Panasonic Lumix LX7 Digital Camera Review

Shooting Modes

The mode dial is relatively straightforward. Here you'll find auto and PASM modes, plus two custom settings and dedicated stops for video, scene modes, and digital effects.

Focus

Recording Options

Each of the four available aspect ratios is divided into six different shooting resolutions. That's overkill, in our opinion, but will allows users to specifically pick and choose exactly how much data they want to work with. The LX7 also shoots RAW, setting it apart from most of the point-and-shoot pack, plus combinations of RAW and JPEG shots at either JPEG compression level.

Other Controls

Aperture Control Ring

The LX7 does have a mechanical control ring surrounding the lens barrel, just like the Canon S100 and the Sony RX100, and this is one element of the LX7 we do prefer to the RX100. Unlike the RX100's smooth analog ring, the LX7's clicks at each interval. This ring only controls aperture, whereas the RX100's dial could be set to many different variables, but again we still prefer this design.

One confusing choice was the decision to place an aspect ratio slider on top of the barrel, behind the control ring. A focus mode slider is also here, and that we can understand, but aspect ratio just seems like such a barely-used setting, and it's strange to see a prominent physical control for it.