Upgrade Guide
Lumix LX5→Lumix FZ72
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The FZ72 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most LX5 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the FZ72
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Resolution16MP vs 10MP (+6MP)
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Burst rate9fps (5fps with continuous AF) vs 2.5fps
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Generation3 years newer (2013 vs 2010)
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 | LX5 | FZ72 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | -2.3 | ||
| Travel | -1.8 | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Documentary | -0.1 | ||
| Landscape | +0.1 | ||
| Casual | -1.2 | ||
| Food | -0.1 | ||
| Macro | — | ||
| Architecture | +0.6 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.5 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | LX5 | FZ72 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £245 used | £51 used | |
| Released | 2010 | 2013 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 10.1MP 1/1.63-inch CCD | 16.1MP 1/2.3-inch MOS | |
| Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | ↑ |
| Video | HD 720p (AVCHD Lite) | Full HD 1080i/50 | |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF; face detection, AF tracking, 23-area | Contrast AF; face detection, AF tracking | |
| Stabilisation | Optical image stabilisation (lens-based) | Optical image stabilisation (lens-based) | |
| Burst Rate | 2.5fps | 9fps (5fps with continuous AF) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) | |
| Weight | 271g (with battery) | 606g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | None built in (optional DMW-LVF1 electronic finder) | Electronic, 0.2", 202k dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 460k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 460k dots | |
| Mount | Fixed Leica 3.8x zoom lens (24-90mm equivalent, f/2.0-3.3) | Fixed 60x zoom lens (20-1200mm equivalent) | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the FZ72 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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