In summary
Some good still and video features in a pocketable body but the FX01 lacks key manual controls and an optical viewfinder.The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 is almost identical to the Leica C-Lux 1. Aside from coming in a silver body, which is similar in size and weight to previous FX models, the most obvious difference between the cameras is the finger rest on the front panel of the FX-01. Panasonic supplies a lower-capacity SD card than Leica (although in both cases more memory will be required so this difference is hardly relevant). Leica has the better software bundle. . . [more]
Full review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 is almost identical to the Leica C-Lux 1. Aside from coming in a silver body, which is similar in size and weight to previous FX models, the most obvious difference between the cameras is the finger rest on the front panel of the FX-01. Panasonic supplies a lower-capacity SD card than Leica (although in both cases more memory will be required so this difference is hardly relevant). Leica has the better software bundle.
Performance-wise, we found some small, but significant differences between the two cameras, suggesting different ways of tweaking image processing parameters. Shots taken with the Leica had more natural looking saturation than those from the Panasonic – although both showed similar colour accuracy.
The Panasonic turned in a slightly better resolution result with Imatest testing than the Leica but lateral chromatic aberration was very similar with both cameras. Otherwise, test shots from the two cameras were almost identical, although the Leica produced slightly better exposures in dim lighting. However, both cameras were equally noise-affected at high ISO settings.
Given a choice, readers will need to decide whether the Leica bundle is worth roughly $150 more than the Panasonic camera. There’s a certain cachet to the Leica’s styling with its more attractive black body and the distinctive red dot. And, with Photoshop Elements 4.0 selling for around $164, if you don’t already own a copy, this could be an excellent way to get it. [29]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.76 x 4.29mm CCD with 6.37 million photosites (6.0 megapixels effective)
Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.6-16.8mm f2.8-5.6 (28-102mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3.6x optical, up to 4x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 94.1 x 51.1 x 24.2 mm
Weight: 132g (without battery and card)
Image formats: Stills ““ JPEG; Movies ““ QuickTime Motion JPEG (848 x 480 pixels, VGA or QVGA at 30 or 10 fps with sound)
Shutter speed range: 8-1/2000 second (15, 30, 60 sec. in Starry Sky mode)
Focus system/range: /3/1 area AF; range 50cm to infinity; macro 5cm to infinity.
Exposure metering/control: Multi-field metering; Program AE plus 16 scene presets and 4 toning effects.
White balance: Auto, daylight, cloudy, halogen plus 2 manual settings and fine adjustment from -1500 K to +1500 K in 150 K steps.
Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, flash off; range 0.3-4.0m.
ISO range: Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400 (ISO 800-1600 in High- Sensitivity mode)
Sequence shooting: Up to 6 high-resolution JPEG images at 3 or 2 fps.
Storage Media: 16MB SD card;
Viewfinder: n.a.
LCD monitor: 2.5-inch polycrystalline TFT colour LCD with 207,000 pixels.
Power supply: 3.7 V rechargeable lithium ion battery (320 pictures).
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Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating
RRP: $659
Rating (out of 10):
- Build: 8.5
- Ease of use: 8.5
- Image quality: 8
- OVERALL: 8.5