Hi, guys!
The color retention is excellent.
There isn't any leaking or fall-off and I really like how the red pops out beside the blue-green.
For people who are concerned about image quality when considering cameras to purchase, this camera will undoubtedly diminish all worries.
Frankly, the camera is quite pricey and there are other equally great compacts within its price range.
If you've been following my blog, you might notice that I usually review high-end camera gear, such as the Nikon D810, D4s and Df and also Sony's A7 series.
This entry will be a little different because this camera I'm reviewing is of another class; the compact camera class.
Here, I will be reviewing the...
Here, I will be reviewing the...
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 (or LX7 for short)
The LX7 was first announced in 2012, and is the successor to the LX5.
The series boasts exceptional low-light performance (for compact cameras) and beats out its competition with its beautifully unique exterior.
Categorized as a "high-end compact", the LX7's specs are great, with a lot of typical functions found in any DSLR.
Below is a brief breakdown of its specs and features:
Before I get into the review, I'd like to first state the definition and some properties of a compact camera.
A compact camera is generally a camera that is designed for simple utilization.
Most would have fully automatic settings, a built-in flash and will come in a pocketable size.
Compact cameras are usually undemanding, where its main purpose is to quickly and easily capture photos for the casual shooter.
The target market for compact cameras is (or used to be) people who don't consider themselves as enthusiasts or hobbyists or photographers.
Compact cameras were engineered to ease the process of capturing everyday moments without fuss.
Back in the day where cameras used film, compact (or rather, point & shoot) cameras came in handy when people didn't want to fiddle with settings and risk not getting the shot.
Even so, people nowadays loosely use the term "compact camera" and describe most non-interchangeable lens cameras as "compact".
Hence, some people would go as far as calling the Fujifilm X100 series compact, as well!
But I digress.
In this review, I hope to discuss the essential features and functions of the camera, with respect to its compact camera class.
A compact camera is generally a camera that is designed for simple utilization.
Most would have fully automatic settings, a built-in flash and will come in a pocketable size.
Compact cameras are usually undemanding, where its main purpose is to quickly and easily capture photos for the casual shooter.
The target market for compact cameras is (or used to be) people who don't consider themselves as enthusiasts or hobbyists or photographers.
Compact cameras were engineered to ease the process of capturing everyday moments without fuss.
Back in the day where cameras used film, compact (or rather, point & shoot) cameras came in handy when people didn't want to fiddle with settings and risk not getting the shot.
Even so, people nowadays loosely use the term "compact camera" and describe most non-interchangeable lens cameras as "compact".
Hence, some people would go as far as calling the Fujifilm X100 series compact, as well!
But I digress.
In this review, I hope to discuss the essential features and functions of the camera, with respect to its compact camera class.
Design, Feel & Operation
I love the design of this camera.
It's sleek, curvy and fits comfortably in my hands.
Of course it's not as bulky as a DSLR (it's a compact, remember?) but the rubber mould on the front of the camera is just enough to get a good grip.
It was a relief to shoot with something lightweight for a change.
I spent hours holding it in my hands and it's safe to say that it was less of a burden on my wrists.
For the first time in quite a while, I didn't suffer from hand cramps after hours of shooting.
One thing that I absolutely appreciate about this camera is the aperture ring around the lens.
It makes adjusting the aperture a breeze and even feels like I'm using an actual film camera lens, like the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D.
It's also clicky so you know that you got your aperture locked at the correct f-stop that you wanted.
You can adjust it in 1/3 stops so it is very practical.
The camera also has a dedicated dial for shutter speed adjusting on the back near the thumb rest, so it feels very similar to shooting with a DSLR.
The transition from shooting a DSLR/SLR to this camera was seamless.
The controls on the back are also easy to understand and execute.
You have the typical mode dial on the top and a nifty D-pad to access controls like ISO, drive, white balance, and even a customizable Fn button!
There are also dedicated buttons to access the full menu, to change the screen display and a quick menu to use mid-shoot.
An added value is the AF/AE lock button near the thumb rest, as well.
Taking photos with the LX7 is truly quick and easy, exactly what it is meant to be for.
Large Aperture Throughout The Range
In reference to the specs above, the LX7 boasts superb maximum aperture capability.
It varies from f/1.4 to f/2.3 as you zoom, but even at the telephoto end, you still get an exceptionally large aperture.
This is most useful in low-light situations, where you won't need to bump up your ISO too high nor would you need to sacrifice your shutter speed to get properly exposed photos.
The large aperture of the lens is the most remarkable feature this camera has to offer and during my review, it has helped me in a lot of situations, especially shooting indoors.
Most compact cameras don't have such a large aperture, and even the largest aperture on a smart phone is at f/2!
This means that this camera has the upper hand when it comes to taking photos of events like parties, dinners and gatherings.
Furthermore, large aperture could only mean one thing: BOKEH!
Although not as impressive as what you're used to seeing (or what I'm used to seeing), the large aperture really allows the blurring of the background and a gives a good degree of separation.
At first, I thought that the bokeh wasn't good, at all.
But after considering the small sensor size and the fact that this sort of bokeh came out of a compact camera, I reconsidered and now think it's actually good.
Photo enthusiasts will appreciate the bokeh capability of this camera.
As I said beforehand, it might not be as creamy or smooth as what you would get with a DSLR + fast lens, but you get what you pay for.
With the LX7, you get a tad more.
It varies from f/1.4 to f/2.3 as you zoom, but even at the telephoto end, you still get an exceptionally large aperture.
This is most useful in low-light situations, where you won't need to bump up your ISO too high nor would you need to sacrifice your shutter speed to get properly exposed photos.
The large aperture of the lens is the most remarkable feature this camera has to offer and during my review, it has helped me in a lot of situations, especially shooting indoors.
Most compact cameras don't have such a large aperture, and even the largest aperture on a smart phone is at f/2!
This means that this camera has the upper hand when it comes to taking photos of events like parties, dinners and gatherings.
Furthermore, large aperture could only mean one thing: BOKEH!
"Let the sushi roll!"
f/2.3 | 1/200 sec. | ISO-800 | 17.7mm (90mm equiv.)
Although not as impressive as what you're used to seeing (or what I'm used to seeing), the large aperture really allows the blurring of the background and a gives a good degree of separation.
At first, I thought that the bokeh wasn't good, at all.
But after considering the small sensor size and the fact that this sort of bokeh came out of a compact camera, I reconsidered and now think it's actually good.
Photo enthusiasts will appreciate the bokeh capability of this camera.
As I said beforehand, it might not be as creamy or smooth as what you would get with a DSLR + fast lens, but you get what you pay for.
With the LX7, you get a tad more.
/Brilliant/ Auto-Focus & Tracking
All 12 frames from the 11fps burst shot that this camera allows of this girl on the segway are both sharp and in focus.
Even the full-frame Nikon D810 DSLR couldn't get all the photos in focus on the first try!
That is amazing.
The focus was superbly quick and once it locked on, it didn't let go.
The fact that such a big performance could be packed in such a small package speaks volumes for what DSLRs should be able to achieve now.
Recall that this camera was released two years ago!
Imagine what the LX8 (or LX9, according to the pattern) might offer if/when it comes out.
The 11fps is the highest you can go if you want to shoot in uncompressed RAW, but if you're a real burst junkie, you can shoot up to 60fps in JPEG small.
Again, that is just amazing.
I imagine parents would love this feature of the camera because children love to run around and are so unpredictable.
Taking photos of children during playtime will be so much easier and they wouldn't miss a single moment of laughter and pure joy.
Can you track sportsmen or race cars with this camera?
Maybe.
Macro AF & Great Image Quality
"They see me rollin'..."
f/4.0 | 1/1000 sec. | ISO-100 | 12.8mm (65mm equiv.)
All 12 frames from the 11fps burst shot that this camera allows of this girl on the segway are both sharp and in focus.
Even the full-frame Nikon D810 DSLR couldn't get all the photos in focus on the first try!
That is amazing.
The focus was superbly quick and once it locked on, it didn't let go.
The fact that such a big performance could be packed in such a small package speaks volumes for what DSLRs should be able to achieve now.
Recall that this camera was released two years ago!
Imagine what the LX8 (or LX9, according to the pattern) might offer if/when it comes out.
The 11fps is the highest you can go if you want to shoot in uncompressed RAW, but if you're a real burst junkie, you can shoot up to 60fps in JPEG small.
Again, that is just amazing.
I imagine parents would love this feature of the camera because children love to run around and are so unpredictable.
Taking photos of children during playtime will be so much easier and they wouldn't miss a single moment of laughter and pure joy.
Can you track sportsmen or race cars with this camera?
Maybe.
Macro AF & Great Image Quality
The built-in macro AF in the LX7 is another bonus and a setting I find myself constantly using.
The main reason is that the closer you get to focus on your subject, the more blurred the background will be.
It's also great fun to get ultra close to your subject.
On top of its useful Macro AF, the image quality from the 10MP sensor is also adequate for everyday photos and memories.
The hair strands of the eyebrow and eyelashes are definitely visible, with much detail retained in the 100% crop.
I wouldn't recommend cropping to such an extent, but it's good to know that the camera can capture such fine details.
Below is another example of the image quality of the camera:
The main reason is that the closer you get to focus on your subject, the more blurred the background will be.
It's also great fun to get ultra close to your subject.
Rocky
f/2.3 | 1/400 sec. | ISO-200 | 17.7mm (90mm equiv.)
On top of its useful Macro AF, the image quality from the 10MP sensor is also adequate for everyday photos and memories.
Rocky 100% crop
The hair strands of the eyebrow and eyelashes are definitely visible, with much detail retained in the 100% crop.
I wouldn't recommend cropping to such an extent, but it's good to know that the camera can capture such fine details.
Below is another example of the image quality of the camera:
Sale? Sail!
f/2.0 | 1/200 sec. | ISO-200 | 12.8mm (65mm equiv.)
The color retention is excellent.
There isn't any leaking or fall-off and I really like how the red pops out beside the blue-green.
For people who are concerned about image quality when considering cameras to purchase, this camera will undoubtedly diminish all worries.
Focal Range
The camera zooms optically from 4.7mm to 17.7mm, which is equivalent to 24-90mm on a 35mm sensor.
Although sufficient for simple, daily photography, I think it's quite limiting, especially to people who want to shoot stuff from far away but don't want to get too close to the subject.
Even so, the camera allows for digital zoom, which I think is just cropping the image a certain amount to give the effect of a zoom.
But that will only result in a massive drop of quality.
The "easy zoom (EZ)" zooms up to 6.7x the starting focal length, and a 7.5x zoom can be achieved with the "intelligent zoom".
Although sufficient for simple, daily photography, I think it's quite limiting, especially to people who want to shoot stuff from far away but don't want to get too close to the subject.
Even so, the camera allows for digital zoom, which I think is just cropping the image a certain amount to give the effect of a zoom.
But that will only result in a massive drop of quality.
The "easy zoom (EZ)" zooms up to 6.7x the starting focal length, and a 7.5x zoom can be achieved with the "intelligent zoom".
Low-Light Capability
The camera can go up to ISO-1600 natively, but starting from ISO-800, you will already see noise creeping into the shadow areas and the details will begin to smudge.
Anything up to ISO-800 is beautiful, but exceeding it is solely at your own risk.
Although this camera is advertized as one of the best compacts for low-light photography, I really don't think it's that good.
There is one cool thing you can do to counter this problem, though: attach a speedlight to it!
The LX7 has a hot shoe on its top and I tried it out with the SB700 and it actually worked!
I set the flash to manual, set my power and focal length before taking the photo.
It was cool to see the flash actually fire and to get a nice photo like the one above is amazing.
Anything up to ISO-800 is beautiful, but exceeding it is solely at your own risk.
Although this camera is advertized as one of the best compacts for low-light photography, I really don't think it's that good.
There is one cool thing you can do to counter this problem, though: attach a speedlight to it!
DIY
LX7 + Nikon SB700 | f/4.0 | 1/1000 sec. | ISO-100 | 4.7mm (24mm equiv.)
The LX7 has a hot shoe on its top and I tried it out with the SB700 and it actually worked!
I set the flash to manual, set my power and focal length before taking the photo.
It was cool to see the flash actually fire and to get a nice photo like the one above is amazing.
/No/ WiFi
One thing that could possibly be the deal breaker with this camera is that there is no WiFi built-in, nor do I think that you can connect to WiFi externally.
This is something to consider because most compact cameras nowadays have WiFi function that allows you to instantly transfer your photos from the camera to your smartphone or laptop.
Even some DSLRs have this function, too and it's really useful for when you want to conduct real-time updates of events or when you want to easily share photos on the internet.
Because this camera doesn't have WiFi, I think that most people will opt for other cameras within the price range that do have WiFi.
By saying that, I would really love to see WiFi built-in in the successor to the LX7.
This is something to consider because most compact cameras nowadays have WiFi function that allows you to instantly transfer your photos from the camera to your smartphone or laptop.
Even some DSLRs have this function, too and it's really useful for when you want to conduct real-time updates of events or when you want to easily share photos on the internet.
Because this camera doesn't have WiFi, I think that most people will opt for other cameras within the price range that do have WiFi.
By saying that, I would really love to see WiFi built-in in the successor to the LX7.
All in all, I think that the LX7 is a fantastic camera for what it's for: travel and everyday shooting.
It serves its purpose as a quick and simple photographic tool.
It serves its purpose as a quick and simple photographic tool.
Most pros/enthusiasts will appreciate the myriad of settings and flexibility it offers.
Frankly, the camera is quite pricey and there are other equally great compacts within its price range.
Since this camera was also released two years ago, you can definitely find other compacts that may offer more advanced technology and features now.
But independently, it is definitely a good choice for everyone of any skill level of photography.
Check out all the HIGH RES photos from this review and more at my Flickr here!
DISCLAIMER: I do not represent Panasonic or any other brand that might be showcased in this review. This review is written for THE FEAR and is of no significance to any sort of argument that may or may not ensue. I deliver this with utmost honesty and sincerity.
But independently, it is definitely a good choice for everyone of any skill level of photography.
Check out all the HIGH RES photos from this review and more at my Flickr here!
DISCLAIMER: I do not represent Panasonic or any other brand that might be showcased in this review. This review is written for THE FEAR and is of no significance to any sort of argument that may or may not ensue. I deliver this with utmost honesty and sincerity.
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