Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 Pro Reviews

There's plenty to like about the FX77, from its large and responsive touchscreen and decent focusing performance through to its reasonable image quality. It's a pity images aren't a little more detailed, but with regards to reliability and performance this is a winning compact.

The FX77 has plenty of features such as the f/2.5 lens and touch-screen which aren't found on many compact digital cameras. Images produced are good whether shooting close-up or using the full 5x optical zoom, with the intelligent zoom a welcome addition. If you aren't able to charge the camera regularly, you may find the battery life of just 200 shots is a bit short so you may find yourself spending a bit extra on a spare battery. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX77, with its fast f/2.5 lens, is a camera we are happy to recommend.

The Lumix FX77 / FX78 produces excellent quality images and gave a good account of itself in our high ISO noise tests. However, its Handheld Night Shot mode operates well below its full 12 megapixel resolution and it's burst shooting modes suffer from silimar restrictions. Added to which it lacks the kind of novel and innovative new modes that regularly appear on new models from Sony and Canon. Though these may not appeal to everyone, the lack of them, rightly or wrongly, gives the impression that Panasonic isn't trying to innovate. But if you're looking for a small compact with a big touch-screen, broader than average zoom range for its class, great image quality and excellent HD video recording, then the Lumix FX77 / FX78 is an excellent choice.

Pictures produced were pin sharp and bursting with colour. The advanced approach of the touch screen and being able to interchange the icons on the screen is a great idea.The main problem was that the touch screen isn't sensitive enough. Several times we found ourselves jabbing at the screen to make it work. We also dislike the lack of manual controls available.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX77 may look unassuming at first glance, but it offers a lot of cutting-edge technology underneath that rather plain exterior, the majority of which makes it easier to take good photos. If you're already a convert to touch-screen technology, then the FX77 is a perfect fit - just be sure that controlling the camera in this way really is for you, as there's no going back...

A fun 3D mode and good colour filters to lift snaps beyond the average – and though it's not cheap, it's good value

This is a sleek, user friendly compact that, when you strip away the glossy looks and technological gimmicks, is your point and shoot compact pure and simple. This means that inevitably it's devoid of much in the way of manual control, apart from the ability to literally get hands on via the touch screen, plus apply attractive digital effects filters to raise your images above the level of pure snaps. Which is arguably all anyone could ask anyway of a snapshot camera. That said, the touch screen doesn't particularly add to the experience of using the camera and in fact gets in the way sometimes when trying to grip one handed. So, while it's still a good choice, you may prefer some cheaper non-touchscreen alternatives, including this camera's predecessor the FX70.