Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Review Discussion

[Jim Keenan]

With the Panasonic LX3 on the market for well over a year, rumors began circulating among Panasonic fans of a successor (assumed to be the LX4) as far back as early 2010. Panasonic kept everyone in the dark until the new camera was finally unveiled on July 21 - and turned out to be the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. While some folks were hoping for a major transformation (DSLR-sized sensor being an oft-quoted item on the wish list), the new camera is a measured update to the existing LX3 platform.

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[Lynn Ellsworth]

Very interested in the low light ability of this DMC-LX5.
Does it come with photo and video editing software?
What aftermarket editing software works with AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG?

[Jim Keenan]

Because it has a lower resolution on a physically larger sensor than most compacts in its class, the LX5 will do a bit better on ISO noise performance, all else being equal. The f/2 maximum aperture at wide angle is a plus, as it gives you an additional EV over a camera with an f/2.8 maximum aperture. For example, if you need 1/20th of a second to handhold your camera at ISO 200 and f/2.8 to get a correct exposure, you would get the same 1/20th of a second at f/2 and 100 ISO with an LX5 - the change on the lower end of the ISO scale between 100 and 200 may not be much noise-wise, but if you're dealing with the difference between 800 and 400 ISO things start getting more prounounced.

The LX5 comes bundled with PhotofunStudio 5.0 software, which "allow you to view, edit and archive your captured photos and motion pictures with greater ease." (Panasonic's words, not mine).

Finally, I'm not much into video, but Adobe makes a Premiere Elements video software that MSRPs for about $100. There are others out there as well and I've never personally used Adobe Premiere although I use Adobe CS4 for some still work and have been happy with it.