Panasonic has added a new member to its popular LX series, the DMC-LX100 with a 4/3′ MOS sensor. LX100 is not only meant to replace its predecessor LX7 but also inherits some features of legendary camera DMC-LC1 – the first compact with full manual control released by Panasonic in 2004. Because the DMC-LX100 is equipped with a 4/3′ MOS sensor and 12.8MP resolution, it has achieved the highest image quality. What’s more, this sensor has an improved signal-to-noise ratio, which makes it possible to take sharp photos with minimal noise, even at high ISO settings. The Venus Engine image processor has been redesigned and now supports Multi Process NR, Random Filter and Aperture Filter noise reduction technologies which improved image quality and natural colors reproduction.
New fast lens LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX 24-75 mm in 35 mm equivalent F1.7-F2.8 provides stunning detail and resolution in the corners, while also delivering beautiful blur thanks to its high aperture ratio and large MOS sensor. And the nine-blade iris creates a circular bokeh.
The universal focal range of 24-75 mm in 35 mm camera equivalent is suitable for many tasks: from daily shootings to portraits – and thanks to the focal length of 24 mm you can shoot landscapes including formats with different aspect ratio: 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.
The LX100 is also equipped with a 16:9 Live View viewfinder with a resolution equivalent to 2,764,000 dots, approx. 100% color accuracy, 1.39x/0.7x magnification 35mm equivalent and 100% field of view. At the same time, the novelty has all the necessary controls, including rings and switches, such as the aperture ring, the ring on the lens, the shutter speed switch and exposure compensation.
The camera also captures Full HD 1920×1080 60p NTSC 50p PAL video in AVCHD Progressive MPEG-4 H.264 or MP4 at 60p NTSC 50p PAL , there’s also support for 4K resolution QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 at 30fps NTSC 25fps PAL in MP4 format. Thanks to support for 4K resolution it’s possible to shoot photos in a whole new way, by taking a still image from 4K video you’ll get a picture in 3840×2160 pixels equivalent to 8 MP – no more will you miss out on unique shots!
The DMC-LX100 also boasts superior speed, with the new DFD technology improving not only accuracy but also the autofocus speed up to 0.14 sec and continuous shooting at up to 11fps at maximum resolution. You can also use very fast shutter speeds: 1/4000 mechanical shutter and 1/16000 electronic shutter .
If you want more creative freedom, you’ll appreciate Creative Control, Creative Panorama and Photo Style. The DMC-LX100 is also equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling new ways to capture and share photos and videos.
Other useful functions such as Focus Pickup, Horizon Level, White Balance Bracketing and Light/Ashadow Control are also available. In addition, you can now convert RAW files to JPEG directly in camera. And the compact external flash GN7/ISO100, GN10/ISO200 included in the kit can be mounted on the hot shoe.
While DSLRs offer great image quality and functionality, the compact cameras are an intuitive tool to help you get your first steps in photography. By combining the best components and Panasonic’s superior digital and optical technologies, the new DMC-LX100 is the only premium digital compact camera that not only offers the highest image quality, but also a wide range of features.
*An effective sensor resolution of 16.8 megapixels.
*2 Based on the CIPA standard when using the Live View viewfinder.
Other features
External flash included , Shade/Light Control, in-camera RAW Data, Focus Pickup, Horizon Level, Aspect Ratio Bracketing, White Balance Bracketing, iA Intelligent Auto mode.
Panasonic DMC-LX100 camera goes on sale in December 2014.
This camera seems to have some impressive features, especially with the 4/3″ MOS sensor and the fast LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX F1.7 lens. However, I’m curious about the 4K video shooting capability. How well does it perform in terms of video quality and overall functionality?
Can you tell me more about the video quality and shooting capabilities of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100 compact camera? How does the 4/3″ MOS sensor and fast lens LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX F1.7 enhance the overall video performance? And does it support continuous autofocus during 4K video shooting?