you won’t regret it!