Camera Test: Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1

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Bottom LineWith its excellent stabilized zoom lens, live preview, and bright-image DOF capability, the L1 offers some significant benefits over most other DSLRs.

Is it worth the $1,900 price tag? If you subtract the value of the Leica 14-50mm stabilized lens, you're getting a well-built DSLR with a dual-position pop-up flash, tons of controls, and Extremely High image quality at most ISO speeds for only about $600. Try to beat that!

Vital Statistics• Imaging: 7.5MP (effective) Live MOS sensor captures 3136x2352-pixel images at 4:3 aspect ratio with 12 bits/color in RAW mode.
• Storage: SD/SDHC and MMC cards. Stores JPEG, RAW, or JPEG + RAW.
• Burst rate: Up to 6 highest-quality JPEGs or RAW files at 3 fps.
• AF system: TTL Phase Detection system with 3 selectable AF zones and red activation lights. Single-shot, continuous, and manual focus. Sensitive down to EV 0 (at ISO 100).
• Shutter speeds: 60 to 1/4000 sec plus bulb.
• Metering: TTL metering with 49-zone Multi-Pattern metering in optical viewfinder mode, 256-zone Multi-Pattern metering in Live View mode. 1/3-stop exposure increments. Center-point spotmeter.
• ISO range: 100-1600 in 1-EV increments.
• Flash: Built-in pop-up unit with TTL metering, range 6.6 to 19.7 feet with auto ISO setting. Flash sync at 1/160 sec. Dedicated hot-shoe with TTL flash control for optional DMW-FL500 flash.
• Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed porro mirror.
• LCD: 2.5-inch TFT with 207,000 pixels. Up to 16X magnification in playback.
• Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and NTSC/PAL video. PictBridge compatible.
• Software: Includes Lumix Simple Viewer, Photo Fun Studio, Silkypix Developer Studio.
• Batteries: Proprietary Li-ion rechargeable. CIPA battery life rating, 400 shots per charge.
• Size/weight: 3.5x5.8x3.2 in., 1.1 lb, body only. 2.36 lb with supplied lens, battery, and card.
• Street price: $1,900 with Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 MEGA OIS aspherical lens.
• For info: 800-211-7262; www.panasonic.com.

VIEWFINDER TESTViewfinder Accuracy: 94% (Excellent)
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.89X (Excellent)

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