Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1

Panasonic have just released details of an interesting new digital camera (available in September). The unique aspect of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is that the sensor has a native aspect ratio of 16:9. Also available are in-camera images cropped to the 3:2 aspect ratio of 35mm and most APS-C format DSLRs and the 4:3 aspect ratio of most consumer digicams and the Olympus 4/3 DSLRs.

The sensor is specified as a 1/1.65" size. Senor sizes expressed in this manner are confusing (and perhaps the cynical might suggest this is exectly why they are used...). If you do the math  you'll find that the actual dimensions of the sensor should be approximately 8.9mm x 5mm in the 16:9 format mode. [The diagonal of the sensor is usually about 2/3 of the specified size, which in this case is 1/1.65" = 0.606" or 15.4mm. This inducates that the diagonal of the sensor will be about 10.25mm]

The 3:2 and 4:3 aspect ratios are obtained by cropping the full image, thus the various formats are as follows:

This is quite reminiscent of the film APS system where you could chose between various final print formats, though in that case the image was always recored in the full size and cropping was done only when prints were made. In this case it appears from the press release that the cropped formats are actually recorded as cropped images so you can't change your mind later. Of course you could simply shoot everything in the 16:9 mode, then do the cropping yourself in an image editor, post exposure. The in-camera cropping options could be useful for those who don't like to post process and/or those who want to print images directly from a memory card. Using the 3:2 or 4:3 crops would also use less memory.

The lens is a 6.3 - 25.2mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT optically stabilized zoom. At the wide setting it gives the same horizontal field of view as a 28mm lens would on a 35mm camera when the 16:9 aspect ratio setting is used. If the image is cropped by selecting the 4:3 apected ratio, the horizontal field of view corresponds to that of about a 35mm lens on a full frame 35mm camera. At the long end the lens gives the same horizontal field of view as a 112mm lens would on a 35mm camera for the 16:9 aspect ratio setting. At the 4:3 aspect ratio setting this becomes closer to 150mm. Note: these numbers are all approximate.

Aspect ratios

Here's a graphic example of the effects of selecting different aspect ratios. Note this is a simulated image, it was not shot with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1.

The red lines show the full, uncropped frame, i.e. the image from the whole 16:9 aspect ratio sensor. The green lines show the degree of cropping when a 3:2 aspect ratio is selected and the blue lines show the degree of cropping when the 4:3 aspect ratio is selected.

In their press release, Panasonic talk about "the newly incorporated Extra Optical Zoom extends the zoom ratio by using the center part of the high resolution CCD to achieve 5x for 5.5-Megapixel 16:9 image recording with minimal deterioration". This appears to be simple cropping, filtered through the marketing department and translated into "ad-speak". I'd interpret this as simply the fact that you can do in-camera cropping to the center of the frame. Why they call it "extra optical zoom" escapes me.

Here is the text of the Panasonic Press Release:

Panasonic is launching a new LUMIX 16:9 wide LX series with the introduction of the DMC-LX1, 8.4-Megapixel 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 28 mm to 112 mm on a 35mm film camera) full manual compact camera. This creative compact incorporates a 8.4-Megapixel CCD and a high resolution 2.5-inch LCD in its undersized body. The aspect ratio is easily selectable between 16:9 wide, 3:2 and conventional 4:3 with a switch located on the lens barrel to shoot in the framing aspect that best suits the subjects’ composition or image’s purpose of use.

The lens unit is comprised of 4x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens and renders superb picture quality. Like other LUMIX cameras, what distinguishes the DMC-LX1 from the rest is MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), a key feature Panasonic considers should be standard in all digital still cameras. Unintentional handshake, the major cause of digital camera mis-shooting, is controlled by MEGA O.I.S. to allow every user to take clear, beautiful images even indoors or at nighttime. The newly incorporated Extra Optical Zoom extends the zoom ratio by using the center part of the high resolution CCD to achieve 5x for 5.5-Megapixel 16:9 image recording with minimal deterioration.

Extensive manual controls including manual focus and manual exposure can be smoothly operated with a joystick incorporated along with an omni directional cursor. Just pressing and holding the joystick shortcuts to a setting menu containing the frequently used white balance adjustment, ISO setting, image size setting and compression format.

Taking advantage of these outstanding features, the LX1 incorporates the high speed, high quality image processing LSI, the Venus Engine II. It boasts quick responsiveness that realizes the best-in-class level release time lag of 0.01 sec. For the AF, five AF modes are available; 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high speed, 1-point normal speed and spot. The 1-point high speed AF boasts predominantly fast AF for stress-free focusing.

In addition, the DMC-LX1 is the first digital still camera that can record moving images at 848 x 480 16:9 Wide VGA, as smooth as 30 fps.

With a volley of features providing both enhanced image quality and responsiveness, the DMC-LX1 is an advanced compact offering elaborate manual controllability while being accommodating to entry-level users through a variety of scene modes and auto setting functions. Panasonic dares to introduce this artistic instrument suited to users at all levels who enjoy creative shooting.

1 - 8.4-Megapixel 16:9 aspect CCD and 28mm wide 4x optical zoom LEICA DC Lens
The DMC-LX1 features the 8.4-Megapixel Industry’s first* 16:9 aspect CCD and 4x optical zoom 28mm wide angle** (equivalent to 28 mm to 112 mm on a 35 mm film camera) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. Incorporating three aspherical lenses provides high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The aspect ratio can be easily selected between 16:9 or 3:2 in addition to the conventional 4:3 with a switch on the lens barrel on a shot-by-shot-basis to best suit the composition of the image. Even after shooting, the 16:9 ratio can be converted to 3:2 or 4:3 with the camera according to your purpose of use.
The extra optical zoom, made possible by using the center part of 8.4-megapixel high resolution CCD, further extends the zoom ratio to 5x for 5.5-Megapixel image recording in 16:9 aspect with minimal deterioration.

* As a CCD of digital still camera, as of July 7, 2005.
** In 16:9 aspect ratio.

2 - Image stabilizing technology MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and high speed high quality image processing LSI Venus Engine II
MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), that Panasonic thinks it indispensable for all digital cameras, especially for compact models that lacks stability, is subsumed under LUMIX all line-up released in this year. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images.
MEGA O.I.S. is equipped with 2 selectable modes. In “Mode 1”, the O.I.S. lens continuously compensates for vibration and in “Mode 2”, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution image can be taken by capturing the image as close as to the center of the lens. In consequence, since MEGA O.I.S. enables a beautiful picture shot without blurring at slower shutter speeds of more than three steps compared to the conventional models without O.I.S., you can enjoy shooting clear and beautiful pictures easily even in the situations using slow shutter speeds, like indoor shots for portraits and nighttime scenery for illuminated object, as well as in shootings using zoom or macro mode.

For the brain of the camera, high-speed high-quality image processing LSI Venus Engine II is incorporated to render clear images in detail, compensating for the color aberration at the edges subject to occur. It also compensates for vignetting and generates bright image in every detail. This engine boasts its high performance resulting in the industry leading level in class release time lag of 0.01 sec for achieving more stress-free operation.
*Not including the time for AF.

3 - Joystick-operated intuitive manual control
The DMC-LX1 offers manual focus and manual exposure, and both are adjustable with a joystick independent of an omni directional cursor. A switch on the side of the lens barrel lets you quickly change the focus mode between MF, AF or Macro AF. When you focus in the Manual Focus mode, not only the focus distance but also the DOF (depth of field) according to the zoom range and aperture is displayed. An MF assist function enlarges the center of the image to make focusing easier. Both features contribute to easy and comfortable manual focus.

A joystick was incorporated to facilitate operational ease and thereby get the best technical advantage of the multitude of functions offered by the camera. You can quickly shortcut to frequently used variables containing white balance adjustment, ISO setting, image size setting and compression format just by pressing and holding down the joystick, even while monitoring a subject on the LCD.

Shutter speed extends up to 60 sec at slowest in Manual Exposure mode and adjustable from 1/2000 to 60 sec for wider ranging shooting opportunities. Noise reduction is available for images taken at slow shutter speed.

The AF/AE lock button supports free framing while keeping the focus locked or fixes the same exposure setting regardless of the color of a subject for taking multiple shots.

4 - Crystal-clear, large 2.5” LCD monitor
The 2.5” large LCD is excellent not only in size but also in the resolution, which is as high as 207 k pixels. The advantage is apparent when you check the focus during or after shooting, or when you display images even in tiny thumbnail size, across which you can move an omni-directional cursor to select. They can be played back in 9, 16 and 25 on multi-split screen in addition to the normal 1 frame playback thanks to the large high resolution LCD. This helps you to search for the image you want out of a number stored on the SD Memory Card, even if the images are in bulk. Furthermore, you can virtually checkmark your favorite images and keep them selected apart from the others to make a special slideshow with them only, or make concurrent deletion of the non-checkmarked ones if you do not need them anymore. Thanks to this feature, the LX1 can serve not just as a tool of shooting images but also as a digital album, to enjoy the seeing and showing of your favorite pictures.

To offer a clear view even in sunny outdoor conditions, the Power LCD function increases brightness by 140% just by pressing an independent button.

5 -  Excellent responsiveness, smart control and quick AF
The DMC-LX1 incorporates high performance image processing LSI the Venus Engine II in both speed and image quality. Thanks to the multi-task image processing, response has also been accelerated, resulting in the best-in-class level release time lag of 0.01 sec achieving more stress-free operation. For the burst shooting mode, it also boasts high consecutive shooting performance, providing shooting at 3 frames/second at 8.4-Megapixel full resolution. This function can be instantly activated with the independent button*. Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function** allows limit-free consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.
An AF method can be selected according to the shooting situation: 9-point, 3-point high-speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and Spot. The 1 point high-speed AF, initially incorporated in the high zoom line DMC-FZ5, dramatically reduces the AF time to realize stress-free operation. Although screen-freeze in high-speed AF is now minimized, if you take the picture of subject with fast movement, you can select 1 point normal-speed AF which does not have any screen-freeze while focusing.

* The button also performs as “DELETE” in playback mode.
** The speed of the unlimited consecutive shooting varies depending on the SD Memory Card.

6 -  Industry’s first 16:9 aspect Wide VGA moving image recording*
In addition to the conventional 4:3 VGA moving image recording, the LX1 can record moving images even in the 848 x 480 16:9 Wide VGA format at 30 fps, making the most of the industry’s first 16:9 CCD. Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and you will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV.
* As a digital still camera, as of July 7, 2005.

7 - Easier and more comfortable operation
Along with the joy stick and omni-directional cursor, a dial-operated mode shift also improves the camera’s controllability. The mode dial allows quick, direct switching between various shooting modes, moving picture mode and playback mode. In addition to the conventional ProgramAE, the LX1 is equipped with Auto mode, which caters for the entry level users. A total of 14 scene modes including Baby, Soft Skin, Food, Starry Sky and Candle helps you to take beautiful images easily in wide-ranging situations. Still it is easy to select the one out of them thanks to the Scene Mode Help Screen that shows the description of each mode and the knack for shooting of each scene and helps users to take beautiful image easily.

The LUMIX DMC-LX1 is like no other compact camera, enabling both high-end amateurs and entry-level users to explore the creativeness that surely enhances the joy of shooting.

Specifications

Lens	LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 9 elements in 8 groups (3 Aspherical lenses / 3 Aspherical surfaces)
Optical Image Stabilizer	MEGA O.I.S. (Mode1 / Mode2)
Zoom	Optical: 4x Extra Optical: 4:3 Aspect: 5x (for 4.0 Megapixels), 5.6x (for 3.0 / 2.0 / 1.0 Megapixels) 3:2 Aspect: 5.1x (for 4.5 / 2.5 Megapixels) 16:9 Aspect: 5x (for 5.5 / 2.0 Megapixels) Digital: 4x ( Max. 16x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom) (Max. 22.5x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)
Focal Distance	f=6.3 - 25.2 mm (35 mm Equiv.: 28-112 mm in 16:9 Aspect Mode)
Focusing Area	Normal: Wide 50 cm(1.64 feet) / Tele 120 cm(3.94 feet) - infinity Macro / Auto: Wide 5 cm(0.16 feet) / Tele 30 cm(0.98 feet) - infinity
AF Metering	1 point / 1 point high speed / 3 points high speed / 9 points / Spot
AF Assist Lamp	Yes
Camera Effective Pixels	8.4 Megapixels
Image Sensor	1/1.65"(16:9), 8.61 Mega Total Pixels CCD, Primary Color Filter
Focus	Auto Focus System : Normal / Macro, Continuous AF(Still Image Only) : On / Off, Manual Focus
ISO Sensitivity	Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400
White Balance	Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Halogen / White Set 1/2 White Balance Adjustment (150 K step, -1500 - +1500 K) (except for Auto WB)
Exposure	Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift (P mode)
Exposure Button	- (Joystick Operation)
Exposure Compensation	1/3 EV Step, -2 - +2 EV
Backlight Compensation	Yes (at Auto Mode)
Auto (AE) Bracketing	± 1/3 EV -1EV step, 3 frames
Light Metering	Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot
Scene Mode	Dial: Auto, P(Program) Mode, A(Aperture Priority) Mode, S(Shutter Priority) Mode, M(Manual) Mode, SCN1 / SCN2 (Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery, Night Portrait, Fireworks, Party, Snow, Self-Portrait, Soft Skin, Food, Baby, Starry Sky, Candle Light), Moving-Image, Playback
Shutter Speed	Auto: 1/4 - 1/2,000 sec. Program AE: 1 - 1/2,000 sec. Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE: 8 - 1/2,000 sec. Manual: 60 - 1/2,000 sec.
Aperture	Wide: F2.8 - F8.0 Tele: F4.9 - F8.0
Self Timer	10 sec. / 2 sec.
Auto Review	1 sec. / 3 sec. / zoom
Review	1x / 4x / 8x
Picture Adjustment	Contrast: Low, Standard, High Sharpness: Low, Standard, High Saturation: Low, Standard, High Noise Reduction: Low, Standard, High
Color Effect Mode	Cool, Warm, Black & White, Sepia
Recording Format	Still Image: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 standard), DPOF corresponding Picture with Audio: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 standard)+ QuickTime Motion Images: QuickTime Motion JPEG
Recording Image Size	Still Image 4:3 Aspect: 2,880 x 2,160 pixels, 2,304 x 1,728 pixels, 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, 1,600 x 1,200 pixels, 1,280 x 960 pixels 3:2 Aspect: 3,248 x 2,160 pixels, 2,560 x 1,712 pixels, 2,048 x 1,360 pixels 16:9 Aspect: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, 3,072 x 1,728 pixels 1,920 x 1,080 pixels Motion Image 4:3 Aspect: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels 16:9 Aspect: 848 x 480 pixels
Image Quality	RAW / TIFF / Fine / Standard
Motion Image* (QuickTime Motion JPEG)	4:3 Aspect: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps 16:9 Aspect: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps (Max. recording time depends on memory card capacity.)
Burst Shooting Mode	Full-Resolution Image, 3 frames/sec. or 2 frames/sec. Full-Resolution: Max. 9 images (Standard Mode) / Max. 5 images (Fine Mode)
Unlimited Consecutive Shooting	Yes (Depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression)
Still Image Rec. with Audio	5 sec.
Audio Dubbing	Max. 10 sec.
Real-time Histogram	Yes
Composition Guide Lines	Yes
Scene Mode Help Screen	Yes
Auto Angle Detection	Yes
Flip Animation	Yes
Built-in-Flash	Auto, Auto / Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync. / Red-eye Reduction, Forced On / Off Flash Output Adjustment (1/3EV step, -2 - +2 EV) Wide: 0.6 - 4.1 m (ISO Auto), Tele: 0.3 - 2.3 m (ISO Auto)
Viewfinder	-
LCD Monitor	2.5" Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (207 K Pixels) Field of View : approx. 100% Power LCD Mode
Playback Mode	25 /16 / 9 - thumbnail display, Zoomed playback (16x max.) Image rotation (except for RAW) Slide show (duration is adjustable, also manual controllable) Playback of favorite pictures Resizing (selectable number of pixels), Trimming, Protection, DPOF print setting
OSD Language	English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), Russian, Japanese Varies according to the models of your sales area.
Recording Media	SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard
Microphone	Yes
Speaker	Yes
Interface	DC Input, A/V Output (NTSC / PAL), USB
Direct Print	PictBridge
Power	Li-ion Battery Pack (3.7 V, 1,150 mAh) (Included) AC Adaptor (Input: 110 - 240 V AC) (Optional)
Battery Life (Approx.)	240 pictures (CIPA Standard**)
Included Software	LUMIX Simple Viewer, Photo Fun Studio, ArcSoft PhotoBase, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, USB Driver
Dimensions (Approx.) (W x H x D)	105.7 x 55.8 x 25.6 mm (4.16 x 2.20 x 1.01 inch) (Not including protruding parts)
Weight (Approx.)	185g (0.41 lb) (Body), 220 g (0.48 lb) (with Battery and SD Memory Card)

© Copyright Bob Atkins All Rights Reserved
www.bobatkins.com