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| Date Reviewed: 01/03/2008 |
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 Mixed bag Strengths: Lots of features:
- live view
- image stability (OIS)
- dust removal
High quality kit lens
Unique looking
Weaknesses: Picture quality
- too much noise for iso800 and above
- dynamic range seems too narrow
Poor ergonomics
- The grip was too vertically too short
- The shutter was difficult to reach
Summary: I got this camera for cheap, at $799, it's a steal. It packed lots of features. You got live view (which I don't really use because the LCD was fixed, otherwise, it would be a cool feature); OIS and supersonic dust removal. I also love its unique looking, the Leica taste. The included kit lens is made by Leica (made in Japan though), and it's one of the sharpest zoom lenses in 4/3 world - dpreview actually says it's as good as THE sharpest 4/3 prime lens, the Olympus 50mm F2.0. As in all, a very promising bundle, especially if you got in a deal like I did.
Unfortunately, the picture was sub par. I used to own Olympus E300 and E500. Overall picture quality directly out of camera was slight worse on the DMC-L1, noise wise, on par with E300, noisier than E500 ISO 800 and above. Pretty much you should use ISO400 or lower. I also owned Pentax *ist DL, Nikon D50, and currently own a Canon 20D and 5D, honestly, this camera is about the worst in terms of noise. Another issue is the dynamic range, if half of your picture is bright, and the other half dark, you can almost tell that the bright side is too bright and the dark is too dark to the extent that the details are lost. I know this is a common problem for most cameras, but believe me, this is again about the worst I have ever seen on a DSLR.
Someone says bad ergonomics is bad economics, I hope this partially explains why the camera sells poorly in the US. The grip is vertically too short, I can only put three fingers on it, and I have average size hands. The shutter was placed at an awkward place, very difficult to reach because of the strap bell. Some may argue it just takes time, and indeed, I am getting used to all of these, but folks, can we just get it right at the beginning.
On the bright side, the kit lens performs very well. The AF was fast, not as fast as my 20D/5D with Canon L lenses, but definitely better than what I have seen on Pentax *ist DL. Good performance over all. The lens is sharp and bright, I only wish it could have F2.8 all the way down.
I pretty much used RAW, and I suggest you stick to RAW for this camera. As a first entry to DSLR regime, Panasonic has a lot to learn.
Oh, by the way, don’t forget to update the firmware.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/24/2007 |
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Strengths: Dedicated shutter dial on body and aperture ring on lens. Liveview capability and Leica developed glass with image stabilization. Two mode built-in flash (direct and bounce).
Weaknesses: Not as ergonomic as conventional SLR designs, and bulkier than a true rangefinder. Small viewfinder (though not as small and dim as some reviews seem to think). High ISO noise.
Summary: 2007-10-10 15:05:43 This camera is exactly what I had been searching for. It is a throwback design that makes manual shooting simple and fun. The included lens is extraordinary and well worth being the bulk of what this kit sells for. I believe it to be sharper than the ZD 14-54mm lens. Having compatibility with my other 4/3 system bodies makes it the most versatile lens I have.
Live view certainly has some utility, especially for manual focus and macro shooting. However, it is noisy and not something I will use very often. All in all, it is a niche camera that delivers excellent photos at ISO 100-400, and the fun factor will have me shooting more photos. After all, that is what cameras are for.
If you are looking for something unique and different, and aren't buying into the megapixel race, then pick up one of these cams and I imagine you will be very satisfied. Finally, at prices at or around $1000, this is a reasonable kit to purchase. It was definitely inflated at the initial $1999 list price and has now fallen to the point where it is an appropriate value.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/12/2007 |
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Strengths: live view mode on LCD, feels great on hands, very analog feel. Image stabilizer, Leica lens.
Weaknesses: Pricey. Unusual viewfinder location.
Summary: I've been a Canon user for a long time now. I own 5D and Rebel XTi, and I'm very familiar with Canon's lens lineup. One thing that really attracted me to this rather unusual camera was its analog style/feel of the body and controls, as well as the Leica lens. At first, the camera's MSRP is $1999 seems extremely price. However, if you consider it comes with a beautiful, fast, incredible Leica lens, it's not a such a bad deal.
First the camera body. The camera body is very light, however does not feel cheap. To me, it feels slightly lighter than the Canon XTi, but feels more luxurious. Grip feels comfortable, but the placement of the viewfinder may make it a bit getting used to. Live view mode, which allows you to frame your shot in realtime via the LCD is a neat feature, but I'm sure it'll eat up batteries quickly. Switching between exposure/aperture is an absolute breeze, with just a roll of the dial on the lens or the body.
The bets part of the camera setup is of course the Leica lens. It's just absolutely stunning. Build quality, sharpness, etc... It's a Leica.
I was lucky enough to get this camera for just $1299 from Costco. At first, I just wanted to try a non-Canon camera, especially when one that involves the old Rangefinder feel. I didn't expect too much from this DMC-L1, but I find myself reaching for the DMC-L1 then the XTi far more often now. It's light enough to quickly pull out of the bag to take shots quickly, and that analog feel is just... hard to describe what attracts me to this camera.
Picture quality: In terms of general picture quality is just a tad softer than Canon, but I feel that in general the Panasonic produces warmer pictures.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/18/2008 |
- daydaydvd
from NY
- Member Since:
May 2005
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Well made camera with high price tag
Strengths: Well made, and with leica mount
Weaknesses: expensive, and lack the support of software
Summary: This is well made camera, and good for people with long relation to Leica. but, for digital photo, you have to "develop" your photo in your home computer, so I think software support is as important as the camera and lens. For this part, I do not think it can compare with NIKON and Canon.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/04/2008 |
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Strengths: Great lens. It seems the lens itself costs more than $700. great user control. easy to manipulate shutter speed and aperture.
Weaknesses: too Bulky, Live-view does not helpful.
Summary: The Kit lens is great but it is minor brand so not many available lens on the market. I just stick to the kit lens since it is awesome. Any Olympus lens can be used. that is good.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/25/2007 |
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Strengths: Leica lens and solid professional construction. Great ergonomics and feels good in your hands. Can be used on full auto or manual. Has an aperture ring on lens which is very rare on a digital camera.
Weaknesses: Lens availibilty is kind of limited to Panasonic,Olympus ans Leica due to the 4/3 mount but I expect other companies to start making them. Camera is a little large but still feels great in your hands.
Summary: At the prices this camera is selling for now it is a tremendous value. The Leica lens alone would cost more than this camera. It's like getting the Panasonic body for free and getting a discount on the Leica lens. The pictures from this camera are stunning and once you familiarize yourself with the controls you will get professional results.
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