Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520

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Until now, touchscreen has always been associated with Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T300 and Cyber-shot DSC-T70. But with a new challenger on the block, the competition is heating up. Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-FX520 in March and it recently won the prestigious TIPA (Technical Press Image Association) award for Best Compact Camera of 2008 with the FX520. So how did this camera fare in the contest of touchscreen compacts? We find out.

Design

The FX520 takes on a minimalist approach for its design. Encased in a sleek brushed-metal chassis, it's easy to pick out the point-and-shoot from the lot of compact cameras that have flooded the scene. It looks silent, pretty much like a good-looking broody actor who doesn't talk much.

The camera offers a firm grip and is complemented by a small strip of metal that runs down the right side of the shooter. Even with sweaty palms, the sturdy build of the shooter offers assurance that it won't slip out of our hands.

The stylus attached to the strap with the FX520. Not exactly pretty, and we hope Panasonic will improvise on it.
(click for larger image)

A stylus comes with this touchscreen device. But if you are thinking a conventional pen-shaped stick, think again. It is a round, flat piece of plastic with a protruding side that acts as the tip of the stylus. We attached it to the other end of the strap as the manual stated and we don't think it looks good when paired with the camera. We hope Panasonic can improvise on this aspect and probably have a slot for a normal stylus instead.

Tipping the scales at 175g with battery and memory card, this digicam is not a lightweight champion. It is a matter of preference, because some of us prefer the more solid feel that a camera should have.

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