Not flashy with its cutting-edge technologies, Panasonic Lumix FX77 focuses on basic features with relatively good quality.
Announced in January of 2011, the Panasonic Lumix FX77 has a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom (24 – 120mm) with anti-shake mechanism and a special 3.5 inch LCD touch screen. According to the company, the size and weight of this version has been improved to be smaller and lighter than the previous FX versions. The CCD sensor itself is redesigned and the autofocus mechanism is pushed up faster.
As the mass-market version, Panasonic Lumix FX77 also comes with full auto-standard features such as Panasonic’s compacts and other brands such as auto focus, auto focus, multi-mode support. Use common scene, and add 3D still photography mode and control via touch.
This version does not support manual adjustment, so if you want to adjust the photographer must switch to Normal Picture mode (similar to program mode on other machines) to adjust the ISO, white balance … FX77 capable of video recording Full-HD 1080i with advanced AVCHD format, launched direct competition with two competitors in the same segment is Canon IXUS 310HS and Sony Cyber-shot TX10.
Panasonic Digital Camera LUMIX FX77　(Pink) DMC-FX77-P [JAPAN]: Buy it now
Panasonic Digital Camera LUMIX FX77　(Blue) DMC-FX77-A [JAPAN]: Buy it now
Panasonic Digital Camera LUMIX FX77@(Gold) DMC-FX77-N [International Version, No Warranty]: Buy it now
Key Features
12.1MP CCD sensor + 5x zoom
It is not the sharpest option, but it works for everyday photos. The lens gives you a 24-120mm equivalent range. It also has optical shake control, which helps when you zoom in or shoot in dim light.
3.5-inch touchscreen LCD. The real standout here — large, sharp, and responsive enough for tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot. Menu navigation and image review feel more like using a phone than a typical compact camera.
Shooting modes
Auto takes care of the settings for you.
With Manual, you can choose the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, if that is what you prefer.
Scene modes are made for certain moments, like Portrait, Landscape, Macro, and Night.
Intelligent Auto goes further by using face and scene detection along with the usual automatic changes.
Video recording. Full HD 1080p, in AVCHD or Motion JPEG. OIS carries over to video too, and you can start/stop recording with a tap on the screen instead of hunting for a button.
Performance
Image quality is solid in good light — sharp, accurate colors, minimal noise. Low light holds up reasonably well thanks to OIS and the wide aperture, though like most compacts, noise creeps in as ISO climbs. The built-in flash covers close-up shots but won’t do much for anything farther away.
Autofocus is quick and reliable, and touch focus makes it easy to pick your subject directly on the screen — especially useful for portraits. Shutter lag is minimal, so you’re not missing fast-moving shots waiting for the camera to catch up.
Battery life is rated for several hundred shots per charge — enough for a normal day out, though a spare is worth having for longer trips.
Connectivity and Additional Features
USB and HDMI cover wired transfer and viewing on a bigger screen. For wireless sharing, the FX77 taps into Panasonic’s Lumix Club for cloud storage and sharing to email or social media.
You get face and smile detection out of the box. It also has a panorama option that merges your shots automatically. You can pick from a few looks, such as sepia, black and white, and other color shifts. Changes can be made right in the camera. You can crop and rotate, then adjust a few settings. There are also scene modes. For example, you can select Night Portrait or Fireworks.
User Experience
The touchscreen makes this one of the more intuitive compacts to actually use — tap to focus, tap to shoot, swipe through menus. Combined with the automatic modes, it’s approachable regardless of experience level.
It’s genuinely pocketable too, with a retractable lens that keeps the body slim and easy to carry.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: compact, well-built design; the touchscreen is a real highlight, not just a gimmick; a good spread of shooting modes for different situations; OIS that actually helps in low light.
Weaknesses: the CCD sensor doesn’t handle low light as well as newer CMOS sensors; manual control is limited compared to competitors aimed at more advanced users; battery life is fine for casual use but tight for longer sessions without a spare.
Conclusion
The touchscreen is what sets the FX77 apart from other compacts in this range, it’s responsive enough that you’ll actually want to use it, not just tolerate it. In bright light, the image looks steady. The camera modes cover everyday shots, and you do not have to wrestle with settings. When the light gets lower, the picture is not as sharp. Editing by hand can start to feel a bit tight. Even so, if you need a small camera you can carry in a pocket, and you want controls that feel better than what many entry models offer, this one does the job.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.