Panasonic Lumix LX5 review

Is this SLR replacement radical enough for Panny to stay ahead?

Reviews
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Panasonic Lumix LX5
The Panasonic Lumix LX5 is the successor to the LX3 which launched two years ago

TechRadar Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Superb lens

  • +

    Idiot-proof HD video

  • +

    Advanced features

Cons

  • -

    Loose aspect-ratio slider

  • -

    Lens distortion in 16:9 mode

  • -

    Fixed rear LCD

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The Panasonic Lumix LX5 is a refresh of the popular Lumix LX3, a well-regarded power compact that's also caught on as a D-SLR replacement.

Update: See our video review below

lumix lx5

Onto the more significant improvements of the Lumix LX5 . These include a 10.1 megapixel sensor with an eye-poppingly high ISO range of 80-12,800, and a 24-90mm equivalent lens (f/2 maximum aperture).

In terms of positioning and competition, the LX5 sits below Panasonic's interchangeable-lens hybrid cameras, but lacks the power zoom of the new Lumix FZ45.

lumix lx5

It's currently selling for around £360, so while this isn't a particular cheap D-SLR replacement, it's a very convincing rival to the Canon G11 (also sporting a 10.1 megapixel sensor, high ISO range and 28-140mm lens). Panasonic's clearly going after the G11, so will it win this power compact challenge?