Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: David D. Busch

Reviewed on: 4 October 2005

Tags: Panasonic, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1, optical viewfinder, memory card, image stabilisation

We like:

16:9 native aspect-ratio CCD; wide-angle lens; image stabilisation; decent photo quality; versatile burst mode; TIFF and raw formats; 64mm LCD

We don't like:

No optical viewfinder; LCD difficult to view in dim light; no white-balance presets for fluorescent light; some image artefacts

You might also need:

Fast, high-capacity SD card

CNET UK judgement:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 has a broad set of manual controls, image stabilisation and a wide lens and sensor crammed into a compact package

Full review:

Aside from its 8-megapixel resolution, the compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 justifies its premium price with a tasty array of too-cool-for-school features, including the world's first incorporation of a 16:9 CCD imager, a crisp 4x Leica zoom lens that starts at a commendably wide 28mm, and a nimble optical stabilisation system that steadies your camera reliably at slow shutter speeds. It also has an enthusiast-friendly collection of features such as full manual control over focus and exposure, robust burst modes, and both TIFF and raw file formats. Mix in a generous set of 14 scene modes and solid macro capabilities and you have a versatile camera that will appeal to photo enthusiasts looking for a full-featured portable. The only downers in this pretty picture are the lack of an optical viewfinder for backup in dim or very bright light and an otherwise brilliant 64mm (2.5-inch) LCD that can be difficult to view under those challenging conditions. We'd like some provision for external flash, too. Design Panasonic has endowed this compact (107 by 56 by 28mm, 184g) camera with more than the usual number of buttons and dials, but the Lumix DMC-LX1 gives you a generous number of options to adjust without a visit to the menu system. A sliding switch on top of the lens lets you change between 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Another switch on the side of the lens flips from normal focus to macro or manual focus The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1's top panel is inhabited by a shutter release with concentric zoom lever, a sliding on-off switch, a button that cycles among two Mega OIS (optical image stabilisation) options -- or switches it off when not needed to improve performance -- and a knurled mode dial. Modes include motion picture, picture review and full auto, as well as two scene positions and the PASM (programmed, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual) modes favoured by photo enthusiasts. The pair of scene positions, SCN1 and SCN2, each offer the same 14 options (portrait, sports, food, scenery, night scenery, night portrait, baby, soft skin, candlelight, fireworks, party, starry sky, self-portrait and snow), but because the LX1 remembers the last selected scene mode, you can specify two different default settings. Also tucked into the top panel is a pop-up electronic flash. The LX1 has two -- count 'em -- four-way controllers Continue Reading...