First Take
The FX series is Panasonic's flagship lineup for its consumer-oriented point-and-shoots, and the latest model, the Lumix DMC-FX65, incorporates some new technologies that shutterbugs will appreciate. The FX65 succeeds the FX48 which was announced earlier this year and most specifications remain similar. ...
Read first take of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX65 »
Average User Rating
from 1 users
Spectacular
9
out of 10First Take
The FX series is Panasonic's flagship lineup for its consumer-oriented point-and-shoots, and the latest model, the Lumix DMC-FX65, incorporates some new technologies that shutterbugs will appreciate. The FX65 succeeds the FX48 which was announced earlier this year and most specifications remain similar.
Panasonic has been deploying ultra-wide-angle lenses into many of its recent cameras, and the FX65 comes equipped with a 25mm optics that has a 5x zoom range. This makes it useful for travelers who may want to capture scenery and portraits.
The Lumix also has a new ultra-high-speed autofocus (AF) system that Panasonic claims to be twice as fast as the previous iteration. Other snappers such as the FZ35 use this system, too, and we found it to be very effective.
Other features of the FX65 remain similar to its predecessor--HD-quality movie recording with AVCHD compression, face recognition, intelligent automatic (iA) mode and plenty of scene options to help beginners start taking decent shots.
We may be nitpicking here, but we Panasonic could have done better to make the design more appealing, given that cameras in the FX series have sported the same look over several versions already.
Upside
The 12-megapixel FX65 utilizes Panasonic's latest image stabilization (IS) system, Power O.I.S. From our past experience with shooters employing this system, such as the FZ35 and ZR1, we think it will work just as well on the FX camera, letting users shoot handheld even at lower shutter speeds.)
Panasonic has been deploying ultra-wide-angle lenses into many of its recent cameras, and the FX65 comes equipped with a 25mm optics that has a 5x zoom range. This makes it useful for travelers who may want to capture scenery and portraits.
The Lumix also has a new ultra-high-speed autofocus (AF) system that Panasonic claims to be twice as fast as the previous iteration. Other snappers such as the FZ35 use this system, too, and we found it to be very effective.
Other features of the FX65 remain similar to its predecessor--HD-quality movie recording with AVCHD compression, face recognition, intelligent automatic (iA) mode and plenty of scene options to help beginners start taking decent shots.
Downside
The FX65's 2.7-inch LCD is the same as the FX48's, which we we felt could have been slightly bigger, especially since it's a flagship model.We may be nitpicking here, but we Panasonic could have done better to make the design more appealing, given that cameras in the FX series have sported the same look over several versions already.
Outlook
We think the FX65 will be a great camera for shutterbugs looking to upgrade from an entry-level model. But if you are already using the FX48, then perhaps it might not make sense to change to the newer model just for its improved IS and faster AF.Rate It Now
User Reviews
The most affordable and best wide angle lens camera to date
Oct 31, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Leica DC lens, affordable price and easy to use functions
Cons: 2.7" panel
Opinion:
Easily the top among all 12MP camera.
