Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 Digital Camera Review

Front (7.5)
The front of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 features a 3x optical, 3x digital zoom lens on the right side of the camera body. To the upper right of the Leica lens is the comically small optical viewfinder. To the upper left of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5’s lens barrel is the built-in flash. Running vertically along the left side is a slightly raised band of silver, serving as a finger grip for the right hand.

Back (7.5)
The back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is occupied by a 1.5-inch LCD screen, located on the left side. The LCD is raised from the body of the camera, and framed with a large black border. The purpose of this border is uncertain, and may be an attempt to give the illusion of a larger display than it actually has or just to create separation between the screen and the camera body. The field of view runs nearly 100 percent, with slight discrepancies that are barely noticeable. Above the LCD screen to the left is the optical viewfinder with real image viewing. To the right of the LCD screen, running along the side vertically from top to bottom, are the display, menu, and the delete/focus buttons, which are all slightly raised from the body of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5.

The Mode Dial for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is small, with the standard symbols representing the various modes of operation. With the dial half-sunk into an indentation in the body, the user’s right hand can quickly access and alter settings, despite the camera's small overall size. This feature is great for users that desire smaller yet still efficient digital cameras. Below the Mode Dial, the user will find the four-way keypad with its cursor buttons. With multiple functions assigned to each portion of the control, some users may initially find this feature to be daunting or at least more tedious than perhaps is necessary. We suggest the user become acquainted with the functionality of the buttons prior to going out and shooting; reading the manual is a good start. The right side of the back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is empty. A series of recessed points are situated where the thumb of the user's hand will be, and a small vertical bar serves as another finger support.

Left Side (7.5)
The left side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 is simple and clean. There’s a small port cover in the center that’s flush with the surface and lifted with a small tab located toward the back of the camera. I thought I could snap off the port cover entirely, only to discover that it is securely attached with a peg of rubber in the opposite corner. Under this port cover, the user will find the digital A/V out, and beneath that, the DC in/EXT ports.

Right Side (7.5)
The right side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 consists mostly of a door for the battery and memory card slot. With six raised dots for grip, and an arrow for direction, the user must flip open the door to access these features. The battery and memory card should be placed carefully, as it is easy to misread the embossed insertion instructions. Above the door for the battery/memory card is the camera strap eyelet.

Top (7.5)
The top of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 has the zoom lever and shutter button located on the right side, with the off/on switch to the right and back of them. To the left and indicated by a small (and I mean small) notch is the monaural microphone. Behind and to the left of that, there is a monaural speaker.