Digital Camera
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2
The 10 mega pixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is the latest point and shoot camera from the Panasonic stable. Its image stabilization features are no far cry from its previous models, but in DMC-LX2, they have dispensed with the long zoom of its earlier models, in order to make it more compact and stylish. However, still it is not so pocket friendly as the zoom still protrudes a good 0.75 inch off the surface when the camera is in the turn off mode. There is a lens cap, but it is not integrated into the camera body.
Compared with its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1, which was released a year earlier, the DMC-LX2’s main update involves its resolution. The new camera takes 4224 x 2376-pixel pictures with a wide-screen ratio of 16:9 – a format that is quite unique to this camera. Further, a three position switch on the lens helps the user to jump to the DVD dimensions mode (3:2) or to the traditional 4:3 mode. In the former case, it gives 8.5 mp, while in the 4:3 mode the user could get a maximum resolution of 7.5 mp only.
With its highest resolution setting, the zoom gives 4x. However, at reduced resolutions – for example, at 2 mega pixels – the zoom lens stretches to give 6.2x.
DMC-LX2’s HD mode is suitable to snap wide angled photographs. Further, if chosen the right formats, the camera’s unusual 2.8 inch LCD screen crops the photos very much as in HDTV technology. However, for novices, it may take a while to get used to the intricacies of the HD mode as it may appear to be a bit complicated the first time.
Also, since the LCD is a bit wider than usual, the user may have to move their eyes to cover the entire screen if the camera is not held at least at an arm’s length. Another nifty feature that comes with the DMC-LX2 is the ‘high angle’ mode, which makes it easier to view shots when the camera is held at a height (for example, over the head photos).
Regarding button controls, they are easy to use and are conveniently placed on the top and back of the camera body. The mode dial and menu navigation buttons are located on the back of the camera – like in any other model – so is the DMC-LX2’s unique exposure lock button. The shutter and aperture speeds are controlled by a tiny joystick, again situated on the back of the camera (it also controls the manual focus). On the top is located the buttons for click, zoom, and image stabilization. However, on the downside, the flash must be popped up manually (it is not automated).
The image quality is simply superb, so are other aspects such as its image-stabilization modes, various scene modes (18 in all), aperture and shutter priority, and battery life. The battery life, even though it is not the best in the league, is very much ok.
Finally, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2’s guarantee, it is not so great. Even though, most parts of the camera carry a one year warranty, the same does not holds for the CCD. It is only covered for 6 months. Also, the labor warranty is for three months only.
Fujifilm FinePix F31fd
Fujifilm FinePix F31fd is a 6.3 mega pixel, 3x zoom, point and shoot camera from the Fuji stable. Its metal body is smooth and firm and fits well into the hand. It is even capable of taking few knocks without any serious damage. However, don’t try that.
The highlights of Fujifilm FinePix F31fd are its face detection technology – one of the first cameras to offer this feature – and low-light capability. The face detection identifies the human faces and optimizes the exposure and focusing based on that. In tests, with the face detection turned off and flash suppressed, photos of people standing in front of a bright background showed poor exposure, and hence their faces appeared dark. But, things improved when the face detection was turned on. The face detection effect is especially prominent in the photos taken in the portrait mode. Turning on the face detection also enhanced flash shots, even though the difference this time was a lot subtle. It is easy to access the face detection button as it is located next to the four-way control.
Talking about the low-light capability of Fujifilm FinePix F31fd, it is possible for the user to crank the Fuji’s proprietary sensor to as much as ISO 3200. However, at higher ISO settings, there is this risk of high digital noise seeping into the pictures. Also, in tests, the camera turned out to be a bit slow in focusing at low light environs.
The picture quality is simply excellent, with low distortion and high color accuracy, and its battery life is also admirable. Its lithium ion battery could hold enough charge to shoot through 500 photos in one go, provided the charge is expended optimally. This should be read in the backdrop of the fact that in most same class point and shoot cameras of other makes, their batteries only lasted enough for 270 shots on an average. In that perspective, the FinePix F31fd’s battery gives twice as much life to the camera in a single charge than most of its competitors. Not many cameras have a comparable battery life per charge.
The 2.5 inch LCD screen, even though not the biggest, is bright and clearly visible even while standing under the sun. The user could increase the screen brightness using the ‘up’ position on the four-way control. This is a real handy feature given the fact that F31fd does not have a viewfinder. The four-way control is user-friendly and hence easy to use.
The dial atop the camera body has the six mode positions – auto, manual, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, antishake, scene mode, and movie. The portrait mode, it is listed under the scenes, and hence is not there amongst the mode positions.
Overall, the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd is an excellent buy, particularly if you like shooting in low light taking pictures of a lot of people. The camera is priced at $270.
