1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards; 27MB internal memory

Editorial Review :

The Panasonic DMC-FX12K features Mega O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, which automatically detects and compensates for handshake. See text and small thumbnail images on the 2.5" diagonal LCD monitor with 115K pixels to increase the brightness level from the CCD to see even in low lighting. You get clear, beautiful shots even when shooting macro close-ups or taking self-portraits. White Balance - Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set Shutter Speed - 8 - 1/2,000 second Built-in Flash Mode - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction and Forced On/Off Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (3.7V, 1150 mAh), up to 350 pictures Dimensions - Height 3.70'' x Width 2.02'' x Depth 0.95'' Weight - 0.28 pounds

Customer Review :

Crisp Pictures in a Small Package

The Panasonic DMC-FX12 is a great supplement to a larger SLR. It's easy to tuck into a pocket or purse to catch those pictures that inevitably pop up when you decided not to lug your big camera around. The Leica lens is sharp, and when used at its highest resolution, the camera can produce quality large prints. With a 2 gigabyte card you can record an entire trip without having to download your pictures to a computer.

Rating :

Good only while it lasts

I had been very pleased with this camera until it suddenly developed oil spots on the interior of the lens. I was instructed by Panasonic to send it in for repairs. After 3 weeks I finally received my camera back in good working condition only to have the oil spots appear again two weeks later. At that point I requested a replacement but was informed by Panasonic that my only recourse was to continue to send it back for repairs. Unacceptable. I would strongly urge all considering this product, or any Panasonic product, to think long and hard before taking the plunge as, my experience has been that the company will not stand behind their product.

Rating :

maybe there are better cameras

This camera takes very good photos in the day, but awful photos at night. What I didn't like about this camera, is that you will need a tripod to take pictures if you are taking photos without flash or in an ambient with poor light, because your are going to get awful pictures.
When you take pictures and you watch them on the display, you think they look beautiful, but when you download to the computer, you will see that some are shaken.
Look for another camera. I am very sure that there are better than this one.

Rating :

Disappointing Performance

I recently purchased this camera through amazon. If I were to purchase again, I would probably choose the comparable Sony or Canon model. While I appreciated the Japanese quality of the camera, the performance left much to be desired: my first outing with the camera was to a high school dance that I had organized, and I could see nothing through the digital viewfinder--there is no standard window viewfinder--and this inability to see anything, mixed with focusing and color problems, led to horrible photos. I also found the camera's function controls, as well as the bundled software, to be very non-intuitive, with a large number of commands required for navigation. I do not recommend this camera for general purpose use, particularly among buyers who may wish to take photos in darker environments and/or do not want to spend great amounts of time reading and rereading the user's guide to ensure proper functioning of the camera.

Rating :

Very Nice Quality

I bought this camera about a month ago, so far it has been very good to me. It takes really nice quality photos. The battery lasts a really long time. I take pictures of pets a lot and its very hard to get one with them sitting still, and it's hard to use a flash because pets get really bad red-eye. But this camera has a specific setting for pets! There are so many different settings i haven't even discovered them yet. I think this camera could make anyone a great photographer. I totally recommend it.

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More reviews...

1. 5 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. 6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.0-inch LCD display
3. 14MB built-in memory
4. Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by 2 AA-size batteries

Customer Review :

worked ok until.......

Purchased this camera for the 6x zoom. Worked well for about a year. It is pretty much impossible to see anything in the LCD outdoors in any kind of daylight. You often have to just point and guess. When it took pictures the quality was very good. After about a year the LCD screen when black. All the menu items would show, even the flash would go, but the pictures were just black. Replacing batteries would sometimes work for a day. Enjoyed the 6x zoom and the picture quality, but really can't recommend that camera. Look for something more reliable.

Rating :

Amazingly durable!

I bought this camera in 2005. The colors of the pictures are magnificent; the 6x optical zoom rocks for such as small camera. The only problem is shooting consecutive pictures with flash - camera is too slow.

Up to now it still works wonderfully even though I've accidentally dropped it several times on cemented floors, tiles, stone, name it! I admit, I am clumsy and i am thankful that this camera is very durable.

Rating :

I've been very happy with this camera

I've had this camera and been using it heavily for several years now. The Amazon review above describes most of the camera's strengths and shortcomings but I'd like to add that the "Mega-Burst" mode where you can shoot 4 frames in rapid succession is a really great feature. I re-discovered it when my infant son started smiling and we've captured some great shots with it that we just never could have captured.

I've captured a lot of great shots with this camera and generally get the best color with the flash turned off. In retrospect, I'd buy it again.

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I'm IN LOVE WITH THIS CAMERA !

I've had this camera for two years and I absolutely love it. I'm not a big electronics geek who has to have the latest and best of everything that's new on the market, but this camera has given me 2 full years of enjoyment without any problems and it has taken some incredible pictures for internet use and also just for family.

It has a video and sound feature which has been a lot of fun. I love the size. It is really well-made and easy to use. I accidentally bumped it the other day and now the lense is stuck in one position, so I am just going to get another one just like this one because there is really nothing that I don't like about this camera and some other camera's with higher megapixels don't have as much zoom as this one.

Rating :

excellent choice

I'm just a point and shoot guy. I don't use all the fancy settings on this camera and I only glanced at the manual. The pics are awesome. I've gotten numerous compliments on my photos with very little thought and effort on my part. The colors are accurate and vivid. The feature I find most useful is the quick set up time between activation and ready to shoot. No problems in the year I've had it.

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More reviews...

1. 10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
2. 4x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.8-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Can record movies in a high-definition (1280 x 720) format at 15 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)

Editorial Review :

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 has an unique 16:9 wide CCD, various functions and smart design. The DMC-LX2 inherits the f2.8 28mm wide angle Leica DC lens, 4x optical zoom equivalent to 28-112mm on a 35mm film camera and Mega Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) system in addition to an enhanced CCD capable of taking images as well a larger 2.8-inch 16:9 wide LCD. The DMC-LX2 incorporates three wide features, a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens, 16:9 wide CCD, and 16:9 wide LCD. The Venus Engine III high-performance image-processing LSI dramatically reduce the noise that challenged the predecessor, realizing image recording at maximum ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. The aspect ratio is easily selectable between 16:9 wide, 3:2, and conventional 4:3 with a switch located on top of the lens barrel to shoot in the framing aspect that best suits the subjects' composition or image's purpose of use. In addition, the DMC-LX2 is capable of recording wide 16:9 high definition 1280 x 720 motion image at 15 frames per second (fps). ISO Sensitivity - Auto / I.ISO / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 /1600 (High Sensitivity Mode - 3200) Shutter Speed - 1/4 - 1/2000 Auto, 1 - 1/2000 Program AE, 8 - 1/2000 Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, 60 - 1/2000 Manual Self Timer - 10 seconds, 2 seconds Burst Shooting Mode - Standard Full-resolution Image Mode Up to 5 images at 2 or 1 frames per seconds, Up to 3 images Fine Mode Built-in Memory - 13MB 2.8 inch Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (207k pixels) Approximately 100% Field of view OSD Language - English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional), German, Italian, French Recording Media - SD Memory Card Direct Print PictBridge Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (3.7V, 1150 mAh) Battery Life - Up to 300 pictures (CIPA Standard) Dimensions - Height 2.2 x Width 4.16 x Depth 1.04 inch Weight - Approximately 0.5 ounce

Customer Review :

Panasonic DMC-LX2

I bought this camera, believing what I read in reviews. DO NOT buy this camera if you want to take a picture of anything that is moving even slightly. There is a function for taking sports images but it doesn't work at all. I try to take pictures of my 2 year old nieces and I have to delete most of them because they are VERY blurry. I'm a little confused by the rave reviews of this camera. It costs way too much for it not to be able to take a clear picture. Other than that it has a very nice design. i have another less expensive camera that does a much better job.

Rating :

panasonic review

We've had this camera for a while now, and we still love it. We love all the different features it offers, and the quality of pictures that it takes. I'd recommend reading the instructions manual if you want to use manual focus or any of the other programs it has. The rechargable battery is nice, too. It's the best camera we've ever owned.

Rating :

Tradeoffs between LX2 and LX3

I've owned the LX2 for a year and a half now and decided to try an LX3 to see if any of the LX2 shortcomings were remedied.
Long story to short,don't bother.
Yes the lens on the LX3 is slightly faster and goes a little wider and yes
the noise has been reduced a bit but in reality you will rarely notice the improvements over the LX2.
Unfortunately none of it makes up for the big detraction from the new LX3 which
is the radically shortened Zoom range which I miss a lot.You just can't move in on a subject like you could with the LX2 and therefore must do it with software after you have taken the picture. The camera is also slightly larger than an LX2 and unfortunately Panasonic decided to continue with the very annoying lens cap design for lens protection.If they are going to make us use a lens cap why then would they make us buy a special adapter just to add a filter to the end of the lens.The lens sticks out anyway so let us screw a filter on it without adding even more length of an extra adapter barrel.
Another annoying carryover is if you decide to use the video recording
mode you still cannot zoom the lens while shooting video.And why are video clips limited to ten minutes when you use a multi-gigabyte card that could record for much longer ?
So I'm not finding the improvements to the LX3 and the continued glaring lack of others all that useful in the real world.

Rating :

Best Camera Ever!

Do not listen the bad reviews! This a very good camera! Ive taking pictures all around the world, landscapes, portraits, etc!!

Rating :

Almost perfect

Excellent image quality with full functions at this level. Almost perfect except two things:

1. Noise ...
2. The time lag between raw shootings.

however, as long as there's no "perfect" point&shoot camera at this moment, this is 5 star! looking foreard to a aps/apc or 4/3 frame PS camera.

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More reviews...

1. Slim & compact 10x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 350mm lens on 35mm film camera) with optical image satbilization
2. World's first "high-angle" LCD mode from 2.5" LCD screen with power boost button for 40% brighter display.
3. Venu Engine III allows satrt up time to just 0.5 seconds with a release time lag as low as 0.006 seconds.
4. Leica DC Vario-element lens with a unique prism lens allows horizontal zooming within camera in such a small body.
5. Crisp clear shots of moving subjects with ISO 800 setting/high sensitivity mode

Editorial Review :

The world's first integration of retractive lens with folded optics technology allows the zooming to occur horizontally within the camera. This makes it possible to pack a powerful 10x optical zoom (equivalent to a big 35 to 350mm lens on a 35mm camera) into a compact camera. The Extended Optical Zoom function, which magnifies the image with minimal deterioration by using the center part of the high-resolution CCD, boosts the zoom power to a maximum 12.5x2.The Venus Engine III provides a high sensitivity ISO 800 setting that captures images with minimal noise at full resolution. The higher ISO setting lets you use higher shutter speeds to minimize the motion blur that can occur when you're shooting a moving subject, particularly in dim lighting. Even indoors, you can get crisp, clear, beautiful shots of children, pets and other subjects that won't hold still.Choose from several auto focus modes - spot, 1-point (normal or high-speed), 3-point high-speed, and 9-point - to suit the scene you're shooting. The DMC-TZ1 also introduces a new Linear AF system, which has resulted in the achievement of an industry-leading fast auto focusing time. Not only the speed but also the noise of the motor is reduced and even the zooming while recording motion image is possible. Combined with a startup time of merely 0.95 seconds, this fast focusing lets you catch every shooting opportunity. Plus, the AF Assist Lamp helps when focusing in dimly lit places.Thanks to the Venus Engine III, the DMC-TZ1 has a release time lag as low as 0.006 seconds. The DMC-TZ1 can also fire off consecutive shots at a swift 3 frames per second, and offers Unlimited Consecutive Shooting, so you can keep shooting until the SD Memory Card or built-in memory is full.

Customer Review :

Got LIGHT?

This Camera is Certaintly not the "Low Light KIng of Compact Digit Cameras. HOwever, relating back to my title, Got Light? Well if you have Light shinning on your Subject or Background, then you can get Pretty good shoots out of this Revelutionary Camera. The OIS system and Extra long Zoom should be your Main reason and deciding factor for purchasing this Outstanding Camera. I do not recommend purchasing this Camera for Outstanding picture qualty. I myself won't be too "fussy" with the Image Qualty for the simple fact that I purchased this gem at Ritz Camera on Clearance for[...]. This camera could have better audio but having mono tone audio is better then no audio at all on a Camera. Digital Cameras have come a Long way since thier First release on the market. This Panasonic Camera definatly proves that.

Rating :

Sync problem between flash and shutter

I own this camera since september2 2006, works just fine until less than a year after I got it starts to work all wrong when flash is used.
At outdoors is exceptional, great pictures when the light is good.
Bad really dark and black pictures at indoors when the place has low light. The flash forced on, and still the pictures came dark, because the flash shut way before the lens, a syncronization problem. And it's a pity because I was really pleased with it. But now I'm very dissapointed and I want to buy another camera because I can't trust the DMC-TZ1 anymore at nights or indoor situations, and I don't want to have a camera I can use just in some situations when daylight or good light is on.

Rating :

Great simple camera

Bought this camera a couple of years ago and it is still working well. Great picture quality and so very easy to use. Will have an occasional slightly blurry pic, but for a simple to use camera I would def recommend.

Rating :

Amazing

I have had this camera for almost 3 years now and I have put it through hell. I am in the military, I take it snow boarding, have dropped it repeatedly, taken it camping, you name it. It really is the most amazing camera on earth. I have had 3 other digital camera's and have used many more and this one is the best. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this camera. Incredible picture quality, decent zoom, large picture display, extremely fast start up time, and the rechargeable battery lasts "FOREVER" on one charge, and even the most electronic illiterate person will have no problem using it.

Rating :

I should have upgraded far sooner!

I love this camera! I had an old Sony Cybershot before, and it can't even hold a candle to Lumix's image stability, clarity, LOVELY Leica lens, and well, just about EVERYTHING this camera has to offer. Incredibly quick picture response, variety of modes to choose from, and just amazing! Hah, even the USB cable from my old Sony fits into the same slot as my Lumix :) And, I don't have to buy some rip-off "special" memory card that only fits Panasonic (I spent 50 dollars on a 1GB card for my Sony... So convenient that the 'special' Sony memory card cost 3x as much as regular 1GB memory cards...) I LOVE this camera! :)


Rating :

More reviews...

1. 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. Amazing 12x optical zoom gets you close to the action without sacrificing image quality
3. Super-fast shutter times: .008 seconds to release (not including AF time) and .4 seconds between shots
4. Stores images on Secure Digital (SD) cards; 16MB card included
5. Powered by a Lithium-Ion battery pack (7.2V, 680 mAh); battery charger included

Editorial Review :

The DMC-FZ5 features the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens - a small, lightweight lens that packs the same zoom power as a big, clunky 400 mm-class film camera lens. This 12x optical zoom lens is super-bright too, at F2.8 to 3.3 with a focal length of 6 to 72 mm (equivalent to 36 mm to 432 mm in a 35 mm film camera). You've got all the power and flexibility you need to take beautiful shots from telephoto to wide angle and macro. The FZ5 also has a 4x digital zoom. Use it together with the 12x optical zoom and you've got ultra-powerful 48x zooming - roughly equivalent to a huge 1680 mm lens on a 35 mm camera.

Customer Review :

Over 3 years now, and still works like it did out of the box.

I have owned this camera for 3 years now. I have used it wherever I have went to capture pictures. Although it is not as sharp and clear as an SLR, it does everything I've wanted it to with exceptional quality. When taking pictures, I notice that it gives lifelike pictures, with quality to spare upon zooming.

The only downside thus far is it's ability to shoot in lowlight situations, namely twilight hours. It doesn't capture its best when under a dark influenced environment, so that's why I am knocking off a star.

It has many capabilities, such as simple mode, close-up mode, scenic mode, and movie mode (ability to capture video), to name a few. I would consider myself an amateur with regards to photography, and this camera has been easy for me to handle and adjust while shooting abroad. I have come up with some decent pictures when I was not expecting too.

On a side note, the battery lasts a good while on one charge, 5 hours, and the camera is very sturdy and has not fell apart as of 3 years (knock on wood). So if you ever find yourself contemplating this camera, I would say you would be in good hands.

Rating :

Lens jammed after only a year

I LOVED this camera, everything about it, until it jammed for no apparent reason after having it just over a year. I've seen other users with the same problem on this website so I guess I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. But, do I buy another Panasonic, do I upgrade to the FZ8, don't know whether I trust them or not which is a shame because as I mentioned it is great - easy to learn & use, takes reliable pictures etc.

Rating :

Great while it lasted!

I purchased this camera in March 2005 and within a month had to return it for repair. Panasonic told me at that time that they would not replace the camera if it could be repaired even though I had only had it for a month...so they repaired it and sent it back to me. I really enjoyed this camera and took some incredible photos with it. I would give it 5 stars for the various features mentioned in other reviews except that now after 3 years of moderate use it has died completely and is not worth fixing. Too bad! I would not spend this kind of money again unless I was purchasing a true digital SLR. Buyer beware!

Rating :

Owned for 1 1/2 years..love it!

This is my quick review:
1. Per usual, spent 2 weeks pouring over the specs, reviews and ratings
prior to purchase

2. I have small children and need something durable and responsive.

3. I'm a casual user...just a little more than a point and shoot queen.

In July 05 I plunked down the money for this camera. I have no regrets...absolutely, positively LOVE IT! I have taken it everywhere, banged it around, dropped it, had my small children take photos with it.

I brought home the Canon and Fuji in the same price range. Tried both and
returned both. High points for me are it's light weight, Image Stabization (a must with kids), rapid fire repeat photo ability, and
easy downloads.

Would buy it again in a heartbeat!

Rating :

Compact body, sharp photos, easy to use

The Panasonic Lumix FZ5K (K for black, S for silver) is came out on February 2005. In tech terms, it's a little old but still a great camera and an even a better value. It has dummy-proof modes that allow newcomers to digita photography to focus on the composition and is advanced enough for all but the pickiest dSLR users. The package includes everything you need to get started, including the battery charger.

--- Target Audience ---
Newcomers to digital photography to advanced users. If you're new to photography, the FZ5 includes programmed modesIf you're a basic-to-advanced amateur, the program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, manual, compensation, and multiple other settings allow for broad creative control.

--- Pros ---
Truly inexpensive 5MP.
- You can grab one of these in Wolf/Ritz Camera or Fry's for $177-190.
Broad optical zoom range at 6-72 (36-432 equivalent on a 35mm camera).
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 1:2.8-3.3/6-72 aspherical lens.
- I've read that Leica doesn't actually manufacture this lens but the pictures speak for themselves and their "seal of approval" appears well represented.
Max aperture of f/2.8.
Super-compact.
- I've used an Olympus OM-1n for many years. This camera set the standard for compact SLRs. The DMC-FZ5 is smaller... way smaller.
Pretty responsive shutter despite its "age".
Integrated flash.
"Flippable" hood.
2-hr battery charge (lasts 200-250 photos).
"Sealed", non-interchangeable lens design.
- With its broad zoom range, equivalent to a 36-432mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera, this is probably not a concern. The fact that it is closed removes the dreaded dust issues that only advanced dust-removal technologies can take care of.

--- Cons ---
Will not accept SD cards above 1GB.
Only 5MP (i.e., don't plan on framing anything above 8" x 10").
No RAW format support (TIFF is supported and will likely do the trick for non-pro users).
Proprietary battery (no biggie; I've found third-party equivalents for $5-10).
No hotshoe.


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More reviews...