Panasonic LX5 vs Canon S95
This week, I just went shopping and I bought a brand new Point and Shoot Camera!
A Brand New Panasonic DMC-LX5!
Yes…I got tired of lugging my Nikon D90 wherever I went, and I wanted a camera that had the hardware to take great pictures!
The contest was actually between the Panasonic LX5 and the Canon S95.
Both cameras offer good low light performance, which means they can take good pictures indoors and at clubs. These are important traits, as you want to take good pictures in dimly-lit rooms and at restaurants as well! 
Prices are about $50 difference, with the Canon going at the cheaper price, but the Panasonic just edged ahead of the Canon, even though I have “eyed” the S95 for a long time.
Why did I choose the Panasonic LX5?
1. Both Cameras have a very Fast Lens of F2.0 (For lenses, having a smaller F-stop value is better, as it means that the lens has a bigger aperture. A Good lens is about F2.8, while a slower lens is F3.5).
This is very important for the kids as they don’t stand and pose for a very long time. You need a fast camera lens to help you with this.
The Panasonic and Canon both start at F2.0, but the LX5 is just a bit faster! (f2.0-f.3.3 compared to the Canon’s slower f2 – f4.9 at maximum zoom),
2. A Wider Angle. Panasonic starts at 24mm, while the Canon starts at 28mm.
This means that at the same distance, the Panasonic can get more people in the picture! Very important when you are travelling and you are in a tight corner!
I was willing to sacrifice a little telephoto in exchange for a more expansive wideangle, so the LX5?s 24mm-90mm beats the S95?s 28mm-100m for us.
3. Minimum Focusing Distance – If you like to take photos of food and other everyday items like your handphone, milk bottles or earrings. The LX5 wins!
It can focus at 1cm, while the Canon’s minimum focusing distance is 5cm.
Getting close to the subject, is important for a Blogger!
It was definitely a close fight between the 2 cameras, as both cameras also have their advantages in Video Mode. The Canon offers stereo sound recording, while the LX5 offers full manual control in video mode.
Check out the difference in vertical size:
But in the end, I went for the LX5. I do think that my wife will prefer the Canon s95, as it fits easier into the handbag.
Btw, I bought it at $630 at John 3:16 (includes 8gb card, Lumix Hardcase, and Auto Lens Cap). Oh, the salesman at John 3:16 is certainly very friendly. He has a great knack of remembering names, and practically knows somebody in every church in Singapore …. Amazing!!!
April 2nd, 2011 at 4:02 am
That’s great! I’ve been looking for a point-and-shoot too. Useful comparison!
April 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 am
Thanks! Good luck on your search!
April 4th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
hey thanks for the review. I wonder what are the stuff that comes with the cam at this price since IT show is over and likely no freebies right?
April 4th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
ah i expect the review to end with photo so didnt read till ending =x as it got some ads. of u might also like thing.. sorry pls remove both of my comments
April 5th, 2011 at 6:34 am
No problem! Thanks for dropping by
April 5th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
We bought the LX5 too since it allowed for manual adjusting of aperture!
And yes, Samuel certainly is really friendly and takes the time to chat, we always go to John 3:16!
April 6th, 2011 at 1:20 am
Haha! Sam is proving to be consistent in his service!
Thanks for dropping by!
April 12th, 2011 at 1:41 am
did u try the olympus XZ1? their lens are good.
April 12th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Wow! F1.8! Have not really researched the camera yet, but it sounds really good!
April 26th, 2011 at 9:26 am
I was recently looking at the Nikon D3000, coz got tired of not being able to focus properly and not being to take pics in low light with my compact Lumix. But am also in two minds about lugging a DSLR around…this might change my mind about getting an SLR. Where’s John 3:16?
April 28th, 2011 at 5:18 am
John 3:16 is at Funan. I think the the high-end compacts are more worth the money compared to the entry level DSLRs. I feel a mid-prized DSLR body is more useful as the entry level DSLRs have quite a few functions that are not available when u improve in your craft.