Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FP1 is one of the cheaper pocket cameras. Having tested the camera out and assessed its features and build quality I think it offers excellent value for money. When it comes to picture quality the Lumix DMC FP1 handled the challenges I set it very well.
You should have no problem slipping this camera into a pocket. It has a sliding lens cover on the front. As well as protecting the lens this also acts as a mechanism for turning the Lumix DMC FP1 on and off. The design is simple, but attractive.
When it comes to ease of use the camera handles well. I found my way around without a problem. The only minor niggle I had was that you have to go into the menu system to change shooting modes when you want to record a movie clip.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
4x
2.7 inches
98.6 x 58.9 x 18.6 mm
121g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Looking through my outdoor test shots the Lumix DMC FP1 ticks the right boxes and also avoids some of the more common weaknesses I see with cameras in this price range. The photos are colourful and bright. Levels of sharpness are very good as well. This is true whether the lens is zoomed all the way in, all the way out or somewhere in between. Sharpness is retained as you move out towards the edges too.
Glare from the sun is handled well and only when the snaps are blown up to a large print size can I see a hazy effect caused by the bright sunlight around some of the lightest areas on the boats.
All in all the camera handles this type of outdoor scene well.
Portraits
I am very pleased with all my portrait test shots. The Lumix DMC FP1 has no problem with this type of snapshot. The outdoor test shot has that extra warmth to the colours that I have seen with from other Panasonic cameras. Indoors with flash the lighting levels are about right. The light is evenly distributed and it is subtle enough not to wash out colour. With the flash unit turned off this camera did very well to keep noise levels down and ensure good definition levels show in the photo.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The Lumix DMC FP1 can only focus from 10cm away from the subject. This means you cannot get in quite as close as most digital cameras allow you to. At a 10cm distance picture quality is very good.
There is plenty of punch to the colours. Blues and greens stand out in the scenic shots. As I have mentioned above there is also some extra warmth added to the portrait shot.
For a smaller digital camera noise is handled as well as you can expect it to be. In fact there are areas where this camera does a bit better than most of its direct rivals. Panasonic seem to have developed a method to produce extra clarity in areas of light shade.
Summary
Taking into account the price of the Lumix DMC FP1 I am very impressed with the quality of the photos it produces. In fact I would go as far as to say it is difficult to find a camera that is much better than this at this price point.
Style
Panasonic describe the Lumix DMC FP1 as having a flat body. The type of lens used is known as having a folded design. This means that the lens does not appear outside of the camera body when you turn the camera on and zoom in. Colours available are black, blue, orange and pink.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.32 seconds
10.09 seconds
0.42 seconds
10.39 seconds
3.09 seconds
Ease of Use
As with other Panasonic digital cameras there are one or two extra features to get to know, but you should soon be up and running with this camera.
Points I Like
Picture quality - High Definition movies - Value for money
Where it Could Improve
A closer macro mode would be the icing on the cake
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Panasonic DMC FP1 Review Panasonic DMC FP1 Specification Panasonic DMC FP1 Sample Images Panasonic DMC FP1 Features Panasonic Lumix DMC FP1 vs Sony Cybershot DSC W310
Review Date
June 2010
