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In all, the L10 has a lot going for it: that swiveling screen, Excellent resolution and image quality, live view with two forms of AF, face detection metering, and a sharp, image-stabilized lens.
The price, though, is high for its overall performance. If Panasonic were to rethink its forced-bundle approach, this camera maker just might have the impact in DSLRs that its had in compacts.
Competitive Set
• Canon EOS 40D
($1,500, street, with 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Canon EF IS USM AF lens)
For two C-notes more (when bought with this stabilized kit lens), Canon's EOS 40D blows the L10 away with its faster, more sensitive AF system. It also beats it at higher ISOs with better noise control (though not higher resolution) and better image quality. It wins at all ISOs with a 6.5 fps burst mode and greater shot capacity. The Canon has a bigger 3-inch LCD -- but it doesnt swivel.
• Olympus Evolt E-510
($810, street, with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens)
Sporting a similar Live MOS sensor and compatibility with all Four Thirds system lenses (including Leica zooms, sold separately), the $490-less-expensive E-510 may be the biggest threat to the L10. Its noise reduction and JPEG compression are superior, it has sensor-shake IS that works with all lenses, a higher burst capacity, and a wider variety of compatible glass. However, it lacks the cool, swiveling LCD on the back.
Vital Statistics
Imaging: 10.1MP (effective) Live MOS sensor captures 3648x2736-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 card capacity with highest-quality JPEGs at 3 fps. Up to 3 RAW at 3 fps.
AF system: Sensitive down to EV 0 (at ISO 100). TTL Phase Shift system with 3 selectable AF zones, center cross-type. Live View Phase Shift or Contrast AF.
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 with TTL metering, range 6.6 to 18 feet with auto ISO setting. Flash sync at 1/160 sec. Dedicated hot-shoe with TTL flash control.
Viewfinder: Eye-level pentamirror with diopter adjust.
LCD: Swiveling 2.5-inch TFT with 207,000 dots (69,000 pixels). Up to 16X magnification in playback.
Output: Full Speed USB 2.0 and NTSC/PAL video. PictBridge compatible.
Software: Includes Lumix Simple Viewer, PHOTOfunSTUDIO, SILKYPIX Developer Studio SE.
Batteries: Proprietary Li-ion rechargeable.
CIPA battery life rating: 450 shots per charge.
Size/weight: 3.8x5.3x3.1 in., 1.1 lb, body only. 2.1 lb with supplied lens, battery, and card.
Street price: $1,300 with 14-50mm f/3.8-5.6 Leica D Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. aspherical lens.
For info: www.panasonic.com.
Viewfinder Test
Accuracy: 95% (Excellent)
Magnification: 0.92X (Excellent)
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