Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48

Review Index – (updated 03 September’09)

Computer Active
“In terms of picture quality, the FX40 delivered pleasingly vivid results under clear blue skies. Low-light conditions proved more testing, the camera occasionally struggling to find focus or determine which mode to select. We also found its flash poor. “
Rating:  

PhotographyBlog
“Coming to the DMC-FX48 / FX40 felt like a step back – and since its bigger brother can be found for fairly inexpensively online, we’d recommend your cash is better spent on another model if a camera that’s equally portable but even more user friendly and, for us, reliable, appeals. In comparison the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 can only feel, well, pretty average, hence its overall score.”
Rating:  

Pocket-lint
“Ultimately the feeling you’re left with after handling the DMC-FX48 / FX40 is, whilst perfectly acceptable viewed standalone, there’s simply not enough about it to stand out from the crowd. And if you’ve slightly more to spend then its bigger brother in the FX550 is the more interesting and rewarding proposition.”
Rating:  

TechRadar
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 / FX40 is an appealing camera that has a great view?nder and excellent image quality. However, the rather retro buttons and awkward menu system detract from what otherwise would be an award-winning compact camera.”
Rating:  

Digital Camera Review
“The FX48 is not a bad camera, but where the FX35 seemed to do so many things right, the FX48 seems to be just a bit off in some important areas. There’s good HD video capability, but not the best I’ve observed in this class. The FX48 default images are not as sharp as they could or should be, and while this can be largely fixed by selecting vivid color, that option is not available in the Intelligent Auto shooting mode that so many users would favor.”

Steve’s Digicams
“This is a decent little 12-megapixel model. The iAuto exposure mode will allow anyone to pick this camera up and start capturing usable photos. While the FX48 offers some very appealing features, great HD video mode, and a nice wide lens, its image quality and performance results are not quite up to par with other models in this price range.”

Cameras.co.uk
“This camera does not quite hit the heights when it comes to picture quality that other Panasonic models offer. Aside from that the extreme wide angle lens can be very useful for landscape shots. There are a good set of features and the camera is easy to use.”
Rating:  

PCMag
“This camera is a good choice if you are into simple operation. The camera’s compact build, obvious buttons, and clean interface won’t cause confusion or headaches, but its photos will not impress you if image quality is your main criteria.”
Rating:  

InfoSync
“Since the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 shares the same innards as its touch-screen sibling, we encountered a parallel image performance across the board. Remember that pesky noise issue in which the Lumix DMC-FX580 exhibited varying degrees of image rash in nearly every shooting environment? Well, the Lumix DMC-FX48 was plagued with the same ailment.”
Rating:  

Digicamreview
“Panasonic have taken an already winning formula, and tweaked it, with more megapixels, all packed into the same ultra compact and stylish body. Even with more pixels, image quality is still excellent, and noise is average, with very good detail. The camera provides an abundance of features, such as the excellent ultra wide angle lens, that starts at an impressive 25mm and zooms to 125mm. Highly Recommended.”
Rating:  

CNET UK
“Yes, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 is pricey, but you’re buying engineering and build quality here, not just features. That 5x super-wideangle lens is very versatile, and makes the FX40 the perfect travel camera, especially in narrow streets or tiny interiors. We just wish the definition were as good as the rest of the camera.”
Rating:  

CNET Asia
“The FX48 is suitable for shutterbugs who prefer to let the camera decide on the exposure settings. The iA mode is a breeze to use and the extensive scene mode settings should be able to tackle most tricky lighting situations. However, the slow performance may not go down well with some users who want a quick snapper for candid shots, and we also didn’t see much improvement in image quality.”
Rating: