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Panasonic LX100 II Review

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: Now with Touchscreen, Bluetooth and 17 Megapixels

With the Lumix DC-LX100 II, Panasonic is announcing the successor to the LX100, which has already been on the market for almost four years. According to the current technology, there is a new, higher resolution image sensor, whereby only 17 of the almost 22 megapixels are used, so that the image angle remains identical in the aspect ratios 16:9, 3:2 and 4:3 with 24-75 millimeters corresponding to 35mm. The new 4K photo functions, Bluetooth, a USB charging function and a higher resolution touch screen are also on board.

 

 

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II features a large Micro Four Thirds sensor, which uses 1.6 times the image area of a 1″ sensor. This is combined with an F1.7-2.8 fast 24-75mm zoom. [Photo: Panasonic]

Short evaluation

Pros

  • Interesting complete package consisting of compact housing with powerful lens
  • Very direct operation thanks to many setting wheels
  • Unique multi-format sensor
  • Good image quality up to ISO 1,600

Cons

  • Screen not movable
  • Clear crop with 4K photo and 4K video and missing microphone connection
  • Relatively slow memory speed
  • Weak edge resolution

Panasonic made the fans of the LX top model LX100 wait for a successor model for a long time. In the end, it has become a product maintenance with higher resolution and touch screen, and the WLAN has also been supplemented with Bluetooth. The proven concept of very “analogue” operation, a powerful zoom lens in a compact, high-quality housing and a large micro-four-thirds sensor, of which only a part is used for the multi-format function, has been retained.

The Lumix LX100 II (11.6 x 6.6 x 6.4 cm, 392 g), which is not even that small and light for a compact camera, shines with its large Micro Four Thirds sensor and the F1.7-2.8 fast 24-75mm lens, both cornerstones that the camera adopts from its predecessor. Although part of the sensor surface is not used, the active part is still 1.6 times larger than the common 1″ sensor. With an effective resolution of up to 17 megapixels, the LX100 II now also has a reasonably up-to-date resolution, as the predecessor model with an effective resolution of only 12.8 megapixels had got a bit out of date in the meantime.

The elaborately constructed lens consists of eleven elements arranged in eight groups. This includes two ED lenses and a total of five aspherical lenses with a total of eight aspherically ground surfaces, with which Panasonic wants to counteract image errors such as edge blur, color fringing and distortion. As usual with Panasonic, the lens carries the Leica label and is optically image-stabilized. At the top of the lens there is a convenient switch for selecting the aspect ratio with the four options 16:9, 3:2, 4:3 and 1:1, the first three formats all using the maximum image circle of the lens. At 16:9, a wider but lower area of the 17.3 x 13 millimeter Micro Fourds sensor is used than in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Nevertheless, 4:3 uses the largest sensor area overall and thus offers the highest resolution. Especially for fans of the 16:9 aspect ratio, the LX100 II is still a hot tip.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II combines an F1.7-2.8 bright 3x zoom with a large Micro Four Thirds image sensor in a high-quality metal housing. [Photo: Panasonic]

Thanks to DFD technology, focusing takes place within 0.1 seconds. In the macro position (also using the selector switch on the lens), focusing can be carried out from three centimetres in front of the front lens in the wide-angle position and from 30 centimetres in the telescopic position. Manual focusing is also possible, for example using the electronic lens ring. A focus loupe as well as focus peaking for color accentuation of the high-contrast and thus sharp subject details support the photographer.

In addition to the 2.8 million pixel, 0.7x magnification viewfinder, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II offers a 1.2 million pixel, 7.5 centimeter touchscreen, which is not movable. [Photo: Panasonic]

Like its predecessor, the LX100 II takes continuous pictures at a maximum of eleven frames per second, although the frame rate drops to 5.5 frames per second when the tracking autofocus is activated. Furthermore, the LX100 II offers all 4K photo functions of the other current Panasonic models. In addition to continuous shooting with 8.4 megapixels resolution at 30 frames per second (25 frames per second on the previous model), this also includes post-focus, focus stacking and capturing motion sequences by superimposing several images. The 4K video function now also works with a maximum of 30 instead of 25 frames per second.

The electronic viewfinder offers 0.7x magnification in 35mm equivalent and resolves almost 2.8 million pixels. This corresponds to the key data of the predecessor model. However, the rear monitor is now a 7.5 centimeter touch screen with 1.2 million pixels resolution. This allows a touch autofocus function when using the screen and also while looking through the viewfinder. In addition, there are five programmable touch function keys and the option of triggering directly with a fingertip.

There are also innovations in connectivity. In addition to WLAN, the LX100 II now also offers Bluetooth 4.2 LE for a permanent, energy-saving connection to the smartphone. This is especially useful for geotagging, as the camera can now enter the coordinates directly into the EXIF data. Also new is the USB charging function, but unfortunately the LX100 II no longer comes with an external charger. So you have the possibility to charge the camera on the way, for example at a power bank or at the USB adapter in the car (in the first version there was still a charger in the scope of delivery, but that’s not true, only a USB charging adapter is included).

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II has many manual control elements, such as the exposure time wheel, the aperture ring or as a special feature the selector switch for the aspect ratio. [Photo: Panasonic]

The LX100 II has a quiet central shutter that allows up to 1/4,000 short exposure times including flash synchronization. The integrated flash is missing, but for the Micro Four Thirds compatible TTL system flash shoe a small flash with a guide number of six is included, larger system flashes can also be used. New is the significantly extended maximum shutter speed, which is now a stately 30 minutes instead of the previous two minutes. If you want, you can also use a completely silent electronic shutter with up to 1/16,000 second short exposure times.

Other new features include a monochrome and film grain filter, a focus bracketing function (full resolution) and more programmable function keys. Otherwise, the LX100 II does not differ much from its predecessor. From October 2018, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II will be available at a price of almost 950 euros.

Ergonomics and workmanship

On the outside, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II hardly differs from its predecessor, the DMC-LX100. It weighs just under 400 grams and the viewfinder camera body is quite compact with a width of a good 11.5 cm and a depth of 2.5 cm as well as a height of 6.5 cm, with the viewfinder at the back and the lens at the front protruding clearly, which ultimately makes the camera measure a proud 6.5 cm in depth. When switched on, it becomes 3.4 to 5.2 centimeters more, depending on the zoom position. Unlike conventional compact cameras, the lens does not have a slat curtain, but an ordinary clamp lens cap that has to be removed manually, as the black live image on the monitor or in the viewfinder unmistakably points out. The advantage, however, is that you can use a 43mm polarizing filter or a neutral density filter or other filters at the front. Behind a protective cover there is also a bayonet mount on the fixed part of the lens. The optional automatic cap DMW-LFAC1 can be attached here, an extremely practical accessory, as you never have to remove a cap again, as the extending lens simply slides on the automatic cap.

The case is mainly made of metal, but plastic is also used, for example on the left side of the case, where the Bluetooth and WLAN antennas are located. In contrast to the lens front, the two-part lens barrel is also made of plastic. The same applies to the interface flap as well as the battery and memory card compartment cover. Seals for the small camera are unfortunately not found, a splash water protection was Panasonic probably too complex in view of the extending tube. Nevertheless, the dust tightness of the lens should have been improved.

The small handle on the front with grained rubber provides a better hand position, on the back there is an equally rubberized thumb rest for the necessary support. However, the LX100 II cannot be described as a hand cuddler, here the design stands in the foreground. 15 buttons, all quite small and with a weak pressure point, two slide switches and five setting rings as well as the switch-on lever, the zoom rocker and the shutter release with good pressure points ensure that the LX100 II can be operated very directly. So for the aperture, the exposure time and the exposure correction there are direct selector wheels with concrete numerical values.

While the aperture ring and the exposure compensation wheel lock in third steps, the exposure time wheel only offers full light value steps. Fine correction is possible via the rear rotary knob surrounding the four-way selector. However, the pressure points are quite light, so that one suddenly adjusts the white balance when adjusting the exposure time, for example, because one pressed the ring too hard. The exposure compensation wheel is also not quite optimal. It adjusts much too easily for the exposed position. Caution: In iA+ auto mode, the exposure-compensation dial is active, but not in iA mode.

A highlight of the LX100 II is the F1.7-2.8 fast 24-75mm zoom. As already mentioned, it protrudes far from the housing and thus offers space for all “lens related” control elements. The aperture ring is located right at the front, behind it is a continuously variable multifunction ring. Depending on the mode, it works as a zoom or focus ring, for example, but can also be assigned other functions. On the left side of the lens is the focus selector switch, which allows switching between autofocus, macro autofocus and manual focus. The operating modes AFS, AFC and AFF are not set here. The LX100 II focuses very quickly with significantly less than 0.2 seconds, and the shutter release delay is also very fast with 0.03 seconds, so that the time from pressing the shutter release to taking an image, including focusing from infinity to two metres, is always less than 0.2 seconds.

At wide-angle, the lens allows macro photography from a distance of three centimeters from the front lens. This makes the lighting more difficult, but in a 3:2 aspect ratio it still offers a 5.5 x 3.7 centimeter small image field. The telemacro mode with a minimum shooting distance of 30 centimetres, on the other hand, with its 15 x 10 centimetre minimum field of view, no one gets off the stool. For manual focus, the LX100 II also supports the photographer with a distance bar, an automatic magnifying glass function and focus peaking.

The multi-format sensor is extremely exciting and seldom found in the digital camera sector. The lens has a selector switch for the aspect ratio from 3:2 to 16:9 and 1:1 to 4:3. With the exception of 1:1, all aspect ratios work with the same image angle, i.e. at 16:9 a wider but less high section of the image sensor is used than at 4:3. Normally, cameras crop the image simply, but this shortens the diagonal and thus the image angle shrinks. The trick of the LX100 II is quite simple: Only one image section is used by the Micro Four Thirds sensor, which physically has a resolution of almost 22 megapixels, so that air remains for the various aspect ratios. The crop factor does not correspond to two, as is usual with Micro Four Thirds, but to 2.2. Depending on the aspect ratio, the maximum resolution is 17 megapixels, which is achieved in 4:3 format. Especially fans of the 16:9 aspect ratio should be happy about this, as they can take real 24mm widescreen photos. This does not necessarily apply in video mode, however, for more information see the “Equipment” section.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II uses only one section of the Micro Four Thirds sensor at a time, so that it can always use the same diagonal image angle at 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. [Photo: Panasonic]

An innovation compared to the predecessor model is the 1.23 million pixel higher resolution screen, which is now also a practical touch screen. On the other hand, mobility is still lacking. The 3:2 aspect ratio is a good compromise to be able to use as large a screen area as possible in the live image from 1:1 to 16:9. With a maximum brightness of 780 cd/m², the screen can be easily read even in sunlight. By the way, in the menu, one can not only adjust the brightness, but also make a color correction and choose between 30 and 60 frames per second refresh rate. The former protects the battery somewhat, the latter ensures a smoother live image.

The touch function is not only used to select the autofocus area and optionally to release the shutter, but also to operate the camera. Despite the many keys, even the menus can be adjusted by touch and, in addition to the many configurable function keys, further freely assignable touch control panels are displayed on the screen. Sometimes it is even easier to briefly type something on the screen instead of searching for the corresponding key, whose labels are very small and hardly readable in the dark.

In addition to the many buttons, the LX100 II offers the usual Quick Menu for further recording settings. Depending on the recording mode, the main menu is divided into up to seven categories with up to eight menu items per screen page, of which there are up to seven. This allows a lot of settings to be made, but the clarity suffers from this. In order to improve this, the LX100 II now also offers a “My Menu” in which preferred menu items can be put together individually. Three user memories for recording presets are also hidden in the menus.

The electronic viewfinder is the same as the predecessor model and is certainly no longer one of the best viewfinders on the market, but has rock-solid key data, especially if you consider the limited space available. The resolution is at least 2.7 million pixels, the 0.7x magnification in 35mm equivalent ensures a good size. Panasonic has even thought about a far-reaching diopter correction, especially as the viewfinder is barely visible with glasses. The touchscreen remains active when looking through the viewfinder for AF field selection, which is somewhat unfortunate for “left eyed” users. Although the viewfinder stands out a bit at the back for better viewing comfort, the nose still touches the screen and thus unintentionally operates the touch function. Very practical is the eye sensor, which automatically activates the viewfinder when you put the camera in front of your eye.

The screen of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II is now a touchscreen, but it is still fixed. In addition to the 2.8 million pixel, 0.7x magnification viewfinder, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II offers a 1.2 million pixel, 7.5 centimeter touchscreen, which is not movable. [Photo: Panasonic]

A 3D spirit level, a live histogram and grid lines can be displayed both on the screen and in the viewfinder for better image composition. The LX100 II also offers an exposure preview, but only when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. Also the aperture closes to the set value, so that one gets an impression of the depth of field directly in the live image.

The interface equipment is extremely sparse. A plastic flap conceals only a Micro-HDMI socket and a Micro-USB socket. After all, the latter is suitable for charging the replaceable lithium-ion battery, although the LX100 II, unlike many other cameras, is fortunately not very choosy about the power source. A USB charger is included with the camera, but an external charger is only available as an option. Most annoying is the lack of a microphone connection for video recordings.

Like the SD memory card, the lithium-ion battery is removed from the bottom of the camera. A good 300 shots are possible with the battery according to the CIPA standard. If you use the energy more sparingly, 400 shots are no problem either. The SD memory card slot supports the SDHC, SDXC and UHS I standards. Despite the fast memory card, the write speed of less than 40 MB/s remained clearly below our expectations for a modern camera. The UHS-I standard allows storage speeds almost three times as fast as those achieved by the LX100 II. Nevertheless, the camera never feels slow or sluggish at any time, because the continuous-advance buffer is large enough (more on this in the next section) and the camera does not block any functions during saving, so it remains fully operable.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II can be operated very directly thanks to many control wheels, but also a fully automatic mode with scene recognition is not missing. [Photo: Panasonic]

By the way, Panasonic has placed the metal tripod thread somewhat unfavorably, because it is not only located outside the optical axis, but also directly next to the battery and memory card compartment, whereby even the smallest tripod quick-change plates block access. A USB continuous power supply is by the way not possible, for mains operation (e.g. for the interval function) an appropriate adapter for the battery compartment must be purchased, the cable bushing is already provided in the package with the standard delivery.

Equipment 

With its manual aperture and shutter speed dials, the Panasonic LX100 II is more suitable for photographers who like to shoot semi-automatically or manually. But there is also a “panic button”, which is easily accessible behind the shutter release on the top of the camera. There are two modes: iA is the fully automatic mode with scene, face and motion detection, iA+ allows the photographer to exert some creative influence. For example, he can use exposure correction or decide whether the image should have a low or high depth of field without having to adjust the aperture directly, because the camera continues to do this. The white balance can also be influenced, again user-friendly for beginners with “warmer and colder” or blue or red.

Also not missing are useful functions like HDR or Panorama. The simple pan pan mode is hidden behind the continuous-advance function button. The LX100 II can then be swivelled horizontally or vertically or in portrait or landscape format, a selection of the image angle is also possible, whereby a larger image angle unfortunately goes hand in hand with a lower resolution. If you want some resolution, it is best to swivel in portrait format with a smaller image angle, which is then less than 180 degrees. But in the end, one can only achieve really high resolutions by using a tripod, a real panorama head and the corresponding image processing on the PC.

In HDR mode, you can select the exposure range automatically or manually, +/- 3 EV is the maximum range. The camera automatically aligns the images congruently during assembly, so you can also take pictures from your hand. However, the classic way via the exposure row function also offers more scope here. The LX100 II takes 3, 5 or 7 pictures with up to an EV exposure distance, so that a higher dynamic range can be covered. Other bracketing functions record white balance brackets, aperture brackets or even focus brackets, which can then be assembled later on the PC (so-called stacking).

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II offers only a micro USB and a micro HDMI interface, especially a microphone connection would have been extremely practical. [Photo: Panasonic]

If you prefer it a little easier, you can use the 4K photo functions. These are suitable either as very fast continuous shooting functions, so that you can’t miss the right release moment, or as focus bracketing functions. Thereby, one can either choose the right focus point afterwards or one lets the camera with the integrated stacking function calculate the images to a photo with a greater depth of field. However, the 4K functions have two disadvantages: On the one hand, the resolution is limited to a good 8.4 megapixels, which are also extracted from a video, which additionally costs some quality. That’s enough for the Internet or your home PC or TV, but not for large posters. The other limitation is perhaps even more decisive for some: With the 4K function, there is a clear image trimming by a factor of 1.25. The 24-75mm lens thus becomes a 30-94mm lens.

With the “correct” continuous shooting function, however, there is of course no image trimming. Panasonic promises eleven frames per second, in practice these are even exceeded minimally. 11.2 to 11.3 serial images per second were measured for 101 JPEG or 37 raw images in series. That’s quite respectable? If the buffer is full, the continuous shooting speed drops to 5.6 JPEG or 1.9 RAW frames per second. However, the focus is only adjusted at a slower speed of 5.5 continuous frames per second. For JPEG this means endless continuous shooting until the memory card is full.

For video recording, the LX100 II offers good values on paper: In 4K resolution a maximum of 30 frames per second is possible, in Full HD even 60 frames per second. Zoom and focus remain active, but the focus is not audible, while the zoom is very quiet thanks to the slower work. The DFD focus technology, however, ensures an occasional micropumping of the focus, which is not so nice to look at, especially in 4K resolution. Good videos, however, are focused manually anyway and do without zoom and pan effects if possible, instead video editing is used.

However, there is one annoying limitation with 4K videos: here, too, the image trimming results in a strong wide-angle loss. In Full HD, however, the entire image sensor can be used. With up to 100 Mbit/s, the 4K video functions offer otherwise a good quality, in Full-HD a maximum of 28 Mbit/s is possible, which is also enough for a decent image quality. The videographer can also choose between AVCHD and MP4. When it comes to video sound, the LX100 II is less suitable for professional requirements. Although there is a level meter with the possibility to adjust the level, the sound is recorded exclusively via the integrated stereo microphone, a high sound quality is therefore not possible.

On the left side the housing of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II is made of plastic, because the antennas for Bluetooth and WLAN are located here. [Photo: Panasonic]

At first glance, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II doesn’t offer a flash, but a TTL system flash shoe. In the box, however, there is a small slip-on flash that turns out to be compact, but also only offers a guide number of 7.6 measured by us. After all, that’s a bit more than Panasonic promises. Unfortunately, the flash is neither swivelling nor rotating, but at least it is powered by the camera. Here Panasonic could have liked to have squinted at the Micro Four Thirds partner Olympus, because there is a small attachable flash with a rotating and swivelling reflector with a slightly higher guide number and camera power supply. Panasonic accessories include TTL system flashes for various requirements. In addition, the camera allows, even with the small supplied flash, all kinds of settings from the selection of the flash ignition time over a flash exposure correction up to a manual flash power selection in fine gradations. Thanks to the central shutter, the LX100 II even flashes with the shortest exposure time of 1/4,000 seconds.

Regarding central shutter and exposure times: The LX100 II shoots almost inaudibly, but the central shutter restricts the shortest possible exposure time when the aperture is open. The shortest exposure time of 1/4,000 seconds is only available when F4 is dimmed. If you want to expose even quieter or shorter, you can activate the electronic shutter, which achieves up to 1/16,000 short exposure times. However, fast scene modes can cause the dreaded rolling shutter effect, even if it’s not quite as dramatic with the LX100 II.

The playback function offers the photographer all kinds of image processing options, such as image trimming, rotation or resolution reduction. Even raw files can be subsequently developed and saved as JPG and movies can be split and merged. Photos taken using the Interval function can be directly merged into a time-lapse film. Filter effects, on the other hand, can only be adjusted during recording, the LX100 II offers 22 of them, which leaves a lot of room for manoeuvre, especially as some effects still offer adjustment options.

The handle of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II is rather small, but it improves the hand position significantly.

Picture quality

Although the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II uses only a partial area of its Micro Four Thirds sensor, this is still 1.6 times larger than the 1″ sensors of most other premium compact cameras, which should mean better image quality, especially since the resolution is even slightly lower with a maximum of 17 megapixels, and in a 3:2 aspect ratio it is only 16 megapixels instead of the 20 megapixels of the 1″ sensor cameras. Together with the powerful lens, this provides the best conditions for taking pictures with good image quality even in low light.

Especially in the last years, Panasonic has made a name for itself with very reservedly processed images in JPEG, which, however, costs resolution in our laboratory measurement. The LX100 II is no exception. We tested them in 3:2 aspect ratio. It only achieves a maximum of 44 line pairs per millimetre (lp/mm) in 35mm equivalent with 50 percent contrast and thus lags about 20 percent behind the possibilities of well-processed 16-megapixel images. Although the maximum resolution is only slightly reached at first, the resolution is already good to very good in relation to the maximum at open aperture. The maximum resolution in wide-angle is just over 39 lp/mm at F5.6, with a medium focal length of 42 millimeters it is 44 lp/mm at F2.8 and 37 lp/mm in Tele at F4.

Towards the edge of the picture, however, the resolution clearly decreases, namely at all focal lengths. The 30 lp/mm mark is not reached, the maximum edge resolution is only 29 lp/mm (42 mm, F4). Here the LX100 II really doesn’t stain itself with fame, whereby the restrained image processing of course contributes its part to it. Color fringes, distortion and edge darkening, on the other hand, are consistently low, so the Lumix again collects plus points.

The tripod thread of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II is not only located outside the optical axis, but unfavourably also directly next to the battery and memory card compartment, so that it is blocked. [Photo: Panasonic]

Up to and including ISO 800, the signal-to-noise ratio is in the good range of over 40 dB, and the critical 35 dB mark is only undershot at ISO 6,400. A real advantage of the large image sensor. The noise itself is consistently fine-grained and consists practically only of brightness noise, which is easily visible from ISO 6,400, but never increases critically, even at the highest sensitivity of ISO 25,600. This is ensured by noise suppression, which, however, leads to loss of detail above ISO 400. On closer inspection, this becomes somewhat visible at ISO 1.600; at ISO 3.200, the LX100 II still shows enough detail with an ounce of noise for sufficient detail fidelity.

The input dynamics are also very high. It always moves at over ten f-stops, between ISO 200 and 800 it even moves over eleven f-stops. In contrast to the restrained sharpening, the tonal value curve shows increased contrasts in the mid-tones. The output tonal range is very good up to ISO 400 with over 224 of 256 possible brightness gradations and remains good up to and including ISO 3,200 with over 160 levels. The Lumix is also quite neutral when it comes to colour rendering, the deviations are small and often only affect a slightly increased saturation for brighter colours. Up to and including ISO 6,400, the LX100 II distinguishes between four million and more colours; at ISO 100, the figure is just under eight million.

With its conservative image processing and somewhat lower physical resolution, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II clearly loses to the better 1″ sensor cameras in terms of resolution, but clearly wins with a lower image noise and more nuanced, more pleasing, more natural images, which even when magnified do not appear so artificial in detail. If you want crisper images, you should definitely increase the sharpening in the camera, but then you have to accept stronger sharpness artifacts. In the raw data format, however, all options are open anyway. Those who expect crisp JPEG images from the camera without any image processing effort will not be optimally advised with the LX100 II.

The lithium-ion battery of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II allows 300 shots according to CIPA standard and can be charged via USB. The SD memory card slot is UHS I compatible only and is not particularly fast even then.

Bottom line

Like its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II is a very successful camera that combines a powerful lens with a large sensor in a high-quality housing, which admittedly is more aimed at classic photographers with its “analogue” operation. Videographers, on the other hand, will be particularly disturbed by the lack of a microphone input as well as by the heavy trimming of the 4K video function. The concept of the multi-format sensor is almost unique and therefore a real argument, especially for 16:9 fans. Even if one or two smaller wishes remain open, the LX100 II is a very well equipped and operable as well as fast camera. The image quality is also impressive, whereby the Lumix impresses more with a natural image impression up to high ISO sensitivities than with crisp sharpness and resolution.

Fact sheet

Fact sheet
Manufacturer Panasonic
Model Lumix DC-LX100 II
Sensor CMOS 4/3″ 17.3 x 13.0 mm (crop factor 2.0
)21.8 megapixels (physical)
17.0 megapixels (effective)
Crop factor effective 2,2-fold
Pixel pitch 3.6 µm
Resolution (max.) 4.736 x 3.552 (4:3)
Video (max.) 3.840 x 2.160 30p
Lens F1,7-2,8/24-75mm
Filter threads 43 mm built-in
Video viewfinder EVF, 100 % field coverage, 2,764,000 pixels resolution, 1.39x magnification (sensor related), 0.70x magnification (KB equivalent), diopter compensation (-4.0 to 3.0 dpt)
Monitor 3.0″ (7.5 cm)
Disbandment 1.228,800 pixels
tiltable
rotatable
swivelling
Touchscreen yes
AV connector HDMI Output Micro (Type D)
Fully automatic yes
Automatic scene mode control yes
Program automation yes
Program shift yes
Aperture priority yes
Aperture priority yes
Manual yes
Bulb long time exposure yes
HDR function yes
Panorama function yes, Sweep panorama
Exposure metering Multi-field, Centre-weighted Integral, Spot
fastest shutter speed 1/4.000 s
Flash included attachable flash
Synchronous time 1/4.000 s
Flash connection Olympus/Panasonic (also Leica compact camera), standard center contact flash shoe
WLAN yes
NFC
GPS external, permanent smartphone connection
Remote release yes, remote control via Smartphone/Tablet
Interval shooting yes
Storage medium
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I)
Sensitivity
automatic ISO 200-25.600
manually ISO 100-25.600
White balance
automatic yes
manual measurement yes
Kelvin input yes
Fine correction yes
Autofocus yes
Number of measuring fields 49 Contrast sensors
Speed 0.16 to 0.18 s
AF auxiliary light LED
Dimensions (WxHxD) 116 x 66 x 64 mm
Weight (ready for operation) 392 g
Tripod socket outside the optical axis
Zoom
Zoom adjustment Lens ring (motorized), ring rocker (motorized)
Battery life 300 images according to CIPA standard
– = “not applicable” or “not available”

Short evaluation

Pros

  • Interesting complete package consisting of compact housing with powerful lens
  • Very direct operation thanks to many setting wheels
  • Unique multi-format sensor
  • Good image quality up to ISO 1,600

Cons

  • Screen not movable
  • Clear crop with 4K photo and 4K video and missing microphone connection
  • Relatively slow memory speed
  • Weak edge resolution

Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II Datasheet

Electronics

Sensor CMOS sensor 4/3″ 17.3 x 13.0 mm (crop factor 2.0
)21.8 megapixels (physical), 17.0 megapixels (effective)
Crop factor effective 2,2
Pixel pitch 3.6 µm
Photo resolution
5.152 x 2.904 pixels (16:9)
4.928 x 3.288 pixels (3:2)
4.736 x 3.552 pixels (4:3)
3.840 x 2.160 pixels (16:9)
3.552 x 3.552 pixels (1:1)
3.504 x 2.336 pixels (3:2)
3.360 x 2.520 pixels (4:3)
2.528 x 2.528 pixels (1:1)
2.496 x 1.664 pixels (3:2)
2.368 x 1.776 pixels (4:3)
1.920 x 1.080 Pixel (16:9)
1.776 x 1.776 pixels (1:1)
Picture formats JPG, RAW
Colour depth 24 bits (8 bits per color channel), 36 bits (12 bits per color channel)
Metadata Exif (version 2.31), DCF standard
Video resolution
3.840 x 2.160 (16:9) 30 p
3.840 x 2.160 (16:9) 25 p
3.840 x 2.160 (16:9) 24 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 60 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 50 i
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 50 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 30 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 25 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 24 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 30 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 25 p
Maximum recording time 29 min 59 sec
Video format
AVCHD (Codec H.264)
MP4 (Codec H.264)

Lens

Focal length 24 to 75 mm (35mm equivalent
)3.1x Zoom10
.9 to 34 mm (physical)
Digital zoom 4x
Focus range 50 cm to infinity (wide-angle
)50 cm to infinity (telephoto)
Macro sector 3 cm (wide-angle
)30 cm (telephoto)
Apertures F1.7 to F16 (wide-angle
)F2.8 to F16 (telephoto)
Autofocus yes
Autofocus mode Contrast autofocus with 49 measuring fields
Autofocus Functions Single autofocus, Continuous autofocus, Tracking autofocus, Manual, AFL function, AF Assist Light (LED), Focus Peaking, Focus Magnifier (6x)
Focus control Depth of field control, Live View
Filter threads 43 mm

Viewfinder and Monitor

Monitor 3.0″ (7.5 cm) TFT LCD monitor with 1,228,800 pixels, touchscreen, anti-glare, brightness adjustable, color adjustable
Video viewfinder Video viewfinder (100 % field coverage) with 2,764,000 pixels, magnification factor 1.39x (0.70x KB equivalent), diopter compensation (-4.0 to 3.0 dpt)

Exposure

Exposure metering Center-weighted integral measurement, matrix/multi-field measurement, spot measurement, AF-AE coupling
Exposure times 1/4,000 to 60 s (Auto
)1/4,000 to 60 s (Manual)
Bulb with maximum 1,800 s exposure time1/16
,000 to 1 s (Electronic)
Exposure control Fully automatic, Program automatic (with program shift), Aperture priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Scene automatic
Bracketing function Exposure bracketing function with maximum 7 shots, step size from 1/3 to 1 EV, HDR function
Exposure compensation -3.0 to +3.0 EV with step size of 1/3 EV
Sensitivity to light ISO 200 to ISO 25.600 (automatic
)ISO 100 to ISO 25.600 (manual)
Remote access Remote control via Smartphone/Tablet
Picture effects Bleach Bypass, Cross Development, High Key, Low Key, Miniature Effect, Pop Color, Retro, Black & White, Selective Color, Sepia, Toy Camera, Star Grid, Blur, 9 more Image Effects
White balance Auto, Cloudy, Sun, White balance bracket, Fine-tune, Shadow, Flash, Incandescent, from 2,500 to 10,000 K, Manual 4 memories
Color space Adobe RGB, sRGB
Continuous shooting 11 fps at highest resolution, 40 frames per second with electronic shutter
Self-timer Self-timer with interval of 2 s, special features: or 10 seconds, triple release after 10 seconds
Timer Timer/interval recording with max. 9,999 recordings, start time adjustable
Shooting functions AEL function, AFL function, live histogram

Flashgun

Flash no built-in flash availableFlash shoe
: Olympus/Panasonic (also Leica compact camera), standard center contact
Flash range included attach flash0
.6 to 14.1 m at wide angle0
.3 to 8.5 m at TeleFlash range
at ISO auto guide number
6 (ISO 100)
Flash sync time 1/4,000 s
Flash number
Guide number 6 (ISO 100)
Flash functions Auto, Fill-in flash, Flash on, Flash off, Slow sync, Flash on second shutter curtain, Manual flash output (19 levels), Red-eye reduction by pre-flash, Flash exposure compensation from -3.0 EV to +3.0 EV

Equipment

Image stabilizer optical image stabilizer
Memory
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I)
Panorama Swivel panorama
7.664 x 1.920 pixels (180°)
7.664 x 960 pixels (360°)
7.264 x 2.560 pixels (135°)
7.664 x 1.280 pixels (270°)
GPS function GPS external (permanent smartphone connection)
Microphone Stereo
Power supply no power supply connectionUSB charging function
Power supply 1 x lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery (7.2 V, 1.025 mAh
)300 images according to CIPA standard
Playback Functions Red eye retouching, video editing, image cropping, image rotation, image protection, playback histogram, playback magnifier with 16.0x magnification, image index, slideshow function with music and fade effects, reduction
Face recognition Face recognition
Picture parameters Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Noise Reduction, Color Effects: Brilliant colors, Customization, Landscape, Portrait, Black & White
Grid can be faded in during recording yes
Special functions Electronic spirit level, orientation sensor, zebra function, live view, user profiles with 3 user profiles
Ports Data interfaces: Bluetooth, USBUSB type
: USB 2.0 High SpeedWLAN
: available (type: B, G, N)
Audio output: noAudio input
: noVideo output
: yes (HDMI output Micro (type D))
Supported direct printing methods DPOF, PictBridge
Tripod socket 1/4″ not in optical axis
Features and Miscellaneous Focus-StackingPost-FocusSequenceMarking

Size and weight

Weight 392 g (ready for operation)
Dimensions W x H x D 116 x 66 x 64 mm

Other

included accessories Lithium-ion battery, battery charger, USB cable, external flash, lens cap, carrying strap
optional accessory Olympus FL-700WR Slip-on flash with swivel reflector
USB
USB 2.0 High Speed (Micro-USB)

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