Autofocus
There are a number of different autofocus modes in the LX5 and the camera is capable of capturing all but the fastest moving subjects in focus. In its most basic AF mode, one of up to 713 points can be selected. The size of the AF point can also be adjusted to one of four different sizes, with the smallest size allowing for precise details to be accurately focused on.
For subjects moving at moderate speeds, such as a child running, the AF tracking mode can be used. To use this mode, an AF point is selected over the part of the image upon which you wish to focus. If this subject moves, the AF point will also move, tracking and focusing on the subject as it travels around the scene.
The face detection mode will also prove very useful during social occasions. When in this mode, the LX5 automatically detects faces in the scene and then prioritises focus on them. Not only this, but the LX5 has a face recognition feature whereby you can program the camera to recognise particular faces in a scene. When the camera ‘sees’ these faces, it prioritises them above any other faces, which is useful when wanting to focus on someone in a crowd.
I found that the AF of the LX5 performs very well, quickly focusing in bright conditions, but also performing well in low light. Manual focusing is a little more difficult. Although manual mode does have a magnified view, it could be of a slightly better resolution to aid absolutely critical focusing.
Even in low light the LX5 focuses accurately and quickly, with the rear of the screen increasing in brightness to allow you to more accurately compose the image and choose the point of focus.
