Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100

CONDITION: 9.0/10

THE CAMERA IS IN LIKE NEW COSMETIC CONDITION WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF USE. THE BLACK METAL BODY IS FLAWLESS WITH NO SCRATCHES OR WEAR. THE 2.5-INCH LCD IS PERFECT WITH PERHAPS ONE OR TWO MICROSCOPIC SCRATCHES ONLY VISIBLE UNDER VERY CLOSE INSPECTION. THE LEICA LENS IS PRISTINE AND CLEAR. ALL FUNCTIONS WORK PERFECTLY INCLUDING SHOOTING, ZOOM, AND ALL BUTTONS. INCLUDES BATTERY AND CHARGER. AN EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLE.

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX100 arrived in mid-2007 as the company's first 12.2-megapixel compact and a significant step up in the FX lineup. To accommodate all those pixels, Panasonic increased the sensor size to 1/1.72 inches—keeping individual pixel size the same as their 7-megapixel models—and paired it with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 3.6× optical zoom (28-100mm equivalent) and MEGA O.I.S. stabilization. The FX series cameras feel genuinely premium in hand, and that satisfying power-on slider switch is something you have to experience to appreciate. These Leica-equipped Lumix models commanded serious money when new, and based on our experience, they've stood the test of time better than most compacts from the same era.

THE PICS

THE LOOKS

In black, the FX100 has a harder, more angular design than its FX siblings, with bevelled edges and a two-tone color scheme where the gunmetal grey lens surround contrasts against the black body. The solid metal construction feels substantial despite the compact dimensions, while the redesigned rear control cluster keeps things clean and functional. The 2.5-inch LCD dominates the back panel, and the whole package looks genuinely premium—less corporate than the silver version.

THE SPECS

The FX100 uses a 12.2-megapixel 1/1.72-inch CCD sensor paired with Panasonic's Venus Engine III image processor capable of shooting from ISO 80-1600, with a high-sensitivity mode pushing to ISO 6400 at 3-megapixel resolution. The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 3.6× optical zoom lens covers 28-100mm equivalent with MEGA O.I.S. optical stabilization and an f/2.8-5.6 aperture range. The 2.5-inch LCD with 207,000 pixels handles composition and playback with Power LCD mode boosting backlighting by 40% for outdoor visibility.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

• 12.2-megapixel resolution with larger sensor: Panasonic increased the CCD size to keep pixel dimensions the same as their 7-megapixel models, allowing poster-size prints and aggressive cropping without quality loss.
• Wide-angle Leica optics: The 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens offered genuinely expansive framing when most competitors were still starting at 35mm or narrower.
• High-speed burst at reduced resolution: Dropping to 3-megapixel capture enabled 8fps shooting, making it surprisingly versatile for action alongside high-resolution work.

THE VERDICT

The DMC-FX100 is a high-resolution flagship from Panasonic's mid-2000s FX lineup. Its combination of 12.2-megapixel resolution, Leica wide-angle optics, and premium metal construction made it a serious compact for photographers who wanted maximum detail in a genuinely pocketable body.