Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55

Big brother of the Panasonic FX33, the Lumix DMC-FX55 shares some of its technical characteristics ; however more obvious differences lie in its vast 3 inch LCD and slightly reviewed design.

Handling

In hand the Lumix FX55 isn't radically different from previous FX models.  There is a larger screen and also a slight bulge on the front for a better grip.  For the rest, there has been little change.  The dial is the camera's main control and allows choosing between various exposure modes, playing photos or for making notes.  In short, it's simple and efficient.  It's just unfortunate that there are no priority modes (aperture/speed) for a finer control of images.  You will find the famous FUNC button which allows rapid access to the main shooting parameters: sensitivity, image size, stabilization, and white balance.  The navigation joystick replaces the former cross of buttons, which despite its reduced size, is still very easy to use.  In terms of reactivity, the FX55 is somewhat contradictory.  Rather slow in startup and between two photos, it is very fast in focusing and can capture 4 i/s in burst mode (quite impressive).  Finally, optical stabilization is miraculous and compensates for the photographers movements when the camera is held at arm's distance.

Image quality

The Lumix FX55's lens is of good quality and offers nice precision, well controlled vignetting and limited distortion.  The Venus Engine III processor also produces good results with efficient correction of chromatic aberrations and good noise control.  We did however notice colors that tended to drift in higher sensitivities depending on the light source.  Moreover, white balance could sometimes be off under artificial lighting while in natural light it functions correctly.


The macro mode is entirely satisfactory and the flash generally produces good results.