Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01

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Features
You'll be disappointed if you expect a quantum leap in terms of features on the FX01. The unit remains a compact point-and-shoot camera and there are no manual (manual- and aperture-priority) features or optical viewfinder--much to our disappointment. That aside, the unit does come with a couple of enhancements that should please general photography users.

According to Panasonic, the FX01 is the world's smallest camera (35mm film equivalent) with a 28mm wide-angle lens. The wide-angle ratio is attained by the incorporation of an Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical (EA) lens that does not compromise on the compact size. What this means is you can now fit in a couple more people on the sides without standing further away from your subjects.

The FX01 is capable of taking wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480-pixel) motion images at 30fps and should please most self-taught movie buffs. However, we recommend that the user purchase a high-speed and high-capacity memory card to fully optimize this feature. During our tests, we used Imation's 1GB ultra-high-speed Secure Digital card.

	The new menu layout allows you to access the camera setup from within Record and Playback modes.

Among the new features on the FX01, the shooter's dual image stabilization takes center stage. Previous Lumix models (and the FX01) came with the company's proprietary MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) to battle camera shake--allowing the user to shoot up to three steps slower than the shutter speed required. Panasonic has upped the stakes by incorporating a High Sensitivity mode on the FX01 to prevent blurry shots due to moving subjects.

In short, the FX01 offers a two-prong solution for both camera shake and subject movement. While the MEGA O.I.S. suppresses the effects of camera shake, the High Sensitivity mode automatically raises ISO levels (between ISO 800 and ISO 1,600) and increases shutter speed at the same time to minimize blurring caused by moving subjects.

In terms of scene modes, the FX01 comes with two new selections: Underwater and High Sensitivity. The High Sensitivity mode, as previously mentioned, helps to minimize subject movement by automatically increasing ISO levels and shutter speed. However, there is no option to set a specific ISO level in this mode. The Underwater mode produces natural colors while suppressing strong blues. Do remember to use a marine case purchased separately, unless you desire to donate your camera to Panasonic's coffers as the FX01 is not waterproof.

Another feature which we find really useful during our tests is the High Angle LCD option. If you are fond of shooting over a crowd or from a top-down perspective, you will love the new mode which allows the 2.5-inch LCD to be viewable at angles which were previously not possible. This may be the best solution next to having a swivel and flip-down display.

Other features onboard the new FX01 include a new menu layout which allows you to switch quickly between the Record, Setup and Scene modes; a 9/25 multi-display and calendar display for your pictures; and a brighter LCD using the pixel-mixed readout method which automatically increase the brightness level of live images according to the level of ambient light.

For the record, the FX01 uses the same Lithium-ion battery and charger as the previous FX9 and FX8. So if you are planning to upgrade from these models, remember to keep the batteries as you can still use them on the FX01.

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