Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100EBK Premium Compact Camera with 24 mm LEICA DC Vario-Summilux Lens - Black

Having previously enjoyed photography years ago with my Canon film SLR, (but been managing for years with a number of digital cameras) I've been waiting for some years (with high demands) for a really good camera to be able to take similar photos digitally. I really don't need a camera with interchangeable lenses as I feel that one camera with an excellent non-changeable lens is more practical, so although I've previously ordered a high-end body Canon SLR (on two occasions) I'd then cancelled the order due to the high weight of the body, and the need to then spend significant money on a great lens - or have the kit lens which is often not so great.I particularly want to be able to have the option of having a very shallow depth of field so that the subject can be sharply focussed but the background blurred, including close-up macro.Well, the Lumix LX100 seems to be the camera I've been hoping and dreaming for! A really high-quality bright lens, with low F-values, and a relatively large sensor. The reviews have been great and indeed the promised shallow depth of field is really very good indeed, which was very satisfying. It also seems great in low light conditions. I've not tried out the camera extensively yet but have no reason to be concerned.There are some excellent reviews of this camera, comparing it to the similar high-level compacts by the main competitors. I wanted a viewfinder and option for shall depth of focus and this ranked highly in comparisons and is probably unusual in compact non-DSLR camera.Its a shame it hasn't got a tilting screen or touch screen. Also it only has a separate flash (not built-in), but it manages so well in low light that it shouldn't be a problemI like the very easy adjustment dial on top to adjust for exposure very easily.Also the ability to use a manual focus ring is lovely.Also to be able to do decent video (not experimented yet) though I think limited to 15 minutes at a time. But very handy to have this option which I do intend to use.For me, I'm delighted with this little treasure (and I was also lucky in buying it as a deal of the day recently). Very highly recomended.

The lx100 is certainly an improvement on the lx3, lx5, lx7 range but photos are no match for a dSLR with an APSC sized sensor. Be aware of bad green flare, due to the use uncoated glass elements the lens, when taking photos into the sun, for example sunset or sunrise. Full manual controls are great but exposure compensation dial is too easily knocked, especially when removing the camera from a case. Excellent video quality but lacks video high frame rate of other cameras (such as 100fps on the FZ1000) which means it can't do smooth slow motion playback. Mainly used for 4k video as a B camera but let down by lack of tilting screen, clumsy video record button and lack of auto ISO for video. Will probably sell to get the gx8 when in comes out. Great build but lacks remote control input necessary for external control of shutter when doing timelapseUpdated December 2015: just had yo get sensor cleaned under warranty for dust. Looking on dpreview a few people seem to dust problem. Fortunately I have extended 5 year warranty

Had this for a month now as an EDC to have in my bag. Also on general days out rather than carry a dslr.Size, its small, but not that small. Will fit in a coat pocket, but you'll look like you have a hump. I got some carry options depending on circumstances: a neoprene pouch to hook on belt; a case pouch big enough to have camera and accessories and a fitted leather case for more formal engagements and still carry a good camera.Its great for general photography.For portraits, the 75mm (effective) zoom is little limiting but still ok. Whilst 75mm is not perfect for head and shoulders portrait, its close enough and in general, so long as there aren't prominent facial features its fine. Still, since its distance to subject that really affects compression of facial features, at 75mm zoom, you can step back once and include a little more of the body and crop it a little in post if need be.Focus choices and focus tracking works well.Playback is great, really love the way you select a zoom into the image you are looking at and using the wheel at the back you can move between photos and retain that zoom, which makes it easy and quick to compare similar photos.Shutter noise, I knew it was silent when I first handled it, but when I realised that the noise from the mechanical shutter is actually that low its difficult to discern next to your hear (sound effects turned off) I was amazed. You can take a photo anywhere. And if total no noise, there's the electronic shutter which is totally silent.Image Noise Handling is superb. I took some test photos in some woods at 4000 ISO to get high shutter speed and I was very impressive.Flare handling could be better by the glass coating, though this is a known weakness. Still, when considering that is comparing with current high performance glass coatings that you can point at the sun and hardly get any flare! Plus, personally, I've not had any flare issues as yet.Flash, had very little use of it so far. A little pain carrying a separate piece. Was welcomed when at one point I wanted it to trigger an external flash off.Bought it at end of June on a superb offer £538, its definitely a UK model sold by Amazon. Thats the only day it was at that price. Day before was at £599, the day after was at £609. Panasonic on the same day started a cashback offer, claimable 28 days after which meand £50 cachback and 5 years warranty which I've just claimed successfully.Amazon is now selling this camera at £589, however Panasonic has a double cashback offer which ends at £100 cashback + the 5 years warranty. Note that for the double cash back you need to put in the offer name when you claim it, read the terms and its there.So, great price!