Latest Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 review at Imaging Resource added – 5/21/2007
Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-L1 Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, owners manual, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique review conclusion thermometer, and sample photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Features:
- 7.5 megapixel
- 2.5-inch LCD with Live View
- Film-camera body layout, with shutter-speed dial and on-lens aperture adjustment
- Leica 14-50mm Mega OIS lens included (equivalent to 28-100mm in 35mm photography) with 100 percent view-field coverage
- Supersonic Wave Filter system for dust reduction
- Venus Engine III processing engine
DCT Conclusion Thermometer – Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1
| Imaging Resource |
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| Pocket-lint |
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| ComputerActive |
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| DPReview |
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| ComputerActive |
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| PhotographyBlog |
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| DPExpert |
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| DCResource |
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| TrustedReviews |
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| LetsGoDigital |
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| Shutterbug |
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| PopPhoto |
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| DigitalCameraReview |
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| CNET |
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| DigitalCameraInfo |
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| Camera Labs |
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| Megapixel |
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| Photoxels |
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| Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L1 Press Release | |
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Read More Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Reviews
Imaging Resource – 5-21-2007 – reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “Many will look to the L1’s Live View mode as its greatest benefit, but unfortunately, it’s slow and confusing to use. The significant shutter noise of the Panasonic L1 will confuse not only the photographer’s subjects, but also the photographer, as the shutter must close, then re-open to autofocus. Very often I thought I’d captured a shot, when in reality I’d only focused twice. The Panasonic L1 performs better when you ignore Live View mode and shoot with the optical viewfinder. This is unfortunately fairly dim, but not terrible. The viewfinder eyepiece sticks out from the body quite a bit, which is more comfortable for your nose, but not so great for your stomach when you hang the camera around your neck. Overall, though the Panasonic L1 takes good pictures of objects at rest, the shutter lag, weight, size, and price make it less of a bargain. I can recommend it to photographers who shoot on a tripod frequently, and don’t take many shots of people, but those who do photograph people will find its Live View mode disappointing. The Panasonic L1 is beautiful, but not the best choice for most.”
Pocket-lint – 5/14/2007 – reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is an attractive package but that Leica kit lens makes it an expensive looking one, so the value for money becomes a bit of an issue when you look at competing D-SLRs in that price bracket. The slightly retro handling and the image performance are great bonuses in my book even if the gloomy porro finder is not such a breeze, making focus confirmation quite difficult at times.
However, good build and some unique features with cracking image quality combine here to make a great first DSLR from Panasonic, one well worth closer inspection.”
ComputerActive – 4/20/2007 – reviews the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “Heavy hitting – and indeed physically heavy – the DMC-L1 crams in a high level of photographic control for those who wish to get hands on with every aspect of image taking. The less dedicated will face a steep learning curve and an argument with the bank manager, though.”
DPReview – 4/11/2007 – reviews the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “Overall I liked the DMC-L1 but it was never my immediate choice when I just needed to ‘grab a camera’ for a snapshot, it requires a little more consideration and can deliver great results once you work your way around it and tune the image parameters to your personal tastes. Unfortunately due to its price position it does have to go up against stiff competition such as Canon’s EOS 30D and now the cheaper Olympus E-510.”
ComputerActive – 3/23/2007 – reviews the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “Although the L1 has built in noise reduction, grain was visible when selecting light sensitivity of ISO400 and above (maximum setting is ISO1600). Panasonic says this matches the level you’d expect from a DSLR, and we’d be inclined to agree if only it was a third of the price. The colours delivered are satisfying natural if the ‘standard’ film – yes, film – mode option is selected, the others being ‘dynamic’, ‘nature’ and ‘smooth’.”
PhotographyBlog – 3/20/2007 – reviews the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “The Panasonic L1 isn’t a mass-market device, and deliberately so, therefore it feels a slightly odd choice of first DSLR for a major electronics manufacturer. In fact, it is hard to know just who the L1 would appeal to beyond the traditionalist who wants his or her DSLR to look like a ‘real’ camera, or the enthusiast who requires a plethora of dials and switches to twist and tweak and feel like they’re exerting more of an influence over the end result than they probably are. The thing is, such traditionalists will probably already own a set of Canon or Nikon lenses that they’d be better off allying to a D80 or 400D, rather than investing in a whole new set of Four Thirds optics. In terms of portability the Panasonic L1 is rather weighty and unwieldy, not to mention prohibitively costly, though that added heft – and to be fair, very nicely constructed build – somewhat cushions the blow.”
DPExpert 1/26/2007 – reviews the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, “The Panasonic is a difficult camera to rate because of the price. The Olympus E330, with which it shares components, sells for about $1800 but doesn’t have a comparable lens. The Nikon D200, with a better viewfinder, more pixels but lesser optic sells for $2900. The Lumix L1 is highly recommended because it is a fine camera but whether it is value for money will be for the customer to decide. In the US the price is already dropping.”
DCResource – 1/18/2007 – reviews the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and notes they really like the RAW image quality. They continue to write, “Camera performance is good in most respects. Since the DMC-L1 has a dust reduction system that runs when you turn on the camera, its 1 second startup time is a bit slower than the competition. Focusing times were snappy in good lighting, but slow in low light, even with the AF-assist lamp. If you’re using live view then you can expect to wait an additional second for focus lock, since the mirror has to flip into position and then back out of the way. I did not find shutter lag to be a problem, and shot-to-shot delays were minimal, even in RAW mode. The L1’s continuous shooting mode was nice, taking 6 RAW and virtually an infinite number of JPEGs at 1.9 or 2.8 frames/second, depending on which “speed” you chose. The L1 supports the USB 2.0 High Speed standard, and it better, given its price.”
TrustedReviews – 1/16/2007 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and notes it’s the quality of the lens that is the main selling point of this camera. They continue to write, “Although the Panasonic DMC-L1 is an interesting first SLR and the retro styling will no doubt appeal to some, and while its performance and build quality are excellent, the uncomfortable handling, dark viewfinder and fiddly controls are a handicap. It suffers from the usual Panasonic image noise problems, and the optical quality of the Leica-branded lens isn’t all its cracked up to be. There are better DSLRs with better lenses for a lot less money.”
LetsGoDigital – 12/14/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “All in all, I took quite a liking to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. It certainly is a cheeky camera with a number of equally cheeky quirks. If Panasonic manage to deal with these small issues, they will without question have a winner in hands. The challenge that Panasonic face is that they are yet to build their reputation as a DSLR manufacturer. However, the combination of the Panasonic L1 and the superior standard lens provides Panasonic with an impressive business card, which is always a great starting point.”
Shutterbug – 12/4/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “I said up front, the DMC-L1 is a DSLR that takes a road less traveled, one with its own unique rewards and challenges. It did not force me to work in another way, but I found that it was most pleasing when working in ways that I had not used in many years. That approach worked well then, and it works well now, except the DMC-L1 throws in all the benefits of working with a digital camera into the bargain.”
PopPhoto – 12/2/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “With its excellent stabilized zoom lens, live preview, and bright-image DOF capability, the L1 offers some significant benefits over most other DSLRs.
Is it worth the $1,900 price tag? If you subtract the value of the Leica 14-50mm stabilized lens, you’re getting a well-built DSLR with a dual-position pop-up flash, tons of controls, and Extremely High image quality at most ISO speeds for only about $600. Try to beat that!”
DigitalCameraReview – 11/27/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is an impressive camera that, frankly, is going to have a hard time contending with thecompetition. Image quality is excellent and the camera operates well. The included “kit†lens is far and away the best kit lens that you can get, with a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8. As far as ergonomics and styling, my opinion is that people are going to be split over whether they’re good or bad. Personally, I enjoyed the styling since it gave a more “mechanical†feel to operating the camera. Pushing levers and turning rings was more fun than just pressing buttons to make a menu choice. Overall, I liked the camera, but the only purchase option is a relatively expensive kit. I’m also not sure that the camera has enough added value to compare against similarly (and cheaper) priced kits, like the Nikon D80 and Canon EOS 30D.”
CNET – 11/20/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “The good: Fast, image stabilized kit lens; built-in bounce flash; can preview shots on LCD. The bad: Expensive kit is your only option; very noisy at higher ISOs; somewhat clunky design. The bottom line: Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-L1 is a nice first attempt at a dSLR, but a clunky design and noise at higher ISOs destroy its chances for dSLR superstardom.”
DigitalCameraInfo – 11/14/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “The Panasonic L1 is more fun than the other Four-Thirds cameras we’ve tested. The interface is appealing – it’s not simply nostalgic to use an aperture ring, it’s quick and comfortable too. We’re delighted that someone – anyone – is including a fast, well-built kit lens. Panasonic’s image stabilization continues to be a big advantage for the company. On the downside, DSLRs should have flexible, fast auto focus, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 does not have it. We’re not sure what market can ignore that drawback – landscape photographers who avoid twilight? The 7.5-megapixel L1 is one of a small handful of live view DSLRs, although its viewing options aren’t fabulous. The Panasonic L1 is pricy at $1,999 retail, but the quality or the lens and the camera can’t be denied.”
Camera Labs – 10/26/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – “The relatively poor viewfinder and lack of broad appeal means the Lumix L1 can’t receive our highest rating, but we can confidently Recommend it to well-heeled enthusiasts who love the retro look and feel, and want a unique, quality digital SLR. The Lumix L1 is certainly an impressive debut from Panasonic and we look forward to testing its more traditional DSLRs promised for 2007.”
Megapixel – 9/8/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and they write – Positives – Excellent image quality – Precise exposure metering – Analog controls – Excellent lens – Mega OIS stabilizer – Very good noise reduction – Built-in bounce flash capability – Good accessories included with the kit – Excellent RAW processing software.
Luminous Landscape – 8/17/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel live sensor Panasonic DMC-L1 Four Thirds System Digital SLR and they write. “I’m of two minds about the Panasonic L1. Part of me really would like to like it. I’m pleased to see Panasonic entering the DSLR marketplace at around the same time as Sony with its A100. Since the camera business has very much become driven by the electronic giants, especially those that OEM sensors the way the both Sony and Panasonic do, having them each marketing a full featured DSLR is no bad thing. In the case of Panasonic what I find very attractive is the partnering with Leica. The Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 that comes bundled with the L1 is almost worth the price of admission by itself, and I wouldn’t doubt that there will be Olympus owners who see it that way as well, since there’s no telling when or if Panasonic will sell this lens by itself.”
What Digital Camera Magazine – 8/12/2006 – has a done a review of the 7.5 megapixel live sensor Panasonic’s DMC-L1 Four Thirds System Digital SLR and they write. “Continuing the theme of the L1 as next-generation digital alternative to a fine film SLR are the camera’s built-in film modes. The L1 has four colour settings; standard, dynamic, natural and smooth and three monochrome settings; standard, dynamic and smooth. Clearly the idea here is to give L1 users an experience similar to that you would get from choosing a particular brand of film in terms of colour characteristics, gradation and colour saturation. With a clear colour/tone difference between modes, this innovative feature is in fact very usable and there’s something quite satisfying about choosing your ‘film’. Panasonic have tapped into something which helps bridge the gap between film and digital here.”
Photoxels – 8/7/2006 – has reviewed the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and here is their conclusion – “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 handles superbly with intuitive controls and interface. Build quality is excellent and has a distinct feel of professionalism. It is obvious that a lot of thought and attentive care went into designing this camera. The three rings on the Leica lens (Zoom, Focus and Aperture) also contribute to the pleasure of using this camera. Analogue-like controls are very well implemented.”
DP Review, – 06/21/2006 – has an exclusive preview of the 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. Panasonic has clearly taken some influence from Leica in the design of the DMC-L1 –
“The L1 features the same 7.5 megapixel ‘LiveMOS’ sensor used in the E-330 (which we now know is manufactured by Panasonic), this provides the camera with TTL live view capability in a similar manner to the E-330. Unlike the E-330 however the DMC-L1 does not have a secondary Live View CCD and so provides only one Live View mode, this is known as ‘B mode’ on the E-330 and utilizes the main image sensor. The downside to this is that although the DMC-L1 provides auto focus in Live View it requires the mirror to be lowered and raised again during focusing.”
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at DPReview]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at DPExpert]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at What Digital Camera Mag]
[Sample Photos at Shutterbug]
[Sample Photos at Megapixel]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Spec Sheet
[Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Spec Sheet at Panasonic]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Owners Manual
[Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Owners Manual]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Initial Press Release
Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of our first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, the LUMIX DMC-L1. State-of-the-art digital and optical technologies developed for our compact digital cameras have been crystallized to make LUMIX a top camera brand while helping establish a new photographic culture for the digital age. Panasonic is drawing on these leading technologies, and the emotional excitement of true-to-life photographic images, as we announced in our entry to the digital SLR market in 2005.
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