Panasonic displayed the LX100 at the Ceatec show in Japan (Source: DC.watch). And by the way, many of you may have missed to learn about two interesting features of the LX100:
1) LX100 has a lens-shutter, not a focal plain shutter. So flash-sync for all over the shutter speed (within the mechanical shutter range)
2) LX100 can do wireless flash, according to menu and draft manual that is equipped at Panasonic Center Tokyo.
Thanks M.O. for sharing this info!
There are also new LX100 reviews:
1) Full review at Photographyblog. The camera earned the “Essential” mark:
The LX100 raises the bar considerably and leaps right to the top of the burgeoning premium compact market, even making a strong case as a serious alternative to CSC and DSLR models if it suits your outlook on the world. Sony may have had things mostly to themselves with the RX-series in recent times, but Panasonic have definitely shook things up with the exciting new Lumix DMC-LX100.
2) ISO test at Focus Numerique.
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, Technikdirekt and Amazon.
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.
80 Responses
wireless flash with what?
I hate spoon-feeding the willfully ignorant, but here you go – http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMW-FL360L
Finally an official page says LX100 is a compatible model. Thanks, Tron.
All these comparisons to the RX-series kind of make me nervous that I just dropped $800 on the M3, but then i just have to remind my self: RX series fits in pocket. LX100 does not. If one is seeking a compact specifically for pocket carry, those are two totally different cameras. Same issue with the GM1. Although actually smaller than the RX-series, with any decent lens, it is just not pocketable. Coming from all Olympus cameras, which have always been compact, solid, and amazingly engineered, I would have to say Sony’s effort is pretty phenomenal for the size. Image quality is pretty easy. Image quality at that size is still something only sony has done.
I know I’ll probably get attacked as a sony fanboy, as typical of the comments on this site, but I just wanted to share my thoughts on the RX comparisons.
The Sony RX100iii is a marvel. If size is your priority, it is unrivaled. And the pop up EVF is pure genius. I need to rent and spend time with it and the LX100 to be sure, but suspect that the Panasonic’s handling, controls and low light performance will justify the shirt pocket to jacket pocket size gain.
Yeah.. I was planning on getting a jacket pocket sized too, probably gm1/5, but I think I may end up with LX100 once the price comes down a bit.
I tried the RX100 but found it too fiddly. So was the GM1. There is such a thing as being too small, to me. I guess if I wanted that small I’d just use a cameraphone instead. The CM1 does look enticing, I have to say — 28mm Elmarit that fits in a shirt pocket. Hmm.
I had the same interest, then the same reservations. 🙂
I’m hoping that the GM5 fixes much. The wheel is gone, which is a good sign. And the EVF is welcome. I’d have loved a tilt LCD, but am eager to try it anyway. The LX100 and GM5 both have a strong pull on me.
It’s great that we have so many options to pick from these days.
I feel like the GM5 will handle a lot like the GX1 that I’m used to, just even smaller. Though despite it’s compact size, the GX1 actually has a really nice grip, whereas the GM5 doesn’t…
It’s a shame it sounds like Panasonic cheaped-out on the viewfinder. It’s even smaller than the one on the RX100 III…
The grip is a non issue, just buy one (GM1/5) from Richard Franiec
Unfortunately the GM5’s EVF has color smearing when panning. I almost bought it. But the disadvantages kept me off. Next week I’ll have a look at the E-PL7 and will than decide if I will go for that or the Sony RX100III.
Portability is important but I was still torn due to the possibility of lens changes if I choose a small ILC. GM1, although cheap now is out of the picture.
Well, the Canon G7X looks like it’s pulled a fast one on Sony by releasing a camera the same size, with the same sensor, but a much better lens. So that’s something. And it has a touch screen! Which, personally, I think is more valuable for most people than an EVF.
Does it do full zensor readout in video mode?
I have serious doubts…
Much better lens? Well it looks that way on paper for the G7X, but many have comment on the soft distorted images due to the cropping of the sensor. At least you know with the RX100 III you get sharp images throughout. Be aware before you buy.
Oh and a touchscreen is better than an EVF???? Interesting, I will remember that on all those sunny days when I cannot even take a picture due to the LCD being washed out, let alone using that handy dandy touchscreen.
You’re right, the lens comparison is on paper. If the G7X is cropping, that’s disappointing, and maybe I should retract my statement. Even still, you know what’s worse than a shot taken at 100mm/f2.8 lens with soft corners? No shot taken at 100mm/f2.8, which is what you get with the Sony…
I 100% stand by saying that the touchscreen is better than an EVF. With the touchscreen it allows you to instantly change your focus point and take a photo without any need to move a kludgey cursor around the screen or focus and recompose, changing your focal plane. The latter is totally fine for static subjects, but a touchscreen is so creatively liberating, especially if you’re doing more than just photographing dew drops on leaves.
I find that the better technology gets, the less capable people seem to be – or, at least, the more they complain about little things. Years ago I took a little point-and-shoot (Ricoh R8!) with me for a 5 month backpacking trip to Africa and Asia. It didn’t have anything even vaguely resembling a viewfinder, and yet I somehow still managed to take some of my favourite pictures ever, many of them in the blazing sun, because that’s what you get down there. I don’t recall the blinding sun ever being a big problem for composing. You know what I did? I used my hand to shade the LCD. Crazy innovation, I know.
Ironically, now is the first time I want an EVF, because I’m using interchangeable lens cameras that demand my other hand – either for manual zooming, or manual focusing. With a power zoom P&S like the RX100 or G7X that seems like such a non-issue.
But then again, I only used a manual film SLR for learning and became more serious about photography with digital, so it’s what I’m used to. For those who have spent their whole lives shooting through OVFs, I can see the comfort factor in that being something else entirely.
The bounce flash means a lot for many. The Sony has much better video. The Sony has EVF. The Sony is a mature product at its third phase.
And no, the LX100 does not compete with the RX100. I will probably buy a LX100, but the Sony will stay with me for a long time still.
let me ask you. How do you carry your RX100, in a case or in a pocket? I’ve never heard of anyone actually carrying an expensive camera just in a pocket unless it’s dust/water proof. I’m also a fan of compact/pocketable cameras and admire what Sony did with RX series, but to my understanding carrying camera in a pocket will decrease its life span.
pocket. I bought a pocket sized camera because I didn’t want to cary a case. I bought the sony because it’s the highest quality that still fits in a jean pocket. If i don’t want to hand cary, neck strap, neck case, shoulder case, i grap this and put it in my pocket. If I wanted to have something i have to keep my mind on, bouncing around, attracting thieves when i travel, I’ll take my bigger cameras.
I don’t think dust/waterproof matters for a pocket camera. I highly doubt carrying a pocket camera in a pocket is going to “decrease its lifespan” (google results = 0).
People pay the premium for the RX because it’s the best you will get that goes in a pocket AND still better than most that barely do.
google Sensor Dust
With a fixed lens? LOL.
go to google put sensor dust + any fixed-lens camera (rx100 for example) and you’ll get results of someone complaining about grey dots on the screen. I’ve had this problem on every single pocket camera i owned after 1-2 years of use because i carry them every day without cases. i don’t mind that with cheap $100-$200 cameras but i would keep RX100 in a case
The LX100 looks seriously cheap and FUGLY in silver.
Once you go BLACK… 😉
I like the silver and brown one better than the black, actually. It looks elegant. If I had money I might buy two of them in either colours.
They should’ve gone with black accents instead of brown for the silver model, that way it would’ve looked very similar to a Contax G/G2.
I am not saying this is a bad camera…It will deliver good goods in a relatively small package, (I won’t be buying one at the price it is with a fixed lens and my style of shooting…my small “kit” will remain MFT with interchangeable lenses)…but I think from a design standpoint in 2014 that the LX100 is sooooo clunky looking in black or silver……..like…is this the same company that designed the GM5??????
Taken from the iPhone maybe…..
High flash sync is certainly really interesting, missed this feature. Already saw amazing things from fuji x100, what can be done with simple battery powered flash outdoor even during day time.
Wow, all the scumbags have gathered to sing the praises of the latest crappy toy from Panasonic. Amazing!
This camera is completely overshadowed by competing models from Sony, Fuji and Canon. It speaks alot about your lack of intelligence that you’re even interested in this camera.
Larry, go back to the pub and have another pint. The grownups are talking here.
Tsk, tsk… promoting underage drinking, are we?
hahahah
I am now up to about 85% sure I will buy one of these. It looks like a really great camera to complement my other M43 cameras. Larry; send me your email and I’ll send you a picture of my new camera when I buy it….Since you obviously cannot afford one on your allowance.
Competing models? LOL There are none! Fuji or Canon? You mean the Canon RX100 III? It speaks alot about your lack of intelligence that you think there are direct competing models.
Not that I agree with Larry, but there are competing models for sure. If potential buyers are making a choice between two models, then those models are competing for the customers’ money. I am myself looking at LX100, G1X II, G7X, RX100 III and X30 as potential carry-anywhere cameras. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, similarities and differences, but the fact that I and many others are choosing between them, makes them competitors.
Ahh..now I remember why I stopped going to the local Pub!
I hand out with Bill now instead!
Typo: hang out
typical comment of someone who is in love with a brand or system instead of someone real.
What competing models ? There is none ! Why don’t you tell us again about that lack of intelligence ?
sure this camera is being hyped big-time, but will it live up to the hype? Only time and user experiences will tell.
You can pretty much guess based on the track record of users raving about their LX5 and LX7 models. I think Panasonic hit it close to out of the park with this one.
yawn
And then there’s Larry the Pub Guy, a wasted party pooper with brain rot.
Impressive review at PB!
“The LX100 raises the bar considerably and leaps right to the top of
the burgeoning premium compact market, even making a strong case as a
serious alternative to CSC and DSLR models if it suits your outlook on
the world. Sony may have had things mostly to themselves with the
RX-series in recent times, but Panasonic have definitely shook things up
with the exciting new Lumix DMC-LX100.”
As good as this camera may be, like the Gx7 I’m guessing Sony, Fuji or others will get on-board and one-up them pretty quickly. The GX7 was the next wonder of the world until Fuji came out with the XE1 for less $ and Sony offered a menu of amazing cams that made the target audience back-burner the GX7. This seems like it will be a winner but until they deliver em there is time for other manu’s to throw a large sensor in a compact (sony) and eclipse the LX100. We’ll see. The A-6000 is pretty compact with an amazing APS-C sensor and the package costs less than 700.
The X-E1 isn’t really better than the GX7, though. You might be able to argue that the X-E2 is, but it’s still missing a bunch of important features. Not everyone sees the processing issues associated with the X-Trans sensor as a bonus. If Fuji used a modern 24MP Sony sensor I’d be a lot more inclined to like them.
The a6000 is pretty comparable to the GX7, except for the lens line-up. Even it doesn’t have a touchscreen, though.
compare images from the GX7 to the A6000 and you’ll toss the GX7. They are not comparable,
It’s funny, I was prepared to believe you, and based on out-of-camera JPEGs, you may be right – the GX7’s JPEGs over at Imaging Resource don’t look great. But then I looked at the RAW low-light comparison on DPReview, and there’s not even 1 stop of difference. Maybe 1/2 stop, at most!
See for yourself.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/image-comparison?attr18=lowlight&attr13_0=panasonic_dmcgx7&attr13_1=sony_a6000&attr13_2=fujifilm_xe2&attr13_3=canon_eos5dmkiii&attr15_0=raw&attr15_1=raw&attr15_2=raw&attr15_3=raw&attr16_0=3200&attr16_1=3200&attr16_2=3200&attr16_3=3200&normalization=print&widget=1&x=0.7979089219330856&y=-0.6232889486467732
This catastrophizing over minor differences in image quality at ISOs that would not even be imaginable in practical use just 10 years ago is mind-boggling…
Half a stop is about right – APS-C is larger than 4/3 by about 68%, and since the the 24MP sensor is just a bit denser you should get that half a stop. To get closer to 2/3 a stop you’ll need to downsize the Sony image to match the GX7’s.
First you tell us to compare them, and then you say that they are not comparable. Strange logic!
How can you say that the A6000 produces better images than the GX7 without comparing them? In order to reach the conclusion that
one is better than the other, you have to compare them first, don’t
you?
Any two cameras can be compared, and it’s not always just about image quality. The GX7 and the A6000 are the same type of camera, aimed at the same target user, and sharing many features.
Uh, the Fuji XE1 was announced just about a year before the GX7. Within about 3 months of launch, the GX7 could be had for $852 US with kit lens.
So much for your theory.
Doesn’t matter if it was the X-E1 or what camera A#..go do your homework and you’ll find that the GX7 was supposed to be the next best thing but within 2 months of the announcement was overshadowed by many other cameras at better prices. Thank you for being such a snarky jerk.
But he’s right though.
Small sensor:( My Ricoh GR is smaller and has bigger sensor and the RX1 has bigger sensor and just little bit bigger than the LX100:(
Does your Ricoh GR or RX1 also have a 24-75mm 1.7-2.8 lens? No? Then the comparison is irrelevant.
Why do people insist on comparing apples to oranges?
Because size is everything. I would rather to have a bigger sensor than zoom lens.
Jimmy, then go and buy a Ricoh GR…. Oh, you’ve already done that. So why fuss?
I had a Ricoh GR and sold it and went back to a Sony RX100II for my pocket cam. Might have a bigger sensor but it has other drawbacks like slow AF performance.
I have a Sony RX100 III too. I used to have a RX1 and carry them both but the RX1 is still too big for me so I sold it and replaced it with a Rich GR. I Both great camera but RX100 III got small sensor. I wish Sony could make one as small as RX100 III but with APS-C or FF sensor and zoom lens.
Interesting. Even though the LX100 has a faster equivalent lens? f1.7*2.2 crop is still greater than f2.8*1.5 crop…
Because no matter what, even if it does not make sense, they want to justify their decision ( in this case, their purchase of a specific camera).
yawn
Ugly pic, m43?
RX1 has a much bigger sensor than the LX100
He did write that it has a bigger sensor. The “little bit bigger” part refers to the camera body.
Focus Numeric tests have now shown the first deficiencies of the LX100 – namely the lens sharpness, especially off center. The trade-off for lens speed and compactness is sharpness and the built-in lens of the LX100 shows this. Definitely not in the same sharpness league as the 12-35/2.8 Pany (and was not expected to be). So the LX100 is not a replacement for the GX7 + 12-35/2.8 by any stretch unless your absolutely favor compactness over IQ (which I do sometimes).
That was pretty much to be expected, frankly. I tried comparing LX100 to their test of RX100 III, but they apparently changed the way they present resolution charts, so no idea how the numbers compare (and the difference in sensor resolution would probably make that hard anyway). RX100 seems to be handling wide angles better at wide apertures, that’s for sure. Still, I’ve seen DSLR lenses that provided worse corner performance, and the quality of real life photos from LX100 seems to be good enough, at least to me. Definitely not a replacement for a proper ILC, but I don’t think it was ever designed to be.
And at least the lens covers the sensor (the imaging part of it), unlike Canon G7X 🙂
what is an ILC?
Interchangeable Lens Camera, also known as a CSC.
Wrong, ILC is not synonymous with CSC (compact system camera). The latter term is used only for MILCs (mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras), not for DSLRs, which are also ILCs.
Got a link, because I only saw them say this: ” images are superb and even at 100% on screen”?
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.focus-numerique.com%2Ftest-1991%2Fcompact-panasonic-lx100-bruit-electronique-12.html
I would think that for fast lenses, it is a given that: a) centres will be sharp while corners will be soft, and b) this is actually a desirable effect that makes some people only shoot with fast lenses (particularly for portraits).
My Olympus Stylus 1 will sync at any shutter speed up to 1/2000 sec as well because it uses a leaf (lens) shutter & it also does RC flash control like all the other Olympus cameras, so it is good to know this LX100 does too.
Leaf shutter then, as usual with fixed-lens cameras. Nothing to write home about but very useful, and another nail in the coffin of small sensor system cameras.
The usual numbskulls will moan that corners are not sharp, of course
But the corners aren’t sharp! Even the 12-35/2.8 at its weakest, 12/2.8, isn’t as bad. In a way not only do you get what you pay for, but also it explains the size difference between the two lenses.
that silver/brown look is just terrible
For me the question is: Why are Panasonic incapable of implementing good physical controls on the top of the GM5/GM1? Are they waiting to produce a ‘more professional’ GM7 and charge us more for it?
Why does this camera’s lens have a manual aperture control where none of the other Panasonic M43 pancake lenses do?
Did this camera only achieve better handling/controls because Leica demanded it? (as this has the same internals as the Leica D-Lux Typ 109).
The LX100 is by no means ‘perfect’ (for example the questionable placement/function of the iA and the ‘filter’ buttons), but the controls appear to be better than the small Panasonic M43 bodies I have used. (I have not used the GH series which would no doubt be much better).
It seems with the GM5/GM1 Panasonic has all the technology but lacks the last few percent of controllability/ergonomics that many photographers desire (but companies like Fuji/Leica manage that aspect well).
I could be wrong but this LX100 release makes me think that Panasonic/Olympus still have a lot left to do in their ‘smaller’ M43 bodies.
The GM series is targeted at general consumers, who might not want enthusiast-style manual controls. The LX100 is clearly aimed at the same target market as say the Fuji X100, i.e. more advanced users.
The GM series is in the same market demographic as the Olympus EPM series. The key driving factors are compactness and painless point and shoot experience, not sophistication. I quite enjoyed the EPM1 when I had it, due to the lack of the complication found on the EM5.
Those are the very basic controls and any camera lacking those does not deserve to be called a camera. Third-tier manufacturers charge a premium for those basic controls. They probably don’t really know what they are for 🙂