Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 First Look

The FX75 is just one of the latest arrivals to Panasonic's Lumix digital camera line - a 14.1 megapixel, 5x optical zoom compact that at a quick glance might be mistaken for any of fourteen other similarly shaped and sized models. Ah, but the FX75 is the one with the fast f/2.2 maximum aperture at the 24mm wide end of that zoom, and full touch screen operation.

There's also the usual mix of compact digital features - auto shooting and scene modes, face recognition and detection, stabilization, 720p HD video in either AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG formats and a couple of Panasonic-specific touches, "happy" and "cosmetic" modes. Control freaks need not apply, however - no manual controls for the FX75.

I'm happy about image quality based on a quick first shoot. Color reproduction and image quality look good shooting in the "normal picture" mode that allows me to set ISO sensitivity.

The 24mm is wider than most compacts offering good coverage in close quarters; at the same time the fast maximum aperture is a help in shooting without flash in dimmer conditions.

AF acquisition times seem fairly quick at both wide and telephoto in good to moderately overcast light, and shutter lag seems quick as well. But let's face it, most of you aren't here because of the fast wide angle - the full touch operation is the major drawing point to the FX75.