Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Evaluation

The DMC-LX100 would be the sixth-generation model in Panasonic's line-up of compact, fixed-lens camcorders for serious fanatics. But it features a 4/3-inch (17. 3 x 13 mm) MOS chip that is certainly more than some times larger in area as opposed to LX7’s '1/1. 7-inch type' sensor in addition to roughly 1. 5 times larger than the '1-inch type' chip in its closest thing competitor, the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III. It also provides similar 4K video functionality towards esteemed GH4, like the new 4K Photo mode that has been recently added towards GH4 via a firmware update.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

Check The available Prices

US - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

UK- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100





Who is it for?
The LX100 joins an increasing band of compact cameras made for serious enthusiasts in addition to, despite having an iAuto button, it's unlikely to suit point-and-shoot photographers. Although it is not strictly 'pocketable' (with value to shirt as well as trouser pockets) it's small enough to slip into a coat pocket and occupies hardly any space in a camera bag as well as handbag.

The large sensor offers a quality advantage since nearly all competing cameras possess 1-inch type (13. a couple of x 8. 8 mm) detectors. Panasonic's tried-and-proven 12. 8 megapixel chip delivers high enough resolution to generate excellent A3+ sized prints. The addition of 4K video support plus the new 4K Picture mode (which makes it possible for users to remove a still photograph with 8-megapixel resolution from a 4K movie clip) applies additional icing on a very nice dessert.

Lens Comparisons
The LX-100's Leica-branded DC Vario-Summilux lens consists of 11 elements set up in eight teams and includes 5 aspherical and two dual-sided aspherical elements with ED (extra-low dispersion) functionality. Its versatile zoom range is equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm structure, which is suitable for general usage and well suited for landscapes, portraits in addition to street photography.

It's a similar design towards lens in this LX7, which can also be has 11 elements. These are set up in 10 groups you need to include five aspherical in addition to two ED elements, one of this latter aspherical, giving a complete of nine aspherical types of surface, compared with eight in the LX-100's lens.

Sony's Cyber-shot RX100 III features a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* contact, comprised of 10 elements in nine teams (with nine aspheric types of surface, including a double-sided element created by combining two state-of-the-art aspherical elements ). Additionally, it features the Zeiss T* shell.

Build and Ergonomics
The classic rangefinder-style physique looks and senses very solid. Its front panel is dominated because of the lens, which is not interchangeable. There are no controls for this panel – as well as on either facet panel.

Sensor in addition to Image Processing
The LX100's sensor would be the same 16-megapixel chip like the GX7 but only uses 12. 8 megapixels to generate the largest picture, because of this cropping strategy Panasonic uses to generate different aspect quotients (see table below). The sensor is coupled with the latest quad central Venus Engine cpu, which enables this camera to file 4K movies in addition to supports continuous shooting speeds of up to 11 frames/second from full resolution.

Movie
Movies can always be recorded in either AVCHD or MP4 structure, although only this latter supports 4K quality. Options available are mostly the same as those provided because of the GH4, which all of us reviewed in May perhaps 2014, although devoid of the professional CineD in addition to CineV colour users. Full-HD (1920 times 1080) recordings might be made with a premier scanning resolution of 50p in AVCHD Gradual (MPEG-4 / H. 264) format as well as MP4 at 50p.

Much like the GH4, this LX100 provides total manual control above exposures and can handle continuous autofocusing, that allows the lens to get zoomed while a clip will be recorded. However, you will discover no provisions in order to connect an external mike or headphone jack, which limits the usage of this camera intended for professional video recordings.

Putting attention and Exposure
The LX100's AF program is contrast-based, with a 49-point sensor selection that supports multi-area, middle, group (4, 6 as well as 9 points) in addition to Pinpoint modes. Users can select from single, and constant focusing and tracking AF. The system includes a normal range of 50 cm in order to infinity, plus close-up concentrating to three centimetres in macro mode.

Face detection can also be available and this camera includes this DFD (Depth Through Defocus) technology which was introduced with this GH4, which reduces some time required to attain focus. Panasonic statements a lock-on moment of 0. 15 second.

When manual focusing is determined, focus is modified by turning the ring on the lens. Focus options such as a peaking display and magnification with the selected focus region between three in addition to 10 times.

Two shutter options boost the range of subjection levels the LX100 are designed for. The default hardware shutter covers exposures coming from 60 seconds in order to 1/4000 second, while the automated shutter has only one second (but solely with ISO settings of 3200 or lower) and a minimum exposure of 1/16000 second. It truly is used when this Super High constant shooting and Silent modes are determined.

There are three settings in the menu: Auto (which switches automatically relating to the mechanical and automated shutters), MSHTR (mechanical) in addition to ESHTR (electronic). The sound with the electronic shutter might be muted with this Shutter Vol manage, but the hardware shutter isn't variable.

The standard multi, centre and location metering settings are offered, along with subjection compensation of +/- 3EV in 1/3EV steps. Dynamic range adjustments such as a highlight/shadow control, a computerized i. Dynamic function and a multi-shot HDR setting, all available in the iAuto, P, A new, S and Michael shooting modes in addition to JPEG only. The HDR setting records three structures across a about three EV range in addition to combines them to produce a single exposure. A number of exposures, interval shooting (time-lapse) in addition to stop-motion animation may also be supported in this iAuto, P, A new, S and Michael shooting modes.

Other in-camera characteristics for JPEG shooting such as a panorama mode in addition to 22 filter effects. most of that are usable when taking movie clips. You can even record two structures with and with out a filter if you might be uncertain about the outcome. Simultaneous recording isn't designed for movies or this continuous shooting, bracketing in addition to time-lapse modes.

Wi-Fi
The LX100 can handle both Wi-Fi in addition to NFC (near field communication) and the default setting for the Fn2 function button is designed for operating the Wi-Fi connection. Connecting the camera to an Android device along with NFC capabilities is easy as you simply bring each devices together.

You'll need to put in the Panasonic Graphic App (a free download) on the smart device beforehand to use the NFC function and it will be required in order to operate the photographic camera remotely. Once the call is made, images captured with all the camera will be displayed on the device's screen. You possibly can register up in order to 20 smart devices in the camera.

Remote control with the camera gives you the advantage of using the smart device's touch screen for selecting this focus area in addition to triggering the shutter. Other functions that could be adjusted remotely include ISO, white equilibrium, aspect ratio, quality, compression, metering setting, drive mode, photograph style and movie quality. You are unable to adjust exposure quantities, however, even when the aperture and shutter swiftness controls are set to some.

The camera also reduces the resolution with the images it sends towards smart device, although you possibly can configure it in order to send full-resolution JPEGs. You will need roughly 20 mere seconds to transfer each image with this setting.

Wi-Fi functions are merely usable when taking JPEG images. You can't save raw data files, AVCHD movie movies or 4K MP4 videos. But you can certainly upload pictures from your camera to support systems and geotag photographs with location data from a connected smart system. You can also send pictures in order to wireless printers as well as back-up images on computers associated with a Wi-Fi circle.

Conclusion
Panasonic's DMC-LX100 is not a perfect photographic camera; there's no built-in thumb, the monitor isn't touch-sensitive and does not tilt, it lacks a built-in ND filter and you can't adjust exposures by using Wi-Fi. The lens features edge and corner softness at extensive apertures and small focal lengths in addition to focusing and exposure noises are generally recorded on movie soundtracks.

Nevertheless, it's among the nicest fixed-lens stream-lined cameras we've used during the past 12 months and supplies an excellent pair of features for significant photo enthusiasts, albeit in a slightly higher nearby RRP. Australian buyers who shop around will probably find it from prices that are similar to (or less than) america prices when forex and shipping fees are accounted intended for.

The menu system is great and very similar to the GH4 (and additional Panasonic cameras), that makes it an ideal 'walkaround' photographic camera for owners of Panasonic's G-series camcorders. The excellent EVF can please anyone who like to shoot outdoors in bright sunlight – in particular since it's operational while shooting videos (an advantage above conventional DSLRs).

Photographers who enjoy taking action will value the fast constant shooting settings, with nearly 11 frames/second sold at full resolution, and also a decent buffer storage. They will also value the 4K Picture mode. And they must find no complaints about unfocused shots in normal light quantities.