Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera - White

As a ditigal photo beginner, the Panasonic LX5's artifical intelligence is smarter than I am. So, maybe, one day, I will know enough to use the manual and raw to create works of art. However, my photography is more for informational content than works of art, so manual and raw are there just so if I ever get around to it.

My buying decision was to purchase a camera with a high probability of a good photos by "point and shoot" in potentially low light situations at short range.

The LX5 had very good reviews with sophisticated analysis of technical data and sample photos and comparisions to other cameras. My likelihood of being able to take the photo is much higher because I will have this compact camera with me. My experience with the bulky and heavy film SLR and gear is that I was always wishing that I had the camera with me.

The Panasonic OEM battery is expensive ($50) and required for full functionality.

I would probably rate this as excellent after I have had it a little longer, but from what I have seen so far this camera delivers very nice jpg. and video images. I selected it as a blend between simple point and shoot and full DSLR (which is what I owned prior to buying this camera) I am very satisfied with my choice as quality of images seems very good and the customization thats available to get closer to a full DSLR is there, including the ability to shoot RAW images which was important to me for post processing controls....I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Still learning all the feature this camera has to offer. I have a Panasonic ZS7 so I am familar with many of the option. I wanted RAW and aperture priority in my next camera but still wanted it to fit in my pocket. A little tight for my pocket but excellent pix and enough manual control for creativity. As my grand son would say "I like it grandpa". Well so do I.

If you are looking for a DSLR type quality pics, a camera that gives you some flexiblity in manual settings and size is important (if you don't want a bulky camera), than there is NO OTHER that will fit the description but the Lumix DMC-LX5!!!!

This is a fabulous camera and the Leica lens is tremendous. It is great in low light but you really have to learn how to use it. I've had a lot of help learning and I use Aperture to get the most out of my photos. I'm excited because this is the closest I have come to an SLR and the picture quality is amazing.
So far I have found nothing I do not like, I did purchase a Panasonic camera SDHD card so that I could get the maximum best in my pictures but there is nothing not to like!