Panasonic DMC-L1 first hand photos

Here is a selection of shots of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 that will help to give you a feel for the camera's unusual design. These were taken after the press conference and I have to apologise for the less than perfect lighting conditions.
The DMC-L1 is not a small camera, but it's not as huge as I had initially feared.


Nearest is the original Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1. There is some perspective to take into account here, but the relative sizes of these cameras are not enormously apart.


Image stabilisation for Four Thirds at last.



(Updated) A welcome view, no doubt, for traditionalists, with the retention of the LC1-style aperture ring and top-plate shutter speed dial. It has been confirmed to us that the Vario Elmarit lens aperture ring function does not operate with existing Olympus E-Series cameras; if you fit this lens you must use the usual on-body E-Series aperture mode selection. Panasonic representatives suggested to us that there was no serious technical barrier to Olympus enabling the aperture ring function on future Olympus models, but that it would be up to Olympus to choose to do so.


But on the back, it's all up to date digital technology, though the omission of an E-330 style tilting live view screen is strange to me.


The new Leica Vario Elmarit zoom is a remarkably compact lens considering its 28-100 (equivalent) range, image stabilisation mode and f/2.8-3.5 maximum aperture range. However, it is larger in diameter than the equivalent Digital Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 lens.


The boxy styling of the old LC1 tended to polarise opinion, but if you liked the LC1, you should like the L1.


(Updated) There is no Olympus E-330 style Mode A/B legend on the Live View selector button – this is because the L1 does not have a Mode A setting. Unlike the E-330, autofocus is possible in live mode but only by re-deploying the mirror and interrupting live view momentarily.


The LC1's novel pop-up flash has been retained for the L1.