eK-gadgets info

Panasonic today pulled back the curtain on their new Lumix DMC-L10 digital SLR. This camera — their second D-SLR — has a number of unique features, including live view with autofocus (just like your compact camera), a rotating 2.5″ LCD display, and face detection. I had a chance to use the camera recently, and was quite impressed with it. It feels a lot like an FZ50, just with a removable lens.

It’ll be a while before I get my hands on one again, so in the meantime, check out the hands-on preview at DP Review.

Lumix DMC-L10

• 10.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor (presumably the same one as on the Olympus E-410/E-510)
• Venus Engine III image processor
• FourThirds lens mount with 2X focal length conversion
• Includes an F3.8-5.6, 14 - 50 mm Leica D Vario-Elmar lens with optical image stabilization; this is NOT the same lens that came with the original DMC-L1 — it’s a lighter/smaller/slower version
• Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system (same as on the DMC-L1 and E-series SLRs)
• 2.5″ LCD display (207k pixels) can flip out to the side and rotate
• Live view lets you compose images on the LCD
  • Camera can autofocus without having to flip the mirror down first, though it’s a bit slower than what you may be used to on a compact camera
  • User can enlarge the live view to make sure subject is properly focused
  • Face detection (a first on a D-SLR, I believe) in live view mode
• Full manual controls; shutter speed range of 60 - 1/4000 sec; ISO range of 100 - 1600
• Shoots at up to 3 frames/second for three RAW or an unlimited number of JPEG photos
• Film Mode lets you select various color and sharpness settings; choose from Standard, Dynamic, Nature, Smooth, Nostalgic, Vibrant, Standard B&W, Dynamic B&W and Smooth B&W
• SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion battery; 450 shots per charge
• Shipping in October for $1299 (with lens)