Just picked up this camera and have been using it for candid street photos for the past couple weeks. I must say, I am very pleased with the quality of images that it has produced. I am a DSLR shooter and it's nice to carry something small. This is very similar to the Leica Dlux 6. Get it and thank me later.
I think he fails to realize that this camera is for people shooting close subjects in low light. It's F1.4~2.3 Aperture makes this the Fastest lens among compact cameras. That is it's main advantage. As for the focal length, which he failed to say, is a limited 24-90mm which is actually better, to teach a beginner. It is bought mostly, by couples that have just started to have children, so they can capture those once in a lifetime events that make toddlers so cute. His comparison to the Sony RX100 was completely wrong. The RX100 has a 1 inch 20.2 MP Sensor, and that is many times larger than this 1/1.7 inch 10.1MP Sensor. The Sony RX100 Aperture, can not compete though, because it's F1.8~4.9 They are very different cameras, and as I see below, many people dislike that the LX7 lens cap needs to be removed, to view images on the LCD. I don't know why that bothers so many people, but it does, so it may be worth looking into. With this short focal length, most buyers will have, or will be buying a longer zoom camera. For me, this is only one of several Compact, Bridge and Super Zoom cameras, so when the conditions are right, it will be well worth the $300.00 that it cost me brand new. It does hold it's value very well too, so if anyone changes there mind, it won't be hard to sell at all. It's also a great change of pace from carrying DSLR because you can easily slip the LX7 into a pocket, and it will hardly be noticed!
Very good presentation. You just helped justify me purchasing the LX7!! I am excited!! I was leaning towards the Leica DLux 5 or 6. This has a Leica lense!! Will be going to Balloon Fest in Albuquerque. Cannot wait to get those balloon details captured. Thankyou very much! Most everything I read on the Pana is great. I think its gonna be great. Quality for not an arm plus leg. Thankyou again..
Haven't seen this available, however it may be possible. I somewhat built an idea from using camera that this way was easier mechanically although to me it is absolutely bizarre. I did return the camera already so can't investigate it further, sorry.
The XL7 produces excellent video better than many more expensive cameras including some made by Sony and Panasonic. The low light video performance is exceptional. Check out youtube and photographyblog. I also have the problem in setting maximum iso which is greyed out on the menu. Have you any ideas ?
You are wellcome. And you are right it is a very nice and quite capable camera. As long as you don't need manual focus or dont mind focusing not using the lens ring.
Thank you. Glad I helped you to shape your opinion on the purchase. Camera is very good for one under 500 $/€. My only big complaint is the manual focus mode. But if you shoot in autofocus you are fine. I am sure you will get decent shots in low light and with plenty of detail. Do have tripod anyway though.
+Oliver Coombes depends. If you don't need to change the lens and need something with decent capability in low light that is also affordable then GX7 is for you. But if you think you will need more in future then a5000 might be better. They are very different cameras when you start using them.
how about its lens cap? Ive heard and read some negative comments about it...is it true? I mean do u have any idea? Actually Im thinking of buying lx7, but just want 2 clarify regarding its lens cap....Tnx! By the way Nice and great review! ;)
Lens cap wasn't an issue for me. Nor it should be for most people. Obviously such design can not suit everyone. There are third party lens caps that work differently and also provide shade from sun. Worth considering. My biggest disappointment was lack of focus control on "lens". Very unusual.
I could be wrong regarding focus though as I have only used the camera for few days. Great product overall. If there is a way to toggle manual focus from lens it would be awesome.
Compared to GF3 and NEX 3. Probably nearly identical to my pocket shooter HX20V. Basically good enough for starting toying around but nothing amazing. Also no possibility to change the lens is a bit of a bummer. Add a focus controlled by tiny knob becomes a no no in my book. But once again, interesting for beginner use.
+Eds drafts Hi. Did not occurred to you that this camera is a one handed camera and the reason not to put focusing ring on the tiny lens is that a lot of shakes and moves will be prevented by just moving lightly a small focusing button (with a holding hand) than actually rotating ring around the lens with 2 fingers / hand, using a second hand? At last that are my experiences when shooting video od DSLR. Downside is that zooming speed is default. People also complain about slow zooming, but I think it is perfect and smooth for zooming during recording. Not chaotic fast zooms, than back because you missed it. But hey, it is a 300$ Camera not a 3000$ video recorder ;-). And btw the build in ND filter is a pretty special think. I'm not a compact guy but haven't seen this feature anywhere else.
I never used focus pull, always use my hands and that is why I would like the lens on this camera to be like professional one. Especially since it is capable of this. As for other features, including your mentioned ND, and especially for the price, still a great tool. Zoom wise - nobody should zoom in and out fast in video. Some rare cases its ok, in others it is distracting bordering on annoying.
Sorry but haven't tested the camera extensively. It is surely a very luxurious looking and well enough performing camera. The f/stop ring instead of focus was a huge deal for me though so I had to return it.
Just picked up this camera and have been using it for candid street photos for the past couple weeks. I must say, I am very pleased with the quality of images that it has produced. I am a DSLR shooter and it's nice to carry something small. This is very similar to the Leica Dlux 6. Get it and thank me later.
Don't you miss the manual focus bit? I love the manual lenses and the fact that focus on this camera is on the back is really disappointing.
Other than the focus control knob instead of lens ring I had no faults for this camera. Video and photo both very clean and crisp.
Thank You so much for the details on the LX7. Its the best I've seen so far.
You are more than welcome Timothy Cook. Glad you have found it useful. Also let me know if I have skipped something important.
I think he fails to realize that this camera is for people shooting close subjects in low light. It's F1.4~2.3 Aperture makes this the Fastest lens among compact cameras. That is it's main advantage. As for the focal length, which he failed to say, is a limited 24-90mm which is actually better, to teach a beginner. It is bought mostly, by couples that have just started to have children, so they can capture those once in a lifetime events that make toddlers so cute. His comparison to the Sony RX100 was completely wrong. The RX100 has a 1 inch 20.2 MP Sensor, and that is many times larger than this 1/1.7 inch 10.1MP Sensor. The Sony RX100 Aperture, can not compete though, because it's F1.8~4.9 They are very different cameras, and as I see below, many people dislike that the LX7 lens cap needs to be removed, to view images on the LCD. I don't know why that bothers so many people, but it does, so it may be worth looking into. With this short focal length, most buyers will have, or will be buying a longer zoom camera. For me, this is only one of several Compact, Bridge and Super Zoom cameras, so when the conditions are right, it will be well worth the $300.00 that it cost me brand new. It does hold it's value very well too, so if anyone changes there mind, it won't be hard to sell at all. It's also a great change of pace from carrying DSLR because you can easily slip the LX7 into a pocket, and it will hardly be noticed!
Very good presentation. You just helped justify me purchasing the LX7!! I am excited!! I was leaning towards the Leica DLux 5 or 6. This has a Leica lense!! Will be going to Balloon Fest in Albuquerque. Cannot wait to get those balloon details captured. Thankyou very much! Most everything I read on the Pana is great. I think its gonna be great. Quality for not an arm plus leg. Thankyou again..
Thanks for your review and opinions. Now it's price is decreased and I think it is a very nice camera.
Doesn't the ND/Focus lever lets you use manual focus on the front ring?
Haven't seen this available, however it may be possible. I somewhat built an idea from using camera that this way was easier mechanically although to me it is absolutely bizarre. I did return the camera already so can't investigate it further, sorry.
The XL7 produces excellent video better than many more expensive cameras including some made by Sony and Panasonic. The low light video performance is exceptional. Check out youtube and photographyblog. I also have the problem in setting maximum iso which is greyed out on the menu. Have you any ideas ?
Make sure you are set on fully manual. Also, max iso might only be for photos, not video.
Yes, price is right. However, Sony a5000 is priced similarly now. Makes it a much better companion. Granted slightly larger.
You are wellcome. And you are right it is a very nice and quite capable camera. As long as you don't need manual focus or dont mind focusing not using the lens ring.
I don't mind focusing without the lens ring. I love my LX7.
Thank you. Glad I helped you to shape your opinion on the purchase. Camera is very good for one under 500 $/€. My only big complaint is the manual focus mode. But if you shoot in autofocus you are fine. I am sure you will get decent shots in low light and with plenty of detail. Do have tripod anyway though.
Would you say this is better than the Sony a5000?
+Oliver Coombes depends. If you don't need to change the lens and need something with decent capability in low light that is also affordable then GX7 is for you. But if you think you will need more in future then a5000 might be better. They are very different cameras when you start using them.
how about its lens cap? Ive heard and read some negative comments about it...is it true? I mean do u have any idea? Actually Im thinking of buying lx7, but just want 2 clarify regarding its lens cap....Tnx! By the way Nice and great review! ;)
Lens cap wasn't an issue for me. Nor it should be for most people. Obviously such design can not suit everyone. There are third party lens caps that work differently and also provide shade from sun. Worth considering. My biggest disappointment was lack of focus control on "lens". Very unusual.
I could be wrong regarding focus though as I have only used the camera for few days. Great product overall. If there is a way to toggle manual focus from lens it would be awesome.
you would say the quality is just ok? compared to what?
Compared to GF3 and NEX 3. Probably nearly identical to my pocket shooter HX20V. Basically good enough for starting toying around but nothing amazing. Also no possibility to change the lens is a bit of a bummer. Add a focus controlled by tiny knob becomes a no no in my book. But once again, interesting for beginner use.
+Eds drafts Hi. Did not occurred to you that this camera is a one handed camera and the reason not to put focusing ring on the tiny lens is that a lot of shakes and moves will be prevented by just moving lightly a small focusing button (with a holding hand) than actually rotating ring around the lens with 2 fingers / hand, using a second hand? At last that are my experiences when shooting video od DSLR. Downside is that zooming speed is default. People also complain about slow zooming, but I think it is perfect and smooth for zooming during recording. Not chaotic fast zooms, than back because you missed it. But hey, it is a 300$ Camera not a 3000$ video recorder ;-). And btw the build in ND filter is a pretty special think. I'm not a compact guy but haven't seen this feature anywhere else.
I never used focus pull, always use my hands and that is why I would like the lens on this camera to be like professional one. Especially since it is capable of this. As for other features, including your mentioned ND, and especially for the price, still a great tool. Zoom wise - nobody should zoom in and out fast in video. Some rare cases its ok, in others it is distracting bordering on annoying.
Sorry but haven't tested the camera extensively. It is surely a very luxurious looking and well enough performing camera. The f/stop ring instead of focus was a huge deal for me though so I had to return it.