In the Panasonic FX family, it can sometimes be difficult to physically tell the different members apart.  The FX12 is quite similar to the FX30, the flagship of the FX line.  While the external differences are minimal, the technical ones (lens, LCD screen, etc.) are a sure justification for the difference in price.  Actually, the FX12 is more like a Panasonic LS75 redesigned to look like an FX in order to attract more budget conscious buyers.  So is this the best bargain on the market?

Handling

Barely 30 Euros separate the Panasonic LS75 and FX12.  However, between the two models the differences are obvious.  While one (the LS75) plays on a larger size to seduce buyers, the other (the FX12) prefers to use finesse and elegance (while still being somewhat thicker than its big brother the FX30).   The casing is made of « genuine » plastic but finishing touches are nice.  The overall construction, besides the battery door, seems rather robust (otherwise, a reoccurring defect on almost all Panasonics).  In terms of components, we are still in the entry-level with a good sized LCD screen, which however lacks a bit in definition and fluidity.  On the FX12, you will also find a 3x optical zoom that has been stripped of its wide angle and is now a simple 35 mm in order to minimize production costs.

Image quality

In this domain, the FX12 isn’t too surprising and results are very close to those of the LS75.  This is only logical because it has an identical sensor, processor, and probably the same lens. All of this produces rather well defined images with very light accentuation.  Automatic white balance can sometimes go awry indoors resulting in a slightly yellow rendering.  Otherwise, outdoors this problem disappears.  Like on Panasonic’s entire new line, the FX12 benefits from improvements made possible by the Venus Engine III.  Colored pixels are practically invisible up until 800 ISO; however, smoothing is noticeable in the lowest sensitivities.  There is nothing too dramatic up until 400 ISO, although beyond this details are significantly degraded.  800 ISO is this camera’s real limit but in the end the optical stabilizer enables an acceptable ISO range.  The flash is sometimes a bit brutal but without causing any irreparable damage.  Finally, without being revolutionary, the image quality of the FX12 is superior to the former Panasonic generation and often better than some of its main rivals like the Sony W55 or Olympus FE-240.