Our verdict
When Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-LX5, it mentioned the Canon PowerShot G11 numerous times as the camera’s direct competitor. Having now tested the LX5, the reason why is clear.
Like the G11, the LX5 has a full range of manual-exposure controls, a metal body and larger-than-normal sensor for a compact camera, although its body is smaller and lighter. The Panasonic camera lacks the G11’s optical viewfinder, but given that this viewfinder is of poor quality, and that an optional EVF is available for the LX5, this shouldn’t prove to be a defining issue.
In terms of image quality the LX5 is very good, particularly at sensitivities of ISO 400 and below. However, its sensor is still that of a compact and it suffers from luminance noise as the sensitivity increases. Yet the new sensor design does go some way towards improving both the dynamic range and noise beyond what we have seen from the last generation of compact cameras.
Overall, I am very impressed with the LX5. It is currently one of, if not the, best high-end compact cameras available.
