Panasonic DMC-L10 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: This is Panasonic's second digital SLR. Like the L1 it is built around the Four Thirds system with a 10 megapixel sensor and a Leica 14-50mm image stabilised lens (28-100 film equivalent). Lens construction is plastic but the operation of the zoom and ...

Pros: Focus is quick and accurate and, as seems to be the case with the Four Thirds system, there is slightly greater depth of field at any given focal length. Resolution of lens and sensor is good. Colour rendition is very good, particularly of solid ...

Cons: Dynamic range is poor and image noise at ISO settings above 800 is seriously intrusive. We noticed that Olympus seem to do better in controlling noise from the same sensor. We have a reservation about the price. A comparable Olympus E-510 costs $1500.

Verdict: The physics of the Four Thirds system involves matching lenses to sensor in an arrangement that is ideal for digital cameras. The claim is that digital SLRs that are adaptations of film cameras involve unacceptable compromises, because light needs to ...

Review summary: Well done, Panasonic, for offereing this attractive reflex-bridge hybrid that delivers quality images. It is a bit too expensive for the current market.

Pros: - Articulated LCD screen, - Stabilized Leica 14-50 mm lens, - Two ways of focusing (and aiming), - Nice image quality, - Efficient anti-dust system

Cons: - Slowness in contrast detect auto focusing, - Disappointing burst mode, - Delay in shooting when aiming with the LCD, - No video mode, - Viewfinder unpleasant for those that wear glasses

Review summary: Panasonic's second DSLR has some fierce competition, so how well does it put up a fight?....

Verdict: While the Panasonic Lumix L10 is a capable, attractive and often innovative model, it also seems to me to be a somewhat schizophrenic entity. It's packed with entry-level features, such as the low burst rate, 1/4000sec top shutter speed, the scene ...

Pros: Excellent build ; Good ergonomics ; Great grip ; Buttons are well-positioned on the right side ; Excellent optical performance ; Good chromatic aberration control, made better after in-camera processing ; Very sharp corners with little distortion ; ...

Cons: Demosiacing problem in JPEG images ; JPEGs slightly soft ; High default contrast ; Strong noise in shadows blurs detail ; Horizontal banding in high ISO low light images ; Weak flash requires heavy compensation to get close to a proper exposure ; ...

Verdict: Eighteen months after it announced its first single-lens reflex digital camera, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix L10

Review summary: Can this Digital SLR impress against the competition?

Verdict: The Panasonic Lumix DMC L10 is easy to use, provides plenty of shooting options and features and is worthy of close consideration for anyone trading up from a high spec' compact or those looking from more from their photography.