Dpreview posted a “Enthusiast Compact Group Test” and compared the [shoplink 17288]Panasonic LX5[/shoplink] with the Canon Powershot S95 and Nikon Coolpix P7000. The LX5 wins the contest 😉
Another good news: According to Wired the Panasonic LX5 is the camera of the year.
Alexander White contact us to present his new LX5 book: “I wanted to let you know that my new book about the Lumix LX5 has been released, and is now available at Amazon.com
16 Responses
Riiiight… I’m quoting dpreview here:
“The dpreview office is somewhat divided on which is the ‘best’ camera of the three, but on balance, we consider that the Canon S95 is the most pleasant to use. Although it lacks the huge range of customization available from the LX5, or the versatility of the P7000’s 28-200mm (equivalent) lens, the S95 is exceptionally quick, very portable, and produces great images. If you want more manual control, and you like the idea of a faster lens, there is no doubt – the LX5 is the camera for you.”
I own a S90 and that little camera rocks. In terms of usability it’s way ahead of the E-PL1 I own. Other manufacturers should take a look at how small cameras can be made easy to use without losing power of control.
Plus, the S90/S95 is way smaller than the LX3/LX5. The size difference matters as a S90/S95 easily fits into a tight jeans pocket.
Also, the S90/S95 are considerably cheaper than the LX3/LX5.
I use CHDK on the S90. That alone has persuaded me to buy a PowerShot over a Panasonic LX3/LX5.
LX5 did not “win” the dpr review. It’s on pair with the canon, maybe even a little bit behind…
At 73% it appears the LX5 did in fact win.
if you are considering noise only it may look so .. but check exif at ISO 1600:
lx5 f4.5 1/800s
p7000 f4.5 1/800
s95 f4.5 1/640
(ex1: f2.6 1/250 .. probably error)
S95 has longer time of exposure:
=> in real world it will usualy use bigger ISO than others
=> brighter exposition means more light => unfair advantage for noise comparison and more tendency for burnout
LX5 does not trump the competition. The review extensively suggest the reader to establish his priorities and to decide the winner for himself.
GO to the noise comparison page of the review. There in place of the Samsung EX1 you can pull down the Panasonic GH2!
Interesting to compare the noise output of the GH2 to these compacts. Too bad its not in the Raw or Jpeg pull down sections.
When you switch to the graph mode, and go to raw, you can compare it to the NEX5 and D7000. Still behind, but a LOT better than eg. the G2…
you cannot compare compact to micro43 camera by just compare ISO .. check exif:
Panasonic G2: F6.3 1/800s
LX5 has the same time on F4.5 (where it has 2x more light)!
Nobody is comparing compact to u4/3, only u4/3 to NEX and DSLR in order to judge progress in chip development…
How is this 4/3 news?
I repeat it again. We are also interested to see how other Panasonic and Olympus products do perform. Skip the news if you are not interested 🙂
I see. No disrespect intended. I was just under the impression that this site was strictly about 4/3 based on its name: “4/3 rumors”. 🙂
Because Panasonic and Olympus are working together I thought the name 43rumors would be more appropriate than Panasonic-Olympus-rumors.com 🙂
It relates to mFT, as the S95 and LX5 are both high IQ compacts that clearly cross over into mFT territory for those evaluating the purchase of a camera. At over $500, the LX5 is a non-starter for me when E-PL1 kits are available at $450, but it still shows how many features can be packed into such a small package and still provide very respectable IQ. It’s of definite interest, and thank you for occasionally sprinkling in news of this cross-over category.
Thanks for the news admin, I have this camera, as you know, and it is a great tool – the wide angle shots, macro shots and portability make it a very nice camera. I like MFT too, but this is more convenient, and in combination with a nice Olympus and/or Nikon DSLR – it really is a great setup to own – which is why so many pros carry it as a travel and back-up cam. Especially those interested in fourthirds – so it is totally relevant.