Panasonic Lumix LX10 Review

Although there has always been a healthy interest in the premium end of the compact market, Sony’s decision four years ago to squeeze a 1.0-inch sensor into the RX100 gave the format a much-needed boost. This was even though there has always been a healthy interest in the premium end of the compact market.

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Although such cameras have their limitations and cannot always serve as a substitute for interchangeable-lens systems, the continuing improvement in the quality of their output, as well as their compact proportions, mean that they are often the first choice for general shooting and sometimes even for more considered photography as well.

Sony’s RX100 range of cameras has been quite successful for the company. This may be attributed in part to the sensor that sits at the core of these models, but it can also be attributed to the use of high-quality lenses and enhanced video capability.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Features

The heart of the Lumix LX10 is a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that measures 1.0 inches in size. This is the same type of sensor found in Panasonic’s most current superzoom models, the ZS100/TZ100 and the FZ2000.

This device takes pictures at a default aspect ratio of 3:2 and has a capable sensitivity range of ISO125-12,800. Additionally, it has expansion options that go as low as ISO80 and as high as ISO25,600 equivalents.

In addition to still images, the sensor can record video in 4K resolution, namely in the 4K Ultra High Definition format (3840 x 2160 pixels). This is shot at a maximum frame rate of 30fps, with choices also available for 25fps and 24fps. However, if this is more than what is required, or if you are using a slower memory card, you have the option of recording in Full HD at a range of frame rates up to 60fps instead.

4K video recording is accompanied by a whole suite of supporting and related options, such as the capability to pull 4K-resolution frames from footage and a 4K Live Cropping option that enables you to zoom into the scene and set the camera to automatically pan across, with the results being output at a Full HD resolution. Other options include the ability to pull 4K-resolution frames from the footage.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Build Quality

The Panasonic Lumix LX10 and LX15 are intended to be carried in one’s pocket and can just about be placed in the palm of an average person’s hand. The primary body of it is made of metal, and all of the dials look to have been constructed to the same quality as well. There are a few buttons on the back that are on the smaller side but have a respectable travel range.

Two dials are located on the top plate: one is used to choose different shooting modes, and the other is a command dial mostly used to adjust the exposure parameters. Although the stiffness of the mode dial isn’t wholly surprising, the fact that it is flat does make it somewhat more challenging to gain a grasp on it. The command dial is a good size and rotates readily when turned. Nevertheless, if you only ever use a few different exposure modes, this might not be a problem for you at all.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Autofocus

It is great to find that the LX10 and LX15 display the kind of slick performance that we have come to expect from Panasonic. The past few generations of Lumix compacts and compact system cameras have been blessed with excellent autofocus speeds, so it is great to find that Panasonic has continued this trend with the LX10 and LX15.

When there is sufficient light, the camera can acquire autofocus with virtually no delay, or at least none that would create a meaningful difference to the user. When confronted with darker surroundings, the lens quickly ping-pongs back and forth before confirming focus. However, even in exceptionally dark settings, the speedy AF-assist lamp ensures that direction is frequently obtained with just a little delay.

You can easily pick the focusing point due to the responsiveness of the touchscreen, and you can alter the size of this box to one of eight different settings using the command dial that is located on the top plate. Although this is helpful when you need to focus on a tiny thing (or far away), you can also use the Pinpoint option to get a higher level of accuracy.

In this mode, it takes the camera a little bit longer to find focus than when it is left to its more traditional settings; nevertheless, the center of the screen will magnify as the emphasis is verified, giving you a more precise notion of what is and isn’t in focus while the camera snaps the picture. Even the length of time that this magnification is active may be changed if you so like, which is a surprising amount of flexibility for such a small camera.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Performance

After powering on the Panasonic LX10 or LX15, it takes around a second and a half for the camera’s lens to stretch to its full length and be ready to snap a picture, which isn’t exceptionally fast but is pretty much run for the course for a model of this kind. If you immediately attempt to play photographs as soon as the camera is switched on, there is a tiny additional delay; another second or two is required.

Although the lens advances through its focus range in a relatively leisurely manner, this is required considering how short the lens is. The fact that the zoom collar that surrounds the shutter release button is sensitive enough to recognize very few nudges is a beautiful feature. This sensitivity makes it possible to modify the focus range in single mm increments for precision, which is a significant advantage. If you want frequently used focal lengths such as 35mm and 50mm, you can stop the zoom.

However, using the camera reveals that the maximum aperture closes down to f/2 by 27mm, and to f/2.8 by 32mm, which may surprise some people. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4-2.8, which compares well with competitors that only achieve f/1.8 at the wide-angle end.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Image Quality

Because the default evaluative pattern can perform admirably across such a wide variety of settings, there is typically very little need to make use of the exposure compensation feature of the camera while carrying out day-to-day photography.

When shooting outside on the street, the camera only slightly underexposes the image when presented with a more considerable expanse of brilliant sky. It does a good job overall of keeping a balanced exposure across the frame.

Similarly, when photographing a predominately dark subject, the camera is not as readily tricked as so many other cameras are into giving an overexposed picture.

The processing of raw photographs reveals a fair amount of creative leeway, even with these scenarios. It is possible to effectively elevate the exposure of underexposed areas by a stop or two. It is also possible to rescue underexposed places even further, but this must be done with careful noise reduction and sharpness.

The raw processing that can be done in the camera is quite well thought out, and it offers a wide variety of possibilities, such as the option to save files either over previously saved versions or as brand new ones.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Specs

Body typeCompact
Sensor
Max resolution5472 x 3648
Image ratio w:h4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors21 megapixels
Sensor size1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor typeBSI-CMOS
Color spacePrimary color filter
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum)80
Boosted ISO (maximum)25600
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes (4 slots)
Image stabilizationSensor-shift
Image stabilization notes5-axis ‘hybrid’ when recording 1080p and below video
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, standard
File formatJPEG (Exif v.23)Raw (Panasonic RW2)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)24–72 mm
Optical zoom
Maximum apertureF1.4–2.8
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lampYes
Digital zoomYes (2X-4X)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range3 cm (1.18″)
Number of focus points49
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCDTilting
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,040,000
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeNone
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed60 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)1/16000 sec
Exposure modesProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual
Scene modesClear PortraitSilky SkinBacklit SoftnessClear in BacklightRelaxing ToneSweet Child’s FaceDistinct SceneryBright Blue SkyRomantic Sunset GlowVivid Sunset GlowGlistening WaterClear NightscapeCool Night SkyWarm Glowing NightscapeArtistic NightscapeGlittering IlluminationsHandheld Night ShotClear Night PortraitSoft Image of a FlowerAppetizing FoodCute DessertFreeze Animal MotionClear Sports ShotMonochrome
Built-in flashYes
Flash range12.10 m (at Auto ISO)
External flashNo
Flash modesAuto, Auto w/ red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On w/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync w/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Drive modesSingleContinuousSelf-timer
Continuous drive10.0 fps
Self-timerYes (2 or 10 secs, 10 sec (3 shots))
Metering modesMultiCenter-weightedSpot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes
Videography features
Modes3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 30p / 10 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n
Remote controlYes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)260
Weight (inc. batteries)310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
Dimensions106 x 60 x 42 mm (4.17 x 2.36 x 1.65″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
GPSNone

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Verdict

In the enthusiast compact market, Panasonic has a long and illustrious history, and the LX10 / LX15 is yet another outstanding addition to the Lumix range of cameras.

The speed of its focusing mechanism and the clarity and responsiveness of its touchscreen make it a pleasurable camera to use. The/pros quality of the pictures and movies it produces is consistently impressive.

The camera has such a petite proportion also means that you won’t be discouraged bringing it out for the evening, but you will still feel secure enough to utilize it in more demanding circumstances, which is where you may typically use an interchangeable-lens camera.

Panasonic Lumix LX10 Price

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Panasonic LUMIX LX10 4K Digital Camera, 20.1 Megapixel 1-Inch Sensor, 3X LEICA...

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 19, 2024 10:06 am
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