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Panasonic LX100 gets the design right (pictures)

The company's high-end compact has an attractive but functional design.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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1 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Not too big

Given how much larger the sensor is than the one in the LX7 and the addition of a built-in EVF, it's surprising that the LX100 isn't all that much bigger than the older model. It doesn't have a built-in flash, though.

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2 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Two models

The LX100 will come in an all-black version as well as an attractive silver-and-brown option.

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3 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

All manual

Taking a leaf out of Fujifilm's book, the LX100 has both manual shutter-speed and aperture dials, along with the physical exposure-compensation dial. Though the sensor has an effective resolution of 12.8 megapixels, it's a multiaspect sensor with a gross resolution of 16 megapixels, so a photos resolution is 12.8 megapixels regardless of the aspect ratio you choose.

There's also a dedicated button for quickly applying filters.

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4 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Built-in viewfinder

Though the viewfinder is about the same size as the RX100 III's, Panasonic's doesn't need to pop it up.

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5 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Fixed LCD

The screen doesn't tilt or articulate, but it's bright and saturated and the camera's interface makes good use of it.

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6 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Limited connections

The only connectors are USB and Micro-HDMI.

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7 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Good grip

The LX100 has a decent leatherette grip; that's an advantage over the Rx100 series' slippery no-grip bodies.

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8 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Optional lens cover

Panasonic offers an optional lens cover with a aperture-type opening so it doesn't fly off when you turn the camera on.

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