Choosing Panasonic Lumix

Hi everyone,

I've recently had the chance to use a Lumix Fx8 and overall I am very impressed by the very

crisp images produced - so much so, that I am considering buying a Panasonic of my own.

I've narrowed the choice down to two cameras: the LX1 and the FZ5. I recognise that they are

very different cameras in terms of features and size, but my question is about image quality,

particularly resolution and tonal graduation when producing prints up to A4 size. Which of

these two cameras will produce the best image quality and how do they compare to the FX8

which I've already used?

 

Thanks.

The LX1 has a slightly bigger sensor than the FZ5 so should give somewhat better image quality. But aside from that, as you say, they are quite different cameras. The LX1 is more like the FX8 that you used the FZ5 is a different beast.

I've own two panasonics, the FZ15 and FZ30, I would recomend the FZ30, it has much more control almost like a SLR, and it has great quality, plus multiple modes, great big lens, and movie mode.

The FX8 is a limited control point and shoot camera while the LX1 and the FZ5 are cameras for serious work as well. If you are considering the LX1 then you should match it with the FZ7, not that the extra pixels of the LX-1 and FZ30 make much difference for an A4 print if you are using a good editing programme to interpolate for you, maintaining 300 dpi or more at the final print stage.

 

If you are used to an SLR you should find the FZ30 a delight to work with, I do, with the important controls at your fingertips rather than buried in a menu, but you appear to want a small camera which the FZ30 is not.

 

To assess the quality of the lens you should check out the tests at dpreview.com My opinion is that all the Lumix 'Leica' lens are good, our family has three, FZ3, FZ20 and FZ30. It is up to me to get the good shots.

If you are used to the FX8, you should look at the new FX01.

 

The LX1 and the FZ5 are very different cameras, for different people. I bought the LX1 because of the panorama sensor, RAW format, nice interface, and good lens. And excellent OIS too.

 

You can see a folder of LX1 photos in my website www.paulobizarro.com

I purchased the Panasonic LX-1 myself after taking it for a test drive. Right after I looked at the images I knew this was the camera for me. It's more pocketable than the FZ-5 but doesn't have the super zoom. The LX-1 isn't cheap though. The FZ-5 is still a great camera with an insane lens(that's good news)(LEICA) very good image quality. Both will exibit really accurate white balance and good color. I'm telling you watch out for Panasonic. I think they're primed to be a major player in this crazy new digital world.

<i>To assess the quality of the lens you should check out the tests at dpreview.com My opinion is that all the Lumix 'Leica' lens are good, our family has three, FZ3, FZ20 and FZ30. It is up to me to get the good shots.</i>

<br><br>

I used to have an FZ20. I did not like the <a href="http://www.leica-camera.com/discus/messages/69/71239.html?1113346299" target="blank">color rendition</a>, especially the greens, nor was I satisfied with the sharpness and noise. A4 prints were the maximum, A3 started to be unsharp. I finally sold it and bought a Leica Digilux 2 (aka Lumix LC1) which I am fully satisfied with, A3 size prints are excellent. Sometimes the technical specs do not tell all the story. Look at <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00FR7r" target="_blank">Venice Carnival</a> or <a href="http://www.leica-camera.com/discus_e/messages/11/198514.html?1140791702" target="blank">Winter Night in Venice.</a><br><br>

I ordered an LX1 from B&H yesterday as pocket camera and I wonder how it will compare with my Canon Digital Ixus 750 (Powershot SD550). While its sharpness is excellent, I am not fully satisfied with the color rendition of the Canon, either. I used it on a <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00FzOu" target="_blank">Week-End in Prague.</a>

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Cheers<br>

Peter

I to also recommend the FZ30. Being a professional photographer specializing in nature and landscape photos, the end result is far superior to any other camera. I havent used my expensive (overrated) cameras for some time.<div></div>

Examine the ambient light M&M figurine shot at

steves-digicam.com of the LX1. Pay particular attention to the

shadow transitions on the wall next to the box of magazines on

the left.

 

I like Panasonic's very film like color palette they use over any of

the other camera's, but they still haven't dealt with the noise

issue even at low ISO's. When they fix that, I'll reconsider.

Brent R...........That is a @#$!* amazing shot.Did you do any processing to it? Also.I'm having a problem seeing noise in a picture

Can someone show me a side by side comparison?