Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The LX7 is Panasonic's update to the popular serious compact camera, the Panasonic Lumix LX5, and updates the camera with a new ultra bright f/1.4 3.8x Leica optical zoom lens with Mega O.I.S, manual aperture ring around the lens, ND filter, RAW shooting and manual control.
Panasonic Lumix LX7 Features
For anyone who's familiar with the LX5, the LX7 will be instantly familiar with a largely unchanged design, with the largest differences being the aperture ring around the lens, the addition of ND filter button on the back and stereo microphones on top.
Key Features
- 10.1 megapixel MOS sensor
- f/1.4-2.3 Leica DC Vario-Summilux 3.8x optical zoom lens, 24-90mm equiv.
- Power Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S)
- 3 inch screen
- Aperture control dial
- 1080p video, stereo sound
- ISO80 - 12800
- Creative control (16 effects)
- Time-lapse shot, Level guage
- HDR / Sweep Panorama / Internal Neutral Density Filter
Panasonic Lumix LX7 Handling
Handling - The LX7 features a good size rubber grip on the front of the camera. A lens cap can be attached with the lens strap loop to make sure you don't lose it. The camera also comes with a high quality neck strap that helps add additional quality to the camera. A customisable function button can be found on the back 4-way d-pad, a control dial as well as an ND / focus switch. On top of the lens surround is an aspect ratio switch, and on the left if the focus switch letting you choose between AF / AF+Macro or Manual.
| Electronic level | Updated menu system |
Menus – The LX7 comes with a built in electronic level, as well as an updated menu system. The menu is clear and has a wealth of options. The camera provides a Q. Menu button giving quick access to common settings overlaid on the rear screen.
Battery life - Battery life is rated at 330 shots according to CIPA standards. We have no reason to doubt this would be possible, and the camera uses the same battery as the LX5.
Speed – Focus seemed quick and reliable, however the zoom speed going from wide to telephoto seemed much slower than expected. However it's possible this was an early firmware issue. Continuous shooting was certainly impressive offering 11fps continuous shooting at full resolution, or 5fps continuos shooting with C-AF.
Panasonic Lumix LX7 Performance
Additional photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review and product ratings. Pre-production sample photos, resized to 5mp at Panasonic's request.
f/1.4 | 1/60 sec | f/1.4 | 4.7 mm | ISO 400 |
f/2 | 1/30 sec | f/2.0 | 4.7 mm | ISO 400 |
|
f/2.8 | 1/40 sec | f/2.8 | 4.7 mm | ISO 800 |
f/4 | 1/15 sec | f/4.0 | 4.7 mm | ISO 800 |
|
f/5.6 | 1/15 sec | f/5.6 | 4.7 mm | ISO 1600 |
f/8 | 1/15 sec | f/8.0 | 4.7 mm | ISO 3200 |
|
Cafe | 1/400 sec | f/2.8 | 8.4 mm | ISO 80 |
Night | 1/40 sec | f/1.7 | 7.9 mm | ISO 400 |
|
HDR Off | 1/1600 sec | f/2.8 | 4.7 mm | ISO 80 |
HDR On | 1/800 sec | f/5.6 | 4.7 mm | ISO 160 |
|
Dogs | 1/1300 sec | f/2.8 | 4.7 mm | ISO 80 |
Into Sun | 1/1600 sec | f/2.8 | 4.7 mm | ISO 80 |
|
Fountain | 1/1600 sec | f/3.2 | 10.8 mm | ISO 80 |
Park | 1/1600 sec | f/3.2 | 4.7 mm | ISO 80 |
|
Wide | 1/2000 sec | f/2.8 | 4.7 mm | ISO 80 |
Zoom | 1/1600 sec | f/3.5 | 17.7 mm | ISO 80 |
Sample Photos - Colour reproduction appears to be very good, and it's possible to expand dynamic range using either iDynamic or the camera's HDR mode. The lens is resistant to flare and shooting into the sun there was little flare. Exposure was good and the camera allows you to focus on subjects just 1cm from the front of the lens in macro mode.
Value For Money
When the LX5 was first released in 2010, the "serious compact" market was much smaller, with just a few competitors. Since then, the market has expanded rapidly with an introduction of competing models from all the major competitors. Cameras to look at include the Sony Cybershot RX100, Fujifilm X10, Canon Powershot S100, Nikon Coolpix P310, Olympus XZ-1, Samsung EX2F. With the LX7 RRP around £449, it makes it quite noticeably more expensive than the LX5, but less than the Sony Cybershot RX100.
You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
Panasonic Lumix LX7 Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix LX7 with new high speed sensor and 11fps shooting, bright f/1.4 lens and manual aperture control, as well as refreshed features (including HDR and sweep panorama), make the LX7 an impressive update to the LX5. The camera is compact and feels extremely well built, and while it's only a pre-production model, the image quality appears to be excellent, with low noise, even at some of the higher ISO settings, and the f/1.4 lens lets you take some excellent photos with out of focus backgrounds. We are very much looking forward to testing this fully when production versions of the camera are ready.