Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100 & LEICA D-Lux Type 109


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Panasonic is proud to introduce DMC-LX100 with 4/3-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor for the 6th generation model of Panasonic’s world-renowned LX high-end compact camera series. The new DMC-LX100 is not just a successor to the DMC-LX7 but a jump-up mode that even inherits the DNA of DMC-LC1 - the Panasonic’s first full manual compact camera released in 2004.



 

To achieve even higher picture quality and multi-aspect capability, the DMC-LX100 incorporates the 4/3-inch, the largest in class, high sensitivity MOS sensor. It lets subjects stand out of the background impressively with rich stereoscopic effect. By keeping the resolution to 12.8-megapixel, the amount of light is secured enough to improve 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.

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 corners. It also produces stunningly beautiful defocus together with the large MOS Sensor. In addition, newly adopted 9 aperture diaphragm help produce bokeh with smooth, circular shape. The versatile zoom range of 24-75mm (35mm camera equiv.) is suitable for wide-ranging photography from snap to portrait. Notably, landscape can be captured in dynamic 24mm ultra wide angle in any 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect thanks to the multi-aspect senor.

The DMC-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 DMC-LX100 is capable of smooth, high quality video recording not only in full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or MP4 at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) but also in 4K (QFHD 4K: 3840x2160, at 30 fps(NTSC) / 25 fps(PAL) in MP4). With this 4K video recording capability, Panasonic is proposing a new way of photo creation “4K Photo” by cutting out a 3840x2160 8-megapixel equivalent image from the 4K video footage for capturing spur-of-the-moment which often missed in still image photography. Operation is now easy with newly added 4K Photo mode.

The DMC-LX100 is also superior in response. Featuring newly combined DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, not only accuracy but also speed is improved to achieve Light Speed AF of approx. 0.0Xsec. Together with the short release time lag and quick start-up time of approx.0.XX sec, the DMC-LX100 never misses fleeting shooting photo opportunities. High speed burst shooting can be shot at 11 fps in full resolution. It also complies with max.1/4000(mechanical) and 1/16000(electronic) high speed shutter speed.
For more creative freedom, Creative Control, Creative Panorama and Photo Style are available. The DMC-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 DMC-LX100 can develop RAW images into JPEG in camera. in-camera. A compact external flash (GN6) that goes with the body color of camera is bundled to be mounted on the hot shoe.
While the D-SLR is the camera that should pursue the performance and functionality, compact cameras are more emotional tool to drive people photography more intuitively. Combining the best-possible components with state-of-the-art Panasonic’s digital/optical technologies, DMC-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.
 

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1. New 4/3-inch Large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine
The DMC-LX100 newly incorporates 4/3-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with multiple aspect ratios (4:3/3:2/16:9) for 12.8-megapixel resolution. The new 4/3-inch sensor is approx.5.2x larger than conventional 1/1.7-inch and even approx.1.6x larger than 1-inch sensor in size. This new large MOS Sensor boasts excellent S/N ratio, resulting in dramatic reduction of noise even in shooting at high ISO setting even at max.ISO 25600. Rich amount of light help produce impressive defocus with shallow depth of field from wide to tele-end, making the subject stand out.
The image processor Venus Engine is also newly developed for DMC-LX100 to dramatically boost its performance with new quad-core CPU that lets high speed signal processing required for rich video recording such as 4K. The advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) applies effective noise reduction and detail processing according to each component frequency. Plus, newly added Random Filter granulates chromatic noise to be blended into the image even more naturally. As a result, the max. ISO 25600 (Extended) is achieved. Newly adopted aperture filter is capable of controlling over wider frequency range. It adjusts the amount of sharpness according to the frequency level, resulting in faithful stereoscopic effect. The Venus Engine also improves color reproduction with accurate evaluation of each color even it is similar not only in color phase but also in saturation and luminosity. The metering zone for white balance is increased by 12x from 144(12x12) to 1728(48x36), which results in more precision WB adjustment and more natural image rendering.
The combination of the High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves stunning picture quality that rivals that of D-SLRs.
*Panasonic comparison with DMC-FZ200.
**Multi-aspect count

2. New F1.7-2.8 / 24-75mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX Lens
Panasonic newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens system (F1.7-F2.8) with 3.1x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-75mm) with POWER O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer). Comprising 11 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 5 aspherical lenses with 8 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit achieves high contrast and resolution. The lens unit boasts F2.8 high speed even at the tele-end, allowing handheld shooting in low-lit situations or adding beautifully defocused background for both photo and video. To achieve further downsizing to fit in the camera body with the large 4/3-inch sensor, now every lens group is designed to move while Panasonic’s original centering technology is applied to the lens alignment enhance sharpness. Adoption of 5 aspherical glass lenses and optimization of optical design achieve beautiful, evenly smooth defocus with invisible edge line and the onion ring effect is suppressed by Panasonic’s unique aspherical lens mold technology. In addition, newly adopted 9 aperture diaphragm help produce bokeh with smooth, circular shape.
The versatile zoom range of 24-75mm (35mm camera equiv.) is suitable for wide-ranging photography from snap to portrait. Notably, landscape can be captured in dynamic 24mm ultra wide angle in any 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect thanks to the multi-aspect senor. The aspect can be set quickly with the aspect switch on the lens barrel.
To describe the detail of the subject, stunning macro shots can be shot with minimum working distance of W: 3cm / 0.55x and T: Xcm / 0.XXx.

3. High Resolution LVF(Live View Finder) and Optimum Design for Intuitive Control
The DMC-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. It comes with the Eye Sensor that automatically turns ON/OFF according to the photographer’s action. The Eye Sensor AF starts auto focusing by just looking into the LVF not to miss the shooting opportunity. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features options of sensitivity – high, low and off – to reduce false operation during touching on the rear monitor. The 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD with wide-viewing angle offers approx. 100% of field of view. The AR Coating minimizes reflection making it easier to view in sunny outdoor.
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.

4. High Quality 4K Video Recording Featuring 4K Photo Mode
The LUMIX DMC-LX100 is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos but also high quality videos even in 4K. It features an outstanding 4K video recording capability (QFHD 4K: 3840x2160, at 30 fps (NTSC) / 25 fps (PAL) in MP4*1*2.
Taking advantage of 4K video recording capability, DMC-LX100 features 4K Photo mode that enables photographers to capture the spur-of-the-moment by recording the sequence of subjects' motion in 4K video and cut out a frame in 3840 x 2160, 8-megapixel equivalent JPEG later. Once entering this mode, luminance level is adjusted to 0-255 which is suitable for photo. Users can also choose either 4:3 or 3:2 in addition to 16:9 with aspect switch.
The luminance level is automatically set to 0-255Users can enjoy recording video in ultra high definition and even cut out a frame as an 8-megapixel picture. Once recording a video of subjects with fast motion in 4K, users can cut out a frame to choose the best spur-of-the-moment afterward to produce a still image in rich resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixel. For reliable recording of rich video, the DMC-LX100 complies with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) which is the new speed class standard of SD memory card. The UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) guarantees a constant minimum write speed of 30MB/s to respond to market needs for 4K video.
The DMC-LX100 also records high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format*2. A special, separate button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. Alternately, user can choose MP4 at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) for video recording, which has higher compatibility with PCs.
The videos also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital, to offer highly realistic sound to the motion images. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Auto Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind. The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording.
The DMC-LX100 also features a Creative Video mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive videos. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to videos, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out.

*1 4K video can be recorded up to 29 minutes 59second. When recording motion pictures in 4K, use a card rated as UHS Speed Class 3.
*2 Motion image can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.
*3 HYBRID O.I.S. with Active Mode does not work in 4K video recording.
 

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5. High Speed Response and Stunning Mobility
For faster response and higher mobility, the DMC-LX100 integrates Light Speed AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology*2 which even shortens the time to set focus. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating 2 images with different sharpness level As a result, the DMC-LX100 achieves ultra high speed AF of approx.0.09 sec*3 at wide end and even approx.0.17 sec at tele-end*4, which is approx.XXX% faster than DMC-LX7. This improvement benefits more as focal length increases. The speed of burst shooting is dramatically faster than DMC-FZ200, boasting high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) to capture fast moving subject just in-focus. DMC-FZ1000 is capable of releasing mechanical shutter at max.1/4000 sec (at 25mm wide end) and 1/3200 sec (at 400mm tele end) and even at 1/16000 with electronic shutter, which reduces washouts even under strong sunlight.
Not only these, stability of continuous focusing is now even smoother by minimizing wobbling in both photo and video recording. Together with the quick start-up of approx.0.66 sec and short release time lag, the DMC-FZ1000 never lets photographers miss fleeting shooting opportunities.
The DMC-FZ1000 also comes with new focus options. The Full Area AF allows setting focus on any part of the approx.100% field of view. Focus detect area is increased to 49 points for more flexible composition together with Custom Multi AF mode in which users can freely select the blocks to focus out of the 49 focusing area. Now the 1-area AF area can be seamlessly magnified not only in manual but also in auto focus mode. The Pinpoint AF helps focusing on tiny area by magnifying the part that can be watched with a frame-in-frame window. With the Low Light AF, AF works in -3EV lower-lit situations which is as dark as under the moonlight sky with no other light source. For more practical control over focusing, the DMC-FZ1000 incorporates Focus Peaking function that shows the focus position in MF and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peaking of focus while monitoring the subject in live view. The MF Assist mode lets photographers check the focusing area with max.10x magnified frame-in-frame window.
In addition to the conventional Face Recognition AF, the DMC-FZ1000 newly incorporates Eye Detection AF which automatically sets focus right on the eye of human face. The Eye Sensor AF starts focusing by just looking into the LVF. Tracking AF is also advanced in the point of tracking accuracy by estimating the subject’s movement.
*1Panasonic in-house examination.
*2 Works for photo shooting only.
*3Based on the CIPA standard, when using Live View Finder.
*4Panasonic in-house examination (infinity to 2m shooting time lag)

6. Creative Control Filter and Creative Panorama for More Expanded Expression
The DMC-LX100 integrates a variety of artistic functions that adds fun to digital photography. The popular Creative Control filter features a total of 22 filter options – Expressive / Retro / Old Days / High Key / Low Key / Sepia / Monochrome / Dynamic Monochrome / Rough Monochrome*1 / Silky Monochrome*1 / Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Toy Pop / Bleach Bypass / Miniature Effect*2 / Soft Focus*1 / Fantasy / Star Filter*1 / One Point Color / Sunshine*1 mode. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable. Now it is possible to apply one of these filters even in P/A/S/M mode. Users can combine favorable setting and filter to make the most intentional image.
With the Creative Panorama function, it is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture and reflect 18 filter effects. The Photo Style, which enables changing texture of photo, is also upgraded with an inclusion of Monochrome Filter (Ye/Or/R/G) for more expressive monochrome photography.
*1 For photo only.
*2 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)


7. Easy Wireless Connectivity with Smartphone/Tablet via Wi-Fi® / NFC
The DMC-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. With Panasonic "Image App", remote shooting of both photo and video is available by using the smartphone/tablet for a remote shutter with a monitor. Not only releasing a shutter, zooming, focusing are controllable with a smartphone / tablet. All these flexible shooting / browsing / sharing style are made possible with the DMC-LX100 and the Panasonic's dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android smartphones / tablets. It is also easy to embed geotag in the image after shooting. For the smartphone/tablet without NFC, the camera displays dedicated QR code on its monitor to complete pairing easily by reading the code.
 

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8. Other Features


External Flash (Bundled)
An practical external flash unit (GN6) is bundled in DMC-LX100, which is in the same color with the camera body.
Highlight/Shadow Control
The Live View function is also advanced digitally making it possible to adjust highlight / shadow separately with the rear dial. 3 patterns of settings can be customized in addition to 3 patterns of preset.
RAW data development in Camera
The DMC-LX100 is capable of developing RAW image in camera. In addition to the color space setting (sRGB/ AdobeRGB), the parameter of white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, highlight/shadow, saturation, noise reduction or sharpness can be flexibly adjusted while LUMIX’s Photo Style, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Resolution can also be applied.

Focus Peaking
For more practical control over focusing, the DMC-GM1 incorporates Focus Peaking function that shows the peak of focus in MF and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peaking of focus while monitoring the subject in live view. It can be set to HIGH / LOW / OFF and the color can also be changed to blue, white or orange according to the color of the shooting scene during live view. Users can take advantage of this function when controlling the camera with smartphone / tablet via Wi-Fi® in both photo / video recording.

Level Gauge
The DMC-LX100 is equipped with Level Gauge to detect the horizontal / vertical angle of view using its internal level working with the acceleration sensor, which is helpful to keep horizontal composition precisely
WB (White Balance) Bracket
Taking advantage of digital photography, WB (white balance) bracket is available that records 3 images with different WB parameter at a single shutter release.

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Photo and Video
For beginners, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode supports taking beautiful pictures with a variety of shooting-assist functions including AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control and Food Recognition.

Optional Accessories
On the shoe, OVF (Optical View Finder) DMW-VF1 can be mounted instead of bundled EVF. Auto Lens Cap DMW-LFAC1 that opens/closes with retraction of lens movement is newly available. A GN36 powerful External Flash (DMW-FL360L) allows high speed charging of approx.X.X sec. Not only wireless control but also LED video light functions are available.
 

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The specifications are highly impressive.
With great looking design!
 

take my money ...take my money....take my moneeeeeeeyyyyy
 

i make up my mind liao.. once this is available in SG i will sell away all my m43 gears and just get this!
 

The specs and design are really impressive.

If I have to nitpick, it would be that OIS is not available during video recording. Maybe at that field of view, it's not that critical, but it would be incredible helpful.

But overall, WOW!

I wonder how the 4K video quality will be. I wasn't very impressed by GX7 1080p.
 

WTF can I just pluck out that lens!?!??!!??! 14mm f1.7 at the wide end already win a lot of primes out there!!!!! And 75mm F2.8 WTF?!??!??!?
 

Was looking at DPR specs comparison table
GX7 - 24-90mm, F1.4-2.3, 298g, 111 x 67 x 46mm

LX100 - 24-75, F1.7-2.8, 393g, 115 x 66 x 55mm

Canon G1X II - 24-120, F2-3.9, 553g, 116 x 74 x 66mm

I think it's pretty remarkable for LX100 to have so much stuff (43rd sensor, bright, EVF, 4k vid) packed into a camera that's almost size of LX7, a much smaller sensor camera.
 

i make up my mind liao.. once this is available in SG i will sell away all my m43 gears and just get this!

This can easily take the m4/3 world by storm.. It's good enough if you don't need long tele.. Replaces the 12-35 and cheaper!! Unless you need to change lenses, this seems to be the ultimate go anywhere camera!!
 

I love the manual controls..
Just like in the LC1 and the Fuji cameras..
 

Get a main body like EM1, EM10 or GX7. LX100 would be the companion when u dont want to lug the lenses that u may not use.
 

With such impressive specs, I'm sure the price tag should be pretty "impressive" too...
 

Have been awhile since a new camera has "moved" my heart...LX100 will see more sales.
 

it looks very atas, solid and pretty... should be exciting times for panny.
but i am curious, how come with a 2x crop the lens zoom is not exactly 12-35 but printed as 10.9-34 leh?
sorry i am just really curious, hope to learn something new here.
 

highly interested. LP u bringing in? lol
 

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Dpreview explained it pretty well on crop
" There is a caveat here, which is that the LX100 isn't actually using the entire sensor, instead cropping it to allow for multi-aspect shooting (just as its predecessor did). Thus, the effective sensor area on the LX100 is really 1.5X larger than 1" and 4.3X the size of 1/1.7". In our experience, the added creative encouragement offered by the multi-aspect approach, combined with a conveniently-placed aspect ratio switch is more valuable than the extra couple of megapixels and larger lens that a full-sensor design would require."

Source here http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100