Color (8.58)
Using a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software, we tested the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5's color performance. The software evaluates the camera's colors against the ideal colors portrayed by the GretagMacbeth chart. Within each color tile, the camera's produced color is displayed in the outer square to contrast with the error-corrected version in the inner square. The small vertical rectangle in the center is the tonal ideal.
The graph below displays the color reproduction capabilities of the FX5. The circles are the tones produced by the camera, while the squares represent the ideal colors. The longer the physical line connecting the two, the greater the margin of error for the camera is.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 received a mean color error score of 6.99. This is very good for a compact point-and-shoot camera and alludes to the overall color accuracy of the camera. The mean saturation score is 137.9 percent, which means the image has been very heavily saturated. Most digital cameras over-saturate the colors slightly to give skin tones and other colors a richer, more vibrant look. However, the FX5 goes far beyond over-saturating many of its tones and creating a pastel-like overall tone to much of its imagery. This counters the precision and accuracy of the included Leica lens and will offset the naturalism and realistic reproduction to a large extent in most shooting situations.
Still Life Scene
Below is an image of our beloved still life scene, recorded with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5.
Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is VERY large!)
Resolution/Sharpness (3.51)
With 4.23 total and 4 effective megapixels, the 1/2.5-inch CCD can record images at Fine and Standard quality. To test the pixel count, we imported a succession of images of our resolution chart into Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the image and evaluates the number of pixels used to create the image. We take the camera's best score and contrast it with the advertised number. If a camera records 70-79% of its suggested pixel count it is considered to be a "good" producer, while any camera that records 80-89% is seen as "very good" and anything exceeding 90% is "excellent."
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 recorded 3.51 megapixels, which is 88% of the advertised pixels. Therefore, this camera received a "very good" score on our resolution tests and nearly creeps into the excellent category of resolution performance. This is an elite category that does not often feature point-and-shoot cameras and this should be read as an extremely impressive score.
Noise - Auto ISO (5.14)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5 received an automatic ISO noise score of 5.14, which is adequate but certainly not impressive. When perceiving a camera’s noise score or other performance scores for that matter, it is important to take into consideration the camera's intended audience and targeted users. For instance, in the case of the FX5, which aims to offer advanced performance capability and image quality by sacrificing handling and control simplicity, it is important to determine whether its features work well together to optimize overall performance or whether these features ultimately oppose each other's strengths. For instance, on many point-and-shoot cameras, a 5.14 overall automatic noise score is decent' however, on a camera that bases its appeal around superior performance, the 5.14 score garnered by the Panasonic FX5 is not sufficient and will scar the overall image its high-grade Leica lens is capable of bringing to the CCD. Therefore, while the refracted image is crisp and defined, the produced image after processing may be fraught with noise and ultimately may become distorted. Fortunately, the FX5 includes manual ISO controls that are more apt to control noise.
Noise - Manual ISO (7.71)
For cameras that have manual ISO settings, we test noise levels at each rating. We put the noise results into a regression analysis to determine the overall manual noise score. The graph below portrays the results, with the horizontal axis representing the camera's ISO settings and the vertical axis representing the amount of noise produced.
While it is somewhat disappointing that the Panasonic FX5 does not include an ISO 400 rating, it does perform well within its range. This means that the camera is only equipped to perform under optimal lighting conditions and may need to rely on its flash or added illumination. However, given the necessary lighting, the FX5 will produce clean, clear images with minimal amounts of visible noise.
Speed / Timing
Startup to First Shot (4.58)
Press the power button, then get yourself a bag of popcorn. This camera takes 5.42 seconds to take its first shot. This is common for a compact camera, but is still discouraging. Just be sure to have the FX5 turned on well before the action happens.
Shot to Shot (6.78)
The burst mode on this camera really isn't that fast. In between shots, the camera takes 3.22 seconds.
Shutter to Shot (6.22)
You have time to blink your eyes, but be sure they're open 1.39 seconds after the shutter button is pressed. It takes just that long for the camera to take a picture.
