Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 Preview

Panasonic's LUMIX FP-series of ultra-slim digital cameras with LCD touch screen control are getting an upgrade for 2011.  The presumably more affordable (pricing won't be announced until 30 prior to shipping) DMC-FP5 boasts a 14.1-megapixel sensor, a 4x optical zoom, a matte finish, 720p HD video recording, Panasonic's Intelligent Auto, and a large 3.0-inch, 3:2 aspect LCD touch screen.

The "Smart Touch Screen" allows owners to access all menu setting options (including Touch Auto Focus, Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter, and Intelligent Scene Selector) as well as simple finger-dragging image and video browsing during playback mode. And while it might not feature the exclusive photo editing features of the FP7, the FP5 actually has a slighter quicker shutter release lag time of 0.005 versus the FP7's 0.006 seconds.

Panasonic's iA mode is included on both the FP5 and FP7.  New to this model year are AF Tracking (for following moving subjects), and Intelligent Exposure (prevents blocked shadows and blown highlights).  As always, MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, and Intelligent Scene Selector are all available via the dedicated iA button. Though it won't get you very far on 14.1-megapixels, the FP5 has 70MB of built-in memory.  Another nice feature is the ability to directly upload images to Facebook and videos to YouTube once you plug the camera into your PC or Mac using the supplied USB cable.

Panasonic LUMIX FP5 features include:

• 14.1-megapixels
• 720p HD video recording
• 3.0" 3:2 LCD Smart Touch Screen, which detects lightning conditions and adjusts its own brightness levels
• 0.005 second Shutter Release Lag Time
• 4x Optical Zoom
• MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
• Intelligent ISO Control
• Face Detection
• Dedicated iA button
• Intelligent Scene Selector (Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset)
• LUMIX Image Uploader (share images via Facebook and video via YouTube)
• 70MB built-in memory

The FP5 will be available in blue, black, pink, and silver.  Pricing and availability details for the Panasonic LUMIX FP5 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping.  

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.