June 21, 2006 – Panasonic today announced U.S. availability of the company's first ever digital single-lens reflex camera, the Lumix DMC-L1. The 7.5-megapixel camera with an optically image stabilized lens will be available in early September and will be retailed at $1,999.
"In this camera, we have incorporated today's most advanced digital technologies while maintaining the attractive look and operating feel of the traditional film camera," said Panasonic Director of Imaging Group’s Rich Campbell in today's press release.
The Lumix DMC-L1 design combines a traditional look with contemporary digital functions. The magnesium-alloy body, reminiscent of old film cameras, is paired with an aluminum-alloy kit lens with shutter speed and aperture rings, found on today's digital SLRs.
First introduced in a Panasonic-Olympus press conference in February, the Lumix DMC-L1 combines technology from both manufacturers, as well as a Leica lens system. Panasonic has had ties with Leica for a long time, as many of their compact digital cameras have Leica lenses.
The DMC-L1 comes with the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm lens, equipped with its Mega O.I.S. system, the first optical image stabilizer for a Leica lens.
The DMC-L1 live view function from its LIVE MOS image sensor system allows the photographer to view on the 2.5-inch LCD what the image sensor completely sees, providing full image coverage – much in the same way the Olympus EVOLT E-330’s live view works. The Panasonic DMC-L1 also has a sensor dust reduction system. Using its supersonic wave filter system vibrations shake off dust debris keeping the sensor clean when changing lenses.
"Panasonic has created a premium line of digital cameras, now led by the DMC-L1," stated the press release. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is the company’s priciest camera on the market.
