Panasonic just introduced the DMC-LX100 with 4/3-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and is the successor to the highly successful LX line. I still use my Lumix LX5 compact camera even though I already have the Sony NEX-6 simply because it’s more portable and the battery life is excellent. The LX100 boasts 4k video recording and integrated Live View Finder.
The LX100 is going to be on sale by the end of October and pricing is around $900 (40,000 pesos) comparable to the Sony RX100 III line + a bit more since this is not just an excellent pocket camera, but a micro four thirds sensor with 12.8 megapixel MOS chip.
LX100 Specs (Source: DPReview)
- 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (Up to 12.7MP used)
- 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens
- Multi-aspect feature maintains diagonal angle-of-view at 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9
- Venus Engine from DMC-GH4 and DMC-FZ1000
- XGA-resolution electronic viewfinder (1024 x768 pixels)
- Aperture and control dials around lens, shutter speed dial on top plate
- 3" 921k dot touchscreen LCD
- 11 fps continuous shooting (6.5 with C-AF)
- 4K video recording at 30p, Full HD at 60p
- In-camera Raw conversion
- Wi-Fi with NFC
The LUMIX DMC-LX100 with New Micro Four Thirds MOS Sensor and F1.7 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX Lens
Featuring 4K Video Recording Capability
NEWARK, NJ (September 15, 2014) - Panasonic is proud to introduce the DMC-LX100 (LX100) with Micro Four Thirds High Sensitivity MOS Sensor for the 6th generation model of Panasonic’s world-renowned LX high-end compact camera series. The new LX100 is not just a successor to the DMC-LX7 but a jump-up that even inherits the DNA of DMC-LC1 - the Panasonic’s first full manual compact camera released in 2004. The LX100 will be available at www.shop.panasonic.com and valued channel partners at the end of October.
To achieve even higher picture quality and multi-aspect capability, the LX100 incorporates the Micro Four Thirds High Sensitivity MOS sensor. It lets subjects stand out of the background impressively with a rich stereoscopic effect. By keeping the resolution at 12.8-megapixels*1, the amount of light is enough to improve the S/N ratio, making it possible to capture clear image with minimum noise even when shot at high ISO. The Venus Engine is also newly developed to feature multiple noise reduction systems such as Multi Process NR, Random Filter and Aperture Filter, to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with natural description.
A newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens (35mm camera equivalent: 24-75mm) boasts F1.7-F2.8 high speed and high descriptiveness in detail and resolution to each corner. It also produces stunningly beautiful defocus together with the large MOS Sensor. In addition, newly adopted 9-blade aperture diaphragm help produce bokeh with a smooth, circular shape. The versatile zoom range of 24-75mm (35mm camera equiv.) is suitable for wide-ranging photography to portraits. Notably, landscapes can be captured in dynamic 24mm ultra wide angle in any 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect thanks to the multi-aspect sensor.
The LX100 integrates a LVF (Live View Finder) with 2764K-dot equivalent high resolution and approx.100% color reproduction. This 16:9 Wide Screen LVF boasts approx.1.39x / 0.7x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. A variety of advanced functions are equipped with DMC-LX100 to spur potential of advanced photographers. It allows direct, intuitive control with dedicated rings and dials such as aperture ring, control ring, shutter speed dial or exposure compensation dial.
The LX100 is capable of smooth, high quality video recording not only in Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or MP4 at 60p (NTSC) but also in 4K (QFHD 4K: 3840x2160, at 30 fps(NTSC) in MP4). With this 4K video recording capability, Panasonic is proposing a new way of photo creation called “4K Photo”. By grabbing a 3840x2160 8-megapixel equivalent image from the 4K video footage it is possible to capture the spur-of-the-moment which is often missed in still photography. This functionality is now easier with the newly added Hybrid Photography 4K Photo mode.
The LX100 is also superior in response. Featuring newly combined DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology made famous in the LUMIX GH4, not only accuracy but also speed is improved to achieve Light Speed AF of approx. 0.14 sec*2 to capture fleeting shooting photo opportunities. High speed burst shooting can be shot at 11 fps in full resolution. It also complies with max.1/4,000(mechanical) and 1/16,000(electronic) high speed shutter speed.
For more creative freedom, Creative Control (Filter), Creative Panorama and Photo Style are available. Notably, aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted while applying Creative Control filter, to further inspire the photographers’ creativity. The LX100 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology camera to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. More practical functions including Focus Peaking, Level Gauge, WB (white balance) bracket, highlight/shadow control are also equipped. Now LX100 can develop RAW images into JPEG in camera. A compact external flash (GN7/ISO100･m, GN10/ ISO200･m) that goes with the body color of the camera is bundled to be mounted on the hot shoe.
While the interchangeable lens camera should pursue performance and functionality, compact cameras are more intuitive tools that simply drive people to photography. Combining the best-possible components with state-of-the-art Panasonic’s digital/optical technologies, LX100 is the one and only digital premium compact camera of this age that surely satisfies users not only with the high picture quality but also with a host of advanced functions and operational ease.
*1 Sensor total pixel is 16.8-megapixel.
*2 Based on the CIPA standard, when using Live View Finder.
Other Features
External Flash (Bundled), Highlight / Shadow Control, RAW data development in Camera, Focus Peaking, Level Gauge, Multi-Aspect Bracket, WB (White Balance) Bracket, iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Photo and Video