Find Whirlpool Deals at Lowe’sPanasonic Lumix DMC-FX10S (silver)
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: DMC-FX10S
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The DMC-FX10 is a solid, well-priced compact camera that should satisfy most snapshooters.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10S (silver) price range: $289.30
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 05/25/2007
The good: Optical image stabilization; comfortable design and solid build.
The bad: Modest feature set; artifacts and moiré detract from otherwise nice images.
The bottom line: The DMC-FX10 is a solid, well-priced compact camera that should satisfy most snapshooters.
Panasonic's FX series cameras have had a similar design concept for years now--small, but not extremely thin; solid metal casings; and a lens, mounted slightly left of center, that extends when you turn on the camera. While some companies might feel the need to tinker with a design such as this, just for the sake of change, we're glad that Panasonic has the sense to stick with what works. The Lumix DMC-FX10 steps up to the plate with 6 megapixels, a 3x optical 35mm-to105mm equivalent, f/2.8-to-f/5 zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD. None of these specs stands out much when compared to the overall compact camera market, but combined with Panasonic's effective optical image stabilization and a sub-$200 price point, you get a solid snapshot camera that is a very good deal.
All of the camera's controls are placed on the right-hand side of the body, making one-handed shooting easy. And since Panasonic keeps the controls simple, making minor adjustments is fairly quick. The main thing that irked me was that there is only one metering mode, so if the multiple-point metering system the camera employs isn't to your liking, your only option is to use the +/- 2 EV of exposure compensation to fix it. Usually, in a compact camera such as this, you can also expect a center-weighted or spot metering option. For the most part, that wasn't an issue since the meter does a decent job, but in tricky shooting conditions, or if you decide that you want to try something out of the ordinary, this may prove annoying.
Outside of the usual white balance, sensitivity (aka ISO), image size, and color mode (sepia, black and white, etc.) options, there aren't many choices in the FX10's easy-to- navigate menus. A healthy array of 21 scene modes helps to tackle specific shooting situations, such as portraits, night scenery, and fireworks. If those options are too much for you, Panasonic includes the Simple mode, indicated by the heart on the mode dial. I found this mode a bit too simple, but technophobes might appreciate its all-too-basic structure.
In our lab tests, the Lumix DMC-FX10 neither impressed nor disappointed. It took a slightly sluggish 1.9 seconds to start up and capture its first JPEG. Thereafter, it took 1.3 seconds between shots with the flash turned off, slowing just a bit to 1.7 seconds with the flash turned on. Shutter lag measured an acceptable 0.5 second in our high-contrast test and 1.3 seconds in our low-contrast test; the tests mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. In Burst mode, we were able to capture an average of 1.7 frames per second when capturing 6-megapixel JPEGs, or 2.2fps when capturing VGA sized JPGs.
Image quality is pleasing, especially at lower ISOs. Colors look accurate, though perhaps a bit oversaturated, and the automatic white balance does a good job of neutralizing colors 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 artifacts 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 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 stabilization, which should help you avoid having to shoot at higher ISOs as long as your subject isn't moving very fast. In my field tests, I was able to get a sharp image at a shutter speed of 1/15th second with the lens zoomed to an equivalent of 55mm. Normally I would have had to shoot at 1/60th second to get the same results.
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 stabilization 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.
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Typical continuous-shooting speed |
User reviews
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Great starter camera value.
by regaug on December 9, 2007
Pros: Performance and picture quality is a pleasant surprise for an entry level point-n-shoot.
Cons: Slight issues with with blurred edges on pictures. No viewfinder.
Summary: I've been into digital photography for 7 years now, and I would have never looked at this camera if it wasn't for CNET's recommendation, but I was ...
Summary: I've been into digital photography for 7 years now, and I would have never looked at this camera if it wasn't for CNET's recommendation, but I was pleasantly surprised with this model. I needed a cheap little point and shoot (found this for <$120) for my daughter, and this one fits the bill. The menus are very easy and intuitive, and this model features a "guide" mode to help new camera users.
I had previously bought an Olympus FE-280, for $50 more, and while it has many nice features, I was disappointed in the overall picture quality. Took it back and got this camera instead. And I am not confused about the model numbers; I will restate: This 6 megapixel Panasonic takes better looking snapshots than the 8MP Olympus.
There is some blurring at the edges, especially when zoomed to 3x, but it doesn't detract too much from the good color saturation, and excellent detail for a 6MP model.
In addition to good quality pix, the Lumix does 30fps VGA video for as long as there's space in the SD storage. Beware that many point-n-shoots can only do that for 10 second bursts. This guy has no viewfinder, but hardly any point-n-shoot's do anymore (and you may not even miss it depending on what generation you're in).
Overall, I would recommend this camera to someone looking for a budget point-n-shoot, or a first camera.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: DMC-FX10S
- Description: Panasonic DMC-FX10S is the Lumix 6 Megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization and 2.5" LCD.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.7 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 2 in
- Weight 4.4 oz
- Enclosure Color Silver
Main Features
- Resolution 6 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 6,370,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 6,000,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1250, ISO 3200
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Pet, Food, Snow, Baby1, Baby2, Beach, Candle, Sunset, Panning, Scenery, Fireworks, Soft skin, Starry sky, Underwater, Night scene, Sports mode, Aerial photo, Party/indoor, Portrait mode, Night portrait, High sensitivity
- Special Effects Sepia, Vivid, Neutral, Black & White
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
- Min Shutter Speed 60 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment
- Exposure Modes Bulb, Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Shade, Cloudy, Daylight
- Digital Video Format QuickTime
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Continuous Shooting Speed 30 frames per second
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture QuickTime - 640 x 480, QuickTime - 320 x 240, QuickTime - 848 x 480, QuickTime - 640 x 480, QuickTime - 320 x 240, QuickTime - 848 x 480
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 27 MB Flash - Integrated
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Integrated Memory 27 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 2816 x 2112, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 1280 x 960, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 2816 x 1880, JPEG 2048 x 1360, JPEG 2816 x 1584, JPEG 1920 x 1080
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 16.4 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.8 mm - 17.4 mm - F/2.8-5.0
- Focal Length 5.8 mm - 17.4 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 35 - 105 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 5
- Min Focus Range 19.7 in
- Macro Focus Range 5cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-5.0
- Optical Zoom 3 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 6 group(s) / 7 element(s)
- Lens Manufacturer Leica
- Features Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features DPOF support, Direct print, Audio recording, Auto power save, Date/time stamp, Built-in speaker, Histogram display, Resizing an image, PictBridge support, Digital image rotation, Digital noise reduction, RGB primary color filter, Camera orientation detection
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 115,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software Photo Fun Studio, ArcSoft PhotoBase, Drivers & Utilities, LUMIX Simple Viewer, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, ArcSoft PhotoImpression
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows 98, MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, Apple Mac OS X, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Included Accessories Hand strap, Battery case
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1150 mAh ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Labs information All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 1.7
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 1.3
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.5
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 1.3
- CNET Labs Typical burst speed 1.7
- CNET Labs Wake up time 1.9
Product series
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10A (blue)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Ultracompact, 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 27 MB - Integrated
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10P (pink)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Ultracompact, 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 27 MB - Integrated
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10S (silver)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Ultracompact, 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 27 MB - Integrated
Manufacturer info
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
- Address:
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537
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