Review on 📷 White Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Digital Camera - 10.1 MP, 3.8x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, 3.0-Inch LCD by Jake Pavelko

Two years ago I would have bet and lost a lot of money that by 2010 I would NOT have a Panasonic camera. I was a Minolta man for 37 years when I switched to Canon on that sad day when Minolta stopped making cameras. I take photography VERY seriously as a hobby and by nature I don't compromise on the tools I use to create. That's why my cameras are sacred instruments. When I realized I was looking for an advanced and easily portable compact camera on the market, I waited many months before finally deciding to replace my beloved Canon SX-20 after its lens was permanently scratched. During that long time I asked many, many "experts" many, many questions; read countless reviews online and in print, and made many trips to B&H Photo in New York to spend hours doing hands-on research on a variety of camera brands and models before deciding to purchase the LX5. I've only had the camera for three days and have only taken 200 shots, but I have no hesitation in saying that the LX5 has already exceeded my wildest expectations. In the short time I've owned the LX5 has become my absolute FAVORITE camera (with the lens attached). I was immediately positively impressed with the LX5's construction, which is simply impeccable - it's mostly metal and feels incredibly solid, much more like an old-school rangefinder than any other sub-SLR camera today. This is undeniable. As a Canon user I immediately found the controls of the LX5 totally intuitive, although I have to admit I'm still learning ALL the menu controls as I need manual control and creative flexibility! The LX 5 can do both. The f2.0 Leica lens is great and the images range from fairly acceptable to excellent in my first tests, all the way up to ISO 1250 (with a maximum of ISO 12800!). The RAW format offers amazing quality, while the Panasonic Venus JPEG processor maintains excellent quality. The LX5 has raised the bar to a level beyond anything I've ever experienced with ANY similar camera available today. And the LX5 fits in my front pocket, although not as well as the Canon S95 if camera size was my primary concern. I appreciated its supposed "cons" and have no issue with its "lack of burst mode"; Sub-par e-manual and lens cap (see excellent lens cap solution at the bottom of this review). As for me, I haven't found any egregious problems or "deal breakers" yet. Anyway, in its particular niche of digital cameras, Panasonic has done damn well with the LX5! I'll see if, over time and in different situations, my results fully justify these initial comments, but in the end it doesn't matter to what extent they are perceived. (but not yet personally discovered) flaws become apparent, I will be just as thrilled to have waited this long to find the EXACT functionality I wanted in a digital camera. If the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is serious about your mix decision, I can guarantee that you will NOT be disappointed with the LX5 and MOST LIKELY BE SUDDENLY. UPDATE 11/14/10 - I love my first photos! If you're interested, the comments on my review below include a link to the very first photos I took with my LX5. I continue to be impressed with the LX5's low light capabilities, as I prefer natural light whenever possible. GGS Optical Glass LCD Screen Protector: GGS Optical Glass LCD Screen Protector for Leica D-lux 4 and Panasonic Lx-3 Digital Cameras UPDATE December 15, 2010 - The definitive solution to the lens cap problem is RainbowImaging Auto Lens Protector Cap: RainbowImaging Auto Lens Cap for PANASONIC LUMIX DMC LX5 LX-5 (Black), with free lens grip. Further evidence of the LX-5's thoughtful design is that the lens threads are hidden just below the outer lens ring, which simply unscrews, allowing the lens cap (and lens adapters) to be screwed securely onto the camera. UPDATE 7/1/11 - I love this camera. I always carry it in my left pocket and have captured some of life's wonderful moments with ease in bright colors and crisp detail. UPDATE 03/14/12. After more than 10,000 shots, my camera is perfect in every way. Anyway, now that I know every function and every setting well, I've mastered the LX-5 to the max. When it comes to wear and tear, I've always treated my electronics as a valuable asset. No matter how much I use my camera, the aspect ratio/image size markings on top of the lens ring (just below the hot shoe) have worn away, and over time some of the markings have worn away due to camera friction. something in my backpack. In addition, it is in excellent condition. Now it turns out I'm ready to switch to a camera that can offer me a lot more quality and flexibility. So I bought a brand new Canon G1-X Canon G1 X 14.1 MP CMOS digital camera with an optically stabilized 4x wide-angle Full HD 1080p zoom lens and a 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD. Then my LX-5 becomes a secondary (and much more portable) companion to the G1-X. I guess it follows that in a couple of years I'll be diving into a high-end DSLR with dual rear cameras. Enjoy and enjoy!