The issue being debated is the fact that some parts of the picture occasionally appear "posterized" or "solarized". In macro mode when the background is some distance away, “soft” focused areas may appear slightly “granular” or textured when the photo is viewed on a computer monitor at full size. This granular appearance is similar to the “grain” that would appear on larger prints from photographic film. When printed, all of the above contribute to visual texture, an attribute that is generally only achieved with film. When the Lumix line of digital still cameras were conceived, our goal was to concentrate on designing a line of cameras that would produce superior print quality. Professional photographers would be reluctant to retire their 35mm cameras, as most digital cameras would not provide the “film” look they were accustomed to. Our market surveys clearly indicated that the semiprofessional or professional photographer’s goal was to produce a high quality print and we proceeded along these lines. Photos for less demanding applications like web page design or personal e mail exchange would not need the robust performance of a 4 mega-pixel camera.

As comments on these topics started to appear we purchased several digital cameras that were being seen as the LC5’s competition. The Canon G2 and Olympus D4040 were among many we compared. I shot about 100 photos on each camera and we printed several side by side comparisons. Next, I had about 40 people, selected at random, critique the prints and tell us which looked the best and why. 38 of the 40 people unanimously chose the LC5’s prints, sighting sharpness and vivid color reproduction as their primary reasons. Shortly thereafter Mr. Bruce Dale, a professional photographer for National Geographic, contacted me. Bruce was also monitoring the comments and, like me, totally disagreed with what was being said. Bruce sent me a poster size print he took of a young girl holding a cat. http://www.brucedale.com/lumix/ppages/ppage126.htm Words could not do the photo justice and I quickly ran around the office to share the quality with our other engineers. While Bruce’s ability to compose a photo is probably far better than most of us are capable of, the LC5’s superior performance is very obvious when you look at the photos on his web site. http://www.brucedale.com/lumix/
Please, check it out! These photos are “natural” and have not been enhanced or otherwise modified.

At this time I am evaluating two new versions of firmware for the LC5. These versions slightly decrease the enhancing that is responsible for the “posterized” on screen appearance vibrant colors sometime exhibit. This occurs when bright colored objects are slightly over exposed. If the print quality is not compromised Panasonic will make the new firmware available through our service network. I’ll be sure to post a notice in this forum with any updated information. Please realize that while my daily schedule is very busy, I will check this forum from time to time and respond when time permits. My lack of a response does not in any way suggest that I am uninterested or intentionally ignoring your comments, suggestions and questions.
Respectfully,

Bob Kozlarek
Product Engineer
Panasonic - PASC