Image courtesy: Camerasize.com
The Panasonic LX100 focused the attention of the masses. But the question is…is it really pocketable? Here are a couple of perfect size comparison between the LX100, the GM5 and the main competitor the Sony RX100m3.
LX100 preorders and info at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto. In Europe at Panasonic Germany, WexUK, Panasonic Austria, Panasonic France, Panasonic Italy, Panasonic Spain, Panasonic Netherlands, Panasonic Belgium.
Well, does it fit in your pocket? Hardly 🙂
Panasonic preorders:
LX100 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto. Europe at WexUK.
GM5 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto. Europe at WexUK.
GM5 in red at Adorama.
35-100mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Olympus preorders:
Silver E-M1 body at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus. In Europe at Wex UK.
40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus. In Europe at Wex UK.
LH-76 lens hood at Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus.
MC-14 1.4x teleconverter at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus.
PRF-ZD62 Z protection filter at Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus.
PRF-ZD72 Z protection filter at Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus.
General links to all new Olympus stuff at Adorama.
ALL new stuff announced at Photokina at Amazon.
136 Responses
LX100 vs GX7 comparison below. I like the LX100. Great second camera for an SLR shooter, or an only camera for someone who wants greater control. But the size is way too big for most any MFT user to consider as a second camera.
http://camerasize.com/compare/#569,472
perfect second camera to the GH4.
Absolutely
http://camerasize.com/compare/#569,525
Depends on one’s criteria for a 2nd camera. Does a 2nd camera need to be small?
There are those of us who have the opinion that a camera with lots of functionality can be made too small, making the ergonomics more frustrating and thus, the camera’s usefulness goes out the window. The LX100 looks to be a good compromise of size and ergonomic considerations whereas, imo, the GM1 is too much a compromise on ergonomics for size.
The absence of a bult in flash in the LX100 is a deal break for me…
not for me, the lens is fast enough where I’d rarely use flash, and when I do need flash I’d rather a proper flash anyway.
Too much emphasis on pocketability. Not even compacts like the RX100 are all that comfortable in a pocket unless it’s a jacket pocket. A relatively small all-in-one like the LX100 is attractive for a number of reasons and is quite compact period, not to mention considering everything packed into it.
I have the rx100 in my normal (not baggy) fitting jeans all the time. DEFINATELY pocketable and perhaps I may seem a bit happy to see everyone but I don’t notice it’s there =p.
RX100 still seems too big for a pocket to me. Which means the GMs and LXs definitely are.
I’m banking on something like the Lumia 1020 successor or Panasonic CM1 as a high-quality everyday carry.
I assume you are referring to the comments here. I love that Panasonic didn’t put too much emphasis on pocket ability and have produced a well handling camera with controls.
If I had any m43 camera other than the gx7 I would be seriously considering this camera, as it is I am still kind of considering it. It seems like it will be awesome.
My thoughts exactly. Although RX100 is an amazing piece of engineering in its own right, it isn’t truly pocketable either… nothing with a protruding lens is… and if I’m going to carry a camera any other way it might just as well be the one with better controls.
Even the RX100 III is quite heavy to carry in a pants pocket so for EDC the Panasonic CM-1 smartphone sounds more interesting. Couple it with a full frame Sony A7 (quality) or APS-C camera (lower cost vs m4/3) and you have a nice set for EDC and serious photography. OK LX100 looks nice too if you don’t need extra lenses.
LX100 looks quite nice……but it is not pocketable. So i don not see the point of this LX100. It does not fit in pocket and still has a tiny sensor. Better of buying something cheaper and much much better like the Sony A6000 with kitlens.
“Much better”? I take it you mean sensor quality – which in every way but megapixels is more than offset in your example by the LX100’s much faster lens (i.e. use lower ISO).
And then there’s the LX100’s 4K recording, multiaspect sensor, better controls, better UI… oh, and it’s still smaller than the A6000 with kit lens.
You can argue over the relative value of each of these features, but to call the A6000 “much better” and the LX100 sensor “tiny” is the epitome of fanboy bullscheisse.
Ah, I don’t know why I bother… you are obviously happy to continue making a fool of yourself.
Yeah, you’re basically spot-on on everything here.
Even going with an equivalence argument that takes into account sensor size, the LX100 is going to be 1 stop faster throughout the whole lens range (as it is 2 stops faster now), while having better controls and more features. And basically the same price.
He’s clearly comfortable with making a fool of himself.
My prefered kits to go for citytrips are my Nikon d7000 with Nikkor 17-55/2,8 or a panny gf1 with 14-45. LX100 looks very good regarding size and weight against my usual Equipment. Your Sony is not smaller than my GF1 and the lenses are not better than my Nikkors. But LX100 could be the perfect replacement.
Ignore this trolling idiot. He is just another MrALLCRAP.
I agree… the LX100 is not pocketable and shouldn’t be compared with cameras like the RX100. But why do you call the LX100’s sensor “tiny?” A four-thirds sensor is not “tiny.” It is not full frame or APS-C.. .but it is not “tiny.” And I’m not quite sure you’ll get better results with a kit lens on any APS-C camera.
The A6000 isn’t medium format.
Why are you wasting everyone’s time?
i think all people have their own definition of “pocketable”? i mean look at a pocketbook, can be hard too to put such in your jeans or even jacket.
It’s matter of method to pocket .
I believe if you really into a camera you love , definitely you will come out your way to pocket it .
Mine , using peak design camera clip , a clip to your belt for my GX .
thats not a method to pocket Yun lol
most modern phones aren’t even all that pocketable.
I don’t truly understand the obsession on pocketable with this camera.
This camera is different. It is meant for the user that really values the external controls of having a real shutter speed dial, a real exp comp dial, aperture on the lens. For the people that want this sort of control layout pocketable is secondary.
This camera fits more along the lines of the Fuji X100 series of camera.
If this camera was teeny the controls would be hard to manage. Personally I’m truly thrilled with the offering. A bit perplexed by the lack of touch screen but I think I’m OK with that omission.
I think when People call this pocketable they are more likely referring to a jacket pocket. I could never get my GX7 into a trouser pocket, but I love that with the 20mm it will slip into most of my jacket pockets.
Man I want this LX100 lens for the m43 mount!! I accept it would be somewhat bigger, but I would be thrilled if it ever arrived and was less than 50% bigger than present.
There are people out there that are never happy and that don’t understand the basic principles of physics. They want a jeans-pocketable, full-frame camera with an EVF and 24-300mm f/09.5 lens.
They also don’t realize that by making a camera pocketable, you’ve doomed the ergonomics of the camera if you actually want to control it.
Some people thought of this camera as competing with the RX100 series which are pants pocketable. That’s the reason for the obsession.
If you take this camera out of the pocketable category, then it’s not really in the same category as the RX100. It is as stated above more competing with the slightly larger category of fixed lens cameras such as the Fuji X100 series.
I so don’t get the LX100. (its mostly just me though!!!! LOL!…I don’t want a P&S camera..currently my small kit is my E-PL6, VF4 & 14mm…or whatever lens I want to take with me). I am an Oly-Boy and I am lusting for this GM5. I have a deep MFT lens quiver and the GM5 just offers sooo much more to “me” than the LX100 and its smaller!
Give me the European kit with the 15mm…they got it right over on The Continent..Fail here in the US! LOL!
There are other cameras out there for you, obviously.
????
This may not have interchangeable lenses but is hardly a P&S camera.
no…its a P&S camera….
Any camera is P&S camera if it’s in auto. This camera has more direct controls than your E-PL6 plus no “toggle” button for the EVF.
But it still has a fixed lens, which makes it a P&S. There are two kinds of cameras, interchangeable lens cameras and P&S.
I am lovin this…my E-PL6 is significantly SMALLER than this P&S camera.
Especially in the thickness dept!!!
That is kind of funny!!!
http://camerasize.com/compare/#569,460
GM5 ALL THE WAY,
hmmm gimme that lens on my em1 and i am happy to pocket just that in my outdoor jacket! It realy all depends on if you are talking about shirt pockets, pants pockets, which kind of pants, jacket pockets and which jacket you have, my kela softshell outdoor which actually swallows a bottle of wine with relative ease, or my suits which just takes business cards and my old iphone. Ok and if you dont mind the bulge. on the wrong place, 😉 You might draw a bit of attention lol
The thought of stuffing a camera in a pocket is beyond me LOL
Right? The camera stuffed in my pocket is my phone.
Such as the Panasonic CM1…. 😉
Typically those that are looking for a pocket camera are simply looking for a point and shoot. Cameras like the LX100 appeal to a totally different consumer.
Why? If it’s not pocketable, what’s the difference between carrying an LX100 and the GX7?
Simple, the controls are different. You can see your settings when you pick up the camera no need to even look at the screen.
I would rather be looking at the subject through the screen or EVF than looking at the controls. Either control scheme is good tough, dual dials like those of the GX7 let you change setting without removing the eye from the EVF and controls like the LX100 are naturally intuitive, you get used to them rather quick, both styles are a matter of taste in the end
The. Lens.
You do know how much it is cropping off the m43 sensor, yeah?
Yes… this ENORMOUS CAMERA is so disappointing because there’s such a long history in the camera industry of 4k-recording, full-manual-control, high-res EVF, large-sensored, wide-apertured, power-zoomed, wi-fi-having, multiaspect-sensored cameras that are POCKETABLE.
C’mon, Panasonic… that other stuff hardly matters. We want to stuff it in our jeans!
Exactly.
I agree.
But, anyone who compares the lx100 with the rx100 is obviously interested in size, not just features.
And when it comes to size, these two are not in the same league.
In other words, people should stop comparing the lx100 with the rx100. It’s pointless, one is much smaller and can slip into standard pants pocket. The other is much bigger but much better featured.
The real comparison IMO is with the Fuji X100T.
If I given a chance to pick one of them ,
The GM5 is my choice of pick despite the LX100 temptation .
Just 2 combination for this GM , the 15mm summilux & Zuiko 45mm is enough to begin a journey .
Yes, but that is almost a $2,000 journey 😉
Dyin to see a full review of the GM5!!!!
GM5, looking for the right order links (EU). 🙂
As the LX100 isn’t that pocketable, I find rather stupid they limited the lens to 75mm. They could have opted for a longer one (120mm for instance) and trade size.
Huge difference between 120mm and 70mm – the lens extends a huge amount already and it would have to do even more so – it likely was not workable with this camera.
Not just that but they exceeded in the lens design! If this had the same lens design as the LX7 but scaled for this sensor, it would had been much, much larger. People forget that this is a f/1.7-2.8 lens! People talk with no knowledge on the matter as if it’s as simple as that. Sure they would be able to do so, but only sacrificing aperture, I rather have a shorter range than slower lens.
This is a micro 4/3 lens. That means it inherently contains all kinds of aberrations, simply fixed in software. This means a cheap lens of the sort that would never have passed muster in film days, with savings not passed on to the consumer.
But it also means the lens design is freed up from the size limitations of its film lens predecessors.
Say the Internet guy that knows it all without even using it? Who cares if it’s fixed by software or not? Was it supposed to be a bashing on it? If you have that resource, why not use it? Such nonsense.
In the end, why waste your time following 43rumors if you have no interest in it? Are you stupid – rhetorical question. LOL.
I’m not even a Micro4/3 user but what’s up with these people, so much free time that they follow things that they don’t like, ain’t that pitiful? If you have so much free time, why don’t you go suck some?
Hahaha. You’re special.
even 90. Heck, even 85.
75 is neither here nor there. If that is as far as they were going to take it, better off just 24-55, at least it would be smaller.
Pocketable means camera are small sensor and bad image. LX100 is a holy grail correct size grip and stellar lens
Yes it’s true only for Lumix cameras .
But not the rest .
Example : RX100 , Ricoh GR , … .
That’s definitely not what pocketable means.
Don’t care if it’s “pocketable” – this means different things to different people. Either it’s small enough for your use or not. Though I have a GX-7 and a host of lenses, this camera is still attractive for those times when I don’t need to have anything wider or longer, but don’t want to have the 12-35/2.8 on the GX-7, which as a combo is larger and heavier overall than the LX100. Point-and-shoot-ish, but excellent sensor – pretty good idea in my book. Plus it has the true multi-aspect ratio sensor that I sure wish the GX-7 had.
I think this will be very popular IF the lens IQ is good enough. I assume it will be sharp in the center, but likely not as good in the corners as the 12-35/2.8 is – that might be OK.
Can’t wait to try one in person. May have to sell the G5 + 14-45 kit lenses that I’ve been using for some situations and get this instead.
The RX100 is the wrong comparison for the LX100. It’s competitor are big sensored compacts with zoom lenses like the Canon G1X and maybe prime lensed compacts like the RX10 or X100.
It’s not the wrong comparison. They share part of the same market, therefore they are competitors.
There are tons of people that have, had or were thinking about getting a RX100 that now wants a LX100 – like myself. And tons of others that wanted the LX100 to be smaller and now they are going after the RX100 or G7X because they have pocketability as a priority.
But these cameras to share a common market, they are all compact premium cameras, but they fulfill different needs as well, same way that there are mirrorless cameras of different size but nonetheless they also share the same market, it has much more to do with feats, price, etc. than raw size alone.
No, they might exist in the same price bracket, but the features appeal to different types of users. Feature-wise the LX100 has nothing at all in common with the RX100 apart from the 100 model name. The size is different, the zoom range is very different.
The price bracket denotes nothing: The RX100 and the Fuji X20 didn’t play in the same price bracket, yet they were direct competitors when you compared features. Someone looking at the RX100 would have looked at the X20, not the X100 which had the same pricing gap to the RX100.
The LX100 is a direct competitor for the Canon G1X, for sure. Can’t think of any other large sensor zoom.
They don’t share same feats? Such nonsense. They are both cameras with good IQ, larger sensor, good video feats, how they don’t share feats? The zoom range is different? One is 24-70mm and the other is 24-75mm? Wow, so different! Despite the lower price, the X30 is also a premium compact and they all share the premium compact market, each one with a different strength.
Do you even know the size of a X20?? You say that the LX100 and RX100 size is different but then you say that the X20 and RX100 were direct competitors? The X20 is BIGGER than the LX100! How can an even bigger camera be a direct competitor and not the LX100?
You also talk about sensor size. The X20 has a 2/3″ which has basically a 4x crop, the RX100 1″ sensor has 2.7x crop and the LX100 has 2.2x crop, how is the X20 a direct competitor and the LX100 not when the 1″ is much closer in size to the LX100’s sensor than the X20??
The RX100 and X20 had the same price gap as the RX100 and the X100? The X20 was launched at $599 and the RX100 II at the time as $749 or if you were going for the RX100 III it’s $799, whereas the X100 family are always $1299. How is that the same price range? $200~250 is very different from $500~550. Hint: it’s more than double the pricing gap!
By now, everything you said discredit whatever you said. Anyway, I’m sure this conversation won’t go nowhere from here. If you with all that knowledge says that they are not competitors, fine, I was just trying to show a wider view for the subject but you clearly know it better.
What the hell. Hahaha. Man. What a thing to be passionate about. Saving the world, now there’s a cause.
I may not clearly know better, but I know that I know as much as you think you do.
http://camerasize.com/compare/#569,257
The lx100 is not compact. Look at the lens protrusion. Rx100, compact.
Sure, because you decides that for everybody, right? You guys are thinking that you are the only ones in the world. It all depends on each person’s needs. For me, LX100 is compact enough for my needs, who are you to say otherwise? Is there a rule or book that states what exactly is the concept of compactness for cameras? No, there is not. And then, just to be ignorant you could come and say that you think that a medium format camera is compact but then you would be just ignorant because that is clearly off, but is it absurd to call the LX100 compact? Not at all. If you were to say that it’s not pocketable, ok, we could even argue about it although I simply don’t care, but compact? It can be easily called compact.
Well, it’s not that big a deal. But that is kind of how language works. It’s a great camera but I and a few others don’t think comparing it to the rx100 and talking about compactness is fair. It is small given it’s feature set, no doubt.
It’s not as compact as the RX100 and G7X, anyone wanting that kind of size should choose between those two, which are also great cameras each with its pros and cons.
But my main issue with this size argument is that people are talking like the LX100 is too huge to carry around like it was a brick and it’s not. For some, the difference between them is hige, for others, they don’t mind that, but I just think that people should quit the exaggeration.
I think that if there are lots of people deciding between two or more cameras, it means that in several aspects they are comparable, maybe not in the things that matter for you, for me or for any specific individual but it means that as a bunch of people, they share feats that make people decide between them. That simple fact is a validation that as cameras, they are comparable.
Some talk like they were expecting a RX100 all along and I don’t understand why don’t they simply buy a RX100 then. Panasonic decided to go a different root, differently from Canon, they took a slightly different road instead of coming up with basically the same product. Between the RX100 and G1X is basically EVF vs zoom range and price, between the LX100 and them it’s also price, sensor size, camera size and 4K.
There won’t be a camera that will please every crowd, but hey, there are options! People should value that, that wasn’t available couple of years ago. I would rather complain about the feats each one should have instead of focusing so much in things that are just a matter of choice.
It might not seem so to you, but to me it seems that you are trying to impose what you have decided about the LX100 on others, too.
The odd thing about the LX100 is a lot of commenters here seem to wish that it was a different camera. As if every camera made has to fit exactly their niche. And their niche tends to be so specific.
To me it’s simple: if one thinks the LX100 is too big and the RX100 is smaller and you want a pocketable camera, then buy neither. Panasonic has the CM1 as the ultimate pocketable camera. The GM5 if you want small but wish to change lenses. Etc. People should stop thinking that every camera released should be designed just for them.
I’d rather insert barbed wire in my urethra, than using any of those toy cameras.
Yes, please do so and another in your a******.
There are people with a lot of free time, I don’t get following news of something you don’t like just for the sake of stating that, isn’t that a bit contradictory? Usually for the things I don’t care or like, I simply ignore, isn’t that kind of easier? But I would never expect these people to understand that – even though it’s as simple as it gets. LOL.
Thanks for your insightful response to the article. I’m sure many of us have learned some valuable lessons about photography from your post.
We found out about the secrets of his photographic skills. LOL.
link to your flickr page please?
Why wait ? do it right now and spare the world the rest of your existence, we all need that precious oxygen you’re currently wasting. To think that at some point in time two people wasted their genes into making such a ********* of a person perplexes me.
so stick with your D810 – yes it is superb – but ever noticed that there are small and large cars on the road – ever wondered why? try recording 4K with the D810 – I assume you use a massive huge cell phone as well – try fixing your eye glasses with a large screwdriver – there are small tools and there are large tools – and sometimes one does not want to carry a large tools –
Try street shooting with a D810 and a 70-200 and see if you get the same response vs using a Fuji X100s for example or a Sony RX100m3 – so if these worthless m43 cameras are just junk to you I suggest not even waist time on this forum
It’s a deal! You do not have to use ANY of those cameras!…now…about the barbed wire….
I really like the LX100 but I don’t think I’ll be buying one – at least not until prices come down quite a bit – assuming they do. I have no problem with the camera’s size, control interface, sensor and lens. But – and this may sound silly to some – the lack of an integrated viewfinder undermines the LX100 for me because I’d want it to be my daily, all-round, go-to camera. By default, that mission means I don’t want to be carrying around any extra bits with it. But without even a tiny built-in flash that can be used for fill purposes or for relatively close snap-shot work, no sale. For $900, I shouldn’t have to wish it had a flash at least as good as Panasonic’s small travel-zoom cameras.
price finally LX100 has honest price. It has the core and video 4k codec of GH4 the same GH4 venus engine DFD in raw processing ecc ecc and a stellar lens on par with 12-35 f2.8. 900$ is truly a honest price
The LX100 continues the micro 4/3 tradition of the last 3 years. Yet another 16MP camera. The prices on these should be half of what they are at launch. This is just way too much money for what is a- albeit quite sophisticated- point and shoot.
Isn’t a camera with an EVF and manual controls — by definition — not a point and shoot?
But the LX100 has an integrated viewfinder, as does the GM5
Do Panasonic claim that it’s pocketable? No, this is an alternative to a GX7 or Pen. The lens speed is the key here. Sure, the GX7 or EPL7 with pancake zooms are about the same size. But they are slow. Put a 12-35 or 12-40 F2.8 on them, then the LX100 looks compact in comparison.
And this is cheaper than either of those
lenses, includes a decent EVF, and is faster except at the end of its range. Plus 4K? This isn’t about size, it’s about convenience, useability and features.
OK, it doesn’t have an onboard flash. Something has to give!
I wonder if we’re ever going to see this lens as a standalone mft version? obviously not right now since that would kill the lx100 but later in its life cycle maybe ? Even considering the probability that the lens goes further into the body, it’s still A LOT smaller than the current constant 2.8 zooms, if Pany releases this lens for m43 it’ll sell like crazy.
The LX100 is not using the whole 4/3 sensor area. So this lens would heavily vignet i.e. you will get black corners.
A firmware update could solve that – it would work the same way a FF Nikon does when you put a APS-C lens on – it goes into a mode where it only uses a cropped area of the sensor. You wouldn’t get the full res of the sensor, but it might be worth it to have a tiny do-all lens that can live on the GM1 or GM5 for every day snaps which can then be swapped out for a nicer one if you have the setup time/extra room for bigger lenses. I’d so buy something like that in a heartbeat.
I would have ordered the GM5 immediately if it had the control layout of the LX100.
Sure, but for that it would to be bigger, then, it wouldn’t serve the purpose.
I do not know about that. Adding the turning wheel (to control aperture) around the navigation buttons like the LX100 would have not affected the size much.
The dials on the GM5 are much smaller but that’s not even the problem here, I think you would end up sacrifing usability because the LX100 was made to work that way and Micro4/3 cameras are not like Fuji’s X-cameras, they are not optimized for that layout. Moreover for the GM line up purpose, I don’t think that would work so well, it’s not really a camera that is focues on controls, but rather on practicality, size, weight, etc.
I could expect something like that from a GX7’s successor but not so much for the GM1’s successor and even so, I don’t think it’s going to happen.
I agree a camera like the LX100 with interchangeable 4/3 lenses and the control layout would be really cool. Even if it was bigger then the GM1 or GM5
+1 I hope the “GX8” gets these controls
If there will be a GX8 🙂 but if there will be then they will probably take of the Tilt LCD and Touch LCD 🙁 As that seems to be their trend after GH4 with the FZ1000 for example no Touch LCD – I no the purists do not like Touch LCD but there could be an option in the menu to turn it off for them
+1 I wish the LX100 had a tilting touch screen too and wish that the GM5’s screen tilted. Fuji’s X100t doesn’t have either touch or tilt
also would have got it also if it had IBIS – but not cigar
What a nice pair of cameras from Panasonic! I love them both. I ordered the GM5 because I already have an investment in m43 lenses. If I didn’t though I could likely be very happy with the lx100. I’d love to have both of these. Think of the lx100 as a fine lens with a free camera attached. I think the 900 dollar price would be fair for a m43 version of that lens.
I’d love to see a M43 version of that lens! it would be awesome on one of the GM cameras.
I don’t care about the size, but the exact features in interchangeable version is now my wish list. I would probably go for GM5 if it had the same design as LX100, even without extra features. 4k seems like a nice feature though.
People are having a hard time with something quite simple when it comes to the size issue.
If you think that the LX100 is too big, go for the RX100 or G7X, they also have a lot of great feats and advantages of their own. If you don’t care so much about the LX100 being larger and would love to have the extra feats, larger sensor, buy a LX100 – I doubt that with these options anyone would pick the G1X II though.
These are choices, not a list of complains, pick the one that suits your needs the most. End of story, there is not much to debate here, you either things the size is ok or not, nitpicking, whining won’t change the choice that you have to make.
Which is quite different than debating other feats.
For instance I do
question why Panasonic didn’t use a tiltable screen for a camera that
has such video feats, not a deal breaker but it does make a difference.
Or how all competitors have built-in ND filter, the LX7 also had that,
why not the LX100? I highly doubt that people praised the multi-aspect
sensor from previous LX cameras and not the inclusion of ND. There is no
quality variable ND for 43mm, which makes it less practical. You either
need a step up ring adapter or several different ND filters.
I liked
the lens cap accessory but will I be able to use it if I have a filter on it?
I also wanted a mic input but that’s more understandable but ND and tiltable screen were things that they could had done, but again, they are not deal breakers but it would be frustrated to find out that they could actually had done so and then in the next camera it comes with it. but that’s part of the tech world, I do get it but that doesn’t make it less frustrating.
Simple solution–use the electronic shutter, which can take pictures at up to 1/16,000! As long as you’re not shooting rapidly moving subjects, the electronic shutter works fine. I use it all the time on the GM1–it allows me to shoot wide open with the panasonic 25mm 1.4–and I have no image quality issues whatsoever.
As I said, for a camra that has such video feats as a selling point it’s an issue because for video, you don’t use such high speed shutter. For 30p you use 1/60, you won’t use 1/16000. As for pictures, there are also situations in which you want it wide open but needs slower shutter. Anyway, my main point is video-related because some of the things it borrows from the GH4 are indeed a highlight of this camera, but without proper support – both tiltable screen, mic input and ND are things that help with video – you are kind of cripping a bit the usability, the practicality, making it harder for anyone trying to use it.
The Fuji X30 is a good comparison model. They seem about the same size, but the Panasonic LX100 has a much bigger sensor. The Fuji has much to recommend it: great haptics, stellar EVF with innovative portrait display, a twist zoom, a sharp, fast lens, and great IQ, even if the sensor is only 2/3. But at only $200 less than the LX100, it is going to be a tough sell. The LX looks to be a remarkable camera. We’ll see how that lens performs, but I’m betting that the LX100 is going to be the camera of the year. It isn’t shirt or jeans pocket friendly. But definitely small enough to carry everywhere, small enough to not be intimidating, and most likely small enough for a winter coat pocket. Most importantly (for me, at least), is that while quite small, it looks to be “just right” ergonomically. I haven’t held one yet, but the Fuji X20 felt great, and this is about that same size, and with even BETTER controls.
great points – I do have the X20 – and it is one of my favorite looking cameras – have 16 cameras – I was thinking that Fuji would want to compete in the 1 inch sensor race – their body was larger then competition so should have been easy to fit – but it would have meant a new lens as well – but no cigar – now X30 even larger then the X20 ! and not as nice looking and same sensor and same processor – they just took the EVF from the X-E2 and put it on the X30 and added a tilt LCD – which then removed the buttons on the left which so many loved – with an EVF I would have been happy with a 2.8 inch LCD that flipped vs no buttons and 3 inch LCD – So I do not expect much in the future I think the X30 will flop in sales – why did they have to change the looks ? they have not done it on the X100T or the XT1
My guess is that they plan to put a 2/3 organic sensor in it next year so did not develop an all new lens for a one inch version that would only last a year. I think 2/3 is said to be a sweet spot for the organic and is well differentiated from the APSC of their primary lineup. And a one inch would be close to a 4/3 organic offering by partner, Panasonic! 🙂 Or maybe they just miscalculated
PS: I agree with you. The X20 is much better looking than the X30
Makes me laugh… I tried it today at the panasonic booth. there was a non working device so I asked if I could try to put it in my pocket… You know what ? I got big pockets and it entered them (front and rear) without problem 😉
LOL, classic troll Admin. Well done.
Just wear unfashionably baggie pants. Problem solved.
also not a problem for those who live in colder climate as they will always have large coats on 🙂
Great size comparison – would also been nice to include the Fuji X20/30 –
I ordered my LX100 🙂 so not just have to wait till late Nov or when ever B&H gets it – Supported this site by using their B&H link 🙂
so overall happy – but really miss the Touch LCD and Flip LCD – I also would prefer a Mode Dial – as Shutter Dial is only whole stops – and one needs to get into the LCD to mode to 1/3 stops –
I have Fuji X bodies as well and although the concept is nice – I prefer the Dial on the GH4 and GX1 and GH3 and GX7 – control wheel – which can be pushed in for changing function – so quick and handy and right by the thumb – I guess Panasonic is trying to copy Fuji and please the purists.
So smaller than I expected which is nice – so basically a GX7 with several lenses in a smaller package 🙂 almost – still like the dials and controls better on the GX7 and the Touch LCD and Tilt LCD – if Sony was able to do tilt LCD then Panasonic should have been – Hope LX100 will not go on back-order
Besides the tiltable screen I miss the built-in ND, with a bright lens and tons of video feats, it would make a lot of sense to have that, even more when not only the LX7 had it but all the competitions have. If they decided to offer the multi-aspect in reference to LX7’s heritage, why not do so with the ND?
I agree – would have been nice – with only 4000 sec mech. shutter one is forced into electronic shutter which is fine in many cases except on moving objects – but I wonder if there will be an add on like magnet like ND filter like I have on my Sony RX100 – I was also wondering about the lens cap – will the auto close one come with it or is that an extra – I ordered mine online via B&H and did not see anything int he description that it had one – like the one on the Olympus Stylus 1
Yeah but for normal video you only go 1/50 for 24p/25p and 1/60 for 30p, so going higher is not really a good option, an ND is really needed.
Well, the LX100’s USA page is not online yet – well, I couldn’t find it – but in the UK page there is a promotion that will give a free cap for early buyers.
http://promotions.panasonic.co.uk/offer/lumix-lx100-free-lens-cap-offer/
The LX100 has a 43mm filter thread, no need for magnets.
The combination of 1/4000s + wide-open + moving object seems very far-fetched. Could you maybe describe a real-life scenario? What are you trying to photograph? A broad-daylight portrait of a fashion model looking out of a moving train, with only one eye in focus?
Even in that hypothetical scenario, at ISO200 and 1/4000s, sunny 16 rule gives you f:4 or thereabouts (f:2.8, if you extend ISO to 100).
Hate-o-meter is a great way to say how succesful a product is going to be*. By those standards, the LX100 seems to be a huge hit and it seems that Amazon’s ranking agrees.
*because that means that someone took a precious time of their life just to check something they hate, to comment on it, which in my mind makes no sense but whatever, that’s the Internet.
I don’t see the LX100 as a camera designed with pocketability in mind and also not something used only as a second camera.
I see it as a tool for the enthusiast hobbyist who wants a camera which can be left in a small bag or on the shoulders all day and covers almost all of their needs, without having to change lenses and with no need to buy additional ones. This camera would be the ideal option for most people buying an entry level DSLR with kit lens or the cheaper mirrorless kits and never buying an additional lens. It’s such a clever design it has to be really successful.
This camera seems really nice for portraits, street, events, low-light, macro, etc. and the user can shere the image instantly through Wi-Fi with their smartphone.
For those who want their camera to fit their pocket and want high IQ there’s the option of the Sony RX100 series.
Why no comments on the small size of the GM5? Almost same size as the RX100iii in width and height and slightly more depth if you use the 14/f2.5 lens. on GM5 or other small fast primes like the 20/f1.7.
What surprises me is looking at the EVFs on the LX100 and GM5 they look to be the same size even if not so must be the optics enlarge the image to almost the same size to the eye? DPR commented when using that the EVF on the GM5 looked great with no comment about the small size?
Frankly I was surprised that Pany did not make the LX100 the size of the GM5 using a 1″ sensor and focal length of 24-100mm effective and use the LX100 camera body for a interchangeable lens version for the GM5 or GX8?
Of the three cameras shown I would guess the GM5 would be preferred by iphone and cell phone users because of its nice touch screen in comparison to the others.
While the popup EVF of RM100iii makes it the most pocketable of the the three, one has to wonder in the long term just how durable a popup EVF will be in the long run in comparison to the inplace EVFs as it is the first of its kind and seems one’s nose would be right up against the LCD in use?
Gm5 could be perfect but still no 4k, tiltable screen ans ibis. I still waiting GM10
Without these advanced features i think i will take basic casual pictures with my phone…
LOL…then you just don’t “get” this camera. 🙂
I get it. It’s a great compact camera for on the go, travel and no need to bring a bunch of big lenses. I have tons of m43 lenses and most of the time this would be a great solution for travel and every day shooting. Grab and go. Everyone wants the next compact cam to meet every need gap they have and it won;t. Flash? I never, ever use one. This seems like a great camera and I returned my GM1 because as soon as I put on anything other than the kit lens it may as well be this camera. Besides it has a fast lens and lots of features.
Definitely needed the tilt screen. It was likely left out so they could add it in next year.
I think GM1 is still my favourite. LX100 is too big and I was a bit gutted that they took out the flash on GM5. Of those 3 cameras, I might even go with RX100m3..!!
I’ll wait for next years GM1/2/6, whatever they call it. I love the GM1 and would have liked a viewfinder but not at the expense of a flash inside. The right combination is a hotshoe and in-body flash. With that you can add a viewfinder to the camera when you need it but still have a flash anytime. I think I’d use a flash more often than a viewfinder but I’d like to have the option. RX100m3 looks like a great camera, certainly better than these options from Panasonic.
The reason I like the GM1 is that they stripped everything off and made it as small as possible in size and as minimalistic as possible in design. I think you’re totally right about the hotshoe viewfinder. In fact, it’s a fantastic idea. The RX100 did take three generations to get to where it is now, so we just might have to wait another year…
I see The LX100/D-Lux as the ULTIMATE camera.
No need whatsoever for anything else (beside of course a good smartphone for everyday pics).
This LX/D-Lux simply has everything I ever hoped for in a digital camera and is exactly of the perfect size. IMHO RX100MIII is way too small for easy setting and handling.
Even LX/D-Lux is borderline acceptable of becoming too small.
I loved my D-Lux 4 for its pics, yet was very uncomfortable with the small size.
To me a small D-SLR or A6000 would be fine too, except for the very slow zoom lenses (and putting a good fast zoom lens on it like an F2.8 makes it a true brick as well as much more expensive compared with the D-Lux/LX).
GM1 needed to be in those size comparisons for sure
LX100 seems nice but it’s not very small. It surely makes m43 cams even more pointless.