Panasonic LX100 review

I originally bought this camera for vacation and family snap shots..but the more I used it, the more I liked it for an everyday camera. To the point I carry my Ricoh GR as well as this for everyday. The GR when I just want to have something in my jean pocket and this when I am carrying my messenger bag.

This camera has replaced three cameras I used to use
- Panasonic LX3
- Fuji X100
- Sony RX100mk1

The Rx100 20mp sensor is sharper, but I just like the images I get from the lx100. I really don't print bigger than 13x19 and in fact my norm is 8x10.. The lx100 has the essential control layout of the x100 but w/o the x100 ovf/evf design.. The resolution of the lx100 evf makes up for it though.

Add that to the fact that u are getting a 24-75 f1.7-2.8 zoom lens w/ a sensor that does well up to 1600 and acceptable to 3200 or so plus 4k movies.. For me it's a winner. Ymmv.

While I can't put it in my front Jean pocket like the GR or rx100, the GR already replaced the rx100 as my everyday carry anyway. The lx100 will fit fine in a jacket pocket though.

If u are ok w/ 12mp..this is a great camera.

Gary
 
Thanks - and you summed up some of my thoughts there. I also use the camera a lot more than I thought I would.
 
This is definitely one of the most interesting high-quality compacts in the market. I only today had a chance to handle the Leica D-Lux, and while it was a bit fiddly it was still workable. Are there any handling differences between the two cameras, or just cosmetics, price, and Lightroom? The Panasonic seems to have a grip, but it's difficult to say from images whether it is an improvement.
 
Handling: The grip is a huge improvement. I have had the D-Lux in my hands for a short test run; it felt kind of slippery. Had I bought the D-Lux I would definitely have fitted it with a 3rd party grip. Otherwise they seem to be very much alike in the way they operate. As for different software requirements I have no idea - maybe somebody else can add to this...
 
Anyone have any experience street shooting with this camera? I have used Panasonic m4/3 cameras from the beginning, but this looks very cool. Thanks for the review.
 
Rick Waldroup said:
Anyone have any experience street shooting with this camera? I have used Panasonic m4/3 cameras from the beginning, but this looks very cool. Thanks for the review.
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I leave mine on 35mm FOV most of the time. Opens to f2.3 which is fine for me.
BTW a very nice review and tips. But plenty of 43mm filters out there.:D
 
Lots of filters - really? UV, Pol, ND filters - sure. I have been looking for at set of graduated colour filters. Should anybody have a link it would be highly appreciated :)
 
kshapero said:
graduated colour filters? Out of my area of expertise:confused:
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I have seen such filters before, but I have used only the gradated ND filters. The colored one give a fake looking color cast to some parts of the image. Cokin made dozens of them in the past.
 
Thanks for the review .
Ah-yes those filters - remember tobacco coloured skies !
I would love an LX-100 as spiritual successor to the Leica Digilux 2 and my Panasonic L1 .
The zoom is perfect for me - and no more dust on the sensor !
dee.
 
dee said:
I would love an LX-100 as spiritual successor to the Leica Digilux 2 and my Panasonic L1 .
The zoom is perfect for me - and no more dust on the sensor!
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Well, I gave in to temptation about a week or so ago - I saw the LX100 on special offer, and it was too good to resist!

I have to say that this camera is very good, and considerably exceeds my expectations. The IQ is very good, and the ergonomics suit me almost perfectly (of course, nothing is quite perfect!). For me, it's really so good, that I foresee my assortment of larger cameras gathering more dust, or being sold.

I have had a Sony RX100 Mk1 for about three years, and I'll keep it because sometimes one wants a camera that fits into a trouser pocket, yet still offers great quality - and the little Sony succeeds admirably on both counts.

The Panasonic certainly does not fit into a (normal) trouser pocket, but for those times when that is not a requirement, the LX100 is just a delight to use.
 
Rick Waldroup said:
Anyone have any experience street shooting with this camera? I have used Panasonic m4/3 cameras from the beginning, but this looks very cool. Thanks for the review.
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I have been using one daily for a few months now. Not really a street photographer, however I suspect there are similarities between photojournalism/documentary and work. I have not experienced any hindrances. I shoot a mix of full manual, ap priority, manual focus and so on and the LX100 hums along with no issues.

What drew my interest is the amazing video capability combined with a 24-70 stills package that fills both rolls without much compromise. It has filled that role with competence.

With video, the real concern for me are flexible frame rates, good bitrates and a well thought out interface. The LX100 has hit that nail almost square on the head. A firmware update that would allow more user programming of the buttons would make it next to perfect.

Mic jack is missing however I have always run external audio so not an issue on my end. I load up a very small bracket with zoom H1, deadcat, headphones and away I go. The H1 is a great pair with the compacts allowing LAV input, control over levels and so on.

The LX100 is a very refined platform. For street I would think it plenty fast, customizable and 12 mp is plenty for me. If I need max resolution to make my images, I'll retire.
 
Johann Espiritu said:
I actually think this is a great street camera. Small, quiet, and hardly attracts any attention to it.

I use the (practically) the same D-Lux Typ 109. Here is one I snapped last night
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I agree about the LX100, and... nice timing on that shot, to get the rain illuminated by the glare of the headlamp. :)
 
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