Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Silver) Review

I’ve looked at the various reviews done by other owners and for the most part, I was impressed. Impressed to the point of getting one – I spent, I received it and was surprised at one thing no one had mentioned.
This is one substantial small camera. It feels as if it weighs almost as much as my M3 Leica, has a spectacular lens and the controls are all there, but you better be willing to spend some time to understand how this camera works. You could just plop it into the IA (Intelligent Auto) and never really explore some of the other options. I did this at first to see how things happened. For the most part, the pix were adequate … Then I started to work with both the general set up and Scene Modes and was knocked over. This camera delivers on its promise. JUST exploring the Scene Modes, you have 26 different choices of presets for various situations.
If you want more manual control, you have Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and full Manual. The touch pad does take a bit to get used to … it becomes natural feeling in a short time.
In essence, I like it – very much. This is my 8 or 9th digital camera and while it won’t replace my DSLR, it fills a 25 mm wide angle / zoom niche which I wanted to explore. Their are bigger MP cameras out there – there are faster lenses out there, but this is where I wanted to be for my travels and even building files of pix of – ah – things. It’s very portable, almost unobtrusive but it weighs enough for you to understand you are using something which isn’t a toy.
If there is a complaint – it refers to the Sub Mini B Male connector which is annoying to use as I can’t find a short pig tail with that connection feature. 9 foot of wrapped cord is a bit much even on my desk.
In toto – the price is very fair, the quality of the case is off the chart, the lens is remarkable and the final out put is very satisfying. I look forward to enjoying this mini wide angle for a long time.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Silver) Feature
- 12.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-size prints
- 5x MEGA image-stabilized optical zoom; 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica DC lens
- 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD
- Intelligent Auto (iA) mode; Face Recognition feature
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Silver) Overview
12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera Intelligent Auto Mode Helps prevent shooting errors Touch Screen Manual Operation 3″ Intelligent LCD w/ auto brightness LEICA DC Vario-Elmar Lens 25mm wide angle Black
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