Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5

amazon Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 reviews

With just a few minor changes, FH5 has not yet emerged, not just against rivals in other companies but even with its predecessor.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 was launched with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 brother. These two versions have similar configuration and features, except that Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 sensor 16 million pixels compared to 14 million of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2. Depending on the market, these two versions are code-named FS18 and FS16 respectively.

The Lumix FH5 is an upgrade from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 that came out some year ago with some changes such as a 14 mega pixel increase to 16 megapixels, Leica stills, but the optical zoom drops from 5x to 4x, Holds 28mm, but the focal length is reduced to 112mm instead of 140mm. In return, the body is made thinner, only 19mm. The Lumix FH5 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and 720p HD video recording at 24 frames per second.

where can you get a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 online

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black): Buy it now

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver): Buy it now

Design and Build Quality

Dimensions and Weight

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is designed with portability in mind. It features a sleek, compact design that makes it easy to carry and handle.

• Dimensions: The camera measures approximately 98 x 57 x 22 mm (3.9 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches), making it small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket or a small camera bag.
• Weight: At around 130 grams (4.6 ounces) including the battery and memory card, the FH5 is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it a good choice for everyday use and travel.

Build Quality

The build quality of the FH5 reflects its position as an entry-level compact camera.

• Materials: The camera features a predominantly plastic construction, which is common for cameras in this category. While it may not feel as robust as more premium models, it is designed to withstand regular use.
• Finish: The FH5 has a smooth, matte finish that is resistant to fingerprints and scratches. The design is simple and functional, with controls and buttons placed for easy access.

Handling and Ergonomics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is designed to be user-friendly, with a layout that caters to both novice and more experienced users.

• Controls: The camera features a straightforward control layout, with easily accessible buttons for frequently used functions. The mode dial on the top of the camera allows for quick selection of shooting modes, while the rear control buttons are well-placed for comfortable operation.
• Grip: The FH5 has a modest grip that provides a secure hold, though it may not be as pronounced as on larger cameras. The camera’s compact size means that handling is generally comfortable, but users with larger hands may find the grip less accommodating.

Image Quality

Sensor and Resolution

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is equipped with a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor. This sensor provides a good balance between resolution and image quality for a camera in this class.

• Resolution: With a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, the FH5 can produce detailed images suitable for printing and sharing online. The high resolution allows for reasonable cropping and enlargement without significant loss of quality.
• Sensor Type: The CCD sensor used in the FH5 is known for its good color reproduction and low noise levels at moderate ISO settings. However, it may not perform as well in low-light conditions compared to more advanced sensor types like CMOS.

Sharpness and Detail

The image sharpness of the FH5 is generally good, with the lens providing clear and detailed results.

• Lens Performance: The FH5 features a 28mm wide-angle lens (equivalent in 35mm terms) with a focal length range that is versatile for various shooting scenarios. The lens provides decent sharpness across the frame, though edge sharpness may decline slightly at the widest apertures.
• Detail: The camera’s 16.1-megapixel sensor is capable of capturing a good level of detail, making it suitable for everyday photography and general use.

Color Accuracy and Contrast

The FH5 delivers vibrant colors and good contrast, contributing to pleasing and natural-looking images.

• Color Reproduction: The camera’s color accuracy is generally reliable, with colors appearing true-to-life in most shooting conditions. The automatic white balance system works effectively to maintain color accuracy in various lighting situations.
• Contrast: The camera provides good contrast, helping to produce images with depth and clarity. The contrast can be adjusted in post-processing if needed, but the camera’s default settings are typically well-balanced.

Low-Light Performance

Low-light performance is a critical aspect for many users, especially when shooting indoors or in dimly lit environments.

• ISO Performance: The FH5 has an ISO range of 80 to 1600. At lower ISO settings, the camera performs well with minimal noise. However, as the ISO setting increases, noise becomes more noticeable, particularly at ISO 1600. For best results, it is advisable to use the camera in well-lit conditions or at lower ISO settings.
• Aperture and Shutter Speed: The camera’s lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.5, which helps to gather more light and improve performance in low-light conditions. However, the FH5’s ability to handle low-light situations is limited compared to more advanced models with larger sensors and wider apertures.

Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus System

The autofocus system in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is designed to be quick and reliable for most shooting scenarios.

• Type: The FH5 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system, which is typical for compact cameras. This system is generally accurate but can be slower compared to phase-detection systems found in more advanced cameras.
• Speed: Autofocus speed is decent for a camera in this category, though it may struggle in low-light conditions or with fast-moving subjects. The camera provides a visual indicator to confirm focus, which helps ensure that shots are sharp.

Shooting Speed and Burst Mode

• Shutter Lag: The FH5 has a relatively low shutter lag, allowing for timely captures of spontaneous moments. This is useful for everyday shooting and situations where quick response is needed.
• Burst Mode: The camera offers a burst shooting mode that allows for capturing multiple images in quick succession. This feature is handy for photographing fast-moving subjects or ensuring that you get the perfect shot in dynamic scenes.

Battery Life

The battery life of the FH5 is adequate for a compact camera, though it may not be as long-lasting as higher-end models.

• Capacity: The camera uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (DMW-BCF10). On a full charge, it provides enough power for approximately 250 to 300 shots, depending on usage and settings.
• Practical Use: For typical daily use, the battery life is sufficient, but it is advisable to carry a spare battery if planning on extended shooting sessions or travel.

Features and Functionality

LCD Screen

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 features a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots.

• Screen Quality: The screen provides adequate clarity and brightness for composing and reviewing images. However, the resolution is relatively low compared to modern screens, which may affect detail visibility.
• Visibility: The screen performs well in most lighting conditions, though it may be challenging to view in direct sunlight. The camera offers options to adjust screen brightness to improve visibility in different environments.

Shooting Modes and Options

The FH5 includes a range of shooting modes and options to cater to various photography needs.

• Automatic Mode: The automatic mode is designed for ease of use, allowing the camera to handle settings such as exposure and white balance. This mode is ideal for users who prefer a point-and-shoot experience.
• Scene Modes: The camera offers a variety of scene modes, including Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night Portrait. These modes automatically adjust settings to suit specific shooting conditions and subjects.
• Manual Controls: While the FH5 does not offer extensive manual controls, it provides basic options for adjusting settings such as exposure compensation and white balance. These controls give users some creative flexibility.

Video Recording

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 offers video recording capabilities, though it is primarily designed for still photography.

• Resolution: The camera records video in HD (1280 x 720) resolution. While not as high as Full HD or 4K, the resolution is sufficient for casual video recording.
• Frame Rate: The FH5 records video at a standard frame rate of 30 frames per second. This frame rate provides smooth video playback and is suitable for most video recording needs.
• Features: The camera does not include advanced video features such as manual focus or video stabilization. Video quality is decent for casual use but may not meet the needs of users seeking professional-level video recording.

Connectivity and Sharing

The FH5 includes basic connectivity options for transferring and sharing photos.

• USB and AV Out: The camera features a USB port for connecting to a computer and an AV output for connecting to a television. These options allow for easy transfer of images and video playback on external devices.
• Memory Card Slot: The FH5 uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, providing ample storage for photos and videos. The card slot is easily accessible, making it convenient to swap cards when needed.

Comparison with Modern Alternatives

When comparing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 to more recent compact cameras, several advancements become apparent.

Canon PowerShot Elph 190 IS

• Aperture and Zoom: The Canon PowerShot Elph 190 IS features a 10x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This provides greater zoom capability and better low-light performance compared to the FH5.
• Connectivity: The Elph 190 IS includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control, which is absent in the FH5.
• Image Stabilization: The Elph 190 IS has built-in image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness.

Sony Cyber-shot WX220

• Sensor: The Sony Cyber-shot WX220 features a 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, which offers improved low-light performance compared to the CCD sensor in the FH5. This results in clearer images with less noise in dim conditions.
• Lens and Zoom: The WX220 comes with an 18.2-megapixel sensor paired with a 10x optical zoom lens, providing more flexibility in framing shots from a distance. The lens also benefits from Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps counteract camera shake.
• Connectivity: It includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and remote shooting, which is an advantage over the FH5’s more basic connectivity options.

Nikon Coolpix S7000

• Zoom Range: The Nikon Coolpix S7000 features a 20x optical zoom lens, offering significantly more zoom range than the FH5. This makes it ideal for capturing distant subjects.
• Sensor: The S7000 uses a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, providing good low-light performance and fast autofocus.
• Video Recording: It supports Full HD (1080p) video recording, compared to the FH5’s HD (720p) resolution. This results in higher video quality and greater detail.

Fujifilm FinePix XP130

• Durability: The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is designed to be rugged and waterproof, which the FH5 lacks. It is suitable for outdoor and adventure photography.
• Sensor and Zoom: It features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens. While the zoom range is less than the S7000, the durability of the XP130 makes it a unique alternative.
• Connectivity: The XP130 includes built-in Bluetooth for easy sharing, similar to the Canon and Sony models.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Compact and Lightweight: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is highly portable, making it easy to carry and handle. Its small size fits comfortably in a pocket or small bag.
2. Ease of Use: The straightforward control layout and automatic shooting modes make the FH5 user-friendly, especially for beginners.
3. Decent Image Quality: The 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor provides good image quality with adequate sharpness and color accuracy for everyday photography.
4. Affordable: The FH5 is relatively affordable, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable compact camera.

Cons

1. Limited Low-Light Performance: The CCD sensor and lack of advanced image stabilization result in less effective low-light performance compared to more modern cameras.
2. Basic Connectivity: The FH5 lacks advanced connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which limits its ease of sharing and remote control capabilities.
3. Low Resolution LCD Screen: The 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230,000 dots is relatively low-resolution by modern standards, which can affect image review and composition.
4. Limited Manual Controls: The FH5 offers only basic manual controls, which may not be sufficient for users seeking greater creative control over their photography.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is a solid entry-level compact camera that delivers reliable performance and convenience for everyday use. Its compact size and user-friendly controls make it a good choice for casual photographers and those seeking a secondary camera.

While it may not offer the advanced features and performance of newer models, the FH5 provides good value for its price. Its image quality, ease of use, and affordability make it a worthwhile option for those who prioritize simplicity and practicality.

In comparison to more modern alternatives, the FH5 shows its age, particularly in terms of low-light performance and connectivity options. However, its straightforward design and reliable performance still make it a viable choice for users who need a dependable compact camera without breaking the bank.