alvinyap Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>Only played around with my new LX5 for a few hours, here's my opinions on it -</p> <p><strong>Likes</strong><br> - 24mm, F2. Oh yeah. Main reason why I bought it - my main workhorse slr lens is 24mm equiv on the wide end.<br> - Good feel and heft<br> - Multiple aspect ratio seems fun - especially 1:1 square<br> - AF / AF Macro / MF switch on lens barrel works very well.<br> - Compact! No need to lug my slr around as an everyday camera.<br> - Focusing is stupid fast. I dare say it's easily comparable to any entry level dslr from nikon with its kit lens.<br> - Hot shoe!<br> - Step zoom option - zoom in focal lengths of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm etc very nice.<br> - 1cm macro capability!<br> - I now own "Leica" optics :D I am still looking for a red sticker and white marker...</p> <p><strong>Dislikes</strong><br> - Mode dial feels really cheap, gives me no confidence in its longevity (unlike P7k or G12).<br> - Flash EV compensation is really deep in the menu structure, and I can't seem to assign it to the Fn button.<br> - Panasonic menus are quite confusing, especially since there is the Q Menu (Quick menu) and the full menu options. If I didn't already own a lumix in the past, I would never know how to manually white balance this camera. Some locations of the menu options are also questionable.<br> - Minor - the zoom feels very lethargic. Smooth, but not snappy.<br> - Single channel histogram display.<br> - LCD not very representative of photo taken. Whites seem to be clipped on the display but not when viewed on a calibrated monitor.</p> <p>-------------------------------------------------------</p> <p>I am also having issues with the flash in slow sync mode. When I'm metering the scene with no flash, say it gives me F2/15 @ iso 400, and gives the correct exposure I want. However, with slow sync and the flash enabled, for some reason it meters the ambient at F2/4 @ iso400. This gives way overexposed result. Has anyone encountered this?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_arnold Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>that's the problem with hi-end compacts. they give the impression they are fully-featured, but there are inherent limitations with all of them. you just have to learn to live with those limitations, or find workarounds.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_a5 Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>Menu systems are a very personal thing - one person's confusing is another person's intuitive. Many praise the LX5's controls and menu system<br> Can you put flash EV on the Q menu?<br> LCDs are rarely a useful guide to the photo taken. You should look at blinkies and histogram for exposure and might get useful information by magnifying and looking at focus.<br> The 24mm lens and AF speed seem the best features of the LX5</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgredline Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>Alvin,<br> If you push in the dial wheel, it will bring up the EV menu. It could not be faster :)<br> I too love the stupid fast AF and its 24mm lens :)<br> Wait until you discover its built is distance scale for manual hyperfocal focusing. You will be blown away. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jgredline/sets/72157624972355191/">I love my LX-5</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelchristensen Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>Agree with the "likes" you mentioned. Actually, I don't use the in-camera flash with this camera because it is too weak to do meaningful flash photography. I purchased it for the lens, size of camera, and point-and-shoot capability. I'm still looking for a moderately sized on-shoe flash to complement the package, something about the size of Nikon's sb400 (have to check flash voltage issue).</p> <p>I don't use histograms in digital cameras. I can immediately look at a scene and know when something is going to be blown out and my accuracy is about on par for that which the histogram provides in graph form.</p> <p>I do of course like this camera for what my DSLR doesn't do, namely the multiple aspect lens ratio (very cool) and finally the enhanced black and white dynamic mode .. essentially "photoshop" to my liking (still not as good as Fuji Neopan film) but it will suffice. I'll say it again .. why is white balance a multi-menu search circus .. should be a little dedicated button so you can quickly set/change it ... and the battery is too expensive. </p> <p>My guess concerning the flash issue is that the camera is simply programmed to execute reading slow sync differently from that in normal flash mode ...and perhaps it doesn't use pre-flashes to set the exposure like more competent cameras. Perhaps, if the camera used pre-flashes the exposure would be more accurate (if it uses preflashes I'm not seeing it) Another issue is simply the meter on the camera can be set in a variety of ways and this of course would affect how flash is calculated .. in the mult-meter mode, note how the green rectangles seem to jump around the frame as you point the LX5 stationary at the scene ..in fact, even on a tripod the green rectangles sometimes can't seem to decide where to sit for a few micro-seconds ... multiple reattempts to meter the scene seem to give different choices on what the camera decides to use as focus/metering points ... that's the meter calculating different exposures and trying to optimize the scene .. perhaps it would be better to put this little camera in center-weighted meter mode and then experiment with no flash/flash/slow sync flash. Just my guess .. I'm still learning how to shoot this camera. I have to say that I don't expect the same precision from a point and shoot as a DSLR .. and rightfully so. </p> <p>I've played more with the manual mode and think that center-weighted metering is a better indicator of what is going on in exposure calculations. I, of course don't worry too much about it .. I realize that such cameras from Panasonic, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Pentax, etc. .. all use different software and the only thing shared in common is the focal length of the lenses used. Each and every digital camera is different and requires we just go out and do some trial & error experimentation .. I'm quite pleased with this camera .. produces good results. Hope you like it.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewg_ny Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>Agree on many of these points, but I'm actually a bit disappointed the whole thing doesn't feel just a bit heavier/more solid. The switches around the lens and the mode dial all move too easily, often unintentionally. I can't imagine this is going to improve as the camera ages, either.</p> <p>I have similar concerns about the colors on-LCD, menu structure, and also noticed that they over-buried the flash comp. I'm still trying to decide whether I need to bias the meter -1/3 EV most of the time or whether it's just the way it looks on-LCD.</p> <p>Also a bit bummed that there's no IR remote available, and that manual focusing doesn't work better (hard to confirm focus with their enlarged patch).</p> <p>I didn't try slow-sync flash yet...that result does seem odd, you'd think if anything they'd use the same or slightly shorter shutter duration. Anyway, can be worked around easily enough by setting via manual mode. This may not be y our issue but I'd also pay attention to whether you're locking exposure or not using the lock button or half-press, etc.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgredline Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>The one thing that bugs me most about the LX-5, Is not being able to turn off the rear LCD, I hated it when I was shooting in a church. I hear the only way to shut it off is with the optional view finder. IDK.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewg_ny Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>Javier, I can see how that might be annoying but it would be pretty hard to control the camera without either rear LCD or EVF; the [ridiculously-priced] DMW-VF1 accessory optical viewfinder doesn't give you any shooting data. Maybe you can fashion a D-I-Y LCD cover out of something opaque, maybe with a felt back so the LCD doesn't get scratched and light won't leak.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonmestrom Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>if you relate all of this to retail price you've got great value for money and a camera that gives you very good to great results. So, in the end what's not to like?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_roberts4 Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 <p>How could you expect a cheap plastic like LX5?<br> Strategy of Panasonic always introduces prodcuts appealing to mid end cnsumer market. If this model becomes successful in the market, then Pana will introduce a replacement with similar price but less solid built or poorer products. LX5 and GF2 are good demonstration of this silly marketing skills.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 7, 2011 Author Share Posted January 7, 2011 <p>@Richard - Agreed. However, just say, custom white balance, requires one to dig quite deep into the menu to use it. I think it is a very important function for a P&S, it could be better placed. Also, flash ev compensation is really, really deep in the menus.</p> <p>@Javier: I would believe you refer to EV compensation, not flash ev compensation. Flash ev compensation is buried really deeply. The camera also reacts very oddly to external strobes e.g. aperture priority locks up the shutter at 1/60 of a second with my SB28 mounted. I basically need to do compensation on my external flash to get proper exposure.</p> <p>@Michael: Definitely agreed with the custom white balance! It is a pain to get into, especially with rapidly changing situations. At least, the camera provides two custom balance slots :) Also, as mentioned above, with an external strobe, A priority locks the shutter speed. Very odd. Thinking back now, I should have tried manual. I'm really excited at the possibilities of this camera for day to day street shooting - I am managing better now with my dslr but hopefully a pns will help. Sadly weather this weekend seems to be rain :-/ Hoping for good weather.</p> <p>@Tom: I think it's a great camera! Not perfect, but awesome. I'm pretty sure I'll love it :) Now just to do real photography with it *looks at rain forecast and sighs*</p> <p>I'll be looking closer at the slow sync metering issue, perhaps I'll create a post to report my findings on that. Till then, I'll be turning my mode dial... carefully... :)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 7, 2011 Author Share Posted January 7, 2011 <p>Oh, here's one more dislike.... tripod mount is not in line with the lens.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_arnold Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 <p><em>I'm actually a bit disappointed the whole thing doesn't feel just a bit heavier/more solid.</em></p> <p>right. well, in that regard i have no complaints with the TL500. the build is awesome, and gives me confidence the camera will last. the fact that you can 'seal' the swing-out OLED monitor by reversing its orientation is nice.</p> <p><em>If this model becomes successful in the market, then Pana will introduce a replacement with similar price but less solid built or poorer products. LX5 and GF2 are good demonstration of this silly marketing skills.</em></p> <p>is marketing silly if it sells? most reports say LX5 is better than LX3. i'm actually intrigued by the new hi-end P&S olympus just announced, it's like a hybrid TL500/LX5/S95/E-PL2 dealio with a 1.8 lens and a decent 28-112mm zoom. if its as good as its specs suggest it could be Da Business.</p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 <p>Been out shooting today, it's a blast! First of all, I really enjoy the 1:1 crop, very reminiscence of my bronica sq-a days. The camera also slips into my vest's pocket, and had a nice day window shopping without a 1kg slr slung around my side. I still have difficulty taking shots of people, but with the SLR that's a no-no, with the P&S it helps, slightly! Here's a few shots from today.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 <p>Here's another along Charing Cross Road. I was doing sort of a pan to catch both the ladies, and got this cool effect:</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 <p>In a pub!</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 <p>I'm also experimenting with an auto-flash (SB28) and remote triggers (Yong Nuo) for a bruce gilden type of street photography. Haven't tried it IRL on the street, but I'm getting somewhat inconsistent flash exposures. Maybe one day, I'll have the guts to do it :D</p> <p>Bit more on the camera, the autofocus is maybe not so responsive in low light, there is a need for the AF assist light to come on. In similar lighting situations, I would definitely say my d300 would be able to AF with my 16-85VR without the AF assist, but that's apples to oranges here.</p> <p>Noise wise, I'm quite surprised - I would say maybe a stop more noise compared to a D200 at similar isos. 3200 is perfectly usable for B&W stuff.</p> <p>Exposure wise, the camera's auto ISO has an annoying tendency to push to ridiculously low shutter speeds to maintain as low an ISO as possible. With my slr I'd be at 1600, 3200 with a proper shutter speed, but the LX5 brings it to say, 400 or 800, with crazy low shutter speeds. That said, for web use and probably even prints it should be very good for B&W :D</p> <p>I quite like the concept of their iISO, basically if the camera detects motion, it ups the ISO for a faster shutter speed vs regular auto iso which chooses ISO purely based on exposure. That said, I think down the line I'll probably be setting ISO manually now that I know that ISO 3200 on the lx5 is not an issue for me.</p> <p>I seem to be gushing about this camera, perhaps it's New Toy Syndrome. I'll see how down the road how it compares to my slr for non-critical photography.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_arnold Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 <p>nice shots, alvin. i like the panning one.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 <p>Thanks, Eric!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewg_ny Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I like the panning shot too. I've had some luck with Pentax AF-360FGZ and AF-540FGZ flash units in auto mode. Works as expected for direct flash, need to boost exposure 2/3-1 stop for bounce. Thinking of getting a Oly or Panasonic flash unit for something a little more compact but with TTL and swivel. I have found the camera to be a little flaky with recognizing the mounted & ready flash. Seems that if it doesn't see it the scene is dark on half-press, but if flash is detected scene remains bright, so at least I have that indication before shooting. I've been shooting flash with camera on 1/60, f/4 @ISO 200 or 400, adjusting ISO on flash for exposure. I've been liking the 1:1 aspect ratio too. I wish my DSLR had this too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atort photography Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 <p>Let me start by saying I have owned a LX3 before this LX5 and although my time with that camera was limited, the only thing I always remembered was LOVING the wide angle lens. I own two G10's and a G12 currently as well and personally would MUCH rather have any one of those three cameras with me than my LX5. The G series become one and mold with your hand and feel durable and tough and the LX5 feels like my Mom should be shooting it with its pop up flash that feels like it is just waiting to rip off! The macro mode on the LX5 is amazing and did not think there was any point and shoot other than the G series that could hang, but the LX5 hangs right with them and maybe a bit better at times. Again...moving parts like that pop up flash are simply lame and not well thought out the way I see it PERIOD. It does not do well with how I like to shoot. <br> It just does not have a PRO feel to it at all in my opinion again while the G10 for example completely does and not sure who can argue with that if really have spent some serious time with both...which I have. (Ok...I know someone can argue it as people can find a way to argue EVERYTHING! ;)<br> If I had to recommend a point and shoot I would say BUY a G12 FOR SURE unless wide angle is something you need and want for whatever reason. Again...that would be my PRO suggestion for people that I know want the real deal and not something that has a bunch of things you have to explain or justify like on the LX5. The flash alone is reason enough for me to sell it personally and cannot stand that I have to physically bring it up....LAME! :)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alvinyap Posted January 12, 2011 Author Share Posted January 12, 2011 <p>Anthony - I'm really we both found cameras we both find ideal :)</p> <p>Alvin</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atort photography Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 <p>:) It is funny because I can still return the camera if I like, but I think the photo geek in me is going to opt to keep it and utilize it for its strengths and find a way to work through its weaknesses....essentially have a positive attitude with it! :) I am going to return the electronic viewfinder that I spend $130 on though...not sure I would really ever need it, but ordered it just because I could. Hey...I was in Costa Rica so got a bit carried away while in paradise. ;)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken_morano Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 <p>Is anyone bothered by the fact that slow sync mode uses the double flash to reduce red eye?</p> <p>Personally I'd rather they give me the option to control red eye apart from choosing slow sync.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_roberts4 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 <p>Anthony<br> I agreed with you that LX5 is a piece of cheap plastic...</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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