Pro digicam Pro digicam
July, 2010
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Panasonic LumixDMC-LX5

Summary Panasonic DMC-LX5

Prices Price
Camera only $320 - $468
all DMC-LX5 prices
Score Snapsort rank
Within its price range #1 of 5 Among similar cameras #5 of 16
details details
Specifications Key specs
Zoom Help 3.8x Screen size Help 3.0"
Aperture Help f/2.0 Screen resolution Help 460k dots
Wide angle Help 24 mm Movie format Help 720p @ 30fps
see all specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

reviewsWhat are people saying about the DMC-LX5

"In terms of image quality there's just no real advantage over the older LX3."
trustedreviews.com | talking about the camera's image-quality
"It's a much simpler and more sensible interface, and makes the LX5 feel more like a digital SLR."
trustedreviews.com | talking about the camera's button-layout
"The much anticipated Panasonic Lumix LX5 is expensive, but it is without a doubt one of the best compact cameras on the market, offering superb build quality, classic design and easy handling, with fast performance and outstanding photographic versatility."
trustedreviews.com | talking about the camera's overall-performance

Videos

Panasonic LX5 Sample Video

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 - Low ...

Panasonic LX5 Indoor Basketbal...
Panasonic LX5 Sample Video
  • Sample video
  • Demo
  • Autofocus
  • 720p HD
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 - Low Light Test
  • Sample video
  • Demo
  • High ISO
 Panasonic LX5 Indoor Basketball Video
  • Sample video
  • Zoom
  • Autofocus
  • 720p HD

Browse all Panasonic DMC-LX5 videos

Pros

The Panasonic DMC-LX5 vs other recent digicams

Supports RAW Shoots RAW Help
Better editing
Sensor size Very large sensor Help
1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
Light sensitivity (boost) Very high boost light sensitivity Help
12,800 ISO
External flash External flash Help
Better lighting
Fastest shutter speed Fast shutter speed Help
1/4000 of a second
Popularity Very popular Help
Among snapsort users
Aperture Uniquely wide aperture Help
f/2.0
Wide angle Great wide angle lens Help
24 mm
Image stabilization Image stabilization Help
Lens
Macro focus Good macro Help
1 cm
Longest exposure Very long exposures Help
60 seconds

The Panasonic DMC-LX5 vs other recent pro digicams

Lowest price Inexpensive Help
$320.00

Cons

The Panasonic DMC-LX5 vs other recent digicams

Dynamic range Narrower dynamic range Help
10.8 EV
Announced Old Help
July, 2010
Zoom Below average zoom Help
3.8x
Color depth Less color depth Help
19.6 bits

The Panasonic DMC-LX5 vs other recent pro digicams

Screen resolution Low resolution screen Help
460k dots
True resolution Lower true resolution Help
10 MP
Sensor type Sensor type Help
CCD
Viewfinder Can only preview photos on the screen Help
None
Low light performance Noisy at high ISO Help
132 ISO
Movie format HD movies Help
720p @ 30fps
Supports 24p No 24p movies Help
Missing that film look
Screen flips out Fixed screen Help
Less flexible

dxomark

DXOMark

Appearance

front photo of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5back photo of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5angle photo of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Discussion What do you think about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5?

Speech is free, but discussion at Snapsort is moderated! Please discuss your opinion of this camera here, and discuss feedback for Snapsort at our support community.

Showing 25 comments

sjogro (4:49 PM, January 09, 2012)
Hello, what's the better camera for taking shots at concerts? This LX5, Canon's S100 or one of sony's NEX models? These are the camera's I have in consideration but can't make up my mind. I own a LX3 which sadly got damaged and I miss it dearly. Such a pleasure in creative use! But I found it difficult to get good results at concerts with it's very wide angle. But I love the wide angle for overall use. Please share your opinions!
 
Mettiley (10:19 PM, December 01, 2011)
The most overated camera on the web. Suffers from purple edging on all high contrast images to a level not seen on cameras of this price range since 2005, not to mention the colours recorded on its LCD are out of calibration with the actual pictures you take. Lets face it even the most basic point and shoot has flash compensation were as the LX5 just delivers over exposed bleached out pics with its built in flash. 
 
Avatar for Steven Steven (1:46 PM, August 30, 2011)
With the firmware update, the maximum shutter speed will be 250 seconds (from 60 seconds):

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1108/11082611panasoniclx5firmwareupdate.asp
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (4:54 PM, June 10, 2011)
Hi Valentina, I haven't actually tried any of the pro digicams myself, but the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5 look impressive. But, if you're comparing them to a micro-four-thirds camera I don't think they compare with regards to image quality, especially at high ISOs, just because the sensor is so much smaller. 

But, if size and convenience and cost are important, the pro digicams look pretty sweet.
 
Valentina (10:49 PM, June 09, 2011)
hi snapsort, what do you think of these pro digicams compared to micro-four-thirds cameras in particular? they look actually compact! i wonder how much is their quality better of these ones and worst of mirrorless sonys.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (2:08 PM, June 07, 2011)
It really is too close to call. The Canon G12 vs Panasonic DMC-LX5 are both really good cameras. 
 
HelpppUsss (9:55 PM, June 04, 2011)
This or the Canon G12?! I know the question has come up a couple times, but never answered and I'd love to hear your opinion!
 
Arisc (1:27 PM, June 03, 2011)
i allready own Lx2... which is now like a war veteran (ductape etc...) my shots are mainly in crowds and at any time of my convenience(night clubs, sports etc) could someone take me out of the dillema.....this ONE , GF2 or CANNON G12??? please help
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (1:10 AM, May 24, 2011)
Thanks Bby, you're right, we've updated the specs and the correct info should be on the site tomorrow.
 
Bby (0:06 AM, May 21, 2011)
 The LX5 does not support 24p as stated on your website
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (5:12 PM, April 25, 2011)
Thanks for the info Peter - Snapsort measures sensor size in mm, we have the LX5 at 8.3x6.2mm. Snapsort then "categorizes" a sensor into one of a few sizes including 1/2.5", 1/1.7", APS-C etc. We don't classify any sensors as 1/1.63", we might add that if we notice many cameras coming out using that size!
 
Avatar for peter kusters peter kusters (8:42 PM, April 18, 2011)
I believe the sensor size is 1/1.63'', which is greater than 1/1.7'' [see above].
 
Sarah (1:42 AM, April 06, 2011)
Hi Snapsort,
I am torn between this, the Canon G12 and the Nikon p7000. I want to take pics of my kids and lag time seems to be a big problem. Can you tell me in the pro digicam category which is the best camera for shooting kids? It looks like this camera and the Canon are nicer than the Nikon but the Nikon has a shorter lag time.
 
Valentina (5:54 PM, April 03, 2011)
Thank you! As a newbie, it isn't simple to understand the real weight of the sensor.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (3:23 PM, April 03, 2011)
Hi Valentina, if image quality is the most important thing I'd definitely recommend the LX5 with its large sensor!
 
Valentina (11:16 PM, April 02, 2011)
Hi Snapsort,
which digi would you choose between LX5 e TZ20 (TZ10 results better, but is it?), in order to buy the best photo tool you can?
 
Grapekar (3:53 AM, March 24, 2011)
can i know the camparison between panasonic LX-5 and olympus XZ-1?
 
Gustavo (4:22 AM, March 14, 2011)
Hi, I'm very interested in this cam, I did a huge research in the compact cameras subject... ough, I'm tired even before buying and taking my pics! Photography has so much details involved, man. I was an almost complete beginner.
Just want a insight... Correct if I'm wrong, but I think this cam will last years - not only for its quality, but because Pana doesn't release new cams every new month. The last LX lasted for 2 years. This one will certainly do the same!
I like the design, it's more to 70's or 80's, like my old father's Canon.
I miss more zoom here, maybe up to 4,5 or 5x would be nice... maybe that will be introduced in LX7. I think of buying this, a lens adapter and a UV MC filter, for protecting it, cuz I intend to keep it for the longer I can!

Do you think Stocks will be affected soon due to the quake in Japan? Pana factory was near the area.
I don't want a SLR, it's far from cheap and it's heavy, my sis has a Nikon D80 (18-135) that she barely uses. I read a lot of ppl have their huge cameras in the closet! Aff.

Nice site, cheers from South of Brasil
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (1:03 PM, February 25, 2011)
Hi Newhere, I assume you've seen our comparison of the Canon S95 vs Panasonic LX5? The S95 has a slight edge in image quality, but I like the look of the better wide angle on the LX5.

I don't think the Nikon P300 will compare for image quality, because it has a smaller sensor.
 
Newhere (7:06 AM, February 25, 2011)
Hey Snapsort,

Since the price between this and the S95 are about the same which camera would you recommend? I don't really mind the size as I won't be putting them in my pocket just overall picture quality features and most importantly "best bang for the buck". Also is CMOS really that much better should I wait for the Nikon p300 over the LX5 or the S95? thanks a lot
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (3:46 PM, February 17, 2011)
Hi Fredrick, the LX5 and FZ100 are very different cameras. The LX5 has a larger sensor, and wider aperture, making better for image quality and low light, and its much smaller. The FZ100 has HUGE zoom, great for taking pictures of things far away, for example animals on safari, or kids playing sports.
 
Szymon8712 (3:44 PM, February 17, 2011)
For the picture quality, this one is much better
 
cameragurl (11:24 PM, February 14, 2011)
I am in the exact same situation a mom who wants great pics and potability. I just bought the nikon s8100 and the pictures come out so blurry :/ So my search continues. What did you end up buying? Snapsort has been a great help :)
 
Avatar for Fredrick Fredrick (6:27 AM, January 24, 2011)
Im torn between This camera and Panasonic DMC FZ100, help please
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (5:49 PM, January 14, 2011)
Glad you liked it :) Unfortunately there aren't any point and shoot size cameras with the same image quality as DSLRs, instead, there are just compromises along the way. You could also look at a new category of cameras in between DSLRs and point and shoots: mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras such as the Sony NEX-5.