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Panasonic L1 Comparison Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was revealed to the public in February 2006 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 7.4 megapixel.

camera

Is the Panasonic L1 a good camera? The L1 has a Camera Elo of 931. This rating puts the L1 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the L1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic L1 is more than 18 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2006.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic L1
Digital single lens reflex
Four Thirds lenses
7.4 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 1 600
Optical viewfinder
2.5 LCD, 207k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second
750 shots per battery charge
146 x 87 x 64 mm, 606 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Panasonic L1 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Panasonic L1 vs credit card front
L1 versus credit card top view
L1 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic L1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic L1 146 mm 87 mm 64 mm 606 g 750 n Feb 2006 999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon XT 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 n Feb 2005 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Digilux 3 146 mm 87 mm 77 mm 606 g 750 n Sep 2006 1,499ebay.com
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1 141 mm 86 mm 142 mm 734 g 360 n Sep 2006 849ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D70s 140 mm 111 mm 78 mm 679 g 500 n Apr 2005 899ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-330 140 mm 87 mm 72 mm 637 g 750 n Jan 2006 999ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-500 130 mm 95 mm 66 mm 479 g 750 n Sep 2005 599ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-300 147 mm 85 mm 64 mm 624 g 750 n Sep 2004 799ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic L10 135 mm 96 mm 78 mm 556 g 450 n Aug 2007 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic L1 was launched in the US market at a price of $999. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Panasonic L1 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic L1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Panasonic L1 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic L1 Four Thirds 7.4 3136 2352none20.810.48052
2.
 
Canon XT APS-C 8.0 3456 2304none21.810.863760
3.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
4.
 
Leica Digilux 3 Four Thirds 7.4 3136 2352none21.010.612753
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1 1/1.8 10.0 3648 2736480/30p18.49.5-72729
6.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
7.
 
Nikon D70s APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.410.352950
8.
 
Olympus E-330 Four Thirds 7.4 3136 2352none20.810.47352
9.
 
Olympus E-500 Four Thirds 8.0 3264 2448none20.710.34551
10.
 
Olympus E-300 Four Thirds 8.0 3264 2448none20.410.1-4048
11.
 
Panasonic L10 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.310.842955
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the L1 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the L1 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.47x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic L1 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic L1optical n2.5 / 207 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon XToptical n1.8 / 115 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
4.
 
Leica Digilux 3optical n2.5 / 207 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1235 n2.0 / 207 tilting n 1/2000s 2.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D70soptical n2.0 / 130 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Olympus E-330optical n2.5 / 215 tilting n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Olympus E-500optical n2.5 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
10.
 
Olympus E-300optical n1.8 / 134 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic L10optical n2.5 / 207 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the L1 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic L1Y- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Canon XTY- / ----2.0---
3.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
4.
 
Leica Digilux 3Ystereo / mono---2.0---
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1Ymono / mono---2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D70sY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-330Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-500Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-300Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic L10Y- / ----2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the L1 can be found in the free online Panasonic L1 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the L1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic L1..85/100..+..3.5/5 Feb 2006 999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon XT..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Digilux 3............ Sep 2006 1,499ebay.com
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1............ Sep 2006 849ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D70s..........5/5 Apr 2005 899ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-330......+o.. Jan 2006 999ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-500..76/100..+ +.... Sep 2005 599ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-300......+o4.5/5 Sep 2004 799ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic L10..85/100..+3.5/54/5 Aug 2007 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Panasonic L1 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the L1.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Panasonic L1 based on?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic L1 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Panasonic equipped the L1 with the Venus image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic L1?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1?

Panasonic does not publish a shutter rating for the L1. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Panasonic L1?

Panasonic embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your L1 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Panasonic L1 shutter count page.

Does the Panasonic L1 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Panasonic L1 for flash photography?

The L1's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Which battery does the Panasonic L1 use?

The camera gets its power from the CGR-S602, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Panasonic L1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2006
    Launch Price USD 999
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 7.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 136 x 2 352 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.51 μm
    Pixel Density 3.28 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    Image Processor Venus
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.47x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 2.5 inch
    LCD Resolution 207k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type CGR-S602 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)750 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 146 x 87 x 64 mm
    (5.7 x 3.4 x 2.5 in)
    Camera Weight 606 g (21.4 oz)

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