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Panasonic LX5 Comparison Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in July 2010 and is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Panasonic LX5 a good camera? The LX5 has a Camera Elo of 1211. This rating puts the LX5 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the LX5 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic LX5 is more than 13 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2010.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic LX5
Fixed lens compact camera
24-90mm f/2.0-3.3
10 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
720/60p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200 (80 - 12 800)
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.5 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge
110 x 65 x 43 mm, 271 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Panasonic LX5 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Panasonic LX5 vs credit card front
LX5 versus credit card top view
LX5 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic LX5 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
4.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 699ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus XZ-1 111 mm 65 mm 42 mm 275 g 320 n Jan 2011 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic ZS70 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic LX5 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Panasonic LX5 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 4.4. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic LX5 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Panasonic LX5 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
2.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
3.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
4.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
5.
 
Olympus XZ-1 1/1.7 10.1 3664 2752720/30p18.810.411734
6.
 
Panasonic ZS70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
7.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
8.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
10.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The LX5 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the LX5 can use is 720/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Panasonic LX5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus XZ-1optional n3.0 / 614 fixed n 1/2000s 2.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Panasonic ZS701166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the LX5 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus XZ-1Ymono / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic ZS70-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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The LX5 has a zoom lens built in (5.1-19.2mm f/2.0-3.3), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 90mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the LX5 can be found in the free online Panasonic LX5 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the LX5 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
4.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 699ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus XZ-14/5....74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic ZS70..+ +....4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Panasonic LX5 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the LX5.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Panasonic LX5 based on?

The camera has a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor at its core.

Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic LX5 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Panasonic equipped the LX5 with the Venus FHD image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic LX5?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.

Can the Panasonic LX5 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Panasonic provides the DMW-LVF1 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

How do I find the shutter count on my Panasonic LX5?

Panasonic embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your LX5 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Panasonic LX5 shutter count page.

Does the Panasonic LX5 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Panasonic LX5 use?

The camera gets its power from the DMW-BCJ13 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Panasonic LX5
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-90mm f/2.0-3.3
    Launch Date July 2010
    Launch Price USD 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.85 x 5.89 mm
    Sensor Area 46 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.8 mm
    Crop Factor 4.4x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 648 x 2 736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.14 μm
    Pixel Density 21.59 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3 200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 41
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 19.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 132
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type DMW-BCJ13 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 110 x 65 x 43 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 271 g (9.6 oz)

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