Panasonic Lumix LF1
Announced April 23, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix LF1 is a slim compact camera that integrates a built-in electronic viewfinder and manual controls into a highly portable body. Although it offers versatile zoom and high-quality images, the small viewfinder resolution and limited battery life hinder its overall performance.
Weighted from 13 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality image output and RAW support
- Comprehensive Wi-Fi connectivity
- Integrated electronic viewfinder
- Versatile zoom range
- Compact and slim physical design
Cons
- Low-resolution, small electronic viewfinder
- Aperture narrows significantly at telephoto zoom
- Limited battery life
- Missing touch-sensitive LCD screen
- Ergonomic issues including lack of grip and small text
- Launch price $499 (USD)
- Sensor 12.1MP 1-inch CMOS
What the Reviewers Say
All 13 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Panasonic Lumix LF1 is a very satisfying pocket camera for enthusiasts.
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Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-LF1 is certainly a good camera but it is up against many excellent advanced compact cameras, so it may struggle to find its own place in the market.
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The Panasonic Lumix LF1 gives a lot of zoom in a compact camera with manual controls and high image quality.
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We've been very pleasantly surprised by the LF1, so much so that we can highly recommend what is an excellent compact camera.
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The Panasonic LF1 is a great compact camera that offers a lot of shooting flexibility in a small body.
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Its compact size, straightforward handling, decent zoom range, great images, Wi-fi connectivity and the inclusion of a built-in EVF all combine to make the LF1 a great premium compact.
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The Panasonic Lumix LF1 is able to shoot at f/2.0 at its widest end, but that's not all that unique today, considering that many other advanced compacts can shoot at f/1.8 and even f/1.4.
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The Panasonic Lumix LF1 sounds like a dream on paper, but its wide-ranging feature set overreaches and, therefore, the camera fails to meet its maximum potential.
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Well, the unexpected inclusion of a viewfinder undoubtedly sets it apart from the pack for photo traditionalists, while it's one of the first ever compacts to come with NFC connectivity and the ability to shoot Raw alongside JPEG within such a small form factor is another bonus.
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The LX7 sets an extremely high standard, and although the LF1 isn’t as consistently impressive, it has its own set of strengths.
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 offers complete direct photographic controls and a built-in EVF in a body barely larger than an usual ultra-compact.
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Why you’d buy it: small, sufficient zoom range for most purposes; shoot RAW files.
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The LF1 is the camera many people have longed for - a compact with a viewfinder at a reasonable price.
