Auto Mode (7.0)
A camera this small is typically destined to be a point-and-shoot model, and with so few manual features within the user’s control, automatic settings on this model are heavily relied on and used constantly. These options can be accessed through the mode dial. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 doesn’t have nearly the number of preset scene modes that other cameras do. The FX5 has eight preset modes, whereas most compact camera in this price range have about fifteen to choose from. However, the automatic options that are there function quickly and are reliable for the most part.
Movie Mode (3.0)
Movie Mode is available on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, with audio captured and played back in monaural format. It is hard for me to understand the placement of the microphone on the top of the camera; along with non-stereo recording, sound is greatly compromised. Movie Mode is activated by turning the mode dial to the film setting on the back of the camera. It is possible to capture in 320 x 240-pixel format at 10 frames per second with simultaneous audio recording. The recording length is entirely dependent upon the size of the memory card being used during the recording process. The 10 fps recording rate that is possible with this camera is somewhat laughable and will downgrade the movie mode feature to a gimmicky novelty. Although many cameras struggle to compete with camcorder quality video, if quality video recording is desired, this is surely not the solution.
Drive/Burst Mode (7.5)
To engage the burst option on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5, the user must press the burst button located in the center of the mode dial on the back of the camera body. Once depressed, the burst symbol will appear on the LCD screen. The user can choose between two settings: High or Low speed. At High speed, the rate will be four frames per second. If a lower speed is used, the user can shoot a maximum of seven frames.
Playback Mode (6.5)
To view previously taken images, the user must turn the Mode Dial to the green playback sign on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. Then, to access thumbnail viewing with nine images per screen, the user must press the zoom lever to the left once. To scan between individual pictures within this setting, use the four-way controller to navigate. If a specific image is to be viewed more closely, highlight the chosen image and slide the zoom lever to the left. To view images in a slideshow format, switch the Mode Dial to the green playback setting. Once in this setting, press the zoom lever left and right to scan between images previously captured on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5. Although it is not possible to make permanent in-camera changes to an image in regards to cropping and zooming, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is capable of magnifying and zooming on images digitally, although viewing quality will be compromised. To zoom, select the image to be viewed, and press the zoom lever to the right for 2x, 4x, 8x, and 16x magnification. To navigate within an image once magnified, the user merely uses the appropriate portion of the four-way keypad to peruse the image more closely. To zoom out, press the lever to the left.
Custom Image Presets (6.5)
The Mode Dial settings allow for a variety of shooting possibilities in regards to scene and setting. The settings possible are Normal Picture, Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Self Portrait, Motion Image, Simple, and Playback Modes.
