Sep 15, 2014

LUMIX DMC-LX100 Offers New Micro Four Thirds MOS Sensor And F1.7 Leica DC VARIO-SUMMILUX Lens

Panasonic is proud to introduce the DMC-LX100 (LX100) with Micro Four Thirds High Sensitivity MOS Sensor for the 6^th generation model of Panasonic’s world-renowned LX high-end compact camera series. The new LX100 is not just a successor to the DMC-LX7 but a jump-up that even inherits the DNA of DMC-LC1 - the Panasonic’s first full manual compact camera released in 2004.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

To achieve even higher picture quality and multi-aspect capability, the LX100 incorporates the Micro Four Thirds High Sensitivity MOS sensor. It lets subjects stand out of the background impressively with a rich stereoscopic effect. By keeping the resolution at 12.8-megapixels, the amount of light is enough to improve the S/N ratio, making it possible to capture clear image with minimum noise even when shot at high ISO. The Venus Engine is also newly developed to feature multiple noise reduction systems such as Multi Process NR, Random Filter and Aperture Filter, to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with natural description.

A newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens (35mm camera equivalent: 24-75mm) boasts F1.7-F2.8 high speed and high descriptiveness in detail and resolution to each corner. It also produces stunningly beautiful defocus together with the large MOS Sensor. In addition, newly adopted 9-blade aperture diaphragm help produce bokeh with a smooth, circular shape. The versatile zoom range of 24-75mm (35mm camera equiv.) is suitable for wide-ranging photography to portraits. Notably, landscapes can be captured in dynamic 24mm ultra wide angle in any 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect thanks to the multi-aspect sensor.

The LX100 integrates a LVF (Live View Finder) with 2764K-dot equivalent high resolution and approx.100% color reproduction. This 16:9 Wide Screen LVF boasts approx.1.39x / 0.7x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. A variety of advanced functions are equipped with DMC-LX100 to spur potential of advanced photographers. It allows direct, intuitive control with dedicated rings and dials such as aperture ring, control ring, shutter speed dial or exposure compensation dial.

The LX100 is capable of smooth, high quality video recording not only in Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or MP4 at 60p (NTSC) but also in 4K (QFHD 4K: 3840x2160, at 30 fps(NTSC) in MP4). With this 4K video recording capability, Panasonic is proposing a new way of photo creation called “4K Photo”. By grabbing a 3840x2160 8-megapixel equivalent image from the 4K video footage it is possible to capture the spur-of-the-moment which is often missed in still photography. This functionality is now easier with the newly added Hybrid Photography 4K Photo mode.

A newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens (35mm camera equivalent: 24-75mm) boasts F1.7-F2.8 high speed and high descriptiveness in detail and resolution to each corner.

The LX100 is also superior in response. Featuring newly combined DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology made famous in the LUMIX GH4, not only accuracy but also speed is improved to achieve Light Speed AF of approx. 0.14 sec to capture fleeting shooting photo opportunities. High speed burst shooting can be shot at 11 fps in full resolution. It also complies with max.1/4,000(mechanical) and 1/16,000(electronic) high speed shutter speed.

For more creative freedom, Creative Control (Filter), Creative Panorama and Photo Style are available. Notably, aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted while applying Creative Control filter, to further inspire the photographers’ creativity. The LX100 integrates Wi-Fi connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology camera to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. More practical functions including Focus Peaking, Level Gauge, WB (white balance) bracket, highlight/shadow control are also equipped. Now LX100 can develop RAW images into JPEG in camera. A compact external flash (GN7/ISO100･m, GN10/ ISO200･m) that goes with the body color of the camera is bundled to be mounted on the hot shoe.

While the interchangeable lens camera should pursue performance and functionality, compact cameras are more intuitive tools that simply drive people to photography. Combining the best-possible components with state-of-the-art Panasonic’s digital/optical technologies, LX100 is the one and only digital premium compact camera of this age that surely satisfies users not only with the high picture quality but also with a host of advanced functions and operational ease.