Build and Handling
At first glance the Lumix DMC-LX5 appears to be largely unchanged from its predecessor, but there have been a few tweaks to improve the camera’s handling. Most notably, the handgrip has been redesigned and, although not much thicker, it is wider and has a more contoured rubber grip, which makes it more comfortable to hold.
A direct video record button has also been added and is situated next to the shutter-release button, on the top-plate of the LX5. The Quick Menu joystick switch has been removed and replaced with a simple button, but a clickable scroll wheel has been added to allow exposure settings to be quickly changed. The addition of this scroll wheel should please most photographers, as it again gives the LX5 a similar feel to changing the exposure settings of a DSLR.
The only other noticeable change to the camera body is the addition of the port below the hotshoe, which allows the connection of the DMW-LVF1 EVF, which is the same as that used on the Panasonic GF1. So far, the viewfinder is the only accessory listed as compatible with the socket. The hotshoe itself allows any of the current range of Panasonic flashguns to be used with the LX5. However, due to the size of the camera, the small DMW-FL220 is the most suitable.
Along with the tweaks to the camera’s body comes an increase in size and weight, although they are quite insignificant and the LX5 is still small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. Overall, the build quality of the LX5 is very high, with a solid metal body and well-defined buttons.
Switching between the various exposure modes is made simple through the use of a control dial on the camera’s top-plate, and the Quick Menu button makes it easy to access shooting settings. Changing the ISO sensitivity is made easier by having its own dedicated button, and there is also a customisable FN (Function) button that can be programmed to directly access other settings, such as the white balance.
