Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10

The second full featured digital SLR from Panasonic is the new Lumix DMC-L10. And while Panasonic is a relative newcomer to the SLR marketplace, the L10 packs an impressive set of features and a very interesting lens into one unique camera kit.

The DMC-L10 is a traditional looking camera that looks something like a cross between an old fashioned film SLR and the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 all in one camera. The L10 comes loaded with new features including a fully articulating LCD monitor, improved user menus, a full ten mega pixels of resolution and the ability to use contrast detection auto focus in Live View mode using the sensor itself (though only with compatible lenses).

There are also several features that have migrated from Panasonic's compact Lumix range, including Intelligent ISO mode, image stabilization built into the lens, and compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards.

Technical Specs : Image sizes

• 3648 x 2736
• 2816 x 2112
• 2048 x 1536
  

File Formats

• JPEG

ISO options

• Auto
• Intelligent ISO (Live View only)
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
  

Shutter speed 8 minutes to 1/4000 sec

Focus

• 3 point Phase detection (more accurate)
• 9 areas Contrast detection (Live view only, slower, less accurate)
  

Focus modes

• S-AF
• C-AF
• MF (�focus by wire� electronic manual focus)
• Face Detect (Live View only)
  

Continuous or Burst mode

• 3.0 fps or 2.0 fps burst modes
• 3 frames
• JPEG : Unlimited with a fast card
  

Self timer

• 10 sec
• 2 sec
• 10 sec, 3 frames
  

Flash

• pop-up
• GN 11 (ISO 100, m)
• TTL hot shoe for external flash
  

Scene modes Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Sports, Night Portrait, Sunset, Food, Baby 1, Baby 2, Pet

Viewfinder

• Pentamirror optical view finder
• Eye point 14mm at -1 diopter adjustment
• 1.2x Magnifier Eye Cup and eye piece cap supplied
  

LCD monitor

• 2.5" TFT LCD monitor with Live View option
• Tilt and swivel (180 degree movement)
• 207,000 pixels
  

Dimensions (W x H x D) 134.5mm x 95.5mm x 77.5mm

Weight 480 g (body only, no battery or lens)

Estimated Price $1,299

Kit Lens and Lens Performance The Panasonic L10 uses the Four Thirds open standard for lenses meaning it uses the same lenses used on Olympus DSLRs. Unfortunately, the L10 is only available with the kit lens included which raises the purchase price since you're paying for the camera and the lens.

Fortunately, the Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm lens is no ordinary kit lens. Featuring the MEGA OIS stabilization system this zoom lens covers the entire 28-100mm (35mm equivalent)
range is also longer than most kit lenses.

That said, contrast and sharpness appeared sub par straight out of the camera in both JPEG and RAW modes. Whether these image quality issues where the result of the in-camera image processing or the lens, we cannot say.

Key features : Kit lens Leica D Vario-Elmar 14�50mm (28-100mm in 35mm equivalent) F3.8�5.6/ASPH. MEGA OIS

Live View AF Yes

Aperture type 7 blade leaf shutters or iris diaphragm

Distance Scale No

Aperture ring No

Aperture range F3.8 (Wide) to F5.6 (Tele)

Minimum Aperture F22

Lens construction

• 11 elements in 15 groups
• 2 aspherical lenses
  

Filter Diameter 67mm

Closest focus 0.29m (0.95 feet)

Maximal diameter 74mm (2.91 inch)

Overall length Approx. 93mm

Weight Approx. 434g