Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150: Tiny Camera that Packs a Punch!

[John Lane]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.digicamreview.com/panasonic_lumix_dmc_fx150_review.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.digicamreview.com/panaso...x150_review.htm</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The Panasonic Lumix FX150 is one of Panasonic's top of the range ultra compact digital cameras, and features an impressive 14.7 megapixel sensor, a 28mm wide angle lens with a 3.6x optical zoom, a 2.7" screen that works in the sun, 720p HD (high-definition) video recording, optical image stabilisation and a pocketable metal body."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1229048550.usr18286.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Even though this impressive camera is tiny, it still has 14.7 megapixels, image stabilization and 720p high definition video capability.&nbsp; It also boasts a 28mm wide angle lens for wider shots (most small cameras only go to 38mm). The camera's automatic controls get rave reviews plus you have manual controls which most small cameras skimp on. The only complaint I have is that the pictures are noisy - even at the lowest ISO setting (100). Over 400 ISO, noise becomes a real problem.&nbsp; For prints up to 8x10 and web pictures, you won't notice it.&nbsp; But Panasonic would have been better served cutting down the pixels thereby decreasing the noise.&nbsp; All in all, a very solid camera.</p>

[Jason Dunn]

Lumix cameras tend to be bigger than most, so only having 3.6x optical zoom seems a bit strange - I put up with the bigger size of my Lumix because it has 10 optical zoom and the 720p video recording. But if I'm going to only get 3.6x optical zoom, I'm probably going to stick with a smaller camera, and one that takes better pictures (my Lumix isn't that great as a still camera).

I find it SO hard to figure out Panasonic's range of cameras...their product pages are HORRIBLE.

[marlof]

The TZ range is bigger than this FX range, simply because of the pretty decent optics. The FX is comparable to other brands. The LX range is almost as big as the TZ, but with limited zoom. That's what a fast lens in a small camera does for you.

[Jason Dunn]

Then there's the LX3K:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-LX3K_11002_7000000000000005702

What intrigues me is seeing a camera company finally realizing that more pixels that look worse is not necessarily a good thing:

"At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD. Making the intentional choice to limit the number of mega pixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent, when compared to Panasonics 10 MP digital cameras*, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing you to choose the version that best suits their needs."

I can't make heads or tails of Panasonic's camera line up - they Web site just barfs them all out in one lump, no segmentation of different lines, no easy way to see which ones have the bigger sensors, or which ones have 720p video recording, or 10x optical zoom, etc.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Neat trick: This one does RAW.

[marlof]

Then there's the LX3

That's my current pocket cam. 24-60 lens (not much of a zoom, eh?), but fast and lovely. And it shoots in RAW with a fast write time. It has a bit of a larger sensor, and does 720p video with some limitations: you can't zoom while shooting video, and the AF won't adjust once you start your video. But for a pocket cam, it works decent enough at higher ISO (still I wouldn't want to go north of ISO 400) and the results are very nice. I liked the controls in the Ricoh GX100 a bit better, but the LX3 is no slouch. So, my small review in Panasonic style. I agree, it's hard to read.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

I'd also like to mention I almost never visit a company's product page for information any more. Mobile phones I go to GSM Arena. Cameras I go to DPReview or DCResource. Notebooks and computer stuff I get directly from the store due to the custom specifications. The hodge-podge mis-mash way data is presented I'd rather go to a source that has a standard template for displaying information instead.