This post is a compilation of links to the following Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 / DMC-FX550 (as it’s known in Europe) compact digital camera resources:
- Introduction.
- Professional and user reviews, owner opinions and experiences, tests, ratings, conclusions and feedback.
- Sample photos and examples, image galleries and user pictures, movie / video clips and footage.
- References and other resources.
Panasonic has made the Lumix 580 / 550 available in the following two colors:
Introduction, and basic specs
The Panasonic 580 / 550 was introduced on 27-January-2009 (read the press release), and has a 5x zoom lens that has a range of 25 — 125mm (in 35mm equivalent terms).
Extracts from the press release reads:
When a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once complete, if the familiar face appears into your frame again, the camera will display the name you specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and in sharp focus. Perfect for group shots for example – this new feature will give auto focus and auto exposure priority to a single person, ensuring their loved ones face will be captured beautifully.
… and …
The DMC-FX550 incorporates a large 3.0-inch touch-screen interface to achieve amazing ease in both shooting and playing back the images. Effortlessly easy to navigate thanks to the responsive interface, the FX550’s touch screen is streets ahead of its competitors.
Resolution is 12.1 MP, and the size of the CCD sensor is a 1/2.33 ” (6.13 x 4.6 mm, 0.28 cm²). This gives a pixel density of 43 MP/cm².
Basic specifications:
- Storage: Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only).
- Power: Panasonic DMW-BCF10 ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (Included), AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional)
- Battery Life: Approx. 330 pictures (CIPA Standard).
- Weight: Approx. 145g (0.32 lb), Approx. 167g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.37 lb).
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 94.9 x 57.1 x 21.9 mm (3.74 x 2.25 x 0.86 in).
Visit DPReview for the complete specs on the Lumix FX580 / FX550.
Professional and user reviews, owner opinions and experiences, tests, ratings, conclusions and feedback
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX550 review at Pocket-Lint — Gavin Stoker, the reviewer, gave the camera an overall rating score of 8 /10, and has this to say for those curious to know how the operational speed of the FX580 stacks up:
Action fans meanwhile can take advantage of up to 10 frames per second continuous stills capture mode thanks to a 2.4x faster Venus Engine V processor, though with the compromise of resolution dropping to just 3 megapixels. Otherwise it’s a respectable 2.3fps at top resolution, 4:3 image ratio. Response times are likewise pretty good. With a flick of the on/off switch on the top plate the camera powers up for action in 2 seconds, the rear LCD blinking into life a fraction later.
Review examples of photos taken with the FX580 / FX550 at InfoSyncWorld — Mike Perlman, the reviewer, commented on the FX580’s image quality:
For a compact sporting a standard consumer sensor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 acted like one. In fact, we could barely tell the difference between the Lumix DMC-FX580 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 when it came time to review our samples. Noise was the main theme of this party, and we didn’t want to get down with it. Highlights were also an issue in bright light, but the Lumix DMC-FX580 exhibited a better tolerance for contrasts than the mid-level Canon PowerShot compacts such as the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS.
Customer reviews on Amazon — At the time of writing, Jul 03, 2009, the FX580 / FX550 has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 1 review.
Sample photos and examples, image galleries and user pictures, movie / video clips and footage
Official Gallery of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 / DMC-FX550 Sample Photos — There are two portraits and one flower macro / close-up.
Review examples of photos taken with the FX580 / FX550 at InfoSyncWorld — Do check out the night long exposures (Low Light Test – Frontloader and Low Light Test – Back to the Bridges). Mike Perlman, the reviewer, commented:
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 was one of the most formidable low light machines because of its 60-second shutter speed cap. We used a tripod with both of these images and the results were highly impressive.
References and other resources
Official websites for the FX580 / FX550 — There’s Panasonic Global, where you can obtain the full list of features, specifications and accessories.
There is an Acrobat PDF Operating Instructions Manual for the camera — right-click and download the English version (18.4 MB), or the Spanish version (4.0 MB). If the links didn’t work for you, go here and search for the model number: DMCFX580.
A customer support site is also available for the camera.