Panasonic DMC-L1 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica 14-50mm Mega O.I.S. Lens Review

When this camera was introduced I knew I wanted one. The look and feature set just appealed to me. Finally I got one. It is not a perfect camera for everyone, but get your hands on one and it speaks for itself. I love using this camera and I find it quite comfortable to use with everything where I expect it to be. Some features I particularly like are the manual controls, two-stage flash, live view, and the kit lens.

The manual controls feel more natural than using menus. I especially like the quick access buttons on the back and the drive mode and metering switches on top. Though these switches can change position easily at times, I still much prefer it to delving into a menu. I also love the two programable function buttons. This can be very useful, though be warned that one of them defaults to aperture when using a lens without the ring. But this has its workarounds.

I normally avoid using flash, but on the L1 I will try to find a way to use it. The bounce flash I find especially useful for portraits. The power of the flash I think is also very good for a built in unit. Its also amusing to see other peoples’ faces when you pop the flash.

Live view is a feature many seem to scoff at, but I find it quite useful. It also helps to compensate for the viewfinder’s deficiencies or when you really want to get that unique perspective.

And last but not least, the LEICA lens. I wanted a bright lens, and the L1 comes with one. Having a quality piece of glass to start with is a real plus and this lens is part of what makes the L1 the camera it is.

The L1 has its faults and quirks too.

The viewfinder is small and dark. Though I don’t find it to be any darker than the viewfinder on my old Canon AE-1, it is smaller than most. But it is adequate for ordinary shooting and something you quickly adjust to. If you’re shooting detail you can use Live VIew to check focus and to better view in dark lighting.

The auto focus is normally quick and near silent, but it does struggle in dim lighting or under harsh backlighting. Then the lens racks through its range and can make a bit of noise. But it is quieter than mechanical focus systems and I find it to be very accurate most of the time.

Lastly a few nit-picks. The flash being located off center from the lens axis can cause uneven lighting, but it is barely noticeable and often only occurs at either close or far distances. Also, don’t use the lens hood with the flash as it causes shadows. The shutter dial is nice to use, except it doesn’t turn 360 degrees. This makes switching from aperture to shutter priority a slight pain at times. But it isn’t a big deal unless you switch between shooting modes a lot. Battery life isn’t stellar by comparison to some others, especially if you use Live View a lot. So an extra battery would be suggested.

Overall this is a very unique piece of photographic equipment and is one you will either love or hate. But don’t just take peoples’ word for it. Get your hands on one and see for yourself. I love mine and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m proud to own what will surely become a piece of photographic history.

Panasonic DMC-L1 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica 14-50mm Mega O.I.S. Lens Feature

• 7.5-megapixel Live MOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 21-inch prints
• 2.5-inch LCD display with unique Live View functionality
• Film-camera body layout, with shutter-speed dial and on-lens aperture adjustment
• Leica 14-50mm Mega OIS lens included (equivalent to 28-100mm in 35mm photography) with 100 percent view-field coverage
• Supersonic Wave Filter system for dust reduction; Venus Engine III processing engine

Panasonic DMC-L1 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica 14-50mm Mega O.I.S. Lens Overview

The DMC-L1 series features analog-like controls that feel comfortable and instantly familiar. You can easily adjust settings with the touch of a fingertip, check them with a quick glance, and set the exposure intuitively. Turn the aperture ring with your left hand (which supports the lens) and operate the shutter speed dial with your right hand (holding the camera body). These two controls adjust the exposure, which is critical in picture quality. For photographers who consider the way a camera feels an important part of photo shooting, the DMC-L1 series is a revolutionary digital camera. It’s easy to use and feels just right in your hands. Each time you make a 1/3-EV step adjustment of either the shutter speed or the aperture, the camera responds with a reassuring click.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 22, 2010 16:54:16