This
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
This
review has been submitted to DIWA
Awards [Total: 80%].
Wheel
Panasonic did not cut any corners when it introduced
the Lumix DMC-L1, its first digital SLR.
With an elegant body design reminiscent of the
rangefinder cameras, the Panasonic L1 succeeds
in re-introducing analogue-type controls that
work flawlessly: a Shutter Speed Dial on the top
of the camera and an Aperture Ring on the new
made-specifically-for-digital LEICA lens work
together to set exposure control and select shooting
modes intuitively.
Besides the superb analogue handling, the Panasonic
L1 also features a couple of practical digital
improvements in its dSLR not found on other dSLRs
(except the Olympus
EVOLT E-330 with which it shares the optical
subsystem and a number of other goodies):
a Dust Reduction System that removes dust
from the image sensor every time the camera
is turned ON (also in the new Sony
Alpha DSLR-A100 which does so when the camera
is turned OFF);
a Live View LCD with 100% frame coverage that
allows precise framing, horizontal and vertical
levelling, live histogram, flashing highlights,
and depth of field preview;
built-in bounce flash.
When it comes to the lens included with the camera
[body only not available], the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT
14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH. lens surpasses those offered
as kit lenses on other dSLRs. With a 35mm-equivalent
focal length of 28-100mm, the excellent Leica
lens covers wide-angle to medium telephoto, and
also features analogue-like controls for easy
and intuitive operation: an Aperture Ring, a Zoom
Ring and a Manual Focus Ring. It is also the first
Leica lens with optical image stabilization that
compensates for hand-shake to help prevent blurring.
The Panasonic L1 is truly a photographer's camera:
it is full-featured and there are no scene modes
-- and so the photographer needs to have a good
understanding of how to adjust the exposure in
various tricky lighting situations.
The new Live MOS image sensor produces excellent
image quality with low noise from ISO 100 to 800.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 will appeal
to pros and amateur photographers desiring a digital
camera with superb analogue-like handling, Live
View LCD, Dust Reduction System and excellent
image quality.
See if you fit the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1
User Profile below:
Panasonic
L1
User Profile
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Desire a quality 7.5 MP
resolution digital SLR camera with excellent
professional image quality.
