Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 First Look Discussion

[Jim Keenan]

At first glance, the Panasonic FX75 seems forgettable. But with a 24mm f/2.2 wide angle lens and a slick touch panel display, it's worth a second look. Read on for sample images and first impressions.

Read the full content of this Article: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 First Look

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[KCook]

Wut ISO was the bookcase shot?
Noise, is err, noticable.

Kelly

[Allison Johnson]

Yikes, it's ISO 200 based on the EXIF. You're right, at 100% it's pretty intense, especially in the shadows up to the right above the bookcase. Our studio shot is about the same, though details are still pretty sharp in non-shadow areas. Guess we'll have to keep an eye on that for the review.

[KCook]

Thanks Allison. Panny lenses are so nice, I keep hoping they will tame their noise devil. Someday. Still, nice to see a f/2.2 camera under $300.

In my next life I plan on buying a compact built by Canon, with a Fuji sensor, Panasonic lens, Sony menus, Nikon styling, and Samsung LCD on the front. Now where did I put my meds?

Kelly

[Jim Keenan]

The first look was supposed to have been shot in "normal" picture mode and I had set 100 as the ISO, but it looks like ISOs ranged from 80 to 250 which indicates I didn't get the camera into normal mode. Having had a bit more time to shoot the FX75, shots made in intelligent Auto on a gray day at the beach looked pretty noisy at a first quick look - I think the camera ramps ISO pretty quickly when you let it and with 14MP on a 1/2.33 sensor noise has got to be a concern. I haven't got the studio ISO shots yet and haven't done any higher ISO on my own except for any done with the camera in auto mode, but it's probably a fair bet at this point that the FX75 isn't gonna win too many folks with Fuji Super CCD sensors (or a backlit CMOS) over to the Panasonic side any time soon.

[KCook]

My old Fuji F45fd is also programmed to reach for high ISO in a hurry. I really don't fault that, so long as the high ISO noise is manageable. By "manageble" I mean of such nature that good PP can tame it. I don't expect IQ miracles from tiny cameras. I've seen many compact reviews that slam brandX (not just Panny) for having the audacity to ever set the ISO over 100. And I don't agree with that position at all. Compact cameras, and their AE programming, are all about compromise.

Kelly