Panasonic has revealed details of a new large-sensor compact camera, the DMC-LX100, which uses a Micro Four Thirds MOS chip behind a 24-75mm (equivalent) f/1.7-2.8 zoom lens. The sixth-generation model of Panasonic’s LX high-end compact camera series, the LX100 is the first with a Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13mm) sized sensor, a considerable step up in size and performance from the LX7's 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58mm) sensor.
Sensor resolution is a lower-than-average 12.8 megapixels, but Panasonic says the lower pixel count is a conscious move to improve signal-to-noise ratio and, "make it possible to capture clear images with minimum noise even when shot at high ISO".
An electronic viewfinder delivers 2,764,000 dots of resolution and 100% field of view while the rear LCD is a 3in, tilting touchscreen. The camera takes some design cues from the DMC-LC1 – Panasonic’s first full manual compact camera from 2004 – and includes a range of dedicated controls including aperture ring, shutter speed dial and exposure compensation dial.
The camera supports 4K video at 30fps or (QFHD 4K: 3840 x 2160, 30fps, MP4) and Full HD at up to 60fps (1,920 x 1,080, 60p, MPEG-4, MP4, H.264). Shooting in 4K, users can grab a 3840 x 2160 pixel still image (8-megapixel equivalent) from the footage using a feature called '4K Photo'.
WiFi and NFC are built in for image sharing and remote control. Other features include high speed burst shooting at 11fps in full resolution, a top shutter speed of 1/16,000s, focus peaking, level gauge, WB (white balance) bracket, highlight/shadow control and Multi-Aspect Bracket, which allows still images to be captured in 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1 aspect ratios simultaneously.
The DMC-LX100 will be available in Australia in November 2014 with an RRP of $1,199.
