If you want the power and control of a digital SLR but a camera that you can fit in your pocket, then high-end compact cameras are a very tempting option for you to consider. But there is a cost associated with this. Because a more miniature camera often has a smaller sensor, the image quality typically suffers.
Because it combines the advantages of both types of cameras, the Panasonic LX100 has recently generated a lot of excitement. It is still a high-end small camera that can be carried in your jacket pocket, but its sensor is far more significant than a Micro Four Thirds camera. This kind of sensor may be found in mirrorless compact system cameras made by Panasonic and Olympus.
Tiny cameras from Panasonic’s LX series, including the Panasonic LX7, have been well-received in the past due to their excellent build quality, a broad array of controls (for a compact camera), and remarkable image quality. On the other hand, introducing cameras such as the Fuji X100S and Sony RX100 III sparked concerns over the sensor’s diminutive size contained within the Panasonic LX7.
Panasonic Lumix LX100 Build Quality
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 is designed for more seasoned photographers looking for a high-quality small camera with incredible creative freedom. These customers are also likely to prefer a camera that feels comfortable in their hand, and the LX100 is an excellent option that fulfills this need. It boasts a sturdy construction, a perfect, curved grip on the front, and a small but valuable thumbpad on the back. The thumb pad is located on the rear of the device.
Panasonic has opted for traditional controls instead of the typical mode dial. In addition to the shutter speed dial, an aperture ring is labeled in full stops around the lens. However, there is also the option to adjust the aperture by 1/3 stop increments. People dissatisfied with the Fuji X30’s small sensor may find themselves drawn to the LX100 due to this feature and the vast sensor size.
Panasonic Lumix LX100 Performance
Even while we have seen the sensor of the LX100 in action before in the GX7 and GM1, we have never seen it functioning as a 12 million-pixel unit before as it does in the LX100.
The images that the LX100 produces are outstanding, and photographs taken during the daytime have an abundance of detail, pleasing color, and a level of sharpness that is more natural. Compared to tiny cameras with smaller sensors, one of the advantages of having a sensor of the type Four Thirds rather than a 1/1.7-inch device is that there is far more control over the depth of field, making it possible to isolate the subject more effectively.
Images captured at the highest setting (ISO 25,600) should ideally be seen on a screen with a narrow aspect ratio. This is because increasing the sensitivity level results in a decrease in picture quality.
Panasonic Lumix LX100 Image Quality
During this evaluation, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 generated photographs of exceptionally high quality. In addition, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 handled chromatic aberrations exceptionally well, with only minor purple fringing effects in high-contrast settings. This was because the camera only had one lens.
The provided external flash performed admirably indoors, avoiding red-eye and achieving a just right exposure. Your nighttime shot turned out wonderfully, and using the maximum shutter speed of 60 seconds allowed you to capture much light.
Anti-shake is a feature that distinguishes this camera from its rivals and functions exceptionally well whether it is held by hand in low-light settings or when the zoom range’s telephoto end is utilized.
The macro performance is quite strong, and it is possible to concentrate on the subject from a distance as near as three centimeters away (although it can be challenging to achieve the desired illumination at such a close range).
The pictures came out of the camera with a slight softness when the default sharpening setting was used, so they should be further sharpened in an application such as Adobe Photoshop. Alternatively, if you don’t like how the default setting produces your images, you can change the location manually on your camera.
You can quickly customize the appearance of the JPEG photographs that the camera captures thanks to the wide variety of Creative Controls and Photo Styles. However, the Intelligent D-range is a good feature for capturing greater detail in the shadows and highlights, as is the new HDR mode. On the other hand, we had a hard time seeing any distinctions between the Intelligent Resolution levels.
By moving the camera in a sweeping motion, made possible by the ingenious Panorama mode, you may snap panoramic photographs very effortlessly and then add one of 15 creative effects.
The performance of the LX100 in low light is the next topic to be discussed. It can produce photographs devoid of noise from ISO 100 to 1600, after which it generates some noise (although very little) from ISO 3200. ISO 6400 has rather noticeable noise and a loss of fine detail, and although the fastest settings of ISO 12800 and 25600 make considerably more noise, they are still useable for small prints and usage on the web.
Panasonic Lumix LX100 Specs
| Body type | Large sensor compact |
|---|---|
| Body material | Aluminum |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4112 x 3088 |
| Other resolutions | 4112 x 3088, 4272 x 2856, 4480 x 2520, 3088 x 3088, 2976 x 2232, 3120 x 2086, 3840 x 2160, 2240 x 2240, 2048 x 1536, 2112 x 1408, 1920 x 1080, 1536 x 1536 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 13 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format | JPEG (DCF/EXIF v2.3)Raw (RW2) |
| Image parameters | ContrastSharpnessNoise ReductionSaturationColor ToneFilter Effect |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–75 mm |
| Optical zoom | 3.1× |
| Maximum aperture | F1.7–2.8 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.39× (0.7× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,764,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Range | 7.00 m (with included external flash at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, off |
| Continuous drive | 11.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with NFC |
| Remote control | No |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 300 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 393 g (0.87 lb / 13.86 oz) |
| Dimensions | 115 x 66 x 55 mm (4.53 x 2.6 x 2.17″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix LX100 Verdict
Although smaller cameras may have interchangeable lenses, using the LX100 is an absolute pleasure. You have a great deal of control over the final product, and it generates excellent pictures. Be wary of flare, though, whenever the sun is close to the frame’s edge.
