Panasonic Lumix LX100
Announced September 15, 2014
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 LX100 is a powerful, feature-rich compact camera that pairs a large Micro Four Thirds sensor with a bright Leica lens to deliver excellent image quality. Although it lacks modern conveniences like a touchscreen or articulating display, it remains a highly capable tool for enthusiasts who prioritize manual controls and 4K video performance in a portable body.
Weighted from 36 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality images and video from a large sensor and bright, fast lens
- Intuitive, tactile manual controls and dials
- Fast, responsive autofocus performance
- Sharp, integrated electronic viewfinder
- Durable, high-quality build and compact form factor
Cons
- Fixed, non-touchscreen LCD lacking articulation
- Lack of microphone input and built-in flash
- Prone to lens flare and requires a separate lens cap
- Sensitive controls and dials prone to accidental adjustment
- Slow electronic zoom and startup times
- Launch price $899.99 (USD)
- Sensor 12.8MP CMOS
Expert Reviews
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- DPReview 85/100
The LX100 is a very specific tool – a usefully small camera with an impressively bright lens and good sized sensor.
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[A]part from sluggish power-on to first shot, the Panasonic LX100's performance is good to excellent compared to most large sensored compact or mirrorless cameras.
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The Lumix LX100 confidently dives into the increasingly busy market for high-end compacts with style and specifications that separate it from the pack.
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So $900 to get larger format camera results in a smaller package, for under $1000? Yes, you’re going to want this camera, and when you buy it, you’ll walk away happy in the knowledge your new toy is king of the hill.
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There’s a lot to like about the LX100. What it isn’t is a shirt pocket camera.
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The Panasonic Lumix LX100 offers an impressive range of features in a stylish metal body with great controls and design.
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is the most capable compact camera that we've ever reviewed, offering a mouth-watering combination of cutting edge technology, excellent image quality, and intuitive handling.
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The Panasonic Lumix LX100 is a fantastic camera for those who want to take their photography seriously but don’t want to be tied down by the bulk of a DSLR.
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is an ambitious compact camera with a big sensor, a wide-aperture lens, and 4K video recording, but it falls just short of top honors.
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The LX100 is a nice solid feeling camera that produces very high quality images. It has plenty of control options and an extensive featureset including a superb viewfinder that makes composition easy even in very bright conditions. It is a real pleasure to use.
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[N]o camera has everything, but the LX100 offers a better mix of portability, build quality, image quality and video performance than you will find in any camera near this price.
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So what I want to do is think of this a little bit more from the compact photo market or the compact camera market in recording video, and when you look at it that way, it is one of the best quality cameras that we can find in a compact camera.
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What quibbles there are seem like nitpicking in the face of what is a truly impressive compact and one that both a pleasure to use and that produces some excellent images.
- CNET 8.3/10
With really good photo and video quality, a great set of features and generally class-leading performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is probably one of our favorite compact cameras ever.
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It is one of the most powerful, feature-rich premium compacts out there at the moment, and despite its issues, is an enjoyable photographic companion to have with you at all times.
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If you're an enthusiast or pro photographer looking for a small companion that doesn't sorely compromise on image quality and creative control, I can't recommend the LX100 enough if your pockets, literally and figuratively, are deep enough.
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I genuinely like this camera a lot. Of course, it's not perfect.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Nevertheless, it’s one of the nicest fixed-lens compact cameras we’ve used in the past 12 months and provides an excellent set of features for serious photo enthusiasts, albeit at a slightly higher local RRP.
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I really enjoyed shooting with the LX100 this past week, and while I do think it might be priced just a tad too high, it’s definitely a camera I would highly recommend.
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Clearly it won't suit all, but even with its minor frustrations present, high-end compact cameras don't come much better than this.
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Coming top for image quality, performance, video quality and controls the LX100 is a top compact contender.
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While we still feel the Sony RX100 III is a better all-round performer, the LX100’s 4K capabilities give it a crucial edge over its rivals – nothing else in this category can do that, yet.
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As you can see I am quite impressed with the Panasonic Lumix LX100. Yes it is not Leica M quality but then it is not Leica M cost either.
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The Panasonic LX100 is a relatively compact premium digital camera. Its 16 MP Four-Thirds sensor, being used with a 2.2X crop-factor, rather than the usual 2X, delivers exceptional image-quality in multiple aspect-ratios while keeping an ultra-wide field-of-view most of the time.
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This Panasonic Lumix LX100 can perform and deliver fantastic results, but I just don't love it.
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The LX100 has the smallest sensor of any camera in this series, but you’d never know it looking at the photos. It’s a compact that’s capable of so much more than its specs sheet would suggest, and I found it enjoyable to use.
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I don't see this being this would be my primary camera. This would still be a secondary camera, and as a secondary camera, while I love the image quality, it's a little too big. It's a camera for people who already have a nicer camera, basically.
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I would recommend the LX100 to damn-near everyone. The only thing it’s not great for is telephoto shooting, which requires an interchangeable system or a much larger superzoom.
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The LX100 brings, in my opinion, new standards to its price point [...] and while $900 may seem expensive when you consider the fact that it can shoot 4K video, again, has a Micro Four Thirds sensor underneath the hood, even though it is only rated at 12 megapixels [...]
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Through the review, my affection for the Panasonic Lumix LX100 grew. [...] Recommendation without hesitation, but if you've watched the whole video, you've already figured that out.
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[I]f 4K isn’t a deal-breaker (and we don’t think it should – for most people at least), than there are simply better, cheaper options on the market.
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[W]hat to make of the Panasonic Lumix LX100? For someone coming to it from a compact camera, it'll knock their socks off and take them to a new level of photography with the penalty of size, price, and complexity.
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The Panasonic LX100 leaves the “past” of the typical compact camera far behind, and is a direct competitor for the best mirrorless system cameras and SLRs, certainly given the favorable pricing.
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It certainly is for a lot of people, especially that are looking for a high-end compact camera that gives top image quality, top lens quality, top video quality. You can't really beat the Alex 100.
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For me, this is a real nice camera. It's small, lightweight, has everything I need. Good picture quality, good video function.
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It is absolutely, frankly, perfect in terms of a camera body design for what I would consider the best travel camera you can buy.
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