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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX38

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By Alexandra Savvides
Nov 04, 2008

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com.au. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

Panasonic's design team must abide by the old mantra of: "If it's not broken, don't fix it." Coming directly off the back of its predecessor, the Lumix DMC-FX36, the FX38 is remarkably similar in appearance and performance. Indeed, a good old game of spot the difference left us perplexed, and we couldn't find any exterior changes at all between the new and old model.

That said, it's not like there was all that much to improve upon. Just as before, the FX38 is encased in a brushed metal exterior, with all fittings, buttons and attachments coated in shinier, glossier silver. It's a conservative design but attractive nevertheless, as well as being compact enough to sit easily in a pocket or a bag with little protrusion.

Everything is weighted heavily toward the lens side of the camera, which normally wouldn't be a problem except that the FX38 is as light as a feather on the other side where all the controls and grips are. Perhaps heavier hands will make light work of counterbalancing the weight, but we found it a bit too heavy on one side. Furthermore, the tripod mount is not centered under the lens, which further adds to the uneven footing--a minor quibble, but one that keen photographers will notice over time.

Despite these small misgivings, the FX38 is one of the most intuitively designed point-and-shoots we have come across. The flip panel that opens up to reveal the A/V plugs is just so smooth that it warrants mention, and the overall design whispers understated elegance.

 
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