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Natalie Hitchins is news editor of What Digital Camera magazine and a former editor of Digital Photographer. Here she picks the best digital cameras to slip in your pocket or handbag Click to view Top 5 Ultra-Compact Digital Cameras.
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Best All Rounder (Panasonic FX01) |
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 A true feat of inspired engineering, Panasonic’s FX01 is the ultra-portable for the discerning photographer. Fast, sexy and featuring a world-first lens, the 6-megapixel camera combines legendary Leica optics with a luxurious set of features including a class-leading optical image stabilizer for blur-free pictures.
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The latest in a long line of FX models, superficially, the FX01 looks almost identical to its award-winning predecessors with a few extra curves here and there. But under that sleek and sexy exterior are some head-turning new features.
The most useful is the Leica lens, which has been extended from 3x to 3.6x optical zoom, but more importantly it now has a useful wide-angle. It’s the world’s smallest camera with a 28mm lens, which means you can squeeze more in to your photos while still being able to enjoy a 3x zoom. Also new is a high-sensitivity mode for low-light shooting at ISO 800-1600 at full resolution, a 2.5-inch LCD and a 16:9 widescreen movie mode.
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Sexy Back and Front |
 In their design, finish and build quality, Panasonic’s compacts have few equals and the FX01 maintains the standard. Sexy front and back metal panels contrast with chrome on the top, bottom and sides and around the lens. Despite the large LCD and tiny body, the FX01 doesn’t suffer from the nowhere-to-rest-your-thumb syndrome of similar rivals, due in part to the zoom control being on a collar around the shutter rather than a rocker on the back. The mode wheel and function buttons are stiff enough not to be pressed accidentally.
The FX01 maintains the range’s reputation for very fast focusing and minimal shutter lag. Images save quickly, even when shooting multiple pictures in quick succession –this isn’t a camera that keeps you waiting. The LCD is not only big, but also bright, sharp, and quick to refresh (so there’s almost no dragging as you move the camera).
Zooming is swift but controllable, while battery life is above average. The ace, though, is that 28mm wide-angle lens and it’s surprising just how often it comes in handy.
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Impressive All-Rounder |
 It’s good value too - this price for a camera of this build quality, with a 6-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle Leica lens and an image stabiliser is impressive, and we’re not the only ones who think so. Crowning it Compact Of The Year, What Digital Camera magazine’s Nigel Atherton said, “The FX01 is a gorgeous camera to look at and to use, and the results don’t disappoint either. In good light, images are excellent. Sharp, detailed and barely a trace of vignetting or fringing.”
Equally well recommended by DPReview.com, reviewers there concluded, "Like its predecessors, the FX01 feels very responsive in everyday use, and the now-standard Panasonic high-speed focus mode puts the FX01 near the top of its class."
Digital Photo magazine agrees, explaining, "The zoom offers a great 28mm wide-angle lens, there is Mega O.I.S for reducing camera shake, and an intuitive menu system which makes it easy to use. Add to that top-notch image quality, and you’ve got a great camera.”
Unsurprisingly, there are few real downsides to the camera. Like many cameras of this size, the FX01 lacks manual controls for the enthusiast crowd and image quality above ISO 400 is a tad noisy. But even in these respects the camera still managed to outperform its rivals, making it an excellent all-round ultra-compact with a collection of truly superior features.
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Typical Prices - £165/$325 to £270/$530
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