Panasonic LX100 gets the design right (pictures)
The company's high-end compact has an attractive but functional design.
Lori Grunin
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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.
Two models
The LX100 will come in an all-black version as well as an attractive silver-and-brown option.
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.
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.
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.
Limited connections
The only connectors are USB and Micro-HDMI.
Good grip
The LX100 has a decent leatherette grip; that's an advantage over the Rx100 series' slippery no-grip bodies.
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.