Panasonic's Lumix DMC-L1, first DSLR

Well we'll be a monkey's uncle, Panasonic tapped Olympus for a little bit of the old intra-corporate synergy to help fill in that weak spot in their digital product lineup: DSLRs. Among other things, Panny's new DMC-L1 features the Venus Engine III, a 2.5-inch live LCD (like in Olympus's E-330), and a 7.5 megapixel "Live MOS" sensor, as they call it -- which sounds more or less like a CMOS, though they claim it has reduced power consumption and more CCD-like image quality. (Remember, Canon also uses CMOS sensors in their DSLRs.) Panasonic has also added Oly's Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system, which shakes dust off the sensor before it has a chance to sully the image. The DMC-L1 also includes Panasonic's image stabilization system, and continues Panny's use of Leica-branded lenses -- though in this case the lenses use Olympus's Four Thirds system. No announcement on price or release date yet, but we aren't expecting this fine motha to run us cheap.

[John William Mason @ Feb 26th 2006 9:13AM]

Most industries are the same. their is always someone who will copy something from their competitors

[Brado @ Feb 26th 2006 9:51AM]

It's.......... beauuuuuuuuuuuutiful.

And here I was waiting for the FZ-40, why bother when there's something two steps up?

[John @ Feb 26th 2006 9:53AM]

Looks like Panasonic is rebadging the Oly E-330. All the features match, and the controls are a dead ringer for Olympus. The exciting news is not so much this camera body, but the Leica lens. If it's using the 4/3 system (from the E-330), then E-Series users should be able to use this new Leica lens.

[Nathan @ Feb 26th 2006 10:03AM]

#2 - the lens does use the 4/3 system. You can see the 4/3 logo under LUMIX on the lens. More info on the lens is on DPReview.com
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022608leica14-50mm.asp

[ReaL @ Feb 26th 2006 10:35AM]

The Panasonic L1 further incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that serves as a dust reduction system, so you don't have to worry about dust entering the camera during lens changes.

[Blin @ Feb 26th 2006 12:33PM]

I think it is important to note that the image stabilization that is mentioned in the summery is on that specific Lecia lens that was announced with the L1. The actualy body of the camera has no stabilization (like the 5D does). Just so people don't get the wrong idea.

It is nice to see some changes being made on the dSLR front (like live view). And it is nice to see someone make a stabilized dSLR lens that isn't super-telephoto. Because I have the FZ30 (upgraded from the FZ10) and stabilization is something that once you try, you will never want to go back (nothing like taking clear pictures at 35mm at 1/4 of a second. Granted you would need to probably 3 or 4 pictures in a row to get one clear enough, but with digital that is hardly a problem. And 1/8 of a second is easily enough to get consistently sharp pictures).

I can see the digital camera world getting very interesting in the next couple years...

[cycomachead @ Feb 26th 2006 1:37PM]

I know that this is not the Digiatl M, but does anyone know if Panasonic is gonna have a copy of the M?? And, does anyone know what lense mount its uses???

[Jeff @ Feb 26th 2006 3:19PM]

I'm having a hard time figuring out if this is *actually* an SLR. SLR doesn't mean "a camera with interchangeable lenses", SLR means "single lens reflex". Reflex meaning you're looking through the lens when you look through the viewfinder.

They talk about the mirror box in the specs on DPReview, but only in relation to the live view on the LCD (forgot to mention that part, Engadget - this is an "SLR" on which you can use the LCD for framing). There is no mention whatsoever of the viewfinder, which is one of the most important parts of an SLR. Is it an electronic viewfinder? It would almost seem like it has to be if the sensor data is being routed to the LCD.

Generally speaking, it seems like it's a pretty low-end prosumer cam that happens to let you change lenses. It's also going to be awkward to hold - they're using a pocket cam form factor on a camera that's capable of holding large and heavy lenses. Not much of a grip on that body.

[ksmc @ Feb 26th 2006 4:02PM]

To Jeff:

'Generally speaking, it seems like it's a pretty low-end prosumer cam that happens to let you change lenses.'

You're talking bull. Which low end prosumer cameras have 17.3 x 13 mm sensors.

[hh83917 @ Feb 26th 2006 5:04PM]

Well, even if it's a SLR/prosumer camera, I bet the lenses will not be cheap. They are probably trying get people to not only buy this camera but also the lenses they are planning to release afterwards.

[ocellnuri @ Feb 26th 2006 6:39PM]

Jeff, it's a real, through the lens, viewfinder just like on any SLR. That's why this is sort of a big deal, it's a SLR WITH live preview on the LCD as well. From what I've skimmed over, they do it by sticking a photo sensor in among the mirrors to intercept the image as it goes to the viewfinder.

If you want to see more about how it works, read up on the Olympus E-330 at Dpreview.com.

[Lumix-Lover @ Feb 26th 2006 7:22PM]

As an owner of both a Lumix DMC-LX1 and DMC-LC1, this camera looks to be an interesting forward development. The LC1 takes pictures that, without fail mesmerize folks more than any other digital camera they have generally ever seen. The LX1 does something similar, with it's crisp imaging(100 and under ISO), image stabilization and compact size.

The three drawbacks of the LC1 were no optical viewfinder(seemingly fixed in the L1 if you compare it to it's supposed sibling the Olympus e330), no RAW buffer(3 secs between shots not really optimal... good thing jpegs are nice) and it was 'only' 5 MP.

I think this L1 will be quite a gem. And in regards to Jeff's post, I think the Panasonics are vastly underated items(crazy build quality) and quite the opposite of hard to hold -- I have had many photographer friends remark about how perfect the LC1 feels in their hands... much better balanced than the Canons or Nikon DSLRs.

p.s. the image makes the L1 look pretty small but if it is comparable to the LC1, it's hardly pocket-cam form-factor... that's the LX1...

[tekdroid @ Feb 26th 2006 8:29PM]

If this has Olympus' Pixel Mapping feature, this should be very interesting indeed.

[true @ Feb 26th 2006 9:00PM]

I just got back from the show in Orlando, and let me just add.. if it was the camera all lit up under the plexiglass pedestal at the entrance to their booth, this sucker is HUGE. It is very 1960s in execution-- it looks like something that would have been bolted down inside Apollo for the moon launch. That said, I saw more people taking photos if it than any of the other new cameras rolled out at the show.

[Eric @ Feb 26th 2006 9:26PM]

As a long-time Leica user - having given them up over the past few years to go Canon, I have to say I think I might just have to pick up this lens/body combination. Although Leica Photography International just showed some photos of the Leica M and suggested it might actually be announced this week instead of during Photokina in Sept./Oct. Now that will be expensive. But this camera won't be cheap. Lens and body I'm betting will push $3,000.00 if their previous pricing is any guide.

[Reagan @ Feb 27th 2006 12:14AM]

I doubt this will be $3,000. Its position in the market and the technology it's based on point more to a $1,000-$1,500 camera, I'd figure a little more than the Olympus E-330 because of the O.I.S. Leica lens.

I can't wait to see this one, the body lines remind me of a Pentax Spotmatic, very retro, very cool.

[Nick @ Feb 27th 2006 6:54AM]

no battery grip, no thanks.

[raygundan @ Feb 27th 2006 8:55AM]

"it looks like something that would have been bolted down inside Apollo for the moon launch."

It's about time. I'm tired of swoopy, shiny, plastic-trimmed jellybean devices. I want my electronics to look like they'll break the sidewalk when you drop them, not the other way around.

[popeye @ Feb 27th 2006 10:20AM]

cycomachead,

a digital M would in prolly use Leica M mount lenses...

BTW A guy over at photo.net is grafting a full size sensor into an M2 and posting his progress, he is making excellent headway.

[J.M. Barron @ Feb 27th 2006 11:15AM]

Do they add a sensor for the LCD finder or does it simply lift the mirror and use the one that does the imaging?

[cycomachead @ Feb 27th 2006 5:49PM]

hey I got the part about the M, but I ment the L1 {I'm only 13}
retorical Q for Eric How can you switxh away from Leica??
I own the LX1 and I love it except for the noise
I like the look of the L1
I think that the viewfinder is movable ( not sure)
I hope that the noise isnt that much, compared to othere Pana's
Will there be othe Leica lenes avaibleWill leica have a copy of the L1,mabey later in the year
cause I know that leica introduces things late

[cycomachead @ Feb 27th 2006 5:55PM]

I just found out that the viewfinder does not move because it is contructed into thr rest of the body

the image is at drreview.com

[pirloui @ Feb 27th 2006 8:03PM]

I like it's blocky style very very much...
Just too sad it will most probably be over-priced... But I'd love to have one :)
Most other DSLRs have the same boring body. This one is almost beautifull.

[Hitesh @ Feb 28th 2006 1:17AM]

There's some truth to what Jeff says (#8). The DMC-L1 doesn't seem to have a pentaprism. In any regular digital SLR, the pentaprism is what transfers the image from the mirror behind the lens to the viewfinder. The pentaprism is housed in the 'hump' that you can see on an SLR, just under the hotshoe.

It seems to me that the L1 will not be an SLR in the 'truest' sense. Yes, it has the mirror, a large CMOS, supersonic thingi that blows off dust, interchangeable lenses and so on. But - it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. There's no way that an optical viewfinder can be 'live' in an SLR, simply because the mirror has to flip up and block light to the pentaprism toallow light through to the CMOS.

In effect the 'reflex' from single lens reflex is missing. Anyone interested can look at the cutaway diagram of a digital SLR here:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0209/02092404canoneos1ds.asp

[vietual @ Feb 28th 2006 2:09AM]

Panasonic does list the price of $1599.99:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=68643&catGroupId=24999

[Jeff @ Feb 28th 2006 10:19AM]

Actually, that's the LC1, not the L1 -- the L1 isn't up on their site yet as anything other than a press release...

[Iain @ Feb 28th 2006 3:32PM]

I'm not sure if this is like the E330. The E330 gives a live view by having a second sensor inside the mirror box allowing a live view on the screen and an optical viewfinder at the same time.
If I read the info right, with this camera the mirror locks up and the screen image is produced from the same sensor that records the photo. This means that there will be a choice of optical or screen, not both at the same time.

[Vinjak @ Mar 1st 2006 11:15AM]

In effect the 'reflex' from single lens reflex is missing.

Jeeeez, people, of course it is missing the pentaprism, bu SO WHAT?
It is a true DSLR. Juust that it employs the porro lightpath design introduced exactly the same found in E-330. Check the dpreview at oly e-330 for a visual representation of the above fact.

And imho it's THE most beautiful DSLR ever made. The design doesn't just fit retrominded asses like mine, but evokes the true sense of a photographic tool.

[Phil @ Mar 5th 2006 9:57AM]

It definitely has an optical viewfinder. It looks different because the mirror (not prism) flips sideways, similar to the Olympus E-330:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/olympuse330/

For more evidence of an optical viewfinder check the 4th and last picture on this link:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022801panasonicdmcl1handson.asp

[Andrew Waters @ Mar 8th 2006 3:13AM]

I've been reading over the information about this new camera and barring some (future) disappointing reviews will definitely buy it.
I have an old (1982) Canon F1N from wayyy back; 12aa batteries with motor drive.This thing must weigh something like a five pound bag of sugar.
I was casually waiting around for the 30D's appearance as my first DSLR when I stumbled onto the DMC L1. And I havee to tell you I'm ready for it too.
I've always liked Canon cameras but never really liked the looks of the 20d/30D. I lean toward the Nikons in appearance. That said, I'm sure appearance should take a back seat to performance but I want all of that together. ;-)
I'm also thinking that Panasonic will market this camera to compete in the range of the 30D. Maybe $1,300 for the body; probably $400-$500 for the lens. Anything more than that may place it too close to the 5D which I hear isn't selling too well in Europe. I'm sure Panasonic doesn't want that to happen with their debut L1.

Andrew

[Kentique @ Apr 11th 2006 1:45PM]

Most prosumer DSLRS do not have a pentaprism(save the wonderful Pentax ist series), but a porroprism. It is still Single lens reflex, just without the hunky mass of the prism(the prism offers brighter image to the finder, but makes it heavier and costlier). Olympus Pen F was a SLR back in the 60s which had a sideways porroprism, and it didnt have the extrusion of the pentaprism- and many people still love that(including myself) The E-300/330 is a revival of that concept. but the 330 and the LC-1, however, has both a viewfinder AND the electronic, which is why its such big news.

its good news that Panasonic is releasing such an attractive camera into the fourthirds. Had konica minolta joined too, things might have been different for them. Their D-7 was a mighty fine camera- its a shame to see them go...

[terry chay @ Apr 25th 2006 8:12PM]

I thought most of them use penta-mirrors not porro prisms? In any case your idea is correct, except for the Pentax *st D line, most sub $1500 dSLRs use penta-mirrors which reduce the image quality and brightness. This is why many of them have smaller viewfinder magnifications to compensate.

IMO, this camera is a dSLR because when we say dSLR we assume interchangeable lenses and that your viewfinder view uses the same lens and similar lightpath to the recorded image. Note that the latter is not a requirement, but I don't see anyone here arguing that a "bridge camera" is a dSLR (which by definition it is).

BTW, how come nobody called Blin on his claim that the Canon 5D has in-body image stabilization. A statement that is provably false. (Canon and Nikon will be the *last* companies to offer in-body anti-shake because of their profits off the IS and VR lenses respectively.)

Also this is not a re-badged Olympus E-330. The E-330 has rounded corners, the L1 has a Leica boxy look. The E-330 has Olympus image processing engine, the L1 has the Panasonic Venus III engine. The Olympus has an adjustable LCD, the L1 has a fixed. That's off the top of my head, I'm sure there will be a lot of different handling traits given Olympus being devoted to more user-friendliness and Panasonic targetting the Leica/enthusiast market .

The confusion comes from the similar lightpath design. That makes a lot of sense: Panasonic developed the Live MOS preview for Olympus and Olympus shared the mount and ultrasonic dust filter with Panasonic.

If you have gobs of money, there will probably be a rebadged version of this put out by Leica, not Olympus.

I hope I cleared up some of the confusion, not added to it.

[peijin @ May 4th 2006 11:16PM]

so wait, besides this new Leica lens, what other lenses? does this take? Does it take the 4/3 olympus zuiko ones? for me, the range (as well as price and availability) of lenses is at least as impt as the camera specs.

[Bill Russell @ May 29th 2006 12:11PM]

The link above to the Panasonic site lists a price of $1599. Clicking through to checkout and checking availability showed an expected ship date of 6/28/2006.

The www.dpreview.com site answers all the bull above about not being a real SLR. it is based on the Oly E-330 body that uses a series of mirror fitted sideways in the body. The controls are nothing like the E-330, having more traditional controls with aperture and shutter speed dials and levers to select drive mode metering pattern etc.

Take a look at Andrzej Wrotniak's comments at
http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/oly-e/l1.html

[Bill Russell @ May 29th 2006 12:30PM]

Whoops - the Panasonic Site price of $1599 is for the Non-SLR DMC-LC1 - they do look very similar at a glance, so still no confirmation of a ship date from Panasonic. The LC1 is also rebadged as a Leica Digilux 2.

BTW - the www.dpreview.com hands on review shows pictures of Oly lenses on the L1 and the Leica lens on the E-330, proving that the promise of the 4/3rds system is reality. Aperture setting with OLY lenses on the L1 is via the command wheel.

The big attraction for me to the L1 is the fast Leica lens and the traditional controls that allow use like a "real" camera without having to plough through menus set say the self timer.

[Phang @ Jun 22nd 2006 12:13AM]

to jeff,
in what way you find it is a low-end prosumer camera?? have you hold the camera by yourself(or did panasonic gurus invited you into their lab and tested out the camera?), have you tested it with sample photos(or the panasonic gurus did forward you some lousy shots with their prototype?) or is it just because you have not hold or try or even use many different cameras before? why so concerned to figure out if it is a slr or an abc? what if it is so happened that panasonic really does make a camera so-called an slr that inside it is not so slr? does it really affect the picture quality at the end? or is it just because the pictures you have seen of this camera in the web just couldn't take good pictures in your mind?

to me, it is interesting to all companies always to challenge and come out with something which is new, and different in order to seek for new breakthrough, or else, the first guy who invented and named his camera as slr will be a failure is he thinks like jeff.

[Geof Iles @ Aug 3rd 2006 10:17AM]

I am very interested in the L1. I have been using the FZ10 for a number of years now and I am truly amazed at what it can do. Image stabilization is a must. I am only just beginning to appreciate wide angle photography and am looking for a more suitable camera to replace the FZ10 in this regard. I am strongly attracted to an SLR since the electronic viewfinder of the FZ10 is very limiting. I really don't want to carry arround a lot of glass as with a full 35mm sensor and hence feel the L1 might be just what I want.

The only question is the cost of lenses with IS built in vs something like the new Sony that stabilizes the sensor in the body of the camera. Anyone have any other ideas?

Geof