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Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 11 February 2008 - |
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- 0 |
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- 20 January 2008 - |
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- 4 |
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- 14 December 2007 - |
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- 4 |
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- 12 December 2007 - |
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- 0 |
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- 25 November 2007 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 08 November 2007 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 07 November 2007 - |
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- 0 |
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- 02 November 2007 - |
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- 4 |
Steves Digicams 's conclusion / rating - 11 February 2008 |
“ Panasonic raised the bar for entry-level dSLR camera packages when they released the L10. The features that are included on this camera are not found on many other cameras in this class. The "Live View" mode with a 9 point AF system and face detection make this dSLR as easy to use as a simple digital point and shoot, meaning anyone in the family will be able to take this camera and capture excellent photographs. On the performance side, it has no problem competing with the other cameras in its class. The smaller imaging sensor is a concern as the camera does seem to have a little more noise in dark areas than some of the other 10- megapixel models. The addition of the Leica D Vario 14 - 50mm Lens with O.I.S. coming as the kit lens is another huge feature. This is the first and one of the only kit lenses to include O.I.S. and will help greatly to reduce camera shake and blur in low light situations. With a street price of US$1299 or less, this is one of the more expensive consumer dSLR models on the market right now. This is where you need to decide if some of these new features are something that you need. If so then this camera is a good deal. If you do not need some of the features, such as "Live View" or the O.I.S. lens, then I would recommend looking at some of the other dSLRs in this category... ”
Steves Digicams's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
LetsGoDigital 's conclusion / rating - 20 January 2008 |
“ Panasonic's first digital SLR was a very nice camera. Strong build, Live View, nice optics and good quality. My first reaction was; nice of Panasonic to join the club of D-SLR manufacturers. And once the news was spread that an entry-level camera was about to see the light, I followed a wait-and-see policy. I wanted to see the invention of Panasonic with my own eyes before commenting on it. And I must admit; Panasonic highly surprised me with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 for it is undoubtedly a very special DSLR camera. Maybe even more interesting as far as news value is concerned than the latest Nikon and Canon models. Not because the Panasonic Lumix L10 is capable of surpassing other cameras as far as quality or sales figures are concerned but simply because the L10 partially redefines the Digital SLR camera... ”
LetsGoDigital's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
DPReview 's conclusion / rating - 14 December 2007 |
“ Panasonic's second digital SLR is a far more conventional affair than its first attempt, the DSC-L1. It's also quite obviously aimed at a very different type of user - the beginner / first time user / upgrader from a compact. To this end the L10 has perhaps the most compact-like operation and user interface of any SLR to date (and if you were being cruel, the most compact-like JPEG image quality too). And though it may look a lot more conventional, in typical Panasonic fashion it has a few unique tricks up its sleeve, mainly centred around the sophisticated live view capabilities.
Until recently live view on digital SLRs has felt like a clumsy add-on, with most implementations completely breaking the flow of framing-focusing-shooting with extra buttons and slow, confusing combinations of mirror flipping and display freezing. This is because virtually all live view modes still use a separate sensor for focusing, and this can only work if the mirror is down - and if the mirror is down you can't use the sensor for live view, hence the constant flip flopping as you frame, focus and shoot.
The L10 is the first consumer level SLR to offer a more intuitive (and more familiar) process with contrast detect focusing using the main sensor. This allows you to focus in live view without dropping the mirror, and though it's slower than phase detect AF, it is considerably more user-friendly (it really is just like using a compact; half press the shutter, watch the camera focus, wait for the beep). Of course this is all spoilt slightly by the almost half second pre-focus shutter lag when you actually take the picture (because in live view the shutter is open and the mirror up, and to actually make the exposure they need to get back to their 'normal' positions), but it's a big improvement on previous systems. And that's before we get on to the issues of lens compatability (which currently stands at one; the one it ships with) and the painful effect all this has on battery life... ”
Complete review here
Imaging Resource 's conclusion / rating - 12 December 2007 |
“ Panasonic's Lumix L10 was a welcome surprise. It was announced with none of the fanfare that accompanied the Lumix L1, but the Panasonic L10 is the one truly worthy of praise. It's built right, works well, looks competent, and has an excellent, more affordable optic. There are some limitations in the sensor or image processor that affect JPEG image performance, but RAW images are quite good. The JPEGs that are unaffected by the odd blue speckles (which we've only found in blond hair under incandescent light) print very well, making good quality 13x19-inch prints. If you shoot and print RAW images, 16x20-inch prints are within easy reach. The Panasonic L10's light weight and excellent grip make it easy to hold, and the buttons are arrayed nicely for easy access. The promise of Live View mode is fulfilled with the addition of two important features on the Panasonic Lumix L10's implementation: a swivel screen and contrast detect autofocus. Yes, the shutter lag is still long, but so long as you can plan for it, you'll learn to appreciate the versatility that the Panasonic L10's Live View delivers.
As for the lens, well, you can't get better in a kit lens. We haven't seen a kit lens perform this well in the corners; and with assistance from the Panasonic L10's processor, chromatic aberration is nearly eliminated. Images are a little soft straight out of the Panasonic L10 at default settings, but that's not due to the lens. As is the case with cameras like the Canon 30D, you can either turn up the in-camera sharpening or do what the pros do and sharpen after on the computer. You'll get better results that way. I also liked the Panasonic L10's Film Mode button, whose presence was a good reminder that I can try different capture modes with ease. It's a shame that it costs more than many of its competitors with similar features, but SLR buyers would do well to remember that good optics are essential to getting great pictures, and the Panasonic L10 has a very good optic. With the Lumix L10, Panasonic has made a capable digital SLR: an SLR that handily earns a Dave's Pick... ”
Imaging Resource's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
Camera Labs 's conclusion / rating - 25 November 2007 |
“ There’s no denying the L10 is a very good DSLR, but due to its quality kit lens and extra features it finds itself in a slightly uncomfortable spot. It’s obviously worth more than budget DSLRs, but finds itself competing against some higher-end models. For slightly less than the L10 kit, you could alternatively buy the Nikon D80 with the 18-135mm lens. The L10 of course has Live View, a flip-out screen, optical stabilisation, and effective anti-dust, but traditionalists may still prefer the look and feel of the Nikon – and the longer reach of the kit lens even if it’s not stabilised. Some may also look at the L10 kit price and see what it could buy them body-alone – Canon’s EOS 40D for example.
Probably the toughest comparison though is against the increasingly discounted Olympus E-510. The L10 may still have a few features and a better quality kit lens in its favour, but the E-510 is very compelling for the price. Remember the E-510 has the same Live View sensor, lens mount and anti-dust features as the L10, along with built-in stabilisation which works with any lens. It’s not quite as classy or flexible as the L10, but it is considerably cheaper while typically also coming in a twin lens kit.
We always say it’s crucial to compare the features and pick up each model in person, but it’s more important here than ever. The L10 offers a quite unique combination of features, but only you can decide if they’ll serve you better than, say a Nikon D80 kit at a similar price, or an Olympus E-510 at a much lower price. And equally only you can say which looks and feels best in your hands.
Ultimately while we commend Panasonic for equipping its second DSLR with a high quality stabilised kit lens, it has resulted in a higher point of entry which puts it in an uncomfortable position. Of course add a decent lens to any DSLR and the total price goes up significantly, but when buying a new model many only look at the bottom line. As such the L10 kit is too pricey for most first-time DSLR buyers, but not ‘professional’ enough for higher-end photographers.
Had the L10 been available in a cheaper kit without too many optical compromises as a result, it would have easily earned our Highly Recommended rating, but as it stands at the current asking price against the competition, we’ll have to go with our Recommended award. If you’re after a cheaper DSLR kit or a traditional semi-pro model, then there’s simply better options out there. But if you value the L10’s unique features and want to buy into a system with a decent kit lens from day-one, then Panasonic’s second DSLR definitely comes Recommended... ”
Camera Labs's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
Megapixel.net 's conclusion / rating - 08 November 2007 |
“ The Lumix DMC-L10 has an excellent, comfortable and secure in-hand feel thanks to the generous size of its grip and its rubberized surfaces. The controls are well positioned, and the camera reacts quickly to them. Moreover, the Live View system allows not only for previewing the shot, but also for focusing it, a practical feature with some subjects.
Only one thing struck us as a bit odd: the Function menu which reiterates some of the functions already offered by the Cursor buttons. Instead, a choice of alternative functions would have been useful... ”
Megapixel.net's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DCResource 's conclusion / rating - 07 November 2007 |
“ With their new Lumix DMC-L10, Panasonic has created the closest thing to a point-and-shoot experience on a digital SLR that I've seen yet. The L10 has live view with contrast detect AF, face detection, a rotating LCD display, scene modes, and an easy-to-use interface. Some of those features come with tradeoffs, though, and I'll discuss those below. Even with all those consumer-friendly features, the L10 is still a full-fledged D-SLR, offering full manual controls, generally robust performance, and superb photo quality. Some have called the L10 expensive, and it is -- compared to the Olympus EVOLT E-510 and Pentax K10D. At the same time, it costs hundreds less than the newer D-SLRs, such as the Canon 40D, Sony A700, and Olympus E-3. The DMC-L10 isn't perfect by any means, but it's an interesting one, and worth a look if you want a D-SLR that won't be a huge change from your compact camera.
The DMC-L10 is a traditionally styled digital SLR, unlike the brick-like DMC-L1 that came before it. The camera is well designed, well built, and easy to hold. My only complaint from a design standpoint is with regard to the dual switches under the mode dial, which I found confusing. The L10 includes Panasonic's new lighter/slower/cheaper 14 - 50 mm Leica lens, which is still better than most kit lenses that I've tested. The lens has built-in image stabilization, allowing for sharp photos at shutter speeds that would be unusable otherwise. The camera supports all FourThirds lenses, though certain features (that I'll mention below) may not work with them. The L10 has the same Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system as the DMC-L1 and Olympus' various D-SLRs.
On the back of the camera is something you'll rarely see on a digital SLR, and that's a rotating LCD display. This 2.5" screen flips to the side and can rotate 270 degrees, allowing for ground-level and over-the-head shooting. Like most D-SLRs these days, you can compose photos on the LCD in real-time. Unlike most of those cameras, the L10 allows for contrast detect autofocus while in live view mode. In layman's terms, this means that the camera can focus without having to flip the mirror down and back each time. It also allows for things like 9-point autofocus (instead of the regular 3-point phase difference AF) and face detection. The catch is that (as of right now) these features only work on the kit lens and the upcoming Panasonic 14 - 150 mm lens. Regardless of what lens you're using, you'll be able to take advantage of easy manual focusing, white balance preview, and a live histogram... ”
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 02 November 2007 |
“ Trying to decide what award the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 should receive has proven to be a difficult task, principally because the overall package that's currently available doesn't make too much sense. Panasonic have gone to great lengths to make the L10 the perfect beginner's DSLR, suitable for all those people who are considering stepping-up from a compact camera. The innovative free-angle LCD screen and advanced Live View mode mean that you can use the L10 like any compact, plus features like Face Detection and Intelligent ISO all contribute to a DSLR that operates and handles just like your favourite ultra-zoom, even down to the similarly light-weight body. At the same time, Panasonic have used their partnership with Leica to provide a fantastic kit lens that kicks the direct competition into touch. But therein lies the problem with the Panasonic L10 package - pairing a camera so obviously tailored to beginners with a lens that individually costs £600, much more than any entry-level DSLR kit, simply takes the L10 out of the financial reach of even the most well-heeled beginner. That expensive lens ensures that image quality is excellent, with very few signs of chromatic aberrations with little distortion at either end of the focal range. The L10 also offers a relatively noise-free ISO range of 100-800, which coupled with Panasonic's usual effective anti-shake system ensures that the camera can handle most lighting situations. But will beginners appreciate the difference between the Leica lens and one costing hundreds of pounds less? I think not. Or will more experienced photographers ignore the likes of the Canon EOS 40D, Nikon D200 and Sony A700 with their pro features, better low-noise performance and build-quality, and plump for the L10? Again, probably not. Which ultimately leaves the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 caught between two camps in its current kit format, too expensive for beginners, and possibly too beginner-like for prosumers. The final complication is that the Leica kit lens is currently the only lens that supports the L10's contrast detection auto-focus system in Live View mode - to get the most out of the L10, you have to use this lens. The L10 is a great camera in its own right, with some fantastic innovations that are perfectly suited to its target market, but as it stands it's simply too expensive for that market. Let's hope that Panasonic make the L10 available as body-only or with a cheaper lens that supports Live View AF soon. Highly-recommended if you can make the significant financial jump from £200 / $350 compact to £900 / $1300 DSLR, with the bonus of that quality lens, but only Recommended for the rest of us less well-off mortals... ”
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
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