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| Likes |
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- Fast, solid lens
- Excellent image stabilization
- Built-in bounce flash
- Sturdy construction
- Magnified focus on LCD
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| Dislikes |
- Slow, limited auto focus
- High noise at high ISO
- Live view drains battery quickly
- Full stop ISO range
- Small and dim optical viewfinder
- Narrow viewing angle on LCD |
Conclusion
The Panasonic L1 is more fun than the other Four-Thirds cameras we've tested. The interface is appealing – it's not simply nostalgic to use an aperture ring, it's quick and comfortable too. We're delighted that someone – anyone – is including a fast, well-built kit lens. Panasonic's image stabilization continues to be a big advantage for the company. On the downside, DSLRs should have flexible, fast auto focus, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 does not have it. We're not sure what market can ignore that drawback – landscape photographers who avoid twilight? The 7.5-megapixel L1 is one of a small handful of live view DSLRs, although its viewing options aren’t fabulous. The Panasonic L1 is pricey at $1,999 retail, but the quality of the lens and the camera can’t be denied.
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