Panasonic is set to drop a slew of new cameras during the fall season, joining all of the other big names in getting products ready for holiday shopping. One Panasonic product in particular proves most interest: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5.

If you have been keeping up with the news, you know that a follow-up camera model to the Lumix LX3 has been rolling through the rumor mills for quite some time now. Panasonic has finally announced the next incarnation of one of their best-selling units and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 won’t disappoint on any score.

The DMC-LX5 is a point-and-shoot classic, making it a winning choice for serious photogs, but it’s also a whole lot more.

The Lumix DMC-LX5 has a redesigned sensor with an additional layer of condensing micro-lenses to upgrade sensitivity and saturation variables. This makes for improved dynamic range, something no serious photographer takes for granted. There’s also a revised interface to the camera, with a new clickable wheel replacing the sometimes-cumbersome joystick found on the previous Lumix LX3.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade boasted by the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is the extension of the lens range. The LX5 features an optical zoom range of 24-90mm, which is pretty impressive when comparison-shopping with other comparably priced units on the market. Panasonic’s faster-than-a-bunny auto focus system is also on board this time out, making the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 something truly special.

Low-light shooting is improved thanks to a redesigned CCD sensor. Now, the CCD sensor in the DMC-LX5 is roughly the same size as the one from the Lumix LX3, but it’s been thickened up somewhat to make for greater harnessing of available light to create ideal pictures.

Video lovers will dig the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 for the addition of the ability to capture crisp 720p high-def footage in motion JPEG and AVCHD Lite formats.

All in all, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 looks like the ideal piece of merchandise for the serious photographer. It is an easy-to-use product, yet there are enough special features and goodies to satisfy the curious and expert alike.

For more product info and customer reviews, visit Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. For reviews and info on other digital camera models, visit http://cameras-galore.blogspot.com