LX5 - First Pics

photogdave

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Some snaps from the LX5. Unaltered JPEGs from the camera. First shot is 1600 ISO @ F2, second shot is 100 ISO @ F4.
Haven't had time to really give it a workout yet!
 

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I look forward to hearing about your initial impressions when you get a chance to play with it some more.
 
A couple of early observations: the new, bigger grip aids handling quite well without seeming to add much bulk compared to LX3. The new step-zoom is VERY well implemented! A quick flick of the zoom toggle in either direction gets you to the next focal length or hold it down to quickly zoom between the extremes of the range. It's faster than the control ring of the Canon S90 (which I also like very much).
Don: The LX5 is in stock at a local store here in Vancouver called Leo's Camera Supply.
 
...Leo's - nice! Will be there in a week... hopefully one will be in stock (crud - HST!).

How is iso 800? Improved over the lx3?
 
...went to The Camera Store here and ended up purchasing one...

As mentioned above, the handling is improved with the slightly larger grip. Operationally, I find this faster than the lx3 in both power on & AF acquisition. Haven't had the chance to shoot RAW, but jpeg @ iso 800 (imo) is cleaner with slightly more detail than the lx3.
Attaching the EVF still maintains a flat, light and compact profile - nice for those man-purses that have to share space with diapers, wipes, spare sleeper and meds for a 2yr old.

As for $ - yes, I think it's expensive especially now that the NEX & u43 cameras are out. We'll see if this thing is a keeper...
 
The new step-zoom is VERY well implemented! A quick flick of the zoom toggle in either direction gets you to the next focal length or hold it down to quickly zoom between the extremes of the range.

The press release had it skipping from 35 to 70.... which I figured was a typo. Does it stop at 50? And does it flash the focal length when you step?

Thanks for the early reporting!
 
As for $ - yes, I think it's expensive especially now that the NEX & u43 cameras are out. We'll see if this thing is a keeper...

I was actually quite happy to see it selling for significantly less than the LX3, and it's exactly half the price of the GF1 w/20mm lens!
 
The press release had it skipping from 35 to 70.... which I figured was a typo. Does it stop at 50? And does it flash the focal length when you step?

Thanks for the early reporting!
It steps between 24, 28, 35, 50, 70 and 90. Yes it does display the focal length on the screen.
 
...just wondering - how's it going so far...

...just wondering - how's it going so far...

...with the lx5?
 
I also want to see some more samples and mini reviews from actual users. Specifically wanted to know the supposedly wider dynamic range and cleaner high ISO shots.
 
Harry: yes you can. both the zoom and mf distance are "remembered"... like the lx3 after a firmware update some time ago.
 
A couple of examples with mine:

ISO 1600
U1632I1283987359.SEQ.0.jpg


ISO 80
U1632I1283987361.SEQ.0.jpg


Re image quality: very good at low ISO (thanks to the lens, in part). The combination of the camera shooting in RAW and LR3 does a very good job with ISO1600 files - there is grain, but also a lot of sharpness and detail. Dynamic range seems pretty good -- in the ISO 1600 file above, I was able to pull back a certain amount of detail in the illuminated sign.

Re handling and use: as others have said, the grip is very good. Very portable. Controls are a big improvement (I skipped the LX3 because of the joystick control). The stepped zoom is nice to have, and the range is good. Autofocus is very quick. The option of a EVF is also appreciated, even if the EVF itself is very limited in terms of pixel density.

Kirk
 
Hi Ray

Hi Ray

On that day, I was just looking for an outlet to release my Haiku-isms ;)

I have no idea about this LX5 thing, but I do want to try a u4/3 or NEX one of these days. Though I doubt it will be used much, more of as a novel m-backup, but we'll see, you never know.

That's what you always say, Ted. Now you've got it in a haiku.
:confused:


/
 
Is the EVF useful for anything besides image framing at eyelevel? Is it possible to focus via the EVF? Is there a VF magnifier function to enlarge the center of the EVF as a focussing aid?

Would you travel with only this one camera?

You can certainly do manual focus with magnification. I find manual focus without magnification pretty hit or miss even on a good EVF, such as on the Oly EP2. The other option is zone focus, and there is a setting to make the camera remember the manual focus setting.

I could definitely travel with just this camera (but not for a safari, obviously).

Kirk
 
I like the idea of stepped zooming! if leica, for instance, where to release an X2 with stepped zooming (35, 50 and 90mm) I'd be all over it.

With my LX3 (when i use it = not often) i just use it wide open because i can mount a 21VF and forget about it. I don't use it enough to look at upgrading (it is now, eseentially, my partner's camera) - but these changes/upgrades are all for the good so far.
 
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