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

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.1 x 2.1 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000GBTTG4
• Item model number: DMC-L1KK
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,731 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 13, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer In developing the DMC-L1, Panasonic's aim was to create a digital SLR camera that delivers superb photographic rendering capabilities and is a pleasure to use.

The DMC-L1 comes equipped with a Leica D Vario-Elmarit lens that features the industry's first optical image stabilization system--MEGA O.I.S--designed specifically for the digital camera. The DMC-L1 also incorporates a Live MOS image sensor that conforms to the Four Thirds standard and offers 7.5 megapixels to ensure outstanding picture quality. The new camera introduces a full-time Live View function that, using a signal output directly from the Live MOS sensor, lets users see on the LCD screen the same image seen by the sensor. With full-time Live View and the DMC-L1's large LCD screen, users can compose shots in new ways and with greater ease and accuracy.

The L1's shutter-speed dial maintains the attractive look and feel of a film SLR.

The DMC-L1 also features a dust-reduction system that solves the digital SLR camera's long-standing problem of dust adhering to the sensor.

In the new DMC-L1, Panasonic has incorporated today's most advanced digital technologies while maintaining the attractive look and operating feel of the familiar film camera. A shutter speed dial on the camera top together with an aperture ring on the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm/f2.8-3.5 lens give the user easy, intuitive control of the exposure. The magnesium-alloy body, which in design closely resembles the body of a rangefinder camera from days past, combines with the aluminium-alloy lens section to offer both high rigidity and a high-grade appearance.

A lens-based aperture ring provides intuitive camera control.

Complies with Four Thirds standard
The DMC-L1's lens mount system adopts the open format of the Four Thirds system, developed as a common standard for digital cameras. The Live MOS sensor it incorporates is a 4/3-type image sensor. This means that the DMC-L1 can be used with lenses made by a variety of manufacturers, giving users a host of equipment options. In the Four Thirds system, the lens diameter is larger than the image circle, making it possible to design the lens so that the light passes on a straight path to the image sensor. As a result, lenses for digital cameras can be created in a size smaller than those that complied with 35mm film SLR camera standards, meeting the needs of today's digital age.

Features

Refined design makes the camera a pleasure to hold and use
The DMC-L1 offers a high-grade appearance and high reliability and durability thanks to use of a lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for the camera body. The body periphery and grip are covered with a textured, simulated leather that helps ensure a secure, slip-free hold.

A strong, lightweight chassis makes the L1's body extremely durable.

Superb image rendering of Leica D lens with optical image stabilization
The Leica D Vario-Elmarit lens, the first interchangeable lens designed specifically for digital cameras to bear the Leica brand name, is a standard zoom lens developed jointly by and combining the optical technologies of Leica Camera AG and Panasonic. A new set of quality standards were created specifically for this lens, to ensure that it would bring out the best performance of the camera it is coupled with.

With a focal length range equivalent to 28mm (wide) to 100mm (medium telescopic) on a 35mm film camera, the Leica D lens provides exceptional results with everything from portraits to landscapes. This bright f2.8-3.5 lens allows maximum use of the out-of-focus techniques possible only with an SLR camera.

The lens also provides outstanding macro shooting, thanks to a 29mm minimum shooting distance (0.32x maximum magnification, 35mm equivalent) across the entire zoom range. From landscapes to portraits to macro close-ups, the Leica D zoom lens excels in a wide variety of shooting situations.

The lens system comprises 16 elements in 12 groups and features two large-diameter glass-molded aspherical lenses. Meeting the Leica D lens lofty quality standards, this lens unit provides a superior optical performance and matches perfectly with the digital SLR camera body. The result is exquisite rendering, with images that offer clarity, depth, and rich expression from corner to corner, even at a fully open aperture.

The optical image stabilization system--MEGA O.I.S--provided in the lens unit helps minimize blurring to ensure that photos are sharp even in situations when hand-shake is typically a problem, such as when taking macro close-ups, indoor shots, or night portrait shots. Thanks to the gyrosensors and Venus Engine Plus LSI built into the lens, the system detects camera movement at a rate of 4,000 times per second, so hand-shake compensation is extremely precise.

There are two image-stabilization modes. In Mode 1 the hand-shake compensation function remains active at all times, so the image in the LCD and viewfinder is clear, which makes shots easier to compose. In Mode 2 the system activates only when the shutter button is pressed; this provides a more precise compensation performance. Users can select whichever mode they prefer in a specific situation.

Full-time Live View allows users to shoot in new ways
Panasonic has developed a full-time Live View function that lets users accurately compose photos while viewing the high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD screen. In previous digital SLR cameras, a "live" image could be seen only through the viewfinder. The new full-time Live View function thus represents a dramatic change in digital SLR photography, giving users new ways to shoot.

Full-time Live View provides a 100 percent view field coverage (that is, the same image seen by the image sensor) on the DMC-L1's large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Users can compose a shot easily and accurately while viewing the screen. The screen also displays critical information such as a live histogram and white balance, which users can easily check prior to snapping the shot. When a tripod is used, full-time Live View lets users compose the image without bending to peer through the viewfinder. In these ways, users will find that full-time Live View gives them both more shooting flexibility and greater convenience.

The Live MOS image sensor must remain ON when full-time Live View is in use. The Live MOS sensor has a full-time image output function that sends a signal directly to the LCD, allowing high-quality display on the LCD screen of the same image seen in the sensor. Note that when the full-time Live View function is active, the internal mirror is in the raised position, which means that there will be no image visible in the optical viewfinder.

Users can take advantage of the revolutionary full-time Live View function in both Autofocus and Manual Focus modes. When using Manual Focus, users can select a particular area within the frame and enlarge it up to 10x. Then, viewing the DMC-L1's 2.5-inch 207,000-pixel LCD screen, it is easy to check the focus. It is also possible, by pressing the aperture preview button, to check the depth of field. When the aperture is being adjusted, the DMC-L1 automatically adjusts the brightness of the full-time Live View image on the LCD screen to prevent it from becoming too dark to see. This makes it easier to check the depth of field.

4/3-type 7.5-megapixel, high-resolution, energy-saving Live MOS sensor
The Live MOS sensor used in the DMC-L1 provides the beautiful images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range that only a CCD image sensor can provide. To this it adds the low energy consumption only a CMOS sensor can offer. The use of dedicated processing technology enables operation at a low voltage of 5V, minimizing noise in darker parts of an image. Also, photodiodes embedded deeply in the silicon layer create a structure that suppresses noise generated on the substrate surface. As a result, the white-spot pixel defects and textural roughness that often characterize images captured in dim lighting are minimized, so photos are crisp and clear.

Dust-reduction system prevents dust and other particles from degrading images
One of the most critical issues with digital SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses is the possibility of dust entering the camera body during lens changes. This dust can adhere to the image sensor and show up as spots on photos taken. Panasonic has solved this problem by equipping the DMC-L1 with a Supersonic Wave Filter system that uses supersonic vibration to shake off any dust clinging to the sensor. This simplifies camera maintenance and eliminates worries about dust entering the camera body when lenses are being changed outdoors, so users can enjoy themselves and just concentrate on shooting.

Venus Engine III image processing LSI
The Venus Engine III is an image processing LSI developed by Panasonic to maximize the performance of the Leica D lens and Live MOS sensor. This advanced LSI not only helps reproduce images with outstanding resolution, superior color, and detailed gradation, it also distinguishes chromatic noise from luminance noise and selectively reduces the chromatic noise, one of the chief sources of image quality problems. This helps the DMC-L1 deliver the superb image rendering one expects from a quality SLR camera. The Venus Engine III also works swiftly, helping give the DMC-L1 a quick startup time of one second, shorter shutter interval, and improved consecutive shooting performance.

Further, the Venus Engine III consumes 20 percent less power than its predecessor, the Venus Engine II. This combines with the Live MOS sensor's low energy consumption to give the DMC-L1 longer battery life. Users can take around 450 shots (CIPA standard) on a single battery charge.

Film mode
In film cameras, the brand of film used affects the color characteristics, gradation, and color saturation of the photos taken. This gives photographers the option of choosing a particular brand of film to attain a particular desired effect. The DMC-L1 provides a similar option by giving the user a total of seven "film" modes to choose from, including four color settings (Standard, Dynamic, Natural, and Smooth) and three monochrome settings (Standard, Dynamic, and Smooth). Just as photographers can switch film brands to change the imaging characteristics, DMC-L1 users can switch modes to achieve a similar effect.

Two-axis white balance adjustment
In addition to the conventional white balance setting, the DMC-L1 features a two-axis setting system that allows even finer white balance adjustment. Making adjustments along a horizontal amber-blue axis and a vertical green-magenta axis, users can set the camera for detailed color cast compensation over virtually the entire color space.

Extra Optical Zoom
When the camera is set to record at less than the maximum number of pixels, users can take advantage of an Extra Optical Zoom function. (Only applicable in using full-time Live View function.) This function alters the 7.5-megapixel Live MOS sensor's operating area, to vary the angle of view and increase the maximum zoom ratio.

Unlike a digital zoom, the Extra Optical Zoom function extends the focal length 1.5 times when the the DMC-L1 is used with the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm/f2.8-3.5 ASPH lens provided and when shooting at 3-megapixel or a lower-resolution mode without degrading the image. Users enjoy extra zoom power without loss of picture quality.

Other features and functions

• Supports SDHC format
• Compatible with external TTL flash units (models DMW-FL500, DMW-FL360)
• Auto bracket function shoots three or five photos at exposures changing in steps of +1/3 to 1 EV
• Equipped with a shutter-speed Bulb setting (8 minutes maximum)

Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally the right digital camera for me., November 25, 2006

By	P. Hodges (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After holding out for years before making the switch from film to digital, I finally made the leap with the DMC-L1. I have used a variety of DSLRs and digital point-and-shoot cameras prior to this. Specifically, when I was considering the DMC-L1, I was also considering the Canon 30D, and the Nikon D80 and D200 (I already had a number of Nikon lenses).
After trying all of the above cameras, I was completely in love with the DMC-L1's feel and ease of use. The shutter speed dial and aperture ring are extremely intuitive to use. Overall, the camera feels much less "fiddly" than the other models I looked at -- I didn't like having to drill down through multiple menus on the other DSLRs to get to what I was looking for.
Probably the single greatest selling point to this camera is the lens. It's one of the crispest that I've ever used. I have a Nikon 80mm F1.8 that has been my favorite for years, and the Leica lens has almost instantly supplanted it. The zoom range is pretty good for general shooting, and situations where you want to travel light [...].

One of the other selling points include the simple but sensible live-view mode, which allows you to compose your shots on the camera's LCD screen. This is a huge advantage for shooting static or slow moving subjects -- you can really compose your shot, re-arrange elements, and use the depth-of-field preview to get a good sense of how everything is going to look. However, because the mirror has to flip down for the camera to focus and meter, it is too slow for most high-speed action work.
The Mega OIS feature on the included lens is superb -- I've never used anything like it. There are two modes, but mode "2" is the only one I use -- it corrects for camera shake only when you take the picture, rather than continuously as in mode "1". I've taken a number of hand-held pictures at 1/4 of second or slower that would have been disasters with a non-OIS lens. Remember to turn OIS off if you are using a tripod, though.
Being able to save RAW images was a selling point for me, too. This may not matter as much to others, but I like being able to edit the RAW file before "developing" it into an image file.
Ergonomically, the camera is good. I would say that the Canon 30D is a better fit in my hand, but since I'm not going to be holding the camera for 12 hours a day it's not been a problem. I find the buttons and their locations to be sensible, and the thumb-wheel although small, works very well. My favorite elements are the two programable buttons located near the shutter release. Depending on the type of shooting I am doing, I reprogram these to my most often used functions (say EV, ISO, or film type). The film "type" feature is also worth noting, and may have some appeal to those that don't want to both with RAW images. There are a number of pre-programed "films" and two user programable "films" that affect the color and feel of the final images. This is a nice way to generate some decent images without going through the trouble of developing RAW images.
So in summary:
Cons:
OK ergonomics -- people with large hands or short fingers may have difficulties.
View-finder takes some getting used to. Information display is good, but it feels smaller than others I've used.
This camera is not for people who want to take mostly pictures of very high-speed action. It is also not for people who want 20" X 30" prints (because of the lower pixel count).

Pros:
Very intuitive feel, particularly for converts from more traditional SLRs
Fantastic lens
Live View image composition on camera's LCD screen
Mega OIS image stabilization lens
Much less fiddling than with other DSLRs -- more time shooting, less time looking through menus.
RAW + JPEG file formats
Great expansion options with the Four/Thirds lens line

[...].

54 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific DSLR for those with traditional values, February 9, 2007

By	J. Boutilier "Jim Boutilier" (Thornton, CO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been into photography for over 30 years. During that time I've owned quite a number of film point and shoots and SLR's. During the last 10 years I've owned a number of point and shoot digitals, super-zooms, and now my first Digital SLR. Manufacturers included Agfa, Canon, Casio, Contax, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Pentax, and Sony.

During my DSLR search, I looked at Nikon D80 and D200's. Canon Digital Rebel, EOS 30D and EOS 5D, and Pentax 100D and 10D, Sony Alpha, and of course the Panasonic DMC-L1. My search started by pouring over specs and reviews at various sites including DPREVIEW and Steve's Digicam. Then I took an in person look at all but the L1 at various camera stores.

I can't express the level of disappointment I experienced when handling these cameras in person. All of the sub $1000 models felt like cheap plastic junk. Flimsy ports and doors, rough cheap feeling controls, and flexing bodies abound, Even the upscale (supposedly) metal bodied units did not feel much better. And all of the included kit lenses were complete trash - all plastic, horrid feeling controls, and SLOW. Now thats not to say some of these can't take great pictures, but I just can't get past the build quality and feel.

So the one camera I could not find in local stores was the Panasonic DMC-L1. The reviews all seemed to talk about the great build quality, the quality of the Leica lens, and pretty much panned most of the technology, ergonomics, and actual picture quality. In desparation, I ordered one mailorder (from Amazon).

While I was slightly disappointed in the build quality (feel and materials), it was heads and tails above anything else I handled. You could actually feel the metal. Controls were much smoother and you got the impression this was higher quality product. Well it WAS more expensive than any of the others (except the 5D) so I guess that fits. You just don't get much for $1999 (actually ($1600) these days.

After handling and using the L1 for a couple days I find most of the things listed as Cons in the reviews were from prototypes and Panasonic seems to have corrected them in the production version.

Feel is good, ergonomics are good, focus is fast, picture quality is terrific and noise is effectively controlled. Live View works great and is much faster than I expected. The viewfinder is definitely dimmer than a Pentax, but on par with the low end of some other big name manufacturers and its definitely not "unusable". Viewfinder image size is also smaller than some of the above, but larger than others.

All in all I am pleased with this product and for those with traditional values like myself where quality and feel is as important as function, this product is worth a look.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True 5 Star Digital S.L.R. Panasonic's DMC L1, January 4, 2007

By	Jack B. Kane - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Panasonics DMC-L1 SLR is perhaps the most underrated DSLR on the market.
It is a unique deign to those who have only used film SLRs but to those who have used cameras such as the Leica M series, Canon, Nikon, and Contax range finder cameras should fell right at home with this jewel.

It is one of only two DSLR on the market that has "Live View" LCD
The lens that is supplied with the camera is the finest kit lens of ANY brand camera. It is a Leica lens of 28mm to 100mm (based on 35mm film size) AND the lens has built in stabilization as well for razor sharp pictures even with aging hands.

The camera lens mount is the new four-thirds system so that many of the lens made by Olympus, Sigma and Leica will snap right on the body

Of all the reviews I have read on this camera there are only three negatives that show up (1) Price. (2) It does not feel like a DSLR.
(3) Why only 7.4mp at that price?
Retail price of the camera ($1995.) covers about 90% of the negatives.
However the Leica lens with the built in stabilization alone would be about $1,200. so the body itself would be $800.

As for not feeling like a DSLR that covers 5%. See above about range finder cameras.
Why only 7.4mp any honest expert will tell you that a mega pixel range of 5 to 7.5 is all you need to make up to 16x20 photos. The race to higher mega pixcels at this time is pure media hype.