Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 is a high quality pocket camera. It has 12 megapixels and an extra wide 5x optical zoom lens. Extra flexibility is offered by Panasonic as you can reduce the amount of megapixels you shoot at in order to increase the amount of zoom available. When shooting at 3 megapixels the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 can increase zoom to 9.8x.
Other features include High Definition movies, image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen.
Why Buy The Panasonic DMC FX60
This camera offers a great combination of picture quality, ease of use and rapid response times.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
5x
2.7 inches
97.2 x 54.1 x 19.4 mm
126g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
3cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
With the low sun at the time of year this photo was taken it is not surprising that sun glare just takes the edge away from the level of detail displayed on the boats. Away from the boats detail levels and the sharpness of the shot is impressive. There is minimal fall off in sharpness as you move towards the edge of the photo.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
For a camera with such a wide angle lens the Lumix DMC FX60 produces a top quality effort. Focusing is some way above what I usually see from cameras with a similar specification. It is also an improvement on recent models in this part of the Panasonic range.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
Here we have another effort that is comfortably above average when it comes to focusing. I also like the contrast of colours on display.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
Out of all the cameras I tested on the same day the Lumix DMC FX60 stands out for producing sharp, clear images. Again this picture is some way above standard.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
I like all three of my portrait test shots. Starting off with my outdoor shot the colours produced by the Lumix DMC FX60 gives the shot a pleasant warm feel. This is impressive when you take into account that the picture was taken on a chilly, late autumn day.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
Smaller compact digital cameras often have problems in getting flash levels right. In this instance I would say the camera has managed to get the amount of light and also the spread of light across the picture just about perfect. Even the darker areas in the hair are well lit.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
This is another good effort. Noise levels are controlled well. You will need lighting levels to be good if you are taking a shot indoors without flash, but with this picture you should be able to take the occasional window light portrait.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
You should have no problems producing good quality close up pictures with this camera. It manages to bring out plenty of detail when placed in macro mode.
Colours:
I would describe the colours produced by Panasonic digital cameras in general as being more vivid then standard. Even so I think the colours produced by the Lumix DMC FX60 stay well within reasonable limits and do not overpower the scenes.
Noise:
Panasonic manages to keep noise levels controlled in shady areas of photos. An example of this can be seen on the first picture where the definition remains good in the shady areas such as around the names of the boats.
Summary
Overall I am delighted with the quality of the photographs produced by the Lumix DMC FX60.
Style
To my eyes this is a simple, unfussy pocket camera. It is available in blue, red wine, black and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.23 seconds
8.32 seconds
0.52 seconds
11.69 seconds
2.21 seconds
Ease of Use
Very good. The menu system used by Panasonic is straightforward and easy to use.
Points I Like
Picture quality - simple design - value for money
Where it Could Improve
There is little that I can come up with.
Verdict
In my opinion the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 is one of the very best pocket cameras on the market. Picture quality compares with the best digital cameras in this category. The camera is also easy to use and has good response times.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Canon IXUS 310 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 310 HS is one of the best touch controlled digital cameras. It has 12 megapixels and a 4.4x wide angle lens. The screen is very responsive to touch. This is due partly to the larger screen size than many touch controlled digital cameras offer. Picture quality is excellent and the build quality is top quality. If you are looking for a touch controlled digital camera the IXUS 310 HS is worth a very close look.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 310 HS Review
Canon IXUS 220 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 220 HS is a pocket sized digital camera. It looks good, is well made and can take an impressive snapshot in most situations. It may not have every in vogue feature, but it has an extra touch of all round quality about it
Read Review: Canon IXUS 220 HS Review
Canon IXUS 115 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 115 HS is a classy looking, pocket digital camera. It can shoot Full HD movies and has a high quality 3 inch LCD screen. When it comes to picture quality the IXUS 115 HS outclasses many of its direct competitors.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 115 HS Review
Related Pages
Panasonic DMC FX60 Review Panasonic DMC FX60 Specification Panasonic DMC FX60 Sample Images Panasonic DMC FX60 Features Canon IXUS 120 IS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 Nikon Coolpix S640 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
Review Date
November 2009
