Feb 27: Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1

The look of the camera is quite different to most DSLR's on the market at present but comes with all the normal features including a 7.5 megapixel sensor (Live Mos) and 2.5 inch LCD screen (207,000 pixels).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 has SD card with compatability to the FAT32 system which allows larger SD cards to be used.

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The following news release is a little light on details of this new DSLR so we're expecting to see more specifications released over the coming months as it is developed further.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 News 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.

The DMC-L1 being introduced today is an entirely new kind of digital SLR camera. It is operated much like a traditional film camera but provides a variety of innovative features that increase the fun of shooting photos. While the DMC-L1 is digital, it has a classic design that will remind users of traditional analogue cameras. These characteristics, together with a shutter speed control dial on the camera body and an aperture ring on the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens (also being introduced), distinguish the DMC-L1 from conventional digital SLRs in both design and operation.

Because it is digital, the DMC-L1 can offer features such as a full-time Live View function through the large 2.5“ high-resolution LCD, which offers a shooting style different from conventional digital SLRs that have only an optical viewfinder. The full-time Live View is made possible by the new Live MOS sensor, developed using Panasonic's original Maicovicon™ technology. Used in the DMC-L1, the 4/3-type Live MOS sensor with 7.5 million pixels provides both the outstanding image quality of a CCD and the low energy consumption for which CMOS sensors are known. The DMC-L1 also incorporates the Venus Engine III image processing LSI, which teams up with the Live MOS sensor to achieve stunning picture quality and responsive performance, with features such as rapid consecutive shooting.

The DMC-L1 further incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that serves as a dust reduction system, so you don't have to worry about dust entering the camera during lens changes.

The LUMIX DMC-L1 debuts as a state-of-the-art digital SLR camera that maintains the intuitive control and operability of familiar analogue cameras, unlike digital SLRs that simply offer extended functions and specifications. The DMC-L1 is a finely crafted, truly satisfying camera that makes it easy for people who have never even used a digital single lens reflex camera to take beautiful shots and gives professionals a powerful tool for creating photographic masterpieces that visually express the emotions of their subjects.

A shutter speed dial on the camera body and an aperture ring on the lens barrel
To enhance the sense of camera control, the DMC-L1 features a shutter speed dial on top of the camera body. The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens (also being introduced today) is equipped with an aperture ring, in addition to a focus ring and zoom ring, for easy, direct aperture setting.

Full-time Live View for a whole new style of digital SLR shooting
By combining the full-time image output function of the Live MOS sensor and a mirror-up mechanism, the DMC-L1 achieves a full-time Live View function that displays the image on the LCD directly from the sensor signal. This function can be selected in both Auto Focus and Manual Focus modes. In Manual Focus, it allows the user to enlarge an image within the frame and then select the area focusing. This makes it easy to check the focusing condition on the large 2.5-inch, high-resolution, 207,000-pixel LCD. The depth of field can also be easily checked by pressing the Aperture button.

High-image-quality, low-energy-consuming 4/3-type Live MOS sensor with 7.5 million pixels
The Live MOS sensor used in the DMC-L1 not only makes full-time Live View possible, it also helps capture the beautiful images of a CCD sensor with delicate gradation and a wide dynamic range. And it suppresses energy consumption as only a CMOS sensor can do. Noise is also minimized thanks to a special processing technology that runs on voltage as low as 5 V.

Venus Engine Ill LSI: High image quality, quick response, low energy consumption
The Venus Engine III is an image processing LSI that was newly developed to maximize the performance of the Live MOS sensor. While inheriting the earlier Venus Engine’s high resolution, superior color reproduction and detailed gradation, the Venus Engine III also reduces noise to the level expected from a digital SLR camera, to help render smooth images. The Venus Engine III improves camera responsiveness too, supporting high-performance consecutive shooting and a short shutter interval. Despite the considerably higher performance, the Venus Engine III consumes only 80% as much power as the Venus Engine II. This combines with the Live MOS sensor’s low energy consumption to provide longer battery life.

Dust reduction system to prevent annoying contaminants
The most critical and annoying problem with digital SLRs with interchangeable lenses is the possibility of dust getting inside the camera during lens changes, contaminating the image sensor. If this happens, professional cleaning is often required. The DMC-L1 takes care of this problem by incorporating a Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system. The system uses supersonic vibration to instantly shake off any dust that might otherwise affect the image.

Panasonic original home networking
Like all LUMIX models, the DMC-L1 is compatible with the SD Memory Card. It also is compatible with the mass-storage SD standard based on FAT32, including the upcoming super-high-capacity SD Memory Cards of more than 2 GB (SDHC). Panasonic invites you to explore new ways to enjoy photos at home. Take shots with your LUMIX camera, view the images on a Panasonic plasma display, save them onto discs with a DVD recorder, and print them with a photo printer connected to the TV…It's all part of Panasonic's pursuit of a new photographic culture for the digital age.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1

BIOS reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes - 'The most critical and annoying problem with digital SLRs with interchangeable lenses is the possibility of dust getting inside the camera during the lens changes, thus contaminating the image sensor. If this happens, professional cleaning is often required. The DMC-L1 effectively manages this problem by incorporating a Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction, which uses supersonic vibration to instantly shake off dust that might otherwise affect the image.'

Photoxels reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Digital SLR and writes - 'If you are thinking of moving up to a digital SLR, or are keen to return to enjoying a dSLR with excellent analogue handling and feel, then be sure to try out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. With Live View LCD, optical image stabilization in the lens, built-in bounce flash, built-in dust reduction system, and excellent image quality, you may find that photography is intuitive and fun again.'

Luminous Landscape reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC L1 and writes - '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.'

Megapixel reviews the Panasonic DMC-L1 and writes - 'The Panasonic DMC-L1 is a camera designed for the experts, and for those who enjoy the process of photography as much as its results, for they are the ones that most likely will appreciate the analog controls of the L1, and its big stabilized Leica lens. The capabilities of the L1 are impressive, and the controls available to obtain specific results are excellent. All that the camera needs now is a greater range of stabilized Leica lenses.'

CNET writes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes - "Despite my complaints about design, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 can create very nice images under the right conditions. With its kit lens, we saw virtually no colored fringing, and images were very sharp, with accurate, well-saturated, colors (but not overly so) and a decent dynamic range. The automatic white balance produced overly warm images with our lab's tungsten lights, thought the camera's tungsten preset produced much more neutral results. The manual white balance we set provided the most neutral results. Exposures were generally very good when relying on the camera's automatic exposure system. The camera did a decent but not excellent job of balancing fill flash from its built-in flash with light from the lamp in our test scene."

Digital Camera Review has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes - 'The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is an impressive camera that, frankly, is going to have a hard time contending with the competition. 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.'

PopularPhotography has posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes - '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!'

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Panasonic DMC-L1 and writes, "Panasonic cameras have always had a reputation for image noise problems, and unfortunately the L1 is no exception. There was visible noise from 400 ISO upwards, and shots at the 1600 ISO maximum were effectively unusable. There were also visible purple fringes on a number of high-contrast shots, again not something I’d expect to see on a camera claiming professional credentials. While the AF system performed well, I did encounter some problems with the exposure metering. ... 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."

DCResource has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, "Photo quality is very good in JPEG mode, and excellent if you're shooting RAW. In either case, photos were generally well-exposed, with pleasing colors and minimal purple fringing. JPEGs straight out of the camera are on the soft side, so you may want to turn up the in-camera sharpening a notch or two. Photos I took in RAW mode were much sharper and had more saturated colors to boot. Noise levels are low through ISO 400, but at ISO 800 you start to see noise reduction artifacting (in JPEG mode), and it gets even worse at ISO 1600, where I also noticed some color shifting. ... The Lumix DMC-L1 is an intriguing product, and a good first digital SLR for Panasonic. It offers a lot of features, some of which are quite unique, though some of its frustrations (namely noise at high ISOs, so-so image processing, and poor ergonomics) really stick with you. The biggest problem I have with the L1 is its price: no matter how nice the lens is (and it IS nice), $1700 is a steep price to pay for a 7.5 Megapixel camera that's far from perfect."

DCRP has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, "Photo quality is very good in JPEG mode, and excellent if you're shooting RAW. In either case, photos were generally well-exposed, with pleasing colors and minimal purple fringing. JPEGs straight out of the camera are on the soft side, so you may want to turn up the in-camera sharpening a notch or two. Photos I took in RAW mode were much sharper and had more saturated colors to boot. Noise levels are low through ISO 400, but at ISO 800 you start to see noise reduction artifacting (in JPEG mode), and it gets even worse at ISO 1600, where I also noticed some color shifting. ... The Lumix DMC-L1 is an intriguing product, and a good first digital SLR for Panasonic. It offers a lot of features, some of which are quite unique, though some of its frustrations (namely noise at high ISOs, so-so image processing, and poor ergonomics) really stick with you. The biggest problem I have with the L1 is its price: no matter how nice the lens is (and it IS nice), $1700 is a steep price to pay for a 7.5 Megapixel camera that's far from perfect."

Shutterbug has a review of the Panasonic DMC-L1 and writes, "I photographed mostly in Large JPEG and occasionally in the Raw mode plus JPEG, and image quality was superb. One of the main bragging rights of this camera are the two (as of this writing) Leica lenses made for it (with click stops) so one would expect that the lens/image processing coordination would be excellent—it is. Indeed, I detected little problem with edges at most f-stops, no fringing and overall got images that were very pleasing to me. ... 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."

DPExpert has a review of the Panasonic Lumix 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."

PhotographyBLOG has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, "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. The L1 is certainly a high quality if slightly flawed product that I feel is more a way of Panasonic establishing itself as a premium brand among DSLRs than actually producing something it is going to sell in any great numbers. The fact that it feels not quite there yet is the reason for the rather average score; let's hope that the Panasonic L2 builds on the positive points of this model."

DPReview has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, "For a first attempt at a digital SLR I think it's fair to say that Panasonic has done a good job, they've managed to squeeze better high ISO performance out of the same sensor than Olympus did with the E-330. Panasonic's noise reduction algorithm tuned to clean up chroma noise but leave as much luminance detail available as possible (the E-330 delivering almost opposite results at ISO 1600). I'd be quite comfortable shooting the DMC-L1 up to ISO 800 and know that while there would be some noise visible at ISO 1600 it would at least have a 'film grain' look rather than the digital chroma noise effect. Color balance was also good with a surprisingly mature, conservative approach which avoids over-saturating images while delivering natural looking images (no Disney blues or reds here). If you want your images a bit punchier (from a color point of view) you can always opt to turn up saturation in the Film Mode menu. The L1 also delivered good reliable automatic white balance performance, something often 'skipped' when considering a camera but something which can make a real (and often difficult to reverse) impact on your snapshot type photos. "

Photography Press has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and gives it an 8 out of 10 rating: "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 D-SLR from Panasonic, one well worth closer inspection."

Imaging Resource has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and writes, "Its higher quality lens with optical image stabilization and wide aperture are largely responsible for that higher price. Though image quality is actually pretty good, in many cases comparable to a 10 megapixel camera, its high shutter lag in Live View mode is a major strike against the $1,500 camera. Shutter lag more than doubles in this mode, and adding flash extends shutter lag out to more than 3/4 second. There's no question that the lens is good, and its image stabilization is nice for low light shots. The Panasonic L1's reasonable high ISO performance means that you can also hand-hold indoor shots without flash. But the lens and camera combination is quite heavy, making it a bad choice for most consumer photographic applications. Many will look to the L1's Live View mode as its greatest benefit, but unfortunately, it's slow and confusing to use."

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