Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FS25 is an unfussy, pocket camera. It has 12 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom lens and a 3 inch LCD screen. The Lumix DMC FS25 is also easy to use and has one or two extra features thrown in, such as image stabilisation, bracketing and some extra colour modes.
Why Buy The Panasonic DMC FS25
There is little to choose between this camera and more expensive models when it comes to picture quality. I think it is very reasonably priced.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
5x
3 inches
97 x 57.9 x 21.8mm
126g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
The Lumix DMC FS25 copes well with this scene. There is little problem caused by sun glare and there is plenty of contrast showing in the shot. The camera also handles shady areas well such as the names of the boats. The Lumix DMC FS25 outperforms the majority of smaller compacts in this area.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
This is one of my tougher test shots, but again the camera does well. Colours are strong. There is a crispness to the photo that other cameras find difficult to match.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
In places there is a slight purple tinge as blue lines are not quite perfect. Sharpness is good again.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
Sharpness is definitely above average. In fact for a small snapshot camera that packs in this number of megapixels the overall quality of the photos is very impressive.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
There are no problems here. I always look on this as my most straightforward test. The Lumix DMC FS25 adds a touch of warmth to the shot.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
This shot is about standard for a pocket digital camera. The light from the flash is a little harsh and this causes the light to bounce back off the face and into the lens.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
Even though the lighting used for this test photo is good, most digital camera still find it difficult to produce a completely noise free picture. This is exactly what happens with the Lumix DMC FS25. I like the colours in the picture, but noise just takes the edge of the definition. Once light falls flash will be needed in most situations.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
This is another solid effort from the Lumix DMC FS25. Colours are true and focusing is pretty good. You would need to spend a lot more money to get a significant increase in quality.
Colours:
Looking at the skies in the scenic shots I can see that as with other Panasonic digital cameras colours can be strong. This is especially true of blue. This can give photographs a bit of added zest at the expense of a more natural feel.
ISO 400 and ISO 1600:
As with more or less any pocket digital camera noise will show in darker areas of a photo whatever ISO setting you use. As ISO increases noise becomes more of an issue.
Summary
In terms of picture quality the Lumix DMC FS25 gets most things right. You cannot expect much more from a pocket camera.
Style
This is a simple looking camera. It has a small grip on the front to help hold the camera steady. It comes in black and silver versions.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.42 seconds
15.52 seconds
0.59 seconds
18.33 seconds
2.78 seconds
Ease of Use
You should have little problem finding the option you would like in the menu system.
Points I Like
Picture quality - simple design - value for money
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay times could be a bit faster
Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FS25 is a good, all round, point and shoot digital camera. I was impressed with the results of my tests and it offers a bit of extra value over some of the more expensive cameras with similar specifications.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Panasonic DMC FS25 Review Panasonic DMC FS25 Specification Panasonic DMC FS25 Sample Images Panasonic DMC FS25 Features
Review Date
October 2009
