Upgrade Guide
Lumix FZ72→Lumix LX5
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The LX5 offers little measurable spec improvement over the FZ72. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution10MP (down from 16MP — optimised for low light)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | FZ72 | LX5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | +2.3 | ||
| Travel | +1.8 | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Documentary | +0.1 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Landscape | -0.1 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | +1.2 | ||
| Food | +0.1 | ||
| Macro | — | ||
| Architecture | -0.6 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.5 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | FZ72 | LX5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £51 used | £245 used | |
| Released | 2013 | 2010 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 16.1MP 1/2.3-inch MOS | 10.1MP 1/1.63-inch CCD | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 10MP | ↓ |
| Video | Full HD 1080i/50 | HD 720p (AVCHD Lite) | |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF; face detection, AF tracking | Contrast AF; face detection, AF tracking, 23-area | |
| Stabilisation | Optical image stabilisation (lens-based) | Optical image stabilisation (lens-based) | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps (5fps with continuous AF) | 2.5fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) | |
| Weight | 606g (with battery) | 271g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 0.2", 202k dots | None built in (optional DMW-LVF1 electronic finder) | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 460k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 460k dots | |
| Mount | Fixed 60x zoom lens (20-1200mm equivalent) | Fixed Leica 3.8x zoom lens (24-90mm equivalent, f/2.0-3.3) | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See FZ72 and LX5 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the LX5 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history