Overview

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is a compact digital camera with 8.4 megapixel resolution and a 4 times optical zoom. It is the first camera to offer a 16:9 aspect ratio, which, in combination with the wide zoom lens, allows you to take truly panoramic photos. The Lumix DMC-LX1 is also equipped with optical image stabilization technology, reducing the risk of blurred pictures usually caused by camera shake.

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Available Reviews

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at imaging resource
• Panasonic DMC LX1 at cameras.co.uk
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at PCMag
• Panasonic DMC-LX1 review at Megapixel
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at TrustedReviews
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at creativepro
• Panasonic Lumix LX1 review at digital-lifestyles
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at Steve's Digicams
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at PhotographyBlog
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at dpreview
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at DCRP
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 review at DigitalCameraInfo

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Features

16:9 Format
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is the first camera to support a 16:9 aspect ratio. This allows you to take panoramic, “wide screen” images. Apart from the 16:9 format, the DMC-LX1 also supports 3:2 and 4:3 aspect ratios.

Wide Angle Zoom Lens
The Lumix LX1 features a wide angle lens with a focal length of 28-112 mm, 35 mm equivalent. It is also equipped with a 4 times optical zoom.

Image Stabilization
The DMC-LX1 is equipped with optical image stabilization, where the lens is actually moved to compensate for camera shake. This allows you to take low light, or fast unplanned snapshots, while the camera minimizes the risk of blurred images.

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Specifications

Resolution: 8.4 Megapixels
Sensor: 1/1.65″ (16:9) CCD
Optical Zoom: 4x
Focal Length: f=6.3-25.2mm (35mm equivalent: 28-112mm)
Aperture: Wide: F2.8 - F8; Tele: F4.9 - F8
Optical Image Stabilizer: yes
Macro Mode: 2in. / 5cm
Focus Modes: Auto, Normal/Macro, Continuous AF On/Off , Manual
Sensitivity: Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200,
White Balance: Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Halogen/White Set1/2
Exposure Modes: Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift, Preset Scene Modes
Exposure Compensation: 1/3 EV Step, ± 2 EV
Shutter Speed: 60 - 1/2000 sec.
Self Timer: 10 seconds / 2 seconds
Movie Mode: up to 848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps in 16:9 aspect ratio
Continuous Shooting Mode: up to 9 photos at 3 fps
Built-in Flash Mode: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, On/Off
LCD Monitor: 2.5 inch TFT
PC Interface: USB
Battery: battery pack
Storage Medium: SD card
Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.20 x 4.16 x 1.01in. / 56 x 106 x 26mm
Weight: 7.7oz. / 218g

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Press Release

Secaucus, NJ (July 20, 2005) — Panasonic is introducing another industry first today, the 8.4 megapixel Lumix DMC-LX1, the first digital camera to have a true 16:9 CCD for taking wide aspect pictures. This compact camera also features 4x optical zoom, equivalent to 28 to 112 mm on a 35 mm camera.

“Putting a true 16:9 CCD in the hands of photographers is an obvious move for Panasonic,” says Monica Helmer, national marketing manager for the optical group. The company’s goal is to provide consumers with the tools for creating a connected lifestyle. “With the LX1, consumers can capture the widescreen image, take the SD memory card from the camera and view the image on one of our widescreen displays. Movies and many TV shows are in 16:9. Now your personal pictures can be, too.”

Like other cameras in the Lumix line, the LX1 features Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, the key to removing unintentional shaking from the picture-taking experience. With MEGA OIS, pictures come out crisp and clear.

The LX1 also features Extended Optical Zoom, which utilizes the center of the CCD to create a 5.5 megapixel, 16:9 image at 5x zoom, bring the photographer even closer to the subject.

For high-speed image processing, the LX1 utilizes the Venus Engine II LSI. It boasts quick responsiveness that realizes best-in-class level release time lag of 0.01 seconds. The LX1 also is the first digital still camera that can record moving images at 848×480 16:9 Wide VGA, as smooth as 30 frames per second.

The LX1 offers manual focus and exposure, with both adjustable by an easy-to-use joystick. A switch on the side of the lens barrel lets users quickly change the focus mode. Another switch lets users choose between 16:9 wide image mode, 3:2 image mode, and 4:3 image, in case a more traditional aspect ratio is desired.

The 2.5 inch LCD monitor is perfect for reviewing still images, movies, and up to 25 thumbnail images for quick review, turning the LX1 into a digital photo album as well as a fun image capture device. “This camera is perfect for the person who wants a creative picture shooting experience,” Helmer notes. “It’s easy to use, very capable, and with MEGA OIS will make a great widescreen photographer out of anyone.

The DMC-LX1 will be available this September for an MSRP of $599.95.
(source: Panasonic)