After the long wait since the Lumix DMC-LX3 was released, Panasonic finally launched the Lumix DMC-LX5, a high-end compact digital camera.
Certainly, the LX5 has several new improved features over its predecessor that would continue to make this camera one of the most favorite among enthusiast photographers.
What is new in Lumix LX5 as compared to Lumix LX3?
Lumix LX5 has extended the optical zoom range from 2.5x (24mm – 60mm) to 3.8x (24mm – 90mm), making it much more versatile and useful for shooting almost any type of photo either in portrait or landscape mode, as compared to its predecessor.
For sensor wise, it still remains the same as the one found in LX3, which has a 1/1.63-inch/10.1-megapixel CCD sensor. However, according to Panasonic, the sensor itself has been redesigned to improve its dynamic range as well as low-light shooting performance.
In terms of external design, Lumix LX5 now has a thicker rubber grip on the side for making it easier to hold steady as compared to LX3. Besides, Lumix LX5 also features a hot shoe on top, which allows the attachment of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or an external flash.
The maximum ISO for the Lumix LX5 has been extended to ISO 12,800, up from ISO 3,200 on the LX3. However, noise gets very noticeable at anything set to above ISO 1600.
Another big improvement on the Lumix LX5 is that now you can zoom in and out while you are doing the video recording. This something you can’t achieve with LX3.
Generally, I would say Lumix CMC-LX5 is one of the highly recommended compact digital cameras for experienced and enthusiast photographers who appreciate the value of taking good pictures and splendid HD videos.