LX5 "old" in 2012 or still viable option? ie, wait or pull the trigger? Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 considered slightly 'dated' with its 10.1 mp?
315923
yeah that is the only thing holding me from the camera. any reliable rumours on the release date of the new one? I can only wait about 2 months time though
1684946
I do not own a Lumix LX5, but by Googling "Lumix LX5 Manual"; and going to the "Contents" on page 5, then scrolling down to "Digital Camera Accessory System" and going to page 37; you will find the DMW-FL360 listed along with the DMW-FL220 and DMW-FL500. User Manuals (as well as Google) can be helpful.
1649318
Has anyone seen any actual reviews of this camera as opposed to marketing spec lists? Sometimes I've seen pre-production models of cameras that get reviewed prior to actual release. It is the low light ability claims of the Nikon that I'll need to see put to the test. That's probably the biggest Achilles heel of all these superzooms. It may have a CMOS sensor (which explains the burst speed of this camera) but it is still the same small size sensor as all the superzooms so I'm dubious about any huge improvement in low light. All of the previous versions of this new crop of superzooms (Nikon, Sony, Fuji) only got a flat four star rating in Amazon while the Panasonic FZ35 and FZ40 both are at 4.6. This new group has longer zooms than the Pansonics but I need to know if the picture quality is improved in any way.
391683
Thanks for the opinion on the LX3, I think I'll wait for one of the these new Canons. Agree with your point on megapixels too, it's seems like 12mp is probably overkill for these small image sensors, so I expect I'll probably crank mine down to 10 or 8 to see if I get less noise. Digic 4 sounds pretty cool too, hopefully that will help.
333325
I keep looking to see if there is a press release on an update to the FZ100, but so far nothing. I expected it to be updated on the 21 July, as Panasonic have released new FZ series cameras on that date each year. The FZ100 and FZ40/45 were both released on that date last year, however on the 21st they only released an updated version of the FZ40/45 namely the FZ47/48. No mention of the FZ100, or as I have seen speculated elsewhere could be called the FZ150 or FZ200. If the store you looked at showed the model as discontinued, it may indicate something is about to happen, but not just yet.
1175146
It is now $299.95 !!!! It is the perfect time to get this camera, I got one already, and am loving every moment of using it. Panasonic LUMIX DMCG2K 12.1MP Digital Camera (Body Only)
1726683
sx150is, which is also an older camera and is available to buy on amazon at greatly reduced price points as used or refurbished. good luck.
309943
Thx everyone for the info. I have to say that I´m still undecided but I guess the SX120 is the only one available right now.
391686
I think I will buy the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 hybrid camera when more positive reviews are available, probably in April. It has stereo sound recording, usable zoom while taking video and 3" 460K resolution LCD. The only minor drawback with it is it does not support manual mode. There is no RAW mode too at this time, but that's software and they can easily add that later in new firmware. It also costs about $50 more than the SX200.Of course the SX1 IS is better, but that is a different class of camera and too bulky for light traveling.
1338307
The size of the lx5 is a deal breaker for me, I just sold my g11 because it was too big to fit in my pockets and I would never bring it anywhere. Though I love the look of the lx5(the s95 looks so cheap and consumer-y) and wanted to give another brand a try, the s95 seems like the smallest camera with a decent sized sensor, there really aren't any other options.
83407
This is a partial answer from my favorite 'ex' site, DCResource.com "...The LX7's movie mode has been enhanced quite a bit since the LX5 came out. Forget 720p -- the LX7 can record Full HD video at 1080/60p with stereo sound, using the AVCHD Progressive codec. The bit rate is a whopping 28 MBps at this setting, so you'll want a large (not to mention fast) memory card if you're using this mode. If you want interlaced video for some reason, then a 1080/60i option is at your disposal. For both of these modes, you can keep recording for up to 30 minutes. You can also step down to the 720/60p resolution, which has unlimited recording times (outside of Europe). If you want to avoid AVCHD entirely -- which you might, since it's difficult to edit and share -- then you can also use MPEG-4 (a step up from Motion JPEG used on the LX5). You can record video at 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 640 x 480, all at 30 frames/second. MPEG-4 video is much easier to work with on your computer, though note that recording stops when the file size reaches 4GB, which takes about 24 minutes at the 1080/30p setting."... for more info go to http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_lx7-review/page-0,1 I must say, I've been thrilled with this camera, it's like finally having the high end Lieca D-lux 5 without the high end price tag. Check to see the similarities and enjoy, I sure am. Good Luck.
2009523
thanks for answering! a friend has an older lumix of the same series [FZ7?]. i really like it [performs well] except the body is plastic and feels cheap. how about the FZ50 in this regard? anyone know if the lumix and the leica are different or similar in this regard?
1746412
Late to respond, but my previous camera was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18, a point and shoot camera which I thought took outstanding pictures...until I bought the DMC-FZ150. Holy cow! What a jump in performance that even an unsavvy enthusiast like myself can actually use. I am, however, shocked by the price increase. I had to buy it online because it wasn't available locally but with the reviews and my past experience with Panasonic, I took a deep breath and did it, purchasing it through Amazon for $439 in early April 2012. I consider it top echelon of the "amateur" use cameras.
305171
The new G11 is an improvement over the G10. But I don't think it's on the same level as the LX3, mainly because of the lens. I think the upcoming Canon S90 is a direct competitor to the LX3. It has a small and compact form factor like the LX3. And it has a fast f/2 lens like the LX3. However, it doesn't have a hot shoe. And it doesn't shoot HD video. And no viewfinder either. I've had the LX3 since the beginning of the year. And I plan on selling it after the S90 comes out. The LX3 shoots fantastic low light pictures. But daylight pictures are average. I think Canon has the better image processor overall. Also, the auto focus on the LX3 seems slow to me. My other gripe is that menu system isn't intuitive on the LX3. Canon cameras are extremely easy to use and changing the settings is a breeze. I love the exposure and ISO dials on the G10 and G11. It's a much better/easier camera to operate. But the size is a little too big for me, as a daily carry-around camera. And it still has a somewhat slower lens. I just think it's odd that Canon gave the S90 a fast lens, but not the G11. Maybe they'll get it right on the G12?
1407636
Better yet, if you swing it, get a used S95 or an S100. Any issue with the S100 return it and get a new one. A slightly larger camera (and better camera) is the Panasonic LX5. Great lens, larger sensor, better video (even if it's not 1080).
391684
I don't hate my Panasonic LX3, but if this new Canon SX200 had a faster lens, I would ditch the LX3 in a heartbeat and get the SX200. I guess I'll just wait until the reviews and photo samples come out.
907594
I think this is a timly update from panasonic now, I have FZ28 its a nice camera, with these few addons i am sure FZ-35 will be a best seller, recording in Stereo with MP4 for small size was desperately needed. when you buy, dont forget to buy 8Gb Class-6 memory card with a Tripod and Camera Case. these are must have., enjoy