Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Digital Camera, Silver {12.8MP}

Panasonic LX100: Four Thirds sensor in a coat pocket.

The LX100 puts a Four Thirds CMOS sensor behind a 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7 lens in a body that weighs 393 grams. That pairing drives most of what makes this camera worth talking about. At f/1.7, you get genuine subject separation at short portrait distances, and the sensor size gives RAW files enough dynamic range latitude to hold detail in high-contrast scenes that would flatten a smaller-sensored compact. Reviewers consistently rated its image quality among the best ever produced by a zoom compact, and the RAW output held its own against the top enthusiast compact competitors of its era.

The physical controls are the other reason photographers gravitated toward it. Dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation sit right where you expect them, so you spend time making pictures than navigating menus. The built-in EVF resolves at 2.76 million dots and covers 100% of the frame, which makes it genuinely useful in bright light and provides a stable shooting platform in low-light situations. Continuous shooting runs to 11 fps, and the electronic shutter pushes maximum speed to 1/16000 sec. 4K UHD video at 3840x2160 rounds out the spec sheet for a camera that handles stills and video without requiring you to switch systems.

Who It's For

Street photographers who want manual exposure control without carrying an interchangeable-lens kit will find the dedicated aperture and shutter dials combined with a pocketable form factor hard to beat. Travel shooters benefit from the 24-75mm equivalent zoom range covering wide environmental shots through short telephoto compression, all on one lens with no swapping. Documentary and journalism-adjacent shooters working in mixed light can push the ISO range and lean on the f/1.7 maximum aperture when artificial light gets thin. Video-focused hybrid shooters who need 4K UHD at 3840x2160 without a large rig will find the LX100 a capable run-and-gun option with full manual exposure control during recording.

Key Features

• Four Thirds 12.8MP CMOS sensor with 24-75mm f/1.7 zoom lens
• RAW and JPEG capture with Venus Engine processor
• 4K UHD video (3840x2160) at 30p or 24p
• 2.76M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation
• 11 fps continuous shooting with 1/16000 sec electronic shutter
• Optical image stabilization across full zoom range
• 49-point autofocus with Depth by Defocus tracking

FAQ

What makes the LX100 different from other compact cameras?

Four Thirds sensor paired with an f/1.7 zoom lens in a 393-gram body. That sensor size gives you genuine RAW dynamic range and subject separation at portrait distances, which smaller-sensored compacts can't match. The fixed lens means no zoom motor lag and a more compact overall package.

Can you shoot RAW on the LX100?

Yes. RAW output matches high-end rivals like the Sony RX100 III and Canon G7 X, with enough tonal latitude to hold detail in high-contrast scenes. The JPEG engine is aggressive with noise reduction and sharpening, but RAW gives you full control.

How fast is the autofocus?

Among the fastest on any compact. It uses Panasonic's Depth by Defocus system (same as the GH4) and stays sharp in low light with the illuminator off, provided you focus on an area with decent contrast. Focus tracking during video is solid and keeps up with most moving subjects.

What's the video capability?

3840x2160 (4K UHD) at 30p or 24p, plus 1920x1080 at 60p, 60i, 30p, or 24p. You retain full exposure control during recording, and autofocus or manual focus with focus peaking both work in movie mode. No built-in ND filter, so outdoor video usually needs external filtration to control shutter speed.

Is the 24-75mm zoom range limiting?

Depends on your shooting style. It's tight for wide environmental work but works for street, travel, and portraiture. The f/1.7 aperture compensates by letting you separate subjects at closer distances than you'd expect from a compact.

How long does the battery last?

CIPA rated for 300 shots per charge. Real-world endurance depends on EVF use (EVF drains faster than LCD), continuous autofocus behavior, and whether you're reviewing images frequently.

What about the electronic viewfinder?

2.76 million dots covering 100% of the frame. It uses field-sequential LCD technology, which can produce a faint rainbow effect when panning quickly-noticeable to some users, invisible to others. Color and contrast differ from the rear LCD and benefit from independent adjustment. It's genuinely useful in bright light and provides a stable shooting platform.