Image quality
Image quality is pleasing, especially at lower ISOs. Colours look
accurate, though perhaps slightly oversaturated, and the automatic
white balance does a good job of neutralising colours in most lighting
conditions, including incandescent settings. Exposures are generally
accurate, though occasionally underexposed, which is generally better
than the opposite, since shadow detail tends to be more salvageable in
image editing software than highlight detail.
There's an admirable amount of fine detail for a 6-megapixel camera, but we did see some annoying artefacts and moiré, which steal some of the fire from images that are otherwise free of ISO-related noise at lower sensitivity settings.
In fact, images are quite clean at ISO 100 and ISO 200. At ISO 400, noise becomes apparent on computer monitors, but Panasonic's noise-reduction algorithms smooth it out so that it won't be too noticeable in prints. However, those same aggressive algorithms rob a fair amount of fine detail, so smaller text may become obscured at, and above, this sensitivity. This is also the point at which shadow detail starts to drop off, though not by much.
At ISO 800 and ISO 1250, you won't see a major increase in noise, but the drop off in shadow detail and fine detail resolution continues a gentle downward slide. Even at ISO 1250 you should be able to make prints, though you'll want to stick to 100x150mm (4x6 inches), rather than larger prints where the blurriness will be more apparent.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Lumix DMC-FX10 is its image stabilisation, which should help you avoid having to shoot at higher ISOs as long as your subject isn't moving very fast. In our field tests, we were able to achieve a sharp image at a shutter speed of 1/15th second with the lens zoomed to an equivalent of 55mm. Normally we would have had to shoot at 1/60th second to get the same results.
Conclusion
If
you're not too picky about your images, as many snapshooters aren't,
you'll likely be pleased with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10. For its
price range, it's a solidly built camera that performs well. Plus its
image stabilisation gives it a welcomed edge. If you're willing to
spend more money, you can definitely find a better camera, but in its
price range, the DMC-FX10 is a good deal.
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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horea 10 December 2007
Good: Decent picture quality in low light
Bad: Worthles OIS when zoom in function
Comment: Pocket sized eazy to cary!Good macro capabilities.At iso over 400 noise is kreeping in as it does with other cameras at this price.I expected much more from the OIS which works great with the zoom not in use ore lower light macro.It does a terible job with active zoom.View finder would shourly improve the whole thing becouse hand shake can be reduced with a camera closer to the eyes.Are you hypermetrop make sure you have youre glases allwayes aviable!This problem would have disapeared with a view finder.Sharp screen,easy and fast loaded batery.Fast and good focus even in low light.Motion picture quality could be better!Prices are very diffrent in diffrent countries so the usualy coment good enough for the money its a bit out of track.
Conclusion:Not an easy task to find a pocket camera having everything.You ll be allwayes forced to some compromises what ever you choose.
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