Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Review

Back in early February I was given the opportunity to try a pre-production version of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01, the smallest camera in the world with a 28mm wide-angle zoom lens. The ultra-compact Panasonic FX01 offers a focal length of 28-102mm, 6 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and ISO 80-1600. Today PhotographyBLOG brings you the full review of the Panasonic FX01.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Review

Published: Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Reader Comments

1. Thanks Mark, for an interesting review of an interesting camera. Just one question about the noise – do you evaluate it based on 100% crops alone or also on prints? I've printed images from cameras that have bad reputation for noise (e.g. Ricoh Caplio R3 and Panasonic LX1) and the noise was a non-issue to me. You mileage (and needs) may vary of course.
   
   Also, is there any plan to review the Ricoh Caplio R4? Some people claim that it has a new sensor with improved image quality over the R3. I, for one, would love to see it reviewed here.
   
   Thanks again,
   
   Prog.

   Prognathous at 08:21pm on Monday, May 08, 2006

2. No, I don't usually evaluate prints, as it just introduces even more variables. The best thing to do is download some of the sample images and use your particular printer to see if you can live with the noise or not.
   
   I'm reviewing the Kodak V610 at the moment...

   Mark Goldstein at 02:23pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006

3. I eagerly awaited this camera but not long before it's release I bought a cheap $200 Taiwanese camera using a 5Mp Panasonoc CCD, enhanced to 8Mp, whatever that means. Considering the price diference I'm glad I did. It has all the features except I wanted exposure braketing and manual focus. It has live and post histograms adjustable sharpness, contrast and saturationa nd Quality setings, 3 settings for each. ISO 100 to 400 which produce similar quality to a Panosonic Digicam.
   2.5" LCD with good res and great menus and controls. A 35 to 100mm lens.
   It also has voice memo, rotate image and slideshow in view mode.
   
   Although not the ideal camera, it is great for the money and now I'm waiting for the Fuji F30. I hope that will live up to my expectations.
   Although I believe it has no manual focus or histogram functions. Oh well heres hoping.
   It's low light performance should make it worth buying for me, as that is a lot of my photography.
   
   A shame really. If the FX01 had had reasonable sensitivity with low noise it would have been my first choice.
   
   I am sure this problem will cost them a lot of sales.

   Paul at 12:22pm on Monday, May 15, 2006

4. Panasonic has launched a series of new photoblogs where all the photos are taken with the FX01. Check it out here:
   
   http://sharetheair.net/blog

   Mdmrare at 08:20pm on Wednesday, July 12, 2006