Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Review

Panasonic's first digital SLR caused quite a stir at an otherwise lackluster PMA 2006, due in no small part to its unique Leica-inspired styling and Vario Elmarit 14-50mm optically stabilized lens. But ultimately the DMC-L1, failed to translate all that launch interest into actual sales. This was thanks in part to its high price (the kit lens accounting for half the $2000 ticket) and rather slender feature set. But the other problem - shared with the Olympus E330 (on which it was based and with which it shared many components) - was that the bulky unconventional styling, dismal viewfinder and clunky Live View Implementation sent potential purchasers scurrying back to the 'safe' choice of an SLR from a more mainstream manufacturer.

And now we have the second Panasonic Lumix DSLR, the DMC-L10, a far more conventional affair (it actually looks a lot like a reflex version of the FZ50) that offers some significant new features including a fully articulating LCD monitor, user interface improvements, a resolution hike to ten megapixels and the ability to use contrast-detect autofocus in Live View mode using the sensor itself (though only with compatible lenses - basically the two new zooms announced today). There are also several features that have migrated from Panasonic's compact Lumix range, including Intelligent ISO mode, quick 'FUNC' menu and a sprinkling of scene modes.

Like the L1 the new model is the fruit of the partnership between Panasonic and Olympus, and once again it features a Live MOS sensor and SSWF dust removal filter, (we don't have definite information yet, but the mirror box and sensor are, we suspect the same as the E-410). Once again the kit lens is a Panasonic/Leica collaboration, complete with optical image stabilization, though (presumably to keep costs down) it is a lighter, slower zoom (F3.8-5.6) and it doesn't have an aperture ring. The L10 also does away with the L1's traditional shutter speed dial in favor of twin control dials.

Compared to the DMC-L1, feature and specification differences

The L10 is a very different beast to the camera that came before it, and is obviously aimed at a very different segment of the market. Where the L1 was a solid, heavy lump of a camera with a semi professional build, traditional 'shutter speed and aperture dial' operation and styling that owed more than a nod to Leica's rangefinder models, the L10 is a lightweight, conventionally styled SLR with a control interface and feature set that matches mid-range models from the bigger players in the market. You don't get the L1's tank-like build, and some users will bemoan the loss of the unique 'bounce' 2-position flash and aperture ring, but I think it's safe to say that the L10 is going to be a far easier camera for Panasonic to sell.

The main spec differences are shown below, but first let's start with a summary of the important stuff:

• New lightweight compact body.
• Resolution increase (from 7.5 to 10 megapixels).
• Slightly brighter viewfinder (with optional 1.2x magnifier eyepiece included) .
• Articulating screen (180° swing and tilt).
• New smaller, lighter kit lens (around a stop slower max aperture too).
• All-new control interface.
• Contrast detect autofocus in live view (mirror stays up) - with compatible lens
• Less expensive than L1 at launch (though recent L1 price drops may reduce gap in store).

review from dpreview.com