Panasonic FX580
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600 (Raise to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-125mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 167g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
- Announced January 2009
- Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-FX550
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
95 Imaging
34 Features
29 Overall
32
Panasonic FX580 overview
Panasonic FX580 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Compact camera originally released on January of 2009. The camera uses a 12MP, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000. It is referred to as "Lumix DMC-FX550" in certain regions.
The FX580 comes in at #149 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and all-around #1058 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. You can use our Advanced camera filter to see camera ratings based on your customized requirements.
Here is a graph of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.
Panasonic FX580 family
The Panasonic FX580 comes with a history of related cameras. Here, you can view all earlier and new models along with main specifications.
F2.8-5.912MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic FX580 Gallery
You can check the FX580 from several angles in the gallery underneath.
Panasonic FX580 Pros and Cons
Below is a checklist of benefits and drawbacks of the Panasonic FX580 based on factors which are typically seen as important in a camera.
Panasonic FX580 Sensor details
The sensor specification on the Panasonic FX580 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels and aspect ratios of 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is more desirable than digital stabilization since the latter can easily cause cropping.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe CCD sensor boasts 12MP and supports a native ISO range of 80 to 1600. This ISO can also be increased electronically to a high of 6400. Sadly, RAW files are not saved so the user has less margin for error.
The image underneath illustrates the FX580's sensor dimensions in comparison to other common sizes. The FX580 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is shown in green.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneTo get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
Panasonic FX580 dimensions
Panasonic FX580 is 0.37 lbs (167 grams or 5.89 oz) and features outer dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9"). The weight of general Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 grams and the Panasonic FX580 is very similar when compared with various competitors.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideHere is a image of the Panasonic FX580 besides a soda so you're able to have a sense of its scale.
The top view under will illustrate the button design on the FX580.
Panasonic FX580 Lens specs
The FX580 has a built in lens featuring a focal range of 25-125mm making it a 5.0 x zoom which is not very good however it could be handy in certain situations.
At the widest 25mm, it provides an aperture of f2.8 which is very slow and not great in low light events and you will probably find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You would also have to raise the ISO setting which causes noisy pictures. For the tele end, 125mm comes with f5.9 which is fairly slow and you may need to apply slow shutter speeds.
Panasonic FX580 Connectivity
The FX580 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras with NFC and Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to transfer pictures and at times adjust settings without connecting physically to the camera.
Certain applications even provide a Liveview and press the shutter if you aren't near the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external screen. The majority of cameras enable you to recharge the battery with the USB socket.
Panasonic FX580 Video specs
The highest video quality on the Panasonic FX580 is 1280 x 720 and it can shoot in Motion JPEG format. 720p is terrible by today's standards. You should target at least 1080p quality for video recording. The camera doesn't include a mic and headphone socket so you get little control over your audio. It is perhaps a better idea to look into an alternative model if you want good audio in your video clips.
Panasonic FX580 Weather Sealing
There is no weather sealing in the Panasonic FX580 so you need to be cautious in wet and dusty conditions.
Panasonic FX580 Display and Viewfinder
The Panasonic FX580 houses a 3" fixed screen supporting a resolution of 230k dots.
Sadly the screen is not a touch screen.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe ViewFinder specifications regarding Panasonic FX580 are the following:
- ViewFinder None
Viewfinders are rather handy in sunny outdoor conditions which can easily make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.
Panasonic FX580 Shutter specs
Panasonic FX580 continuous shooting rate is 2.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.
Panasonic FX580 Flash and Hot shoe specs
Panasonic FX580 has got only built in flash without external flash ability.
Panasonic FX580 Autofocus specs
Panasonic FX580 has got just Contrast Detect AF and is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier and precise when compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera boasts Face detect making it helpful for people photography.
The Sensor boasts 11 focus points to pick from. Panasonic FX580 doesn't have manual focus. Manual focus ability can be useful in low light conditions or you require more accurate focus control.
Panasonic FX580 Battery life
The typical Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 offers the highest (470) battery life in this type of cameras.
Underneath is a listing of Small Sensor Compact cameras having the highest battery life:
Panasonic FX580 for specific kinds of photography
The following diagram gives a analysis of the Panasonic FX580 for specific kinds of photography. To learn more, browse to the specific section underneath.
Panasonic FX580 Portrait photography advice
The Panasonic FX580 receives a rating of 26 which is terrible, and means the camera is not really acceptable for portrait photography. Taking portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimension, support for RAW photos & flexibility to utilize off-camera flash.
Panasonic FX580 Street photography info
Having a moderate rating of 56, the Panasonic FX580 is reasonably appropriate to use in street photography. A good street photography camera has a good balance of picture quality plus portability.
Panasonic FX580 as a Sports photography camera
A terrible sports photography points total of 27 suggests the Panasonic FX580 is not really acceptable for photographing sports. A camera needs very good autofocus and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.
Panasonic FX580 as a Travel photography camera
Portability is super important when getting a travel camera. All round, the Panasonic FX580 gets a modest 58 as a travel camera which is relatively suitable to take on your holidays.
Panasonic FX580 Landscape photography highlights
For anyone planning to purchase a camera for landscape pictures, the most critical aspect is going to be image quality. The Panasonic FX580 with it's terrible grade of 36 as a landscape camera is not really acceptable amongst it's competitors.
Panasonic FX580 Vlogging highlights
A vlogging camera preferably should have a moving display, mic port and preferably IBIS. Considering every thing, the Panasonic FX580 is not really acceptable as a vlog camera as it receives a terrible rating of 30.
Panasonic FX580 Alternatives
If you are in the market for replacements to the FX580, here is a selection of the highest placed cameras that fall into the class of Small Sensor Compact.
The line graph just below gives you a bird's eye view of the FX580 vs it's highest scored competitors mentioned above.
There are a bunch of cameras you may have a look at as alternatives. To browse through a full comparison, click the "compare" link.